The *NEW* SWAN & DOLPHIN RESORT Thread ~ April 2009 ~ Please read Post #1!

[Needafix]

Single digit dance, baby!

Just 9 days to our first stay at the Dolphin (well, at either of them).

I originally chose it because of the price and proximity to Epcot (going mostly for the Flower & Garden festival, which we've never seen).

To be honest, Epcot and DHS are our # 3 and 4 parks. And we stayed at BWV a year ago and didn't love it. So we've been hesitant about the Epcot area since.

But you guys have me SOOOOO excited about this resort. Especially since this is going to be a relaxing, non-commando trip. I'm especially excited about our proximity to Jellyrolls. We've missed it the last 2 trips.

Anyway, thanks again for this great thread and for making Swan/Dolphin newbies feel so welcome.

Robyn, can't wait to hear how you enjoyed S/D. Flower and Garden festival is awesome also. I'm so excited for you. I usually go during that time of year, so didn't notice how fantastic it was until I went a different time of year. I can't wait to see it again.

I can't believe it's only 3 days until I'm at Disney. I can't wait to get to Kimono's for sushi!!! How do people work when they hit single digits!?!?!?

 

[MinnieMommy07]

How are the wait times for Garden Grove Restaurant during the Breakfast Hours? I am wondering because I read somewhere you can't make reservations...

Has anyone ever ordered the room service? What do you think?

 

[SingingMom]

How are the wait times for Garden Grove Restaurant during the Breakfast Hours? I am wondering because I read somewhere you can't make reservations...

Has anyone ever ordered the room service? What do you think?

We have ordered room service for breakfast only - I usually like it our last day - as we are doing last minute packing and I am getting my mind set to fly again (I hate to fly. lol ) I like the waffles with fresh fruit. It's always come on time and hot.

 

[f15robyn]

Robyn, can't wait to hear how you enjoyed S/D. Flower and Garden festival is awesome also. I'm so excited for you. I usually go during that time of year, so didn't notice how fantastic it was until I went a different time of year. I can't wait to see it again.

I can't believe it's only 3 days until I'm at Disney. I can't wait to get to Kimono's for sushi!!! How do people work when they hit single digits!?!?!?

Thanks for the positive feedback about F&G. Especially considering all the threads about how it's not as great it "used" to be. If you're going for the first time, how would that be an issue? Nothing to compare it too.

I'll definitely stop back in and let you guys know what we thought about staying at the Dolphin.

Have a great trip!!! As for the single digits, if I didn't have so much to get done, I'd be in serious, reading about Disney on the internet, work avoidance mode Oh wait. Isn't that what I'm doing right now?

 

[ProudDanceMom]

I just want to thank everyone for the S/D info. My girls are dancing at Disney in June and we were planning on staying at POR. One of the other moms found a great deal on a second room at the Swan and talked me into switching resorts. I so glad she did!

 

[Needafix]

I just want to thank everyone for the S/D info. My girls are dancing at Disney in June and we were planning on staying at POR. One of the other moms found a great deal on a second room at the Swan and talked me into switching resorts. I so glad she did!

WooHoo... another convert. We need to stop doing this though because soon they're good to have so many ressies, they won't need to give out all the great deals they do. Even with all the times I've stayed at S/D, I didn't even realize how much it had to offer until I started reading this thread. I've never had a heavenly bed, tried Picabu's or Kimono's or an espresso martini. I didn't know about the AA and AP discounts on food. All things I can't wait to try thanks to this thread.

As far as F&G festival, I can't say I've paid soooo much attention that I'd know there was a huge difference I only know that Epcot is so much more bright and beautiful during that timeframe.

 

[Zuzu03]

I just want to thank everyone for the S/D info. My girls are dancing at Disney in June and we were planning on staying at POR. One of the other moms found a great deal on a second room at the Swan and talked me into switching resorts. I so glad she did!

That's awesome! You'll love it!!

 

[SingingMom]

WooHoo... another convert. We need to stop doing this though because soon they're good to have so many ressies, they won't need to give out all the great deals they do. Even with all the times I've stayed at S/D, I didn't even realize how much it had to offer until I started reading this thread. I've never had a heavenly bed, tried Picabu's or Kimono's or an espresso martini. I didn't know about the AA and AP discounts on food. All things I can't wait to try thanks to this thread.

As far as F&G festival, I can't say I've paid soooo much attention that I'd know there was a huge difference I only know that Epcot is so much more bright and beautiful during that timeframe.

You better report back to me on the ESPRESSO MARTINI!!

... and have a bite to eat at the Cabana Bar outside - very nice atmosphere!

 

[Needafix]

You better report back to me on the ESPRESSO MARTINI!!

... and have a bite to eat at the Cabana Bar outside - very nice atmosphere!

I've been to the Cabana Bar and have always loved it. I don't think it will make the cut on this trip, but definitely will in July.

Espresso Martini - I'll def. report back! I can almost taste it now. I just hope I remember to tell them no cream products.

 

[TaraPA]

How are the wait times for Garden Grove Restaurant during the Breakfast Hours? I am wondering because I read somewhere you can't make reservations...

Has anyone ever ordered the room service? What do you think?

I think that The Dolphin has a very well-priced room service menu - compared to other hotels & resorts I've stayed in. Yes, it's pricey - but not so much that you would never give it a second thought. We got enough breakfast food to feed 4 of us for $25 (including tip) and we spend that easily in Picabu for 4 breakfast platters. It was well worth it for the conveniece we needed that morning.

 

[jnfr2424]

How are the wait times for Garden Grove Restaurant during the Breakfast Hours? I am wondering because I read somewhere you can't make reservations...

Has anyone ever ordered the room service? What do you think?

OMG! We had Room Service for Breakfast on Thanksgivig and it was AMAZING!! I am sooo looking forward to April to have this again It was stuffed French Toast with Bananas and Strawberries Hurry up April 22nd!!!

 

[IDoBelieveinFairies!]

I showed the girls the pictures of the rooms that were recently posted on this thread and my girls were excited. But my eldest read the thread about the heavenly beds, and asked me to explain. When I told her what that meant she reminded me how the beds were not so comfortable and shades of green and the Yacht Club for our last two stays. SO she has cast her vote for S/D. The youngest is still on fence, she loves the Yacht club's pool. I think once I show her the many choices of eating establishments at S/D her vote will go into her sister's corner too.

We had planned on hitting Disney up for the Flower and Garden expo but too many things already going on here. SO that being said looks like August or Christmas for us. We plan on moving back to Florida, just not sure when.

Thanks for all the input, and wonderful photos.

I love this thread!

 

[diskids2]

OMG! We had Room Service for Breakfast on Thanksgivig and it was AMAZING!! I am sooo looking forward to April to have this again It was stuffed French Toast with Bananas and Strawberries Hurry up April 22nd!!!

Ok now I am just way too hungry....Seriously!

I've stayed at the Dolphin three times already and have never checked out the room service menu because I thought it was just going to be too much...now I will HAVE to take a look.....that food looks great!

 

[AuroraBeauty]

Thank you all for being so kind in sharing your thoughts about the Swan vs. Dolphin. I've read up on it and it was not easy to understand why one over the other, but as my experience with the DIS has shown this is where the real info is at.

DH is concerned that the double beds won't be very comfortable for both of us and is leaning toward the Swan.

Should I be concerned that the beds are small if we choose the Dolphin?

 

[SingingMom]

Thank you all for being so kind in sharing your thoughts about the Swan vs. Dolphin. I've read up on it and it was not easy to understand why one over the other, but as my experience with the DIS has shown this is where the real info is at.

DH is concerned that the double beds won't be very comfortable for both of us and is leaning toward the Swan.

Should I be concerned that the beds are small if we choose the Dolphin?

Honestly, we have a queen at home and we can't tell the difference with the Dolphin "double"... it is bigger than a regular double bed.

 

[Needafix]

Thank you all for being so kind in sharing your thoughts about the Swan vs. Dolphin. I've read up on it and it was not easy to understand why one over the other, but as my experience with the DIS has shown this is where the real info is at.

DH is concerned that the double beds won't be very comfortable for both of us and is leaning toward the Swan.

Should I be concerned that the beds are small if we choose the Dolphin?

The difference isn't really that big. In fact, I never thought about why I liked the Dolphin over the Swan until I got to these boards and someone asked me. Definitely not enough of a difference that I'd say no to the Swan if I couldn't get the Dolphin. I didn't use the amenities that much the first couple of times, but now that I do, I like having Picabu's in the same building and I like the more festive atmosphere.

As far as the beds. I've always had a queen size bed at home also and I've never noticed any difference at the Dolphin, not even after it was pointed out to me. I definitely notice when I'm at my families house and have to spend the night in a double.

 

[lissiesmum]

Well guys, I made the plunge. After searching my options for Easter Week, I decided on the Dolphin! The prices are jacked up so high at the other resorts, and I will save almost $2000 staying at the Dolphin over the other resorts of which I was thinking. I decided to try something new, and I am really excited about the Dolphin after reading all of your experiences and seeing all the fabulous photos. Now I just have to be on the lookout for 2011 teacher discounts...if any of you are privvy to the info and see when they come out before me, please post here for me I will be a permanent fixture on this thread until my trip! Thanks to everyone who helped me make a good decision...I"m so excited about being a skip away from Epcot, the Boardwalk, DHS, and the white sand beaches surrounding our beautiful resort...If only my stay wasn't over a year away! Well, lots of time to plan and learn from the experts. I look forward to seeing more pics and reading your posts. Thanks again!

 

[Dan Murphy]

How are the wait times for Garden Grove Restaurant during the Breakfast Hours? I am wondering because I read somewhere you can't make reservations...

Has anyone ever ordered the room service? What do you think?

I have never seen the Garden Grove crowded for breakfast.

Here is room service breakfast from Deb's site........

http://allears.net/menu/menu_sdin.htm

 

[sarahsmom73]

11 Days til the Swan! Can't wait!

 

[Ramsfan28]

Ok now I am just way too hungry....Seriously!

I've stayed at the Dolphin three times already and have never checked out the room service menu because I thought it was just going to be too much...now I will HAVE to take a look.....that food looks great!

I have read many different times (and agree) that the S&D has the best room service in all of Disney.