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

[lvinay]

For those of you who have stayed in an Alcove or Premium Studio, I have a question. We are currently booked with an Alcove room in the Dolphin, but can change to a Premium Studio for $25/night more. I think the only difference is more space (500 sq. ft. vs. 650 sq. ft. ) and a bigger TV (not that important). It looks like the extra space is taken up by a wet bar and a table/chair area? They both have only 1 bath, and both have the walk in closet. Is there anyone who has actually seen both types of rooms in the Dolphin (the Alcoves are different in the Swan)? Would it be worth another $200 or so (taxes) to upgrade? We are Starwood Preferred Gold, but I was told there is no automatic upgrade from the Alcove. We have two other standard rooms for the rest of our party - this room is for 2 adults and 3 children - 15, 12, and 4. The main reason for going with the alcove over the standard room is for the sleeper sofa, large closet, and extra sink. We are paying $215/nt (with taxes and resort fee) for the Alcove. Also, am I correct that none of the Alcove rooms in Dolphin have a balcony? Do the Premium Studios?
Thanks!

 

[Zuzu03]

Yep, 17 total nights in FL. I am sooo looking forward to it.

Sounds awesome!!!!!

 

[lovingthemouse]

Oh, I think I could be strong-armed into 17 nights!!! But, I will be happy to arrive in a few weeks, if even for a shorter stay!!!

 

[hookedup]

I was talking to a friend about our upcoming trip - I was talking about how much I love the S/D and during our discussion she told me that S/D guests do not get free parking at the parks. In our past visits we have never had a car so I did not know for sure but I thought that was not true.
I know that I read on this thread that stay at the S/D includes free theme park parking - but when I read the WDW benefits for S/D guests it does not list it.
Can someone please confirm that we can indeed show our room key and park at the parks for free? (I know parking at the S/D is not free). Thanks!!

 

[Poohlovr]

Consider it confirmed.

You are correct-when entering the parking plaza, you simply show your room key. They will wave you on through.

 

[jnfr2424]

I was talking to a friend about our upcoming trip - I was talking about how much I love the S/D and during our discussion she told me that S/D guests do not get free parking at the parks. In our past visits we have never had a car so I did not know for sure but I thought that was not true.
I know that I read on this thread that stay at the S/D includes free theme park parking - but when I read the WDW benefits for S/D guests it does not list it.
Can someone please confirm that we can indeed show our room key and park at the parks for free? (I know parking at the S/D is not free). Thanks!!

We just came back and yes I showed my room key and off we went!

 

[airhead]

NCSL Fall 2010 Conference
November 4-7, 2010
Lake Buena Vista, Florida

We’re excited to bring NCSL to Lake Buena Vista, Florida, this year, and even more excited about our host hotel, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort.


Sunday, November 7, 2010 - Tuesday, November 9, 2010

NPSA 8th Annual Conference and Trade Show at the Swan/Dolphin Hotel in Orlando

What does "NCSL" and "NPSA" stand for?

 

[Zuzu03]

Happy Saturday everyone! Just popping in to say I just reserved my dog's spot at doggie camp for our trip in July! I feel so bad leaving her behind, talk about guilt!!! Oh, and I wanted to see my ticker!

 

[SingingMom]

Happy Saturday everyone! Just popping in to say I just reserved my dog's spot at doggie camp for our trip in July! I feel so bad leaving her behind, talk about guilt!!! Oh, and I wanted to see my ticker!

Mocha is booked, too. He probably is the only dog in the world that LOVES to go to the boarder. He gets the "prince package" - they walk him to do his business and he has two personal play times each day. He goes on vacation when we do! (And for the price, let me tell you, we could probably stay another week in Disney! LOL) But, it's good to know he is well cared for and happy.

We always bring him back a souvenior, AND the staff at the boarder!

 

[Dan Murphy]

What does "NCSL" and "NPSA" stand for?

Hey CJ.

http://www.ncslcollege.com/conf/nov2010

http://www.npsa-us.org/index.php?s=20

 

[airhead]

Mocha is booked, too. He probably is the only dog in the world that LOVES to go to the boarder. He gets the "prince package" - they walk him to do his business and he has two personal play times each day. He goes on vacation when we do! (And for the price, let me tell you, we could probably stay another week in Disney! LOL) But, it's good to know he is well cared for and happy.

We always bring him back a souvenior, AND the staff at the boarder!

My dogs will be home watching the house. My friend will be "vacationing" at my house with her
dogs. I think my property should be safe with my friend and 5 Dobies!LOL

 

[airhead]

Hey CJ.

http://www.ncslcollege.com/conf/nov2010

http://www.npsa-us.org/index.php?s=20

Thanks Dan! One of these years we will meet up at WDW! I'm going to WDW 1st 2 weeks in July,
CAN'T WAIT!!!

 

[MaBelle]

So thrilled to be planning another trip to the Swan!
But we will have 5 this time, so I booked the Executive Suite - 2 bathrooms, extra space!
I am just wondering if anyone has slept on the sofa bed in one of these suites? Seems like I read that the rollaway beds are "heavenly" so I am hoping the sofa beds are pretty comfy too.
Would appreciate any input on either the sofa bed or rollaway bed.
Thanks!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Our DS(24) has slept in the sofa bed on our last 2 trips. He declared the bed comfy enough.

 

[MaBelle]

Thank you, Mouseteacher.
I'm hoping it will be comfy enough for my DM(71) so she can have her own space, but if not, my DS(11) will have to sleep in the room by himself (with the connecting door open, of course).
Also, does anyone know how many Executive suites are in the hotel, and whether the view can be upgraded with Starwood points?

 

[puggymom]

For those looking at September, Expedia has some great rates at the Swan starting at $107/night (Dolphin starting at $131).

I had booked the Swan AAA rate of $141 for a standard room originally. I was thinking of upgrading that but didn't see anything on the S/D website.

For the heck of it I tried Expedia and I just canceled my original reservation that I had as I was able to book BW view/Balcony for $137 on Expedia

 

[Zuzu03]

I just checked my dates in July and got 113 at the Swan. I'm paying 149 right now with the teacher discount at the Dolphin, but I'm not sure if I should change over to the Swan or not. I LOVE the Dolphin, but for 8 nights, that's a decent savings! Has anyone used Expedia before and was everything okay?

 

[Emm]

We've got reservations at the Dolphin for June 2-6 at the teacher rate of $149. This is for a standard room. I thought it was a pretty good price.

I've never used Expedia before, but when I saw the above messages I saw that I could get a standard room for $128 and a balcony room for $168 at the Dolphin.

I really, really, really wanted a balcony room. We just couldn't swing the $276 a night regular price for the balcony and still have a budget for dining and so forth. (Fancy food won over balcony. After all, it might rain.)

But $168 isn't that much more than $149. Even with resort fees and parking, the total per night will be roughly $200, which is okay. I'm just not sure about Expedia. Is it reliable? Other than the "pay all in advance" problem, are there other risks?

 

[santa's surpriz]

I am staying at the Dolphin in October, and would like to know if Sothwest does the resort airline check from the Dolphin? My returning flight leaves at 3 and like to spend more time having fun than lugging around luggage. If they do not offer it does anyone know if I can store my luggage and come back to get when I am ready to leave for the airport? Thanks in advace!

 

[NancyIL]

I am staying at the Dolphin in October, and would like to know if Sothwest does the resort airline check from the Dolphin? My returning flight leaves at 3 and like to spend more time having fun than lugging around luggage. If they do not offer it does anyone know if I can store my luggage and come back to get when I am ready to leave for the airport? Thanks in advace!

How are you getting to the airport? The Swan/Dolphin aren't Disney-owned hotels and don't participate in Magical Express. Therefore, there is no resort airline check-in. You can leave your luggage with Bell Services until you are ready to go to the airport.