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

[Music City Mama]

Just checked S&D for June 2011--rates went up? Gaaaaa---
Now wondering if I should just bite the bullet and book now? Really don't have the $$ yet, but don't want to miss out!
What to do?????

You almost gave me a heart attack, LOL. I've been waiting to book my 6/11 trip until after the first of the month, so I can get it on my next credit card cycle, but I just checked my same Dolphin dates for 6/11 and they're still the same. But now you've got me so freaked out I might just go ahead and reserve anyway. Did you forget to choose your discount this time (i.e. AAA, etc.) and that's why it's more?

 

[TaraPA]

So if you have stayed at the Dolphin before, tell me if I made the right choice. Will we still have a magical vacation even though we are not staying at a Disney resort? Help me get excited! I'm still nervous about a new hotel

You will absolutely fall in love with it! How can it NOT have a Disney feel when you open your curtains, or step outside & see Spaceship Earth or ToT (depending on what side you're on) and to be just a few steps from The Boardwalk? That's Disney enough for me!

I've never EVER felt that I wasn't right in the heart of Disney when staying at S/D.

 

[becky11]

Just booked my first Dolphin stay for the end of Sept!! Also booked a couples massage treatment for DH & I, and DD will enjoy Camp Dolphin during our appointment. Can anyone tell me about the Character Breakfast dining? Do you really need to make a reservation for a Saturday AM?

Thanks to using the TROOPS discount, we get 50% off food/non-alcoholic drinks at regular dining places. Can't beat that!!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

......Do you really need to make a reservation for a Saturday AM?

Thanks to using the TROOPS discount, we get 50% off food/non-alcoholic drinks at regular dining places. Can't beat that!!!

I have not seen it crowded, but a reservation might be good.

What is TROOP?

 

[becky11]

I have not seen it crowded, but a reservation might be good.

What is TROOP?

It's the rate code for military. It's the same room rate if I had booked on SPG.com using the military discount, but the %-off the food was different, so I just called.

 

[Phlip]

You almost gave me a heart attack, LOL. I've been waiting to book my 6/11 trip until after the first of the month, so I can get it on my next credit card cycle, but I just checked my same Dolphin dates for 6/11 and they're still the same. But now you've got me so freaked out I might just go ahead and reserve anyway. Did you forget to choose your discount this time (i.e. AAA, etc.) and that's why it's more?

Gosh, I am so sorry!! No-I hit the AAA button, and it came up with a totally different rate-I called, and you are right it's back to what it was before. Whew. I had them look up the AARP rate, it was more than the AAA for the same time frame, except for I think it was the Epcot view. AAA was about 30 bucks more. I was really hoping to to wait, but like you am getting nervous. I'm going to book standard and maybe with my starwood card I'll score an upgrade. Not planning on it but you never know.

 

[Music City Mama]

Gosh, I am so sorry!! No-I hit the AAA button, and it came up with a totally different rate-I called, and you are right it's back to what it was before. Whew. I had them look up the AARP rate, it was more than the AAA for the same time frame, except for I think it was the Epcot view. AAA was about 30 bucks more. I was really hoping to to wait, but like you am getting nervous. I'm going to book standard and maybe with my starwood card I'll score an upgrade. Not planning on it but you never know.

Oh, good -- glad it was just a fluke! I actually have the same plan as you . . . I'm going to book a standard room and hope I'm lucky enough to get an upgrade with my Starwood membership. I also noticed that they ran specials this year (like there was summer special where the 6th night was free), so maybe they'll offer something like that again for next summer. Not sure if you can use both the AAA rate and those kinds of specials, but I guess I'll just have to wait and see what they offer and then do the math. However, I do plan on at least reserving my dates for June 2011 sometime next week.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

Hello all! I am so happy to be back on this thread! Just made my reservations for 3 nights at the Dolphin in Oct. Haven't stayed at the Dolphin since 2007 (stayed at the Swan in 2008) and I have really missed it. We have still enjoyed the different restaurants and shops over the past few years and of course had our DD stay at the awesome Camp Dolphin with Miss Thelma a few times. That is her favorite kids' club on property. We stayed AKL in May 2010 for our anniversary...but dined at Blue Zoo in the Dolphin for our actual anniversary dinner and had the PHENOMENAL Chef's Tasting menu. I highly recommend it!

Anyway, I want to know if any of you have seen any threads discussing the Food and Wine Classic? Or has it been discussed on this particular thread? I booked the $149 teachers rate for Thursday Oct 7 and Sat Oct 9 but on Fri, Oct 8 I booked the $169 F&W Classic rate. I just would like to find a thread where maybe people are talking about the Classic...to see if anyone has any inside info? If not, I will start a thread myself. I will also look over on the restaurants board.

Also, are they still giving upgrades (if available) to SPG cardholders?

figmentgirl-I LOVE all things Disney. I REFUSE to ever stay "off property." Just doesn't seem like a WDW vacation to me. I truly consider The Swan and Dolphin to be Disney resorts in the sense that they are in the best location, have great restaurants/shops etc, the staff is friendly, it is kid friendly...trust me, you will LOVE IT!

 

[figmentgirl]

figmentgirl-I LOVE all things Disney. I REFUSE to ever stay "off property." Just doesn't seem like a WDW vacation to me. I truly consider The Swan and Dolphin to be Disney resorts in the sense that they are in the best location, have great restaurants/shops etc, the staff is friendly, it is kid friendly...trust me, you will LOVE IT!

Thank you!!!

 

[disneyaway]

Figmentgirl-- you will love the Swan/Dolphin. We have only stayed at the Swan-- love the double queen beds with our two rolling-kicking kids. But it's such a great area. We loved the boardwalk, the boats, being able to walk to Epcot (often faster than the boats). And from the front of the swan, you can see ToT, so I definitely never felt like I was not at Disney.

As an aside-- where in Dallas are you? I lived in Dallas and then Carrollton for about 10 years before moving to Houston.

 

[disneykiwi]

Hi everyone

Been reading this whole thread and it is fantastic - so much info. We are heading to the World from NZ in just over 3 weeks!!! I AM SO EXCITED. We are staying at the Dolphin and it sounds and looks as though it will be absolutely wonderful!!!

Its over 10 years since last at WDW and we stayed off site then so this is our dream trip we have been planning for 2 years. My parents, sister and brother in law are coming as well as my 7 yr old nephew who has never been to any Disney property.

Excuse my ramblings but I am beside myself with excitement now and feel I should be packing!!

Thanks for all your information on the thread we have really appreciated it being so far away - it has helped immensely.

 

[LexiC123]

Hi everyone

Been reading this whole thread and it is fantastic - so much info. We are heading to the World from NZ in just over 3 weeks!!! I AM SO EXCITED. We are staying at the Dolphin and it sounds and looks as though it will be absolutely wonderful!!!

Its over 10 years since last at WDW and we stayed off site then so this is our dream trip we have been planning for 2 years. My parents, sister and brother in law are coming as well as my 7 yr old nephew who has never been to any Disney property.

Excuse my ramblings but I am beside myself with excitement now and feel I should be packing!!

Thanks for all your information on the thread we have really appreciated it being so far away - it has helped immensely.

Toni!

I'm sure you and your family will have a fabulous time at the Dolphin. And there's nothing like being right in the middle of it all, with Epcot, Hollywood Studios and the Boardwalk just a stone's throw away. It will spoil you for staying anywhere else.

Have you seen the Swan/Dolphin Picture Thread? There are lots of great pics in there, just in case you're not excited enough already!

PS - I see you'll be visiting NY on your trip, as well. Hope you have a great time in my city!

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

Hi everyone

Been reading this whole thread and it is fantastic - so much info. We are heading to the World from NZ in just over 3 weeks!!! I AM SO EXCITED. We are staying at the Dolphin and it sounds and looks as though it will be absolutely wonderful!!!

Its over 10 years since last at WDW and we stayed off site then so this is our dream trip we have been planning for 2 years. My parents, sister and brother in law are coming as well as my 7 yr old nephew who has never been to any Disney property.

Excuse my ramblings but I am beside myself with excitement now and feel I should be packing!!

Thanks for all your information on the thread we have really appreciated it being so far away - it has helped immensely.

I can hear the excitement in your post! You are going to have a great trip. I love the DISboards when I am looking forward to a trip...I visit daily and get so much info.

Anyway, have fun and come back and post when you return. BTW, I look forward to visiting YOUR beautiful country one day!

 

[Beka]

How does everyone get to/from MCO to the Swan/Dolphin? Our friend in Orlandy *might* be able to pick us up. If you have used a cab, roughly how much was the fare? We don't plan on renting a car.

TIA!

 

[barmybella]

Hi everyone, i heard that you have to leave a cash deposit on check in or a card authorisation, is this true? I don't want to charge anything to my room and will be paying in cash as i go. If i do have to leave a deposit can anyone tell me how much it is? I really don't want to arrive and find that i have to leave most of my spending money with the desk till i check out!!!
Thanks in advance xx

 

[TaraPA]

How does everyone get to/from MCO to the Swan/Dolphin? Our friend in Orlandy *might* be able to pick us up. If you have used a cab, roughly how much was the fare? We don't plan on renting a car.

TIA!

We've done the car service & cabs. A car service will run you about $130 round trip, a taxi about $65 one way. So, same price. For most it's a no-brainer, they get the car service. The last time we used a car service they never showed up for our return trip back to the airport & til we got it straightened out it was cutting it way too close. That made me nervous, so we like taxis because they're right there, all the time & you can just hop in & go. We also often end our last day in a park, so we can take a taxi back to MCO right from the park without having to go back to the hotel first (we only use cary-ons & rent a locker at the park to store them on the last day).

 

[NancyIL]

How does everyone get to/from MCO to the Swan/Dolphin? Our friend in Orlandy *might* be able to pick us up. If you have used a cab, roughly how much was the fare? We don't plan on renting a car.

TIA!

I have rented a car from National/Alamo for drop-off at the Dolphin, taken Mears, and gotten picked up by friends. Right now I have a rental car reserved for my arrival day in October, but I will probably cheapen out and buy a roundtrip ticket on Mears for $33. I usually go to WDW solo, but I rent a car when I stay at the Swan/Dolphin with my family.

 

[jcb]

What time do the buses start running to MK from the S/D? We have 8:15 reservations at Crystal Palace and I'm trying to figure out whether we can take a bus or have to take a cab.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Buses, for early breakfasts, start running 6:30-6:45.

 

[disneykiwi]

Toni!

I'm sure you and your family will have a fabulous time at the Dolphin. And there's nothing like being right in the middle of it all, with Epcot, Hollywood Studios and the Boardwalk just a stone's throw away. It will spoil you for staying anywhere else.

Have you seen the Swan/Dolphin Picture Thread? There are lots of great pics in there, just in case you're not excited enough already!

PS - I see you'll be visiting NY on your trip, as well. Hope you have a great time in my city!

Thank you for your welcome, thats so kind. Funny I actually found the picture thread last night as well and looked through it all, definitely made it more exciting!!! I have always wanted to visit your city NY so am thrilled I finally get to do that as well.