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

[LexiC123]

We're finally getting around to opening and enjoying our box of anniversary chocolates from the Swan.

Has anyone else had these?

No, but the Dolphin sent us up sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries when we were there for our 20th anniversary last Sept. They were delish!

Then again, it's hard to go wrong with chocolate in any shape or form, right?!

 

[Dan Murphy]

I got two small boxes with hammer shaped chocolates from the engineering department when they came to my room to do adjust the A/C.

And disneyaway, you sure could send mail there for them. Also, how about maybe milk and cookies?

http://www.swandolphin.com/gifts/sensations.html

 

[bumble]

Thanks everyone for all the information on teacher discounts! It's much appreciated.

 

[MyTalula]

Just back from a WONDERFUL stay at the Dolphin!!! It was everything we could have hoped for and more!!!

We got a surprise upgrade to a resort view... it was room 18113 (King w/Pullout) in the pyramid tower, last room at the end of the hall. We had a great view of Epcot WS to our left, Boardwalk below left and DS to our Right. It was amazing to be able to watch Illuminations, see the Tower of Terror turn an eerie purple and the Sorcerer's Hat glisten all from our room at night!!!

The food at the restaurants we tried: Picabu, Fountain, Il Mulino were all delicious. Most of our meals were at the WS or on the Boardwalk... but at the S&D Il Mulino especially was amazing!!

This was the perfect location for us, and we will definitely be returning. We loved walking to DS or Epcot mornings, and strolling around Boardwalk evenings.

Anyway, thank you for all the great info and advice on this thread! It really helped us enjoy our stay!!

 

[Needafix]

That sounds like the room we were upgraded to once. AMAZING isn't it!!! Was this your first stay at the S/D? Glad you liked it. I'm so excited to get back there in July I can hardly contain myself.

 

[MyTalula]

That sounds like the room we were upgraded to once. AMAZING isn't it!!! Was this your first stay at the S/D? Glad you liked it. I'm so excited to get back there in July I can hardly contain myself.

Yes it was our first stay there! We had booked at the Polynesian also, but gave it up for the location of the S/D not to mention save some $$... LOL

We enjoyed the location so much, it will be our 1st choice from now on!

 

[diskids2]

Yes it was our first stay there! We had booked at the Polynesian also, but gave it up for the location of the S/D not to mention save some $$... LOL

We enjoyed the location so much, it will be our 1st choice from now on!

We love the Dolphin's location and I'm so glad you enjoyed your stay...we are going back in July and choose the Dolphin over the 40% pin code at the BC! Welcome home and start planning your next trip

 

[diskids2]

Last year we stayed at CBR and used ME...now for some reason I can't remember how I checked in to the airport on my way home when I stayed at the Dolphin....can I use the front desk or concierge to help me with this?

 

[TaraPA]

There is a small alcove with 2 computers in the Dolphin lobby solely for airline check-in & printing boarding passes. It's very near the front desk & entrance.

DH just called, he checked in to The Dolphin today (kids & I don't leave til tomorrow) and we were booked in a standard corporate rate room. The hotel is booked to capacity so I wasn't expecting much, but I held my breath as I asked him what he saw when he looked out the windows. "Um, that ball Dane calls Epercot. The guy at the front desk said we'll see the fireworks from here." Hel-lo!! East wing Epcot Fireworks view with balcony!!!!

 

[Mouseteacher]

for you Tara. We had this view once and it is awesome!

diskids2~ The resort's computer for airline boarding passes did not have our airline. The concierge did the on-line boarding pass for us. It was easy.

 

[paras4ri]

DH just called, he checked in to The Dolphin today (kids & I don't leave til tomorrow) and we were booked in a standard corporate rate room. The hotel is booked to capacity so I wasn't expecting much, but I held my breath as I asked him what he saw when he looked out the windows. "Um, that ball Dane calls Epercot. The guy at the front desk said we'll see the fireworks from here." Hel-lo!! East wing Epcot Fireworks view with balcony!!!!

Sounds like a great location Tara. I can't wait to see where our room is when we get there on Wednesday. I'll be sure to have lots of pictures to share here when we're back!

 

[Caitsmama]

Hi - never stayed here before -- does the S/D participate in the Magical Express service to/from MCO? IF not, what would be the best economical way to get 8 people from MCO to the hotel?

 

[FINFAN]

Hi - never stayed here before -- does the S/D participate in the Magical Express service to/from MCO? IF not, what would be the best economical way to get 8 people from MCO to the hotel?

Hi unfortunately the S/D does not participate in DME. Maybe start checking into towncar services? I know they offer larger vans, otherwise MEARS is a option. YOu could try to rent a large van or 2 cars to get from MCO to the Dolphin , both Alamo and National can be rented at MCO and driven 1 way to be dropped off at the Dolphin under a one day rental.

 

[Needafix]

I've booked our group of 5 and through FL Tours, they are a sponsor on the transportation board. I thought it was a very reasonable rate of $124 roundtrip for the van. That also included a 1/2 hour stop at the grocery store, which is a great idea to stock up on bottled water and bfast items/snacks.

 

[Caitsmama]

I've booked our group of 5 and through FL Tours, they are a sponsor on the transportation board. I thought it was a very reasonable rate of $124 roundtrip for the van. That also included a 1/2 hour stop at the grocery store, which is a great idea to stock up on bottled water and bfast items/snacks.

Wow! I looked into them, and for $124 they will take us (8) to/from the airport?! That seems extremely reasonable! Plus, as you said, the 30 min. grocery stop! Has anyone else used them? If so, did you have a good experience?

 

[Caitsmama]

Ok, i am confused.. i just checked Mears, and they quote a round trip of $250.. so, why are they twice as much as FL tours???

 

[disneyaway]

From what I can gather, Mears' cost is based per person and the private service is based on the vehicle. So it might be economical for one or two people, but more than that may be better served with a private service. We are using Murray Hill transportation on our trip, which also includes a grocery stop and a car seat. And it was much cheaper than Mears

 

[Needafix]

Wow! I looked into them, and for $124 they will take us (8) to/from the airport?! That seems extremely reasonable! Plus, as you said, the 30 min. grocery stop! Has anyone else used them? If so, did you have a good experience?

I've never used them yet, but when I researched it on the transportation board, they got overwhelmingly good recommendations. Yes, there were a few negative comments, but I couldn't find anyone who didn't have some negatives. Huge majority said they were waiting for them when they got off the plane and whisked them to their destination. The other good thing I heard about using them over taking ME if you were staying at a Disney resort is the ME requests you are picked up 3 hours before you're flight where FL Tours gives you at least another hour and you don't have to worry about making stops at any other resorts.

 

[sarahsmom73]

We have used FL Tours every time we head to Disney and will be using them again at the end of March! They have been wonderful! We get the van also!

 

[Caitsmama]

Ok, great!!! So, the total of $124 is it? (plus tip obviously) It just seems soooo reasonable compared to the others i have looked at! i am asking all this for my MIL as she pays the transportation for everyone, and i don't want to be made to look like a fool later if something goes wrong... KWIM?? LOL