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

[chell]

You can do the same with Alamo...which tends to be slightly less expensive.

Thanks! I had no idea they had an Alamo counter there too.

 

[maxiesmom]

I am staying at the Dolphin this July, and I am looking forward to it. It looks like a very pretty resort.

Can someone tell me, is there a way for me to pay my room bill early? I usually do that when I stay at an official Disney hotel, but can't find a way to do it for the Dolphin. Also, do they also have express checkout at the Dolphin?

 

[chell]

I am staying at the Dolphin this July, and I am looking forward to it. It looks like a very pretty resort.

Can someone tell me, is there a way for me to pay my room bill early? I usually do that when I stay at an official Disney hotel, but can't find a way to do it for the Dolphin. Also, do they also have express checkout at the Dolphin?

You sure can. What I did last time was call the 800 number and made my payment. The day of check-out my "bill" was delivered to my room under the door and I was ready to pack up and leave.

 

[Diane71969]

A few ?'s.... Staying @ Swan prior to Disney cruise in June & I am using DCL transfers to port ~

1) I know the S&D does not use ME ~ How do I get to the Swan from MCO?

2) I read you can check-in w/your KTTW @ WDW resorts for your cruise ~ Can this be done @ S&D?

3) What time is DCL pick up for port?

Thanks... trying to get everything taken care of ahead of time. I have changed so many things so far that my head is spinning.

There is a transfer available but I thought you were using the DCL Transfers?

We need to talk...try to call me tonight 4:00 CST if possible. I will be on my way home from work at that time and will have about 15 min to chat.

 

[Diane71969]

A few ?'s.... Staying @ Swan prior to Disney cruise in June & I am using DCL transfers to port ~

1) I know the S&D does not use ME ~ How do I get to the Swan from MCO?

2) I read you can check-in w/your KTTW @ WDW resorts for your cruise ~ Can this be done @ S&D?

3) What time is DCL pick up for port?

Thanks... trying to get everything taken care of ahead of time. I have changed so many things so far that my head is spinning.

1) You'll still go down to the welcome center, you've puchased your transfers thru DCL, so they will get you there, it may be a DCL or ME bus.

2) In regards to the keys, that only works when you book a land and sea vacation not staying at Swan or Dolphin, remember those are Starwood properties and have different keys.

3) Your pick up is about noon, they'll give you exact time and location when you check in, just let them know you have a Disney cruise starting the next day.

 

[anbouk]

Hi Guys! We will be visiting IOA/US one day during our S&D Hotel stay. We prefer NOT to have a car. 1) Does anyone know BEST way of getting there, and Costs? 2) Where can we purchase tix from. Hoping others have done this in the past. TIA!!!

 

[Diane71969]

Does anyone know for sure if you will be able to see the Space Shuttle Launch at 7:19 am on 6/13/09 from The Swan?

 

[NancyIL]

Hi Guys! We will be visiting IOA/US one day during our S&D Hotel stay. We prefer NOT to have a car. 1) Does anyone know BEST way of getting there, and Costs? 2) Where can we purchase tix from. Hoping others have done this in the past. TIA!!!

I think the BEST way to get to Universal is to rent a car and drive there. But since you don't want to drive, Mears has shuttles from the Swan and Dolphin. I don't remember the price.

You can purchase park tickets at the gate, or ahead of time from a discounter like Undercover Tourist (www.undercovertourist.com). Also check out Universal's web site for ticket specials (http://www.universalorlando.com/tickets.html).

 

[djd7292]

Does anyone know for sure if you will be able to see the Space Shuttle Launch at 7:19 am on 6/13/09 from The Swan?

Yes, you can .... why, cuz I said so!!! I will have Jayde bring her telescope. FYI... June 13 is a target date.

 

[SHammett]

Just booked a 1BR grand suite for next month and have a few questions....

1. What items are included in the kitchenette? Trying to plan if we could have cereal in the morning or microwave popcorn.

2. Does anyone know where these rooms are? I normally don't like to make room requests, but I did request a balcony. What are my chances? I did sign up online to be a SPG.

3. I have seen several pictures online and some seem to look different. Have the rooms been recently refurbished?

4. Does everyone in your party receive a room key like at the Disney hotels to use for EMH?

5. We normally stay at DVC resorts in the 1BR villas. How do these rooms compare in size?

Thanks so much!!!

 

[glo]

Does anyone know for sure if you will be able to see the Space Shuttle Launch at 7:19 am on 6/13/09 from The Swan?

We saw the last one in March! Just go to the main corridor at the Swan and walk all the way down to the end where there is a round window facing the Boardwalk. You will see the shuttle go right over the Boardwalk! It is a great view from the 6th and 7th floor of the Swan!

 

[anbouk]

Hi Guys! We will be visiting IOA/US one day during our S&D Hotel stay. We prefer NOT to have a car. 1) Does anyone know BEST way of getting there, and Costs? 2) Where can we purchase tix from. Hoping others have done this in the past. TIA!!!

Thanks Nancy for your response! Say, I recall a gentleman who was always on the Sand D Boards who always was so helpful....his name is escaping me at the moment. Has he been around here lately

 

[Mouseteacher]

anbouk~You may thinking of Dan Murphy.

We made our dining ressies this past week!

We had to wait the 90 days for each date we wanted because we are staying at the Swan but I got them all in (July 29-August 3). Time is coming closer for our trip!

 

[tigergrad]

Hey Ya'll. I just found this thread this AM. We stayed at the Swan about 6 years ago. We loved it. We are taking a Disney cruise on June 25. We decided to drive down a couple of days early and go to one of the water parks- never been to one of them before. We were able to get the teachers' rate of $149 + tax and resort fee for June 23 & 24. We are looking forward to seeing how the hotel has changed since our last visit.

 

[NancyIL]

anbouk~You may thinking of Dan Murphy.

That's who I was thinking of, too! Dan has been on the DIS for a long time, and has been so helpful to many people over the years.

 

[anbouk]

YES, MouseTeach. and Nancy.... Dan Murphy! He hasn't peeked around this new thread for the SandD Hotel. What a pleasant gentlemen, always helpful, he is missed! Hope all is well with him!

Mouse Teach....we will miss ya exactly one month, we'll be checking into the SandD on the 3rd of Sept!

Everyone's trips are coming up soon

 

[SingingMom]

Has SingingMom been around here, lately? She sure is missed! I bet she has a trip planned to her beloved Dolphin, soon!

I just found you!!!!!

Yes, we will be on our "four-peat" trip to the Dolphin in June... this year we are bringing my parents. I made dinner reservations and a preliminary itinerary, but that's as far as I've gotten. DD15 sophomore year has kept us quite busy over here - between school work and appearing in the ensemble for "Fiddler on the Roof".. After our annual Memorial Day weekend trip to the Ranch and confirmation, and finals.... MAYBE I'll get some time to pack!!

My parents haven't been to Disney in years, so they are looking forward to it. Mom isn't as mobile as Dad, so we might be either renting a scooter, or spending more time at the Grotto Pool than in previous trips!

Now that I found all of you, I'll be around! (thanks, Mom Poppins, for starting us up again! )

 

[Rafikifan]

We will be staying at the Swan over Thanksgiving and were thining of eating at GG for our Thanksgiving meal. Anyone done this? TIA.

 

[FINFAN]

We will be staying at the Swan over Thanksgiving and were thining of eating at GG for our Thanksgiving meal. Anyone done this? TIA.

Not over Thanksgving, but we ate Christmas dinner there a few years back. We did the buffet....DH loved the endless wine caraffe, characters were great, service was excellent, AND we had 20% off thru Orllando magic AND they also applied our AAA discount! We have also eaten the breakfast buffet there on another trip. We really like GG, we have not had a bad experience there yet. Enjoy your dinner!

 

[chell]

Our trip isn't until December but reading about the excitement from all of you as you get closer to your trips makes me excited for you. This will be the first time my other family members have stayed at the Swan. It really is a great resort and the location is pretty awesome too.

Hope this is okay to ask here. What planning tools do you all use? Do you use any spreadsheets? I've got a few that I use. I use one that lists everything I need by day that I cut out and put in one of the cheap flexible photo albums you can buy at dollar stores. I could take a picture of last years if anyone is interested. I'm asking because I could send you a copy of the spreadsheet if interested.

Just recently I learned most people don't make as many spreadsheets as I do. I make tons of spreadsheets. I even have them (since I know what I will eat where because of my likes, dislikes and allergies) to let me know what I will pay down to the penny by tax and tip for basically all meals.

I'd love to share with you guys or help make or fill out some for you. I'm a freak who loves Excel.