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

[SHammett]

Can I combine the allearsnet upgrade code with the special $119 rate? I have noted my starwood guest id # on my reservation, although mine is just the basic one. Would it help, and is it allowable to also include the code?

On a side note, I had a nurse's rate ($169) booked, with the 2nd ($99) room for our upcoming stay. I called about the special $119 rate, but was told they could not combine discounts, meaning I couldn't have the first room at $119 and the 2nd at $99. Once I got off the phone, I realized I would be better off giving up the 2nd for $99 deal and getting 2 $119 rooms. I called back and had no problem booking. My main concern is getting adjoining rooms, but was assured that would not be a problem. I would like to have a king connecting with 2 queens, but resort view is all that's available. Here's hoping for an upgrade (although I'm not that concerned with view, but would like to have the extra "floor space" that the king would provide)!

 

[mapmakerj]

I just booked the Swan and was able to get the $119/nt. deal. However, I am soooo nervous about this stay. We had AKL booked and then this fantastic deal came out and DH talked me in to switching. We have already stayed at AKL SV twice, so DH said it might be nice to try something new anyway. I picked Swan over Dolphin for a few reasons but the biggest one is I could only get the $119 deal at the Swan. I have been reading up on everything I can regarding these resorts as I am completely clueless regarding them. I guess I just feel a bit out of my comfort zone not staying at a "Disney owned" property. I just want a great stay for me, DH and DS9. We love Epcot so the location is a plus. Any tips I should know about to make the most out of this stay?

 

[mamagoose]

I posted this question on the transportation board, but I thought maybe some of you veteran Swalphin guests might know the answer.

We have breakfast ADR's at 8:10am at Animal Kingdom's Tusker House. The park does not open until 9:00am that day. I read that bus transportation to the park does not start until an hour before park opening. If that is the case, we will never make our ADR's in time. Is there an early bus from the Swan to take guests with early ADR's to the park??

 

[pooh2001]

I posted this question on the transportation board, but I thought maybe some of you veteran Swalphin guests might know the answer.

We have breakfast ADR's at 8:10am at Animal Kingdom's Tusker House. The park does not open until 9:00am that day. I read that bus transportation to the park does not start until an hour before park opening. If that is the case, we will never make our ADR's in time. Is there an early bus from the Swan to take guests with early ADR's to the park??

What we do for early pre-park opening ADR's -
For AK we take a taxi to the front entrance of the park.
For MK, we take a taxi to the CR parking lot and then walk to MK. Taxi's can not get to the front entrance of MK.

Taxi's are always in front of the Dolphin and Swan resorts in the AM.
They can even fit a family of 5 people and will cost you between $10 to $20.
Well worth it in the AM - no stopping at other resorts, you get a seat and personal drop off service.

For EPCOT and DHS we walk to early ADR's - nice in the early AM.


A quick funny note - we had a Norway Princess breakfast ADR. I thought our ADR was for 7:45 AM - so I got our family up and ready and we were walking to EPCOT at 7 AM.....well when we got to Norway they said we had an 8:45 AM ADR - after my DH gave me a stern look, we walked around a bit of World Showcase and looked at all the beautiful flowers (it was Easter weeks) - and we still had a wonderful breakfast

 

[rstanley]

Are the restaurants at the Dolphin and Swan a part of the Disney reservation system? Is it the 90 day window?

Also...will the Dolphin accept groceries from Garden Grocer before you arrive and keep items cold until you check in? (similar to the Disney hotels)

Thanks!

 

[Dan Murphy]

I do not think you can do the S/D restaurants using the Disney system, but they do do the 90 days.

I know they can hold items prior to arrival, never heard of cold items though, not sure.

 

[kath1210]

I was on the phone with the Disney dining reservation people yesterday and they were offering me reservations at Garden Grove and Fresh, so at least some of their restaurants are in the Disney system. I don't think that you can use the Disney Dining plan at their restaurants, though.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Well that is good to hear.

 

[chell]

Thank you Dan, Tara and Nancy! Based on your feedback I think we'll stick with the Dolphin



What spa specials are you referring to? I'd like to take advantage of that deal.

I just signed up for the e-mail yesterday...what other specials/discounts to they send out?

Also...I booked the Dolphin using the Magicard for $189 and upgraded to Resort view with the All Ears e-mail. Do you think I could do better than that? We're going Oct 12-18th...

I have had one stay each at the Swan and at the Dolphin and both times shortly after check-in I received a voice message offering a special deal at the spa. Sorry but I can't remember what the specials were now, but they were decent specials. I'm sure someone here will remember a special offer they have received.

Keep an eye on your emails now that you signed up who knows what they might send out. Glad you got a better rate for your trip!

 

[chell]

I just booked the Swan and was able to get the $119/nt. deal. However, I am soooo nervous about this stay. We had AKL booked and then this fantastic deal came out and DH talked me in to switching. We have already stayed at AKL SV twice, so DH said it might be nice to try something new anyway. I picked Swan over Dolphin for a few reasons but the biggest one is I could only get the $119 deal at the Swan. I have been reading up on everything I can regarding these resorts as I am completely clueless regarding them. I guess I just feel a bit out of my comfort zone not staying at a "Disney owned" property. I just want a great stay for me, DH and DS9. We love Epcot so the location is a plus. Any tips I should know about to make the most out of this stay?

The rooms at the Swan are lovely. They don't have the Disney "feel" but they are lovely and have such a clean, fresh feeling. When you walk in the room you feel so relaxed and refreshed. The bedding and linens are so crisp and fresh when you crawl in bed you drift off to sleep in such a wonderful state. This is a HUGE deal for me because I don't sleep well anywhere. The Swan is so much more relaxed.

Being able to take the boat or walk to Epcot or the Studios is a wonderful start or end to your day. After doing this on our Honeymoon last December my husband & I are spoiled. We really don't want to stay anywhere else now. Don't get me wrong, we still love the Disney resorts. We just can't afford the Yacht & Beach Club or Boardwalk. But with the specials the Swan and Dolphin run they make it affordable for us to have the luxury and the location we love. We couldn't ask for more. Well we would love to have a pedicure and massage in the room every night after a long day in the parks included in the room rate.

Don't worry. You have selected a GREAT resort! Have you checked out the pictured on AllEars?

 

[pooh2001]

We were able to get a teacher rate of $209, plus 12.5 % tax and $10 resort fee. for Easter weeks (3/27 to 4/10) in 2010

I think based on rack rates that is a 28% rating (about $70).
Not bad for peak dates.

We had a teacher rate of $179 back in 2007 - but I know rates do inflate over time.

Did we do good ?

If we get bumped to a balcony we will save about 33% or $100.

 

[Steven41782]

We're at the Swan right now! Check in was great. We booked the 119 special and are in a balcony room with a king bed. We have a view of the Dolphin and some of the highest structures of the Yacht Club. The resort is very nice. It smells and feels very clean. I would not worry about it not feeling Disney enough, although we are two adults. There are some business people, but no biggie. We are having a great time and will be back.

 

[SingingMom]

We're at the Swan right now! Check in was great. We booked the 119 special and are in a balcony room with a king bed. We have a view of the Dolphin and some of the highest structures of the Yacht Club. The resort is very nice. It smells and feels very clean. I would not worry about it not feeling Disney enough, although we are two adults. There are some business people, but no biggie. We are having a great time and will be back.

I must admit, I like the fact that the Dolphin isn't "Disney overload" ! You are so inindated at the parks, that I think it is a treat to come back to a luxury style hotel, even if we do travel with a teenager.

Enjoy your stay!!

 

[ChickenCarlos]

it would be great if you could get some pics of the different suites they offer and maybe the prices of the suites, we are traveling to WDW in dec. and want a one room villa, we look at all the stuff on the WDW webstie and it didnt mention anything about suites at the swan or dolphin, im glad i looked here before booking. i hope you can help with my request

 

[FINFAN]

We're at the Swan right now! Check in was great. We booked the 119 special and are in a balcony room with a king bed. We have a view of the Dolphin and some of the highest structures of the Yacht Club. The resort is very nice. It smells and feels very clean. I would not worry about it not feeling Disney enough, although we are two adults. There are some business people, but no biggie. We are having a great time and will be back.

that is an AWESOME room for 119...unheard of really...enjoy your stay, your location and the Grotto pool!

 

[Dan Murphy]

it would be great if you could get some pics of the different suites they offer and maybe the prices of the suites, we are traveling to WDW in dec. and want a one room villa, we look at all the stuff on the WDW webstie and it didnt mention anything about suites at the swan or dolphin, im glad i looked here before booking. i hope you can help with my request

http://www.swandolphin.com/accommodations/suites.html

Make sure to click the various links there, as well as subsequent links within those.

Also, check some ofthese threads from Blondie, I know she has pcitures within.

http://www.disboards.com/search.php?searchid=5430685

 

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

Does anyone know if the Dolphin has started to get the fridges installed? Tell me more about the allears email upgrade. I am signed up for allears but must have overlooked it.

 

[kpadalik]

We booked a room through Dreams Unlimited for 2 days at the Dolphin in September. We got a gov't rate. I know that there is a $10/day resort fee and a $10/day parking fee. Is this included in the price given to me from Dreams Unlimited? Or am I going to get an additional $40 added to my total once I get to the hotel?

 

[NancyIL]

We booked a room through Dreams Unlimited for 2 days at the Dolphin in September. We got a gov't rate. I know that there is a $10/day resort fee and a $10/day parking fee. Is this included in the price given to me from Dreams Unlimited? Or am I going to get an additional $40 added to my total once I get to the hotel?

The resort fee and parking fee are separate charges from the room price, so you will be paying more at checkout. The $10/day resort fee is $10.65 with tax, and I think the parking charge for guests is $9.65 with tax.

 

[kpadalik]

Thanks Nancy...Ugh, I hate when hotels/resorts do that. I wish they would just include it in the price of the room. I think it just gives them an excuse to make more money!!