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

[figment82]

Hi all! I'm trying to figure out a way to get my family to go back down with me in April (we just stayed at CBR in June) and after reading the 43 pages of this thread, I think the Swan or Dolphin may be it...

I know the discount rates aren't out yet for 2010, but has anyone tried using the recipe newsletter discount to book a trip for next year, or is it only good for this year? The prices they have posted for 2010 are high, but 50% off with a $99 second room is still way better than what 2 deluxes would cost. (Of course, I wouldn't mind a $119 rate for April of 2010....but that's just me!)

 

[Beccabunny]

I'm seriously considering staying here next year if the rates are still good. We love SOG and always stay there, but it's always been my dream to stay at the Dolphin. A couple of questions....if we arrive before check-in and our room isn't ready, would they allow us to swim? If we stayed for a couple of days and then went to SOG, would they transfer our belongings? Would they charge a fee if we shipped a package to them a few days before our trip?

 

[SingingMom]

I'm seriously considering staying here next year if the rates are still good. We love SOG and always stay there, but it's always been my dream to stay at the Dolphin. A couple of questions....if we arrive before check-in and our room isn't ready, would they allow us to swim? If we stayed for a couple of days and then went to SOG, would they transfer our belongings? Would they charge a fee if we shipped a package to them a few days before our trip?

They will definitely allow you to swim, I believe they will transfer your baggage, but I've never shipped a package, so I'm not sure about that.

 

[pooh2001]

Hi all! I'm trying to figure out a way to get my family to go back down with me in April (we just stayed at CBR in June) and after reading the 43 pages of this thread, I think the Swan or Dolphin may be it...

I know the discount rates aren't out yet for 2010, but has anyone tried using the recipe newsletter discount to book a trip for next year, or is it only good for this year? The prices they have posted for 2010 are high, but 50% off with a $99 second room is still way better than what 2 deluxes would cost. (Of course, I wouldn't mind a $119 rate for April of 2010....but that's just me!)

We booked late March into early April 2010 - Easter weeks - standard room teacher rate (DH teaches a class at a local college) for $209 per night plus tax (about $245 per night with tax and fees). I am not sure if that is a perfect rate - but it is peak time during the year - and our family loves the Dolphin. Plus the fee includes internet, which we would pay for daily anyway - and 2 water bottles.

 

[erin1998]

Good morning,
SingingMom, I love your pictures, thank you for posting them. Can you tell me what category of room did you have? Was it a resort-view room?
Thanks,
Erin

 

[SingingMom]

Good morning,
SingingMom, I love your pictures, thank you for posting them. Can you tell me what category of room did you have? Was it a resort-view room?
Thanks,
Erin

Thanks! I love sharing our love of the Dolphin!

I always book a standard room and then ask very sweetly at check in if a balcony upgrade might be available. We are SPG members, so that is why I believe we are able to receive it - it's one of the SPG perks - "if available"....
So far we haven't been disappointed. I guess if you MUST have it, you can reserve from the get go. I just figure if it happens, yay , if not, how much time do you really expect to be in the room?

As it happened this trip, I had a few "off days" that I actually did spend a few extra hours alone on the balcony to get myself to feel better. A nice cool shower and some quiet time on the balcony with my book did worlds of good!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Great pictures. Thanks.

 

[Beccabunny]

Thanks, Singing Mom for answering my questions. Your pictures are great and make me want to book my room now. A couple more for anyone who might know. Is there an adequate amount of disabled parking? We almost never get a spot in the SOG garage and that's been an issue. Does the grotto pool have zero-depth entry? How deep is the pool at the bottom of the water slide? My daughter has some medical issues and is not a strong swimmer (although hopefully that will improve by next year). Would she be allowed to wear a flotation device on the waterslide?

 

[SingingMom]

Great pictures. Thanks.

Thank you, Dan!!

Thanks, Singing Mom for answering my questions. Your pictures are great and make me want to book my room now. A couple more for anyone who might know. Is there an adequate amount of disabled parking? We almost never get a spot in the SOG garage and that's been an issue. Does the grotto pool have zero-depth entry? How deep is the pool at the bottom of the water slide? My daughter has some medical issues and is not a strong swimmer (although hopefully that will improve by next year). Would she be allowed to wear a flotation device on the waterslide?

Beccabunny- glad to help.
As for the parking - someone else on the thread will most likely be able to answer that one. We always have a town car or limo - never rent a car...

The grotto pool is not zero depth entry, but they have a motorized chair to allow for entry. It is located all the way to the left side of the grotto pool. I am pretty sure they will NOT allow any flotation devices on the waterslide and the water is at least 4 feet deep at the end of the slide. Be advised that there was not always a lifeguard posted at the bottom of the slide while we were there in June.

 

[Beccabunny]

Thanks again! She walks (just not long distances) so she won't need the chair to enter the pool. It's just easier for her in zero-depth entry, but she will be fine in the shallow end of the pool, and we'll just have to work on those swimming skills before she can try the slide.

 

[MudEJeep]

OK, I have read most of the thread and I'm almost convinced to take the S/D plunge next May (to start around Memorial Day). I would book the Dolphin in a minute if it wasn't for the 2 double beds instead of queen issue. We did that at CSR 2 years ago, and DH said no more-wants bigger beds.

So, my question for those who have stayed in a King...is there a pull out bed in the couch? Comfy enough for twin 9 yo girls?

Also, is it true I cannot take advantage of the 90+10 for ADR's? I was planning a split stay with AKL thinking S/D first, but now not sure.

TIA to the experts....

MudEJeep

 

[hopeforus]

What is the best price you have seen for S/D in early December(10-14)? Right now even the teacher rate seems high at $159 and $219!!!!

I know - not high - just not the bargain I had hoped for....

You guys have me sold - now I have to pay for it.

Thanks!

 

[NancyIL]

OK, I have read most of the thread and I'm almost convinced to take the S/D plunge next May (to start around Memorial Day). I would book the Dolphin in a minute if it wasn't for the 2 double beds instead of queen issue. We did that at CSR 2 years ago, and DH said no more-wants bigger beds.

So, my question for those who have stayed in a King...is there a pull out bed in the couch? Comfy enough for twin 9 yo girls?

Also, is it true I cannot take advantage of the 90+10 for ADR's? I was planning a split stay with AKL thinking S/D first, but now not sure.

TIA to the experts....

MudEJeep

Yes, king rooms have a sofa bed. However, I would book a room at the Swan with 2 queen beds rather than a king and sofabed at either resort.

No - you can't make ADR's for 90+10 at the S/D.

 

[MudEJeep]

Yes, king rooms have a sofa bed. However, I would book a room at the Swan with 2 queen beds rather than a king and sofabed at either resort.

No - you can't make ADR's for 90+10 at the S/D.

Thanks for the info! Considered Swan, but would like to be closer to the pool/restauants we would use and thats why I am thinking D instead of S.

MudEJeep

 

[pcarpenter]

If you enter from the International Gateway into Epcot, do you get to proceed through it before the park opens and walk all the way to the rope drop area by Soarin'? Do you end up waiting in the same area as the folks who entered through the front entrance, or do they have an advantage since they have a shorter distance to walk to get there?

 

[NancyIL]

Thanks for the info! Considered Swan, but would like to be closer to the pool/restauants we would use and thats why I am thinking D instead of S.

MudEJeep

In that case, I'm sure your twins would be fine on the sofabed at the Dolphin.

If you enter from the International Gateway into Epcot, do you get to proceed through it before the park opens and walk all the way to the rope drop area by Soarin'? Do you end up waiting in the same area as the folks who entered through the front entrance, or do they have an advantage since they have a shorter distance to walk to get there?

The rope drop at the International Gateway entrance is near the bridge between the UK and France. The people entering from the front have a slight advantage, but not that much. By the way - I don't recall a "rope-drop area" by Soarin'.

 

[PrincessShea]

If you enter from the International Gateway into Epcot, do you get to proceed through it before the park opens and walk all the way to the rope drop area by Soarin'? Do you end up waiting in the same area as the folks who entered through the front entrance, or do they have an advantage since they have a shorter distance to walk to get there?

I think you would be at a disadvantage and we just ended up paying for a cab to take us to the front of Epcot on our Soarin' rope drop day.

 

[ozziewags]

If you get on a boat so you can enter the park at opening you will be fine. We walked to Soarin', got fast passes, walked on the ride and used our fast passes after lunch. No problem. Entering near the bridge is an easy walk and less people. (and so beautiful)

 

[SingingMom]

OK, I have read most of the thread and I'm almost convinced to take the S/D plunge next May (to start around Memorial Day). I would book the Dolphin in a minute if it wasn't for the 2 double beds instead of queen issue. We did that at CSR 2 years ago, and DH said no more-wants bigger beds.

So, my question for those who have stayed in a King...is there a pull out bed in the couch? Comfy enough for twin 9 yo girls?


MudEJeep

FYI - as a person who has a queen and LOVES a king... the Dolphin "doubles" aren't too bad - they are bigger than a regular double....and VERY "heavenly"...

 

[Sam345]

Can you take "noodles" in the Grotto pool? If so, any suggestions on where to buy one on WDW property? Thanks!!!