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

[Scott MC]

I was reading a Trip Report recently where someone staying at POP had taken a picture of the bus station at the airport where Magical Express does its pickups. The sign said Pop, CBR, Swan and Dolphin.
What's up with that? I thought there was no ME service to Swan and Dolphin. Anyone know why the sign says that?

 

[Pkdcoastrs]

I was reading a Trip Report recently where someone staying at POP had taken a picture of the bus station at the airport where Magical Express does its pickups. The sign said Pop, CBR, Swan and Dolphin.
What's up with that? I thought there was no ME service to Swan and Dolphin. Anyone know why the sign says that?

I'm just as confused as you, but that would sure save a little bit of planning time and $$$$$ !!! We have a van picking us up today when we arrive at MCO via FL Tours and while it was a really great rate, the extra few bucks in each of our pockets could have been used on a gift or something.

 

[JustinS]

Staying at the Dolphin next July! That's what I call a graduation celebration! CAN'T WAIT!!

 

[JustinS]

I was reading a Trip Report recently where someone staying at POP had taken a picture of the bus station at the airport where Magical Express does its pickups. The sign said Pop, CBR, Swan and Dolphin.
What's up with that? I thought there was no ME service to Swan and Dolphin. Anyone know why the sign says that?

Yeah, if anyone find out more information on this let me know as well. I'm staying at the Dolphin next July and being able to use ME would save some good $$

 

[LexiC123]

I was reading a Trip Report recently where someone staying at POP had taken a picture of the bus station at the airport where Magical Express does its pickups. The sign said Pop, CBR, Swan and Dolphin.
What's up with that? I thought there was no ME service to Swan and Dolphin. Anyone know why the sign says that?

I'm just as confused as you, but that would sure save a little bit of planning time and $$$$$ !!! We have a van picking us up today when we arrive at MCO via FL Tours and while it was a really great rate, the extra few bucks in each of our pockets could have been used on a gift or something.

Yeah, if anyone find out more information on this let me know as well. I'm staying at the Dolphin next July and being able to use ME would save some good $$

I believe it was posted that if someone is staying at the Swan/Dolphin as part of a Land/Sea cruise package, they are eligible for ME. Otherwise, no.

 

[JustinS]

I believe it was posted that if someone is staying at the Swan/Dolphin as part of a Land/Sea cruise package, they are eligible for ME. Otherwise, no.

Ahhh...that's unfortunate. Thank You though

 

[Pkdcoastrs]

Well it's 3:25am, part of the group arrived home from a late one at the Magic Kingdom (2:15am!!)

We are on the fourth floor in an executive suite essentially where the main 'trinagle' part of the Dolphin meets with the 'branch out' that is closest to the Yacht/Beach Club.

The room does seem a bit more beat up compared to regular rooms we have stayed in the past few years The single bedroom part of the suite had some issues in the bathroom, someone was sent up though fairly quickly to clean it up a bit.

There is no balcony but that's not a major deal at all, the windows are blocked by decoration that forms "X's" all over the windows.

Who cares though now, we are here and I'm hoping this trip is going to continue as great as it did once we arrived in Orlando.

 

[SingingMom]

Well it's 3:25am, part of the group arrived home from a late one at the Magic Kingdom (2:15am!!)

We are on the fourth floor in an executive suite essentially where the main 'trinagle' part of the Dolphin meets with the 'branch out' that is closest to the Yacht/Beach Club.

The room does seem a bit more beat up compared to regular rooms we have stayed in the past few years The single bedroom part of the suite had some issues in the bathroom, someone was sent up though fairly quickly to clean it up a bit.

There is no balcony but that's not a major deal at all, the windows are blocked by decoration that forms "X's" all over the windows.

Who cares though now, we are here and I'm hoping this trip is going to continue as great as it did once we arrived in Orlando.

hmmm "x" all over the windows? I think that would bother me. I love to open up the curtains to get a full view of the Florida sunshine! I also am very partial to a balcony, but that's me!

thanks for the "live report" - keep them coming and send us some pictures of the suite. I hope there are no more room issues and that you have a FABULOUS TRIP!!

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Well it's 3:25am, part of the group arrived home from a late one at the Magic Kingdom (2:15am!!)

We are on the fourth floor in an executive suite essentially where the main 'trinagle' part of the Dolphin meets with the 'branch out' that is closest to the Yacht/Beach Club.

The room does seem a bit more beat up compared to regular rooms we have stayed in the past few years The single bedroom part of the suite had some issues in the bathroom, someone was sent up though fairly quickly to clean it up a bit.

There is no balcony but that's not a major deal at all, the windows are blocked by decoration that forms "X's" all over the windows.

Who cares though now, we are here and I'm hoping this trip is going to continue as great as it did once we arrived in Orlando.

I love a live report! Keep them coming!

 

[jjhardy]

Does S&D offer a laundry service or have washing machines and dryers available for use?

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Yes they do have a public laundry area on the first level by the arcade.

There is probably 8 to 10 washers and the same amount of dryers.

 

[MOM POPPINS]

This is the information on the first page of this thread. I am not sure if the prices have changed? Happy Planning!

Guest Laundry Information

There is a coin operated laundry located on the first floor of The Dolphin. Washers are $1.50 per load and dryers are $1.50 for 45 minutes. The machines do not take quarters however. You must convert them to special 25 cent tokens at the laundry.

 

[JustinS]

Well it's 3:25am, part of the group arrived home from a late one at the Magic Kingdom (2:15am!!)

We are on the fourth floor in an executive suite essentially where the main 'trinagle' part of the Dolphin meets with the 'branch out' that is closest to the Yacht/Beach Club.

The room does seem a bit more beat up compared to regular rooms we have stayed in the past few years The single bedroom part of the suite had some issues in the bathroom, someone was sent up though fairly quickly to clean it up a bit.

There is no balcony but that's not a major deal at all, the windows are blocked by decoration that forms "X's" all over the windows.

Who cares though now, we are here and I'm hoping this trip is going to continue as great as it did once we arrived in Orlando.

Keep the live updates coming. Some room pics and such would be great!

 

[Pkdcoastrs]

Well... I had a 'live update' earlier this afterrnoon but the internet here has been pretty slow It's above dial up but not high-speed....

The parks have been great, normal summer crowds but nothing unreasonable. The Dolphin has been awesome since the initial room hiccup! Everything works at the resort making a worry free experience. Whether it be the room, layout, cast members, places to eat, pool, or transportation.... It's just great!

We received a call today checking to see if everything has been good since check-in! My sister expressed that other than the initial issue which wasn't a major problem, it's been great. WELL GUESS WHAT! They followed this up by offering to upgrade us tomorrow (technically today now LOL) to a newly updated suite somewhere else in the hotel! It's these little things that make a big impact on choosing to return almost year after year!

I would post pictures but at this point it takes about 20 minutes to upload to a hosting site plus then adding it here! If the internet improves in the new room I will post ASAP!

We were at Epcot until about 12:30am and now it's time for sleep as part of the group is taking a Mears van to Universal Orlando!

PS.... The changes made to the area around the lap pool are great and like many guests were saying .... it's one of the nicest pool setup they have ever seen!

 

[Maxinesmom]

We are considering our first "non disney" hotel stay for our May 2010 visit and after listening to the DIS podcast we are seriously considering the Swan or Dolphin. I've been reading lots and found out about the teacher discount. I work in higher education. Are they also offered this teacher discount? I couldn't find that anywhere. Also is that typically offered in May - we'd be going mid May for 4 or 5 nights. (Depending on the rate) As two adults with no children would one be better than the other for us? Thanks for any help you can offer!

 

[SingingMom]

PS.... The changes made to the area around the lap pool are great and like many guests were saying .... it's one of the nicest pool setup they have ever seen!

Isn't that lovely?! Next year we have decided to spend some more time at the Grotto Pool, eat more at the Cabana bar, and ENJOY the surroundings!

Have fun! thanks for your updates!

 

[dmwang9]

We are considering our first "non disney" hotel stay for our May 2010 visit and after listening to the DIS podcast we are seriously considering the Swan or Dolphin. I've been reading lots and found out about the teacher discount. I work in higher education. Are they also offered this teacher discount? I couldn't find that anywhere. Also is that typically offered in May - we'd be going mid May for 4 or 5 nights. (Depending on the rate) As two adults with no children would one be better than the other for us? Thanks for any help you can offer!

According to the Dreams Unlimited Swan and Dolphin page, the teacher/educator discount does apply to higher ed folks. However, the discouts haven't yet been released past May 1, 2010. You could try calling the Swan and Dolphin directly for more info.

As for which would be better for two adults with no children, most people consider the Swan to be a bit quieter than the Dolphin, though I've never noticed all that much of a difference. (However, that could be my Disney-induced euphoria making me miss the obvious. )

 

[LoveKermit]

According to the Dreams Unlimited Swan and Dolphin page, the teacher/educator discount does apply to higher ed folks. However, the discouts haven't yet been released past May 1, 2010. You could try calling the Swan and Dolphin directly for more info.

I was told last Thursday that teacher rates for '10 have not been published yet. I am not getting any rates (other than $299--for any view at either resort) to pop up. Just FYI, unless you all know something I do not.

I am checking the DU site everyday (multiple times) to see if and when they do. The guy told me any day now. Of course, the day before I spoke to a lady who did quote me teacher rates, but they were not good values comparatively.

 

[JustinS]

We are considering our first "non disney" hotel stay for our May 2010 visit and after listening to the DIS podcast we are seriously considering the Swan or Dolphin. I've been reading lots and found out about the teacher discount. I work in higher education. Are they also offered this teacher discount? I couldn't find that anywhere. Also is that typically offered in May - we'd be going mid May for 4 or 5 nights. (Depending on the rate) As two adults with no children would one be better than the other for us? Thanks for any help you can offer!

As far as which is better goes, it's really a matter of preference. Both hotels I believe have mini-fridges by this point(Swan definitely does, Dolphin is at least in process). I think(though am not positive) the the Dolphin rooms are slightly bigger. The Swan offers either a king bed or two queens in standard rooms. The dolphin offers king or two doubles. Hallways to your room tend to be shorter in the Swan. More dining options are in the Dolphin, and it is closer to the pool (of course with the exception of the Swan lap pool).They are both fantastic hotels, with many of the benefits of the other disney resorts. In my opinion, the swan and dolphin still are Disney resorts(but this is obviously argued both ways by many people). Hope you have a great trip!

 

[Maxinesmom]

Thanks everyone! I think I'll be frequenting this thread lots! We've always been Disney moderate people but it seems that the "value" is just going away for us. This seems like a nice compromise and like it will be an enhanced experience without the deluxe pricing! I'm glad someone else was noticing the same thing about the education pricing. I work in higher education as a staff member so it seemed like it would be perfect if I could get the education discount but I was getting 299 for April and Feb dates. Our trip is in May but I was just trying to get an idea of what I could expect. I'll keep checking for those discounts. THanks for the suggestions on which as well. We've never considered the Swan/Dolphin before so I feel like such a newbie!!