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

[Mouseteacher]

I, too, agree that whether you choose the S or the D is a matter of choice - you can't go wrong either way.

We have stayed at the Swan on 3 of our last 5 S/D trips. We like the smaller atmosphere of the Swan (it is DH and me). We don't mind walking over to the Dolphin for our traditional lunch at the Fountain on our last day and usually have one breakfast at Fresh. This year we had lunch at the Cabana Bar and it was lovely but it was hot out. The Dolphin lap pool has large, round soft seated seats around it which gives it an air of elegance.

 

[SingingMom]

I, too, agree that whether you choose the S or the D is a matter of choice - you can't go wrong either way.

We have stayed at the Swan on 3 of our last 5 S/D trips. We like the smaller atmosphere of the Swan (it is DH and me). We don't mind walking over to the Dolphin for our traditional lunch at the Fountain on our last day and usually have one breakfast at Fresh. This year we had lunch at the Cabana Bar and it was lovely but it was hot out. The Dolphin lap pool has large, round soft seated seats around it which gives it an air of elegance.

...And we prefer the bigger atmosphere of the Dolphin. It is totally a matter of personal preference. We like the hussle and bussle of the Dolphin Lobby and enjoy people watching with a nightcap at the Lobby Bar. We also like to be closer to the Grotto pool and the restaurants at the Dolphin. Either way, I think the resorts are truly "deluxe" in feel. You can't beat the location!!

 

[akp12]

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.

I called again yesterday to get teacher rates for 14-21st of Feb and was told that the teacher rate was SOLD OUT during this week (presidents day week)... I am now sad =(

 

[Mrs.Toad]

I've read here that the Swan has mini-fridges in each room.

I just want to confirm that these are not mini-bars, but empty fridges that we can fill using the Garden Grocer delivery service, is that right?

And if we haven't arrived yet, will the bell desk deliver the food to the room and put it in the fridge for us?

Thank you!

 

[happymommy]

Yes, they got rid of the mini bars (we were there last March). Just a fridge - YEAH!

 

[chell]

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!!

Keep in mind that you can't charge back to your room from the parks and you can't put your park tickets on your room key. Also, you can't use the WDW dining packet while staying at the Swan or Dolphin. If those are things you can live without than you should go for it! We LOVE the Swan.

Honestly, you can't beat the location or the beds. You just can't. There is nothing like walking back to your room after a day at Epcot and strolling along at your own pace under the moonlight. It is so magical.

Those beds. **sigh** I'm warning you now, once you stay at the Swan or Dolphin you will be hooked. There will be no turning back. Just so you know now.

This thread is full of such wonderful people! They are all so helpful.

 

[JustinS]

Those beds. **sigh** I'm warning you now, once you stay at the Swan or Dolphin you will be hooked. There will be no turning back. Just so you know now.

I second that one

 

[Pkdcoastrs]

Well we got home from Universal late... after waiting for Mears who didn't pick us up at the correct time!

*****EDIT**** It turns out after looking at floorplans on the S/D website that we are now in a "Grand Suite" which is essentially updated decor + a dining tabel - Sico bed! They give off a great feel and seem very modern!

The layout is a bit different now though! The 'bed-in-the-wall' that was in our old suite is no more. Instead now in this suite a new plasma TV on a lower table is found in this same spot. The pull-out couch is facing the TV like before. Behind the couch is now a fairly large table with a glass top! Reaching the opposite wall from the TV setup is a counter-top of sorts.

The loss of a bed has forced us to request a bed which was brought into the room and guess who get's to sleep on it LOL .... you guessed it! First I get the pull-out-couch which I actually liked and now I get the temporary bed! The standard 'room' of the suite carries over the same design and overall theme compared to the more 'bright' feel of the rest of the resorts rooms!

Our view is of the Swan and to the right Disney's Hollywood Studios. We are pretty much in line with the Swan's left end if you were facing it! We are also a few floors higher as we were originally on Floor 4 and are now on Floor 7.

Well.... the last boat should be coming from DHS as the park had Extra Magic Hours until midnight!

I have pictures and will post them on the break tomorrow from the parks!

 

[SingingMom]

Those beds. **sigh** I'm warning you now, once you stay at the Swan or Dolphin you will be hooked. There will be no turning back. Just so you know now.

I second that one

DH and I are renovating our master bedroom and bath....
we are seriously considering buying a "HEAVENLY BED" !! It's the only bed where I can actually sleep through the night!

Speaking of beds - Pkdcoastrs: how comfortable was the pull out couch and the roll away?

 

[Pkdcoastrs]

DH and I are renovating our master bedroom and bath....
we are seriously considering buying a "HEAVENLY BED" !! It's the only bed where I can actually sleep through the night!

Speaking of beds - Pkdcoastrs: how comfortable was the pull out couch and the roll away?

The pullout couch in the Executive Suite was great for me! I've slept in a few LOL and this one didn't have the "I'm sleeping on metal" feeling. The roll away which I slept in last night was the same! The matresses were soft enough to give a more legitimate bed feel.

Well, we are heading to the Yacht Club for breakfast and then DHS for some rides and shows.

 

[SingingMom]

The pullout couch in the Executive Suite was great for me! I've slept in a few LOL and this one didn't have the "I'm sleeping on metal" feeling. The roll away which I slept in last night was the same! The matresses were soft enough to give a more legitimate bed feel.

Well, we are heading to the Yacht Club for breakfast and then DHS for some rides and shows.

Thanks for the "review"! I would love a suite but worry that DD would miss the "heavenly bed" if we made her sleep in a pull out! Now I'm not as worried, if the possibility of a suite comes up in the future!

 

[Mouseteacher]

My DS slept on the sofa bed in our alcove suite and he said it was very comfortable.

Pkdcoastrs~ Lovin' your live reports!

 

[Mouseteacher]

oops double post

 

[Pkdcoastrs]

Well... the first 'thunderstorm' of the trip and it's on the second to last day! Sitting at the table in front of the window looking at the Swan and Tower of Terror .... a bit hard to see though!

Some odd stuff happened to us last night/this morning. We had gone to the front desk at about midnight to request additional sheets/pillows after picking up a pizza at Picabu and were asked by the cast member if we had found a phone charger in our room. Since we know all the electronics, etc... that are ours we said no that nothing was in the room that fit that description.

Well come this morning and my two friends who were sleeping in the room had the phone ring on four separate occasions. Mind you they were tired and half awake so they eventually answered and it was 'security/loss prevention' asking if they could come up to the room. At this point this wasn't the only issue, as I had placed the 'do not disturb' sign on the door so my friends could sleep when I left for the parks.

Eventually the person came and asked for permission to enter the room which of course my friends had no problem. He was friendly and such but the fact that we had confirmed to them the night before that we didn't see anything but if we did that we would surely let them know. We have no use for a cell phone charger that doesn't work on our phones LOL. My friends wanted to sleep in late and with this plus the maid's entering the room even though a sign was on the door .... kind of bummed us all out.

Now it's just odd after all these that while it's not anything major.... it felt as if we were being 'treated' in a way as if we had something to hide when in reality we were placed in a room after the former visitors forgot their OWN cell phone charger.

.... I don't want to come off as sounding totally negative or blowing this out of proportion, just one of those odd moments that make you got what the heck is happening. Unless it is the world's most expensive cell phone charger, I do not see why the people are pushing it so hard.

I still love the Dolphin and resort LOL ... it's going to take more than these few interesting events to change that. I think when I go back to read these posts after the trip is all over that I will even read and go what a complainer, but I do want to report the real experience for everyone.

Time to head to Downtown Disney for some Wolfgang Puck/Earl of Sandwich and gift buying! We are going to end the night at Epcot which is open until midnight for EMH! Tomorrow is out last day, but we do not have to leave for the airport until 5:30pm so that means a good chunk of time at the parks!

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Well I woudl make a complaint really I think that was all uncalled for. I left my camera charger in a room at the Boardwalk last year. No way would they allow me to enter the room to look. I went without for the rest of the trip. We were moving from the boardwalk to the dolphin for the remainder of our trip. Seems really odd for them to ask someone to come in and look.

Love the reports!

 

[RachelTori]

Well... the first 'thunderstorm' of the trip and it's on the second to last day! Sitting at the table in front of the window looking at the Swan and Tower of Terror .... a bit hard to see though!

Some odd stuff happened to us last night/this morning. We had gone to the front desk at about midnight to request additional sheets/pillows after picking up a pizza at Picabu and were asked by the cast member if we had found a phone charger in our room. Since we know all the electronics, etc... that are ours we said no that nothing was in the room that fit that description.

Well come this morning and my two friends who were sleeping in the room had the phone ring on four separate occasions. Mind you they were tired and half awake so they eventually answered and it was 'security/loss prevention' asking if they could come up to the room. At this point this wasn't the only issue, as I had placed the 'do not disturb' sign on the door so my friends could sleep when I left for the parks.

Eventually the person came and asked for permission to enter the room which of course my friends had no problem. He was friendly and such but the fact that we had confirmed to them the night before that we didn't see anything but if we did that we would surely let them know. We have no use for a cell phone charger that doesn't work on our phones LOL. My friends wanted to sleep in late and with this plus the maid's entering the room even though a sign was on the door .... kind of bummed us all out.

Now it's just odd after all these that while it's not anything major.... it felt as if we were being 'treated' in a way as if we had something to hide when in reality we were placed in a room after the former visitors forgot their OWN cell phone charger.

.... I don't want to come off as sounding totally negative or blowing this out of proportion, just one of those odd moments that make you got what the heck is happening. Unless it is the world's most expensive cell phone charger, I do not see why the people are pushing it so hard.

I still love the Dolphin and resort LOL ... it's going to take more than these few interesting events to change that. I think when I go back to read these posts after the trip is all over that I will even read and go what a complainer, but I do want to report the real experience for everyone.

Time to head to Downtown Disney for some Wolfgang Puck/Earl of Sandwich and gift buying! We are going to end the night at Epcot which is open until midnight for EMH! Tomorrow is out last day, but we do not have to leave for the airport until 5:30pm so that means a good chunk of time at the parks!

That does seem a bit much that they actually sent someone to the room to look for the phone charger. Wonder if the previous guest was being one of THOSE guests. Still, no way any of you should have been disturbed or inconvenienced like that.

Now I'm officially jealous (Wolfgang Puck & Earl of Sandwich - yum!!) Imagine my delight when I was in Tampa last month and went to a shopping area and there was an Earl of Sandwich!! Lunch was delicious!

Enjoy the rest of your time at WDW. We've enjoyed your Live Report and will look forward to some pictures, please!!

 

[LoveKermit]

The teacher rates seem to be out, but not on DU yet. I still was quoted $219 for Limited View at the Swan, 2 Queen. I don't think it's a very good deal.

What is limited view anyway?

 

[Boatingmom]

PDCoASTRs- Are you sure these people were legitimate Hotel staff? I never heard of them disturbing a do not disturb sign. I think I'd complain to management. If housekeeping staff doidn't find the darn thing when they were cleaning for the room turn around, that is their incompetence, or the owners irresponsibility You should definitely not be inconvenienced when you are a payng patron. You rented a room and you reasonably expected the privacy that accompanied that room. See if you can get comped or something. It's worth a try. My DH's sun glasses got stolen from the Poly after breakfast &right before our belongings were transferred for a DCL cruise. I received a refund equal to one night stay. Keep us informed.

 

[JustinS]

The teacher rates seem to be out, but not on DU yet. I still was quoted $219 for Limited View at the Swan, 2 Queen. I don't think it's a very good deal.

What is limited view anyway?

a limited view usually means that there is some sort of obstruction outside of your window or balcony(usually something like a tree) that will block off your view of everything else, at least partially.

 

[chell]

PDCoASTRs- Are you sure these people were legitimate Hotel staff? I never heard of them disturbing a do not disturb sign. I think I'd complain to management. If housekeeping staff doidn't find the darn thing when they were cleaning for the room turn around, that is their incompetence, or the owners irresponsibility You should definitely not be inconvenienced when you are a payng patron. You rented a room and you reasonably expected the privacy that accompanied that room. See if you can get comped or something. It's worth a try. My DH's sun glasses got stolen from the Poly after breakfast &right before our belongings were transferred for a DCL cruise. I received a refund equal to one night stay. Keep us informed.

That's what I was wondering. I don't think they would be bugging the heck out of you for a freaking phone charger. I would definitely report this! And check to make sure you guys don't have anything missing, just to be safe. There are so many scams going on in hotels right now.