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

[madge]

I read on page one that beach towels need to be checked out using your room key at the Swan/Dolphin. I assume then, that you get charged for them if you lose them, right? Anyone know how much?

We always take resort towels to the water parks, but it may be worth the $$ to rent them there, to avoid any hassles in case they get lost.

What do you usually do? We are flying to Orlando and don't have room in our luggage to bring our own pool/beach towels.

Thanks!

unless something has changed since last year, there is no charge for lost towels. You just throw them in the returned towels bin, no one checks your name off the list or anything like that.

 

[Mrs.Toad]

unless something has changed since last year, there is no charge for lost towels. You just throw them in the returned towels bin, no one checks your name off the list or anything like that.

OK, cool, thanks!

 

[Mouseteacher]

To confirm what madge posted -- on our trip this summer, we just returned our beach towels to the bin - the CM said he didn't have to check our names off the list. So each pool day, we just put our towels in the return bin.

One day, there was a sudden downpour while we were at the pool. We just wrapped the towels around us as we walked back to and through the resort (soaking wet I must say - ) and left them in our room.

 

[Mrs.Toad]

Thank you, too, Mouseteacher. This is what I remember doing at the Poly and WL, but I didn't remember showing them a room key to pick them up. I think I had cruise ships on the brain, as that was the last big trip we took, and they were very clear on charging for lost towels!

Now that I think about it, I remember showing a room key or something to pick up towels at the Hard Rock Hotel, but just dropping them back in the bins, too. I guess it makes sense, so as not to encourage pool-hopping!

 

[cindym]

Thanks for your answers. I keep thinking of things to ask because I never paid attention as I wasn't staying at the Swan or Dolphin. I'm looking forward to trying out the Dolphin!

 

[JustinS]

Thanks for your answers. I keep thinking of things to ask because I never paid attention as I wasn't staying at the Swan or Dolphin. I'm looking forward to trying out the Dolphin!

The Dolphin is amazing! Even though the Swan and Dolphin aren't owned by Disney, to me they are still Disney resorts. You get all of the benefits of other Disney resorts(minus DDP and ME), the atmosphere is still there, and of course the location doesn't hurt. Being smack dab in the middle of Epcot and DHS, how can't you feel Disney? But hey, that's just my opinion. HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT TRIP!

 

[airhead]

Really, really helpful thread. I just booked for the second week in June at a teacher rate of $189 at the Dolphin! [I am aware of the $10 per head resort charge (and adding a rollaway), but even with that I am thrilled to have this location for a family of 5!]

We have always wanted a location that is within walking distance (or a ferry ride) to some of the parks-but cannot afford the heavy price tag that goes along with the Disney Deluxe resorts that can accomodate us!

You guys will LOVE the Dolphin AND the location!!!!
Remember,to check for lower rates the closer you get to your vacation dates!

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Hi - could I please subscribe to this thread and ask a question please?

Thinking of a few nights at the Swan or Dolphin next August before moving onto the Grand Floridian and a rented villa.
Location looks great with the Boardwalk, Beach Club, EPCOT and Hollywood Studios closeby.

Are there any notable differences between the Swan & Dolphin in terms of preferences when coming to book a room?

Do they offer microwaves for rent upon request?

Thanks

 

[sjb459]

I booked the AAA deal ($109/night) for my Sept trip and a day later I received an e-mail with additional info on the hotel and it said to let them know if my trip was in honor of any special celebrations. I wrote them back saying it was a combined birthday trip for myself and my Goddaughter, who would be turning 7. They wrote me back a very nice message thanking me for selecting the Dolphin and telling me they upgraded us from a standard room to a deluxe balcony room with an Epcot/Boardwalk view and will also be sending us each a slice of cake to enjoy on our birthday and an autograph book for my Goddaughter to take with her to the parks. I am a Starwood "preferred plus" (AAA) memeber so I was hoping to maybe get upgraded to a non-parking lot view upon check-in but how nice is that?!

Do any of you know if this class of room will have a view of the fireworks? Since they didn't say "fireworks" view I wasn't sure. Whatever the case, I am just happy for the upgrade.

So glad I took the time to send them an e-mail! I will report back after the trip. Thanks to everyone on this thread for sharing all of their info. I was initially a little bummed when I saw there weren't any moderate or All-star rooms available for my dates but I think this is going to turn out to be a better deal.

 

[MOM POPPINS]

If you are high enough up you will be able to see the fireworks! At check in I would ask for a high floor.

You will love the location of the Dolphin and it will be hard to go back to values or even mods.

Have a great trip!!! and Happy Early Birthday to you both! !

 

[Mouseteacher]

Hi - could I please subscribe to this thread and ask a question please?

Thinking of a few nights at the Swan or Dolphin next August before moving onto the Grand Floridian and a rented villa.
Location looks great with the Boardwalk, Beach Club, EPCOT and Hollywood Studios closeby.

Are there any notable differences between the Swan & Dolphin in terms of preferences when coming to book a room?

Do they offer microwaves for rent upon request?

Thanks

The Dolphin is a larger resort and the Swan is smaller. You can't go wrong with either choice.

Picabu, The Fountain, the laundry and several shops are located in the Dolphin. The Swan is our resort of choice because we just like the smaller resort. Although, we have stayed at the Dolphin and had awesome rooms with views of Illuminations.

 

[chell]

Congratulations on the upgrade Sjb459! It was a great thing you emailed them back.

 

[vicb]

I am a Starwood "preferred plus" (AAA) memeber so I was hoping to maybe get upgraded to a non-parking lot view upon check-in but how nice is that?!

Congrats on your upgrade.

I have a question, sort of a dumb one... what is a "preferred plus AAA member"? I just recently joined Starwood, but have been a long time AAA member. Do I need to do something different to link my AAA membership to Starwood?

 

[disneymagicgirl]

I was trying to price out the nurses rate or the special summer rates on the website. I ended up getting something for $109/nt at Dolphin, but how do I make sure that is the correct promotion, and not something I am not qualified for? It only let me pick promotion, but not which one...meaning nurse. It told me that the ESUM code is not valid when I tried to check that rate.

 

[sjb459]

Thanks!

Congrats on your upgrade.

I have a question, sort of a dumb one... what is a "preferred plus AAA member"? I just recently joined Starwood, but have been a long time AAA member. Do I need to do something different to link my AAA membership to Starwood?

From the SPG/auto club site:
Join the award-winning Starwood Preferred Guest program and immediately enjoy Preferred Guest Plus® advantages including:

•Instant upgrade to a Preferred room at check-in*
•4pm late checkout*
•Two Starpoints® for every dollar spent

I originally signed up for Starwood through a AAA link. I am not sure if you can link an exisiting account but I would think you can. Just showing your AAA card may work as well. I would check your local AAA site or the magazine they send you with benefits listed (i.e free extra driver and car seat at Hertz with every rental, free upgraded Starwood membership, etc). Generally calling or e-mailing SPG works as well for things like this. It is definitely worth asking about.

I just noticed you're also from Michigan. Here's the link to the AAAMI site: http://ww2.aaa.com/scripts/WebObjec...age=PPLodging05&sessionRedirect=1251257093630

 

[FloFlo71]

Hi, this is a great thread, we walked around the dolphin last trip and hubby loved it, DD tried out a hammock in the grounds too, lol.

Am I imagining things or did Swan/Dolphin used to host a character meal?

Thanks

 

[Boatingmom]

Character meal is at the Garden grove. I think they had Goofy and Pluto when we went a while back.

 

[pooh2001]

From the boards I did read the Swan was getting mini cold refrigerators, the square kind, in all the rooms. I called the Dolphin yesterday, 8/25/09, and they said the Dolphin is also replacing the pay-for-snacks cooler with the mini cold refrigerators.
So cool - we then can store milk in our Dolphin room (April 2010 WDW vacation) for a quick cereal breakfast in our room on a early entry park morning

 

[loritemp]

Hey folks! I am staying at the Dolphin Oct 26-30...and it can't get here soon enough! I have one question for you experts Oh wait...2 questions!!!

(1) we arrive early, flight lands around 9:15am. Then towncar to the hotel. I was thinking lunch at the hotel and then either wait around by the pool till check in then head to MK or should we walk right on over to Epcot and just head back around 3 to check in? Will they text me if the room is ready early? What would you do if you arrived so early?

(2) We have a late flight, 8:30pm. Has anyone done the late check out? What do I need to do for that?!

Really excited about this trip, DH had a convention at Swan/Dolphin a couple of years back and we loved the atmosphere there. So we couldn't wait to stay! SHould be an amazing trip, bringing our little one (will be 18 months) for his first Disney experience and my dad and his GF (who has never been to WDW). Lots of fun in store, for sure!!

 

[walt's assistant]

From the boards I did read the Swan was getting mini cold refrigerators, the square kind, in all the rooms. I called the Dolphin yesterday, 8/25/09, and they said the Dolphin is also replacing the pay-for-snacks cooler with the mini cold refrigerators.
So cool - we then can store milk in our Dolphin room (April 2010 WDW vacation) for a quick cereal breakfast in our room on a early entry park morning

We used the fridge during our stay this past weekend. Kept the wine nice and cold!

Hey folks! I am staying at the Dolphin Oct 26-30...and it can't get here soon enough! I have one question for you experts Oh wait...2 questions!!!

(1) we arrive early, flight lands around 9:15am. Then towncar to the hotel. I was thinking lunch at the hotel and then either wait around by the pool till check in then head to MK or should we walk right on over to Epcot and just head back around 3 to check in? Will they text me if the room is ready early? What would you do if you arrived so early?

(2) We have a late flight, 8:30pm. Has anyone done the late check out? What do I need to do for that?!

1) Lori, we would suggest Epcot if you're not too beat up from the travel. Otherwise, the pool is our choice. When we travelled with our then 18 month old, we tried not to be too aggressive with our plans. In the end, you know your child better than anyone. I don't know if they'll text you when the room's ready.

2) Late check out is easy. Just call the front desk and let them know. If they don't need the room, it shouldn't be a problem. Otherwise, you'll need to leave your stuff with the bellhop if you plan to spend the day in a park before you leave for MCO.