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

[kath1210]

I am on chemo and have a handicapped sticker for my car because I tire quickly and it is difficult for me to walk long distances. I know Disney offers free valet parking for folks with handicapped stickers. Does anyone know if the Swan and Dolphin do the same thing? Thanks in advance for your help.

Valet parking is $16 per day - $6 more than the regular parking rate. No exception for handicapped tags. When we were there in June, they said that they would waive the additional fee only if the handicapped spaces in the self-parking lot were full.

 

[MickMan]

This has probably been asked already but here it goes.

Can you make ADR online 90+10 if staying at the Swan or do I need to call to be able to do this?

Thanks in advance.

 

[dmwang9]

Can you make ADR online 90+10 if staying at the Swan or do I need to call to be able to do this?

I don't believe that Swan/Dolphin guests are eligible for 90+10 at all, either online or over the phone. 90+10 is one of the "stay in a Disney-owned resort" perks that isn't extended to Swan and Dolphin guests.

 

[SingingMom]

Can you buy park tickets at the S/D? If so, where? And how do I find out the hours they can be purchased?

We're planning on stopping to buy breakfast stuff & snacks on our way to the resort. Does Picabo's have a toaster to use? Can we bring our own bagels to toast, or do we need to buy them there?

There is a Disney desk at the Dolphin, around the corner from the Conceirge desk. I seem to remember the hours only being until 5pm.

I'd doubt you'd be able to use the toasters at Picabu's, since everything is behind the counter and the line all filters out to the cashier.

 

[LWcalif]

There is a Disney desk at the Dolphin, around the corner from the Conceirge desk. I seem to remember the hours only being until 5pm.

I'd doubt you'd be able to use the toasters at Picabu's, since everything is behind the counter and the line all filters out to the cashier.

Thanks SingingMom. Now we know not to buy breakfast stuff that needs to be toasted.

We'll be arriving late on a Saturday night. Does anyone know what time the Disney desk opens on Sun. am?

Also, we're considering the refillable mugs at Picabo. Do they have any caffeine free diet sodas, such as caffeine free diet coke? TIA.

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Hi,

I'm subbing onto this thread...I've read a little but plan on going back to read the whole thing...

I'm looking at staying at either the Swan or Dolphin next year for a long weekend trip in October to celebrate my DD's 16th b-day...(10/6-10/11)...5 nights...

We usually stay on site at one of the Disney Hotels...I fell in love this year with the Boardwalk area but we need two rooms-grandparents and quite frankly the cost would be pretty high...especially since I want to do some bday surprises...

I've always thought the Swolphin was a pretty complex and the ferry to the Studios and Epcot is awesome...I can live without having my key and admission tag together and we can figure out alternative transportation to and from the hotel to the airport...

I do have a couple of questions...

how problematic is not having the 90+10 thing for most people?...( We'd like to try Bluezoo so that's easy but as far as the Dis restaurants...how are people finding that in terms of booking?

I don't need to have Mickey theming in my bedroom...but is the theming/fun or whimsical...ie. do you feel like you are somewhere fun and vacationing or could you be in any city?

Any thoughts would be appreciated...

 

[SingingMom]

Hi,

I don't need to have Mickey theming in my bedroom...but is the theming/fun or whimsical...ie. do you feel like you are somewhere fun and vacationing or could you be in any city?

Any thoughts would be appreciated...

We feel like we are at a Florida or island resort when we stay at the Dolphin. The rooms and lobby are lovely and the Grotto Pool area is just gorgeous!
Since our DD is 16, we actually prefer to NOT have the Mickey Mouse theme at the hotel - there's PLENTY of it at the parks, etc.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Also, just look out your window -- and you can see that you are in Disney.

I have never not had the Disney feeling because I wasn't at a Disney resort. The feel is there because it is "in" you and you carry it with you.

 

[sherry8253]

Valet parking is $16 per day - $6 more than the regular parking rate. No exception for handicapped tags. When we were there in June, they said that they would waive the additional fee only if the handicapped spaces in the self-parking lot were full.

Thanks for the info Kath. I am crunching numbers to see total price of the Dolphin for our January trip. So, I guess I will add $26 on to the price of the room for parking and resort fee.

 

[kpadalik]

Two questions about the Dolphin -

A friend of our family's just got back from the Dolphin at the end of August. She was telling my mom how they love staying at the Dolphin - apparently, they stay there all the time. She said one of the reasons they love staying there is b/c they are allowed to use the pools at Yacht/Beach Club and the Boardwalk. Is this true? I didn't think it sounded right to me.

Also, in line with the toaster question, is there a microwave available to warm up bottles or to pop popcorn?

Thanks all!

 

[minniemomof3]

I just got back from the Dolphin on Tuesday. While I was there I asked guest services if I can use the pool at all the Boardwalk resorts, they told me I can only use the pool at the Dolphin and Swan, not the Disney resorts.

 

[kpadalik]

I just got back from the Dolphin on Tuesday. While I was there I asked guest services if I can use the pool at all the Boardwalk resorts, they told me I can only use the pool at the Dolphin and Swan, not the Disney resorts.

I thought that the info from our friends sounded a little off! I didn't think that was true. Thanks for confirming!

 

[astronautika]

Hello all! Everyone on this thread is so helpful...I've really enjoyed reading the comments and checking out the pictures.

I'll be at the Dolphin next week for a conference. I joined SPG in hopes of an upgrade, but we also happen to be AAA members, so I'm thinking if I "link" those memberships I'll have a much better chance. I'm really hoping for a renovated room...and anything better than Tara's dumpster view would be exceptional!

I'm so excited about the conference, and about spending my evenings at WDW! Feeling like a lucky girl right about now! Will post updates and pictures as I can!

 

[peanutgirl]

Can you buy a 1/2 gallon of milk onsite? If so how much and where??
Thanks for any help,

 

[MyTalula]

Thank you all of you S/D experts, I've spent the afternoon reading this thread getting excited for my upcoming Feb. trip!! Most of my questions have been answered with out even asking!!

 

[SingingMom]

Can you buy a 1/2 gallon of milk onsite? If so how much and where??
Thanks for any help,

not a 1/2 gallon, but smaller containers are available at Picabu's

There is a shop on the Boardwalk, walking distance, I believe it is called "The Screen Door", that has some food items, and I believe 1/2 gallons of milk. It is pricey, however.

 

[Mouseteacher]

The Screen Door at the BW does have a very mini grocery section which has refrigerated area carrying milk, juices, etc. I assume it is to service the DVC units at the Boardwalk Inn. But as SingingMom posted, it is pricey.

 

[alliecats]

Did I read correctly that all the rooms at the Swan have mini fridges in them now?
3 days and counting...

 

[SingingMom]

Did I read correctly that all the rooms at the Swan have mini fridges in them now?
3 days and counting...

...I believe the Swan always did..

(the Dolphin was switching over this past June when we were there...)

 

[alliecats]

Thanks, singingmom!