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

[Dan Murphy]

Nice to see you jumping in and posting, maserd, welcome to the S/D thread.

See this PDF, page 4, blue SA symbols.......

http://swandolphin.com/pdf/Resort_Report.pdf

 

[maserd]

Thank you so much for your quick reply, Dan! I'm planning a trip next Nov '10 - I know it's early but I wanted stay at the Swan and Dolphin in '08 during Jersey Week (1st wk in Nov) and there were no rooms available, except for suites. It seems the Swan and Dolphin were sold out of standard rooms because it was the last week of Food & Wine Festival and the Swan and Dolphin are so close. I don't want to make the same mistake this time so I plan to book early. My only concern with making a reservation so early is that I could miss out on future discounts.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Our favorite is the Dolphin. We have stayed there four years in a row, with our fifth visit hopefully coming this next June.. I truly think it is a matter of "preference".
For as many that love the Dolphin, there are just as many on our thread that love the Swan. Think of what type of atmosphere YOU prefer and I think either resort you can't go wrong! Have fun!

You can't go wrong with either resort. The Italian restaurant at the Swan "Il Mulino" is awesome. We had a wonderful meal there this past summer.

Tinkerbellie16, I've been there a couple of times for conferences. YMMV, but in my experience if the conference is big enough to require rooms in both hotels then most of the activities will take place at the Dolphin (opening ceremonies, general sessions, seminars, etc) just because they have the space for the larger groups. OTOH, the Swan tends to be the site for committee meetings and smaller break-out sessions.

Tinkerbellie 16 - another thing I wanted to mention with all of the above great advice - I have always felt extremely safe while at the Swan or Dolphin alone.

Thank you everyone!! I'll be checking this thread often for information - and I'm sure I'll have lots more questions. I'm so excited!!! (yes, for work...at DISNEY!!)

 

[Dan Murphy]

....My only concern with making a reservation so early is that I could miss out on future discounts.

Book now, and if a better deal comes up you can always change it. This way though, you know you at least have the room.

 

[ImprovGal]

Book now, and if a better deal comes up you can always change it. This way though, you know you at least have the room.

But make sure when you book now, it's not at a rate labeled prepaid/non-refundable/non-changeable.

(posting live from the Swan! <G>)

 

[abw]

A useful view on the value of redeeming *wood points instead of paying OOP: http://boardingarea.com/blogs/loyaltytraveler/2009/10/25/value-of-a-point-for-starwood-free-nights/

 

[FINFAN]

Yes, they are new refrigeration units that replaced all of the former mini-bar ones, which were more so coolers.

PS: Some very cool things planned for the causeway during the holiday weekends this year... more to come!

any more info on this?????

 

[maserd]

Hi I was trying to find out the hours of operation for Garden Grove and Fresh Mediterranean Market. I was hoping they're open early for breakfast for early entry days. Also is it possible to buy a refillable cup for soft drinks? Thanks so much - this is such an informative thread. Thanks for the info about AAA members using discounts in S/D restaurants. Also I think I'll drive over to Epcot's FW for rope drop on EMH mornings. Unless you think it would just be fine to take the boat to International Gateway. At this point I'm leaning towards staying at the Swan - btw has anyone every attended the character dinner in Garden Grove? Thanks again!

 

[toledo13]

I had NO idea about the dining discounts!!!! YAY AAA!!!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Hi I was trying to find out the hours of operation for Garden Grove and Fresh Mediterranean Market. I was hoping they're open early for breakfast for early entry days. Also is it possible to buy a refillable cup for soft drinks? Thanks so much - this is such an informative thread. Thanks for the info about AAA members using discounts in S/D restaurants. Also I think I'll drive over to Epcot's FW for rope drop on EMH mornings. Unless you think it would just be fine to take the boat to International Gateway. At this point I'm leaning towards staying at the Swan - btw has anyone every attended the character dinner in Garden Grove? Thanks again!

Not sure the opening times but here is a link with phone number/s......

http://www.swandolphinrestaurants.com/

There is a refillable available, I think it comes from Picabu. And for the AAA, remember, no signature restaurants. For rope drop, you can do Int'l Gateway just fine. I have been at the character meal there and I do think that is one area that the S/D is a bit deficient when compared to other character meals. And I am a S?D fan for sure. I think they seem a bit more subdued, not as lively. Just my impression, others may think otherwise.

Enjoy.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Hi I was trying to find out the hours of operation for Garden Grove and Fresh Mediterranean Market. I was hoping they're open early for breakfast for early entry days. Also is it possible to buy a refillable cup for soft drinks? Thanks so much - this is such an informative thread. Thanks for the info about AAA members using discounts in S/D restaurants. Also I think I'll drive over to Epcot's FW for rope drop on EMH mornings. Unless you think it would just be fine to take the boat to International Gateway. At this point I'm leaning towards staying at the Swan - btw has anyone every attended the character dinner in Garden Grove? Thanks again!

Driving to FW at Epcot on EMH is an option. However, I truly enjoy the walk from the IG to the rope at FW. It is so peaceful and usually so few people if any on this walk through UK, Canada and along the pathways leading to FW. It is one of my favorite early morning things to do.

 

[NancyIL]

Could some one advise me the designated smoking areas at the Swan and Dolphin? Thanks so much!

As far as I could tell, you cannot smoke anywhere inside either resort.

 

[webray]

Could some one advise me the designated smoking areas at the Swan and Dolphin? Thanks so much!

There are designated smoking areas at both resorts. You can not smoke in any of the rooms or on the room balconies. There is a $200 fine if you do.

 

[NancyIL]

There are designated smoking areas at both resorts. You can not smoke in any of the rooms or on the room balconies. There is a $200 fine if you do.

Do you know of any inside either building? I think all smoking areas are outdoors.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

So I've been on the boat from BC/YC to HS and we stopped along the way so I've seen the Swan & Dolphin from afar but how far is it to walk between the two? Are we talking like YC/BC distance? THX!

 

[NancyIL]

So I've been on the boat from BC/YC to HS and we stopped along the way so I've seen the Swan & Dolphin from afar but how far is it to walk between the two? Are we talking like YC/BC distance? THX!

The distance between the front entrances of the Swan and Dolphin is shorter than between the main entrances of the Yacht Club and Beach Club.

 

[FINFAN]

maserd,
we did the Garden Grove character meal for Christmas dinner about 5 years ago, We loved it! There were 2 characters when we were there, Pluto and Goofy and they came around a LOT. The tables are set up with plenty of room between them and there are 2 levels to the floor so it is very nice. The food was great, and our kids were 11 and 15 at the time and they liked it a lot too. The price was decent, less than any other character meals and the service was really good too. We were seated right away ( and like I said it was Christmas Day) and food was fresh and plentiful. Dishes were replaced quickly if getting near empty. and the desserts were I remember DH ordered the never ending carafe of wine....flat rate and they just kept filling that puppy up. Good thing we were staying at the Dolphin, lol, DH did enjoy that carafe for sure. We really had a great time and may do the same thing this Christmas. Right now we are booked at WCC at the WL with family, but keep thinking about Garden Grove.

 

[Dan Murphy]

.......The food was great......The price was decent, less than any other character meals and the service was really good too.......

Food IS great, price is good, PLUS, AAA 20% discount, and service is always excellent.

 

[maserd]

I tell ya - you guys (& girls) are good - you answer each and every question and then some. Greatly appreciate it! Regarding the character meals - I've done the Ohana, Chef Mickey & 1900 Fare for breakfast a few times - sometimes it's alittle too much for the morning and then hitting the parks afterwards. I want to try a dinner this time and what better way than right there at the S&D where we plan to stay. I also appreciate the feedback about the smoking areas - I only smoke outside regardless if smoking is permitted at an inside location (though I admit it can be very difficult when I have a cocktail at a lounge, lol). I think I might try that walk from International Gateway for Epcot's rope drop. This is the first time I'll be able to do EMH at that parks - I've heard the pros and cons about EMH - but with staying at S&D if Epcot & Studios are too busy at night we can easily return to the hotel (location, location, location). Thanks again - this thread has me so excited and my trip is a year away - but I'll be well prepared! Have a great Halloween!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

The distance between the front entrances of the Swan and Dolphin is shorter than between the main entrances of the Yacht Club and Beach Club.

Excellent!
Thank you!