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

[TaraPA]

Thanks, TaraPA & pooh2001!

I knew there were boats, but I didn't know how busy or how much of a wait there would be. We like to go to the parks at rope drop/EMH and thought it might be easier to walk. We would use the boats when we take an afternoon break and head back to a park for the evening.


We think we need a (financial) break from Disney this coming year, so the kids will probably be 12, 7, and almost 5 when we go again. The strollers are already a concern. Our 5 year old used one this year since we were already bringing one for our 2 year old. She probably didn't need it, but DH and I like to walk at an "adult" pace and it was nice to not have to carry them if they fell asleep on the way back to the room. The big debate will be whether we need zero, one, or two strollers. We'll probably just bring them and only use them some of the time.

We stayed at CSR this May and loved it, but we would need two rooms to stay there now. We would rather do a nicer resort that could accomodate us in one room than two rooms at a value.

I think you will be pleasantly surprised with The Dolphin! If you're not already a Starwood member sign up right now - www.spg.com - or maybe that's the site for existing members - try www.starwood.com if the other one doesn't work. Get yourself a membership number - you can get free upgrades (if available) and they'll email you any deals coming up. You'll earn points on your stays that can be used for future trips. That's a huge perk for us since DH travels for work, he racks up the Starwood points & then I cash them in at The Dolphin! You can also earn enough points for 1 free night if you sign up for their credit card. I haven't done this but MANY have it, and it's very tempting. I only use my Disney VISA at the moment, but might just have to get that Starwood card for a free night soon!

The pool area at CSR is awesome - but so is the Grotto Pool at The Dolphin. My kids ask to go back to The Grotto Pool all the time. We love Picabu - the quick service place in The Dolphin - a wide variety of choices & priced the same as Disney. If you're a AAA member you get 20% off at Picabu.

You can't beat the location - ok unless you want to pay $400+ a night for BC/YC or BW. We just stayed at BLT 3 weeks ago & I was longing for "home" - The Dolphin!

 

[tzolkin]

I think you will be pleasantly surprised with The Dolphin! If you're not already a Starwood member sign up right now - www.spg.com - or maybe that's the site for existing members - try www.starwood.com if the other one doesn't work. Get yourself a membership number - you can get free upgrades (if available) and they'll email you any deals coming up. You'll earn points on your stays that can be used for future trips. That's a huge perk for us since DH travels for work, he racks up the Starwood points & then I cash them in at The Dolphin! You can also earn enough points for 1 free night if you sign up for their credit card. I haven't done this but MANY have it, and it's very tempting. I only use my Disney VISA at the moment, but might just have to get that Starwood card for a free night soon!

The pool area at CSR is awesome - but so is the Grotto Pool at The Dolphin. My kids ask to go back to The Grotto Pool all the time. We love Picabu - the quick service place in The Dolphin - a wide variety of choices & priced the same as Disney. If you're a AAA member you get 20% off at Picabu.

You can't beat the location - ok unless you want to pay $400+ a night for BC/YC or BW. We just stayed at BLT 3 weeks ago & I was longing for "home" - The Dolphin!

Thanks for all the info!

I will definitely sign up for the membership.

I talked to DH about it the other night and he agrees that the Dolphin would be a good option for us. I also remembered that my parents stayed at the Swan for a business trip a few years ago, so I asked my mom about it. She has some health issues, but she described the walk from Epcot as pleasant and not too far so I think it should be perfect for us.

We said we weren't going to go in 2010, but the nurses' rate is pretty good. ($129+resort fee and parking would be less than the price of POR and we would have the convenience of being close to Epcot and HS) I guess I'll have to sign up and see what other types of deals they regularly offer.

 

[chell]

Thanks for all the info!

I will definitely sign up for the membership.

I talked to DH about it the other night and he agrees that the Dolphin would be a good option for us. I also remembered that my parents stayed at the Swan for a business trip a few years ago, so I asked my mom about it. She has some health issues, but she described the walk from Epcot as pleasant and not too far so I think it should be perfect for us.

We said we weren't going to go in 2010, but the nurses' rate is pretty good. ($129+resort fee and parking would be less than the price of POR and we would have the convenience of being close to Epcot and HS) I guess I'll have to sign up and see what other types of deals they regularly offer.

Keep an eye on the deals they send out because this year they have had some great ones. Also sign up for the email lists on the Swan & Dolphin website.

If you have a AAA card you get a discount on some of the restaurants.

The walk back to the resort from Epcot at night is magical. I love taking in the scenery.

 

[SCPP]

Does anyone know what the price is this time of year for their two bedroom suites? I am looking to go next year at this time and was curious about the price.

I booked a Suite for 3 nights last year. We entertained clients in the room after a meeting.

The room was a 2 BR suite with a 12 person table, living room and kitchen. The bedroom was off to the side with a door to close.

The room was $599 a night.

I am a platinum Starwood member (79 stays / 112 nights this year in Starwood properties) so they allowed me to use a special 50% off coupon they give to elites. That brought the cost down to $300 a night. Total for 3 nights came to $1078.22

We also spent over $2000 for catering which was a full sit down meal in the room with booze. The food was amazing and the service even better. The owner of my company was so impressed that he tipped the wait staff another $200 on top of the 18%. They were that good. Probably helped that we signed the client.

 

[Bay Hill]

SWAN REVIEW 12-14 DEC.....

Flew SWA from BDL to MCO. First time flying SWA for the both of us. Assigned A31-A32, sat on the 3rd row, port side of the aircraft. Landed at 10:00. A great first flight from SWA. Picked up rental car from Avis, Ter. A. Good car, Chevy Impala. Arrived at 11:15 am. Got room XXXX, west wing, room with a bac. Used bell services, bellman announced room number to us, a big no-no. With being safe these days, I reminded the bellman that I used to be a bellman many years ago and did not announce room numbers to the incoming guests. Tip was 5.00. Sleeper Westin beds are great, with 2 sinks in the room. Did not use hotel dining. Dolphin lobby looks great with the Christmas decor. Picked up Sunday New York Times in the lobby, read at Swan pool on Sunday with a cold,frosty drink. High was 85 for Sunday.

Checking out in a few hours, boarding the Monarch of the Seas in PC. We are back at the Swan on Fri, 18 Dec. Looking forward to being back at this great resort.

 

[peanutgirl]

We will be at the swan Dec. 21-31. Wanted Christmas Brunch at Garden Grove. Called 90 days out. Told to call back in a Month. Called then and was told they were not sure yet what was going on so call later but if I was staying at the hotel should not be a problem. Called yesterday and was told it was sold out. So I called again later and was told they do not take reservations and would try to help me when I got there. Does anyone know what the real deal is ???? Thanks for any help. I have never stayed here before.

 

[RachelTori]

We will be at the swan Dec. 21-31. Wanted Christmas Brunch at Garden Grove. Called 90 days out. Told to call back in a Month. Called then and was told they were not sure yet what was going on so call later but if I was staying at the hotel should not be a problem. Called yesterday and was told it was sold out. So I called again later and was told they do not take reservations and would try to help me when I got there. Does anyone know what the real deal is ???? Thanks for any help. I have never stayed here before.

Are you calling Disney or the Swan? I've never had any issues booking Garden Grove but I've always either booked online at the Swan/Dolphin website or I've called the resort direct.

I would suggest trying this link (it's to the Swan's VIP Concierge Service) and see if you can get that elusive Brunch reservation that way. Good luck and don't give up! http://www.swandolphinconcierge.com/public/login.cfm

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

No questions, just wanting for some good ju-ju.

I'm heading to the Dolphin for a conference in March and that last day of the conference is my hubby's bday. We are crossing our fingers that his parents will do us a HUGE favor and watch our kids (they will have to drive 8 hours to our house to do it) so he can come for the weekend after the conference. It would be only the 3rd time in 8 years that we would have a night away from the kids together. So, cross fingers for me that my in-laws are in a good mood when we ask them to do this. We'll see them over Christmas and I'm hoping to report back with good news.

 

[TaraPA]

No questions, just wanting for some good ju-ju.

I'm heading to the Dolphin for a conference in March and that last day of the conference is my hubby's bday. We are crossing our fingers that his parents will do us a HUGE favor and watch our kids (they will have to drive 8 hours to our house to do it) so he can come for the weekend after the conference. It would be only the 3rd time in 8 years that we would have a night away from the kids together. So, cross fingers for me that my in-laws are in a good mood when we ask them to do this. We'll see them over Christmas and I'm hoping to report back with good news.

Pixie Dust to you!!

 

[SideshowBob]

No questions, just wanting for some good ju-ju.

I'm heading to the Dolphin for a conference in March and that last day of the conference is my hubby's bday. We are crossing our fingers that his parents will do us a HUGE favor and watch our kids (they will have to drive 8 hours to our house to do it) so he can come for the weekend after the conference. It would be only the 3rd time in 8 years that we would have a night away from the kids together. So, cross fingers for me that my in-laws are in a good mood when we ask them to do this. We'll see them over Christmas and I'm hoping to report back with good news.

I hope that it works out for you! Good luck.

 

[diskids2]

Has anyone ever stayed in one of the Patio rooms? I'd love to hear about it.

 

[chell]

No questions, just wanting for some good ju-ju.

I'm heading to the Dolphin for a conference in March and that last day of the conference is my hubby's bday. We are crossing our fingers that his parents will do us a HUGE favor and watch our kids (they will have to drive 8 hours to our house to do it) so he can come for the weekend after the conference. It would be only the 3rd time in 8 years that we would have a night away from the kids together. So, cross fingers for me that my in-laws are in a good mood when we ask them to do this. We'll see them over Christmas and I'm hoping to report back with good news.

Hope they are in a wonderful mood and it all works out in your favor!

 

[FINFAN]

well,Good news and bad for DD, good is that whatever is going on appears manageable, livable so that is heaven sent news..the bad, we were to be checking in Friday, but cardiologist said no-go for DD on rides until further testing which started yesterday and have 2 more Thursday...so results /paking everything up in the air until Friday..tooo stressful. plus my Dad is quite ill. Calling to day to cancel, may try rescheduling for June to save from losing the deposit..but depending on test results not sure if DD will get to be a thrill rider in the future, plus DH gets his time off now, not usually able to get in in summer, but he says maybe a long weekend..hmmm, STAR wars weekend?
DS loves to do the rides with his sister so he agrees, just not fair or fun to go and she does not get to ride her favorites...this is the 2nd cancellation of his belated birthday trip..the kid is a sweetie. SDo, all who get to enjoy the Swolphin for the Holidays...have an awesome time we will miss it for sure, was REALLY looking forward to the beds again, atmosphere, LOCATION....but DD will be on the mend and it is just not is the satrs to be going right now.

 

[Mouseteacher]

for you Fin Fan~ I hope all your DD tests come out on the good side! A June trip to our fav resorts is a great alternative. I hope it all works out for you and your family.

 

[FINFAN]

for you Fin Fan~ I hope all your DD tests come out on the good side! A June trip to our fav resorts is a great alternative. I hope it all works out for you and your family.

thanks, we are hoping too...and now on to switching gears...did not have much planned here for Christmas as we thought we were going to be in WDW...so now mad dash to pull something together! We don't even have a tree up...purchesed gifts based on taking the trip ( small, did not spend lot as the trip was the "gift") The dog will be happy he is not being kenneled, lol..and that he gets to see DD while she is home. DD's BDay is first week of June, but not sure how crowds are due to SW weekends and GayDays..we have never had early June available to us before. We have never been for SW and the kids love the water parks so there a plusses for the June vs Dec dates. DS REALLY wanted to see the Castle all lit up, sigh....but life goes on!First things first, getting thru the tests tomorrow...getting to thise and getting DS to finals at the same time is going to be tricky. My stress is off the scale right now...coffee and PC...my coping skills of the day.

 

[NancyIL]

My friend and I did a split stay at AKL (2 nights) and WL (3 nights) Dec. 10-15. While it was nice to experience new resorts, especially at holiday time, we didn't have enough free time at AKL to see much of it. We had more free time while at the WL, and I liked having boat transportation to the Magic Kingdom.

However - I missed my beloved SWAN! I'm looking forward to returning to the Swan in April for my almost-annual birthday trip.

 

[SingingMom]

well,Good news and bad for DD, good is that whatever is going on appears manageable, livable so that is heaven sent news..the bad, we were to be checking in Friday, but cardiologist said no-go for DD on rides until further testing which started yesterday and have 2 more Thursday...so results /paking everything up in the air until Friday..tooo stressful. plus my Dad is quite ill. Calling to day to cancel, may try rescheduling for June to save from losing the deposit..but depending on test results not sure if DD will get to be a thrill rider in the future, plus DH gets his time off now, not usually able to get in in summer, but he says maybe a long weekend..hmmm, STAR wars weekend?....but DD will be on the mend and it is just not is the satrs to be going right now.

Prayers that your DD will be well and you can enjoy that trip in June. Maybe we'll see you there!

My friend and I did a split stay at AKL (2 nights) and WL (3 nights) Dec. 10-15. While it was nice to experience new resorts, especially at holiday time, we didn't have enough free time at AKL to see much of it. We had more free time while at the WL, and I liked having boat transportation to the Magic Kingdom.

However - I missed my beloved SWAN! I'm looking forward to returning to the Swan in April for my almost-annual birthday trip.

Hope you had a great time, Nancy!

Hope they are in a wonderful mood and it all works out in your favor!

Happy Anniversary, Chell.....

Haven't gotten my email alerts for some reason, so I was behind on the posts. Busy here renovating TWO bathrooms at the same time - yikes but we are in the homestretch - should be completed this week. Don't know that my Christmas baking will get done this year, however!
Fall Drama production (this year DD was Assistant Director!), Junior prom, driver's permit... life is getting in the way of my vacation planning! We are headed to my beloved Cape May for New Year's, but I MUST call the Dolphin to make our June reservations!!!

Best to all!

 

[SwanDolphin]

Happy week to all.

Firstly, I am very sorry to hear about your DD FinFan and hope that she mends quickly and fully.

Happy anniversary, Ms. Chell!

Two bathrooms SingingMom? Went through a big reno recently here as well and very dusty times! Best of luck. DD also in that near-driving range.

Happy that you enjoyed your time away, Ms. Nancy.

 

[NancyIL]

Happy that you enjoyed your time away, Ms. Nancy.

Hello, SwanDolphin! I did enjoy my time elsewhere, but I sure missed those heavenly beds and the Swan's great LOCATION!

 

[FINFAN]

Thanks everyone..it is kind of frustrating to not have answers for DD yet...had to race to Sarasota in November when she was rushed to ER...heart rate was at 180+ and still no idea why this happens to her. THAT was so hard to be in Illinois with her so far away. The Dolphin will be there for us when we can best enjoy, and I am counting on you all to take care of the place on your visits, lol...you know we can all feel the when arriving! Tomorrow will hopefully get us closer to an answer, DD is pretty sure that her future includes riding coasters etc., so she is determined to get to the bottom of all this, as are we.
In the meantime, I guess we will live vicariously thru all of you...