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

[Needafix]

We used ME for our arrival (worked great) and then had the car service for our departure. Previously we had only used a car service. We will keep doing it this way. We were pleased, but we weren't in a hurry.
The bus stopped at another resort before ours and it went the long way (I'm assuming so people could get pictures going under WDW signage). We didn't think it made a lot of difference timewise with the car service.
On the way back though we didn't want to be picked up 2 or 3 hours before our flight so we used the car service.

Hmmm...that's a great idea. I was worried about ME on the way there because it's going to be after such a long day already, the last thing I wanted was a super long wait and ride. I'll give some thought to taking it just back to MCO, but I was more worried about the initial trip.

I just need this trip to be here already so I can stop worrying about all the little things.

 

[Caitsmama]

We have ALWAYS used the DME, and never had a long wait or any problems at all.... we are flying in next Thurs, and arriving at about 8pm also, and at that time of night, there aren't many people checking in - so there is really no wait at all that we have ever experienced at that time.. i say go with ME, why spend the extra $..

 

[diskids2]

Ok, you're all making me second guess my decision to even take ME to BC in March.

For those of you who have taken both ME and hired a car - would you pay the $124 +tip (5 of us getting in at 8:30pm only have 4 days at Disney) or take the ME for free. We don't need the grocery stop.

I know I posted that I prefer the town car service and I do...it is worth paying the extra money for my family, BUT....that does not mean that DME was horrible in any way.

 

[SingingMom]

It has been years since I've eaten at a WDW resort food court, so I can't compare their food to Picabu's. I just know that I DON'T like scrambled eggs at Picabu, so I rarely eat there.

Legs...what legs? I'm merely interested in Off Kilter for their MUSIC.

"What legs?", my FOOT....

We've never eaten breakfast at Picabu's - we like Fresh once or twice during our stay, and fill in the other days with Main Street Bakery, Starring Rolls, Boardwalk Bakery, or the quick stuff at the Dolphin Lobby Bar.

Hmmm...that's a great idea. I was worried about ME on the way there because it's going to be after such a long day already, the last thing I wanted was a super long wait and ride. I'll give some thought to taking it just back to MCO, but I was more worried about the initial trip.

I just need this trip to be here already so I can stop worrying about all the little things.

I'm very impatient, so I don't like to have other bus stops. Just like my own little family in the car. (and, having the driver holding up my name on the piece of paper.. Like I was a celebrity or something LOL )

 

[NancyIL]

"What legs?", my FOOT....

We've never eaten breakfast at Picabu's - we like Fresh once or twice during our stay, and fill in the other days with Main Street Bakery, Starring Rolls, Boardwalk Bakery, or the quick stuff at the Dolphin Lobby Bar.

I really like the breakfast buffet at Fresh, and ate there once on my last trip. I normally eat string cheese and/or nuts from home in the morning, then eat an early lunch in the parks. I try to stay away from sugary junk that one would normally get at the bakeries you mentioned!

 

[ddawg]

Does anyone know if the Lobby lounge gives a AAA discount?

 

[SingingMom]

I hear ya, Nancy. Too sweet. I would actually rather SKIP breakfast, but that's me. DH and DD love the muffins, danishes, etc... DD will usually grab a banana to bring with her too. I like FRESH because it isn't a "true" buffet. The waffles and fruit are my favorite!



I never asked about AAA discount at the Lobby bar, so I can't help with that question.

 

[Caitsmama]

That's ok, you guys can save the sweet stuff for all of us who LOVE it! LOL

 

[Dan Murphy]

Does anyone know if the Lobby lounge gives a AAA discount?

I do not think so. I asked at the Java Bar on the Swan side, and was told not. But might be good to ask if there and see if maybe a different answer.

 

[SingingMom]

I do not think so. I asked at the Java Bar on the Swan side, and was told not. But might be good to ask if there and see if maybe a different answer.

Probably a good thing if they don't take the discount, or I'd be indulging in one too many espresso martinis...

 

[mollygirl13]

Can someone tell me what Swan/Dolphin restaurants give a discount with my AAA card?

Thanks!

Planning another Swan/Dolphin trip for September!

 

[SingingMom]

Can someone tell me what Swan/Dolphin restaurants give a discount with my AAA card?

Thanks!

Planning another Swan/Dolphin trip for September!

At the Dolphin, the "non-signature" restaurants... Meaning, Shula's and bluezoo... do NOT give the discount.

The ones that DO are The Fountain, FRESH, and Picabu. (and I think the Cabana Bar & Grill....) you must remember to ask for it. Enjoy your September trip!

 

[Dan Murphy]

At the Swan, the Garden Grove does.

And Il Mulino, Kimonos, Shula's Steak House, and Bluezoo are now part of AP's Tables of Wonderland, as of last month or so.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Does that AAA discount include liquor? If that's the case, I'm signing up for AAA

 

[ImprovGal]

Does that AAA discount include liquor? If that's the case, I'm signing up for AAA

The AAA discount is on food and nonalcoholic beverages only. The Tables In Wonderland discount mentioned earlier includes liquor, though.

 

[disney4us2002]

For those of you who have stayed at S/D, do you usually walk to EP and DHS or take the boat or bus? About how long is the walk if we opt for that? Are buses shared with BWI, YC & BC?

 

[NancyIL]

For those of you who have stayed at S/D, do you usually walk to EP and DHS or take the boat or bus? About how long is the walk if we opt for that? Are buses shared with BWI, YC & BC?

I almost always walk to Epcot, and sometimes I walk to Hollywood Studios. It takes me 5-10 minutes to walk to Epcot and 15-20 minutes to walk to DHS, and that's at a pretty good clip.

I have seen S/D share buses with all the Epcot resorts, and sometimes with only the Boardwalk.

 

[Needafix]

I almost always walk to Epcot, I'll walk to Epcot even if I'm not going in because it's such a beautiful relaxing walk. Occasionally we end up taking the boat only because the kids want a change of pace or to get off their feet for a few minutes.

I've never walked to DHS. I think I will in July, but since the kids have always been fairly young on previous trips, I'd rather relax on the boat and save the extra walking for the parks.

 

[SideshowBob]

For those of you who have stayed at S/D, do you usually walk to EP and DHS or take the boat or bus? About how long is the walk if we opt for that? Are buses shared with BWI, YC & BC?

I like to walk to both... but the good thing about DHS is that the boat stops there just after S/D pick-up, and is also the first on the return route.

 

[Caitsmama]

Does anyone know where i can view good pics of the executive suite at the Dolphin? I can't seem to find any that really show it good...