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

[Disneycrazymom]

Hi everyone! It has been awhile since we have had the pleasure of staying at the Dolphin. This summer DH is attending the IBM Rational Conference at The Dolphin!!!! The kids and I are tagging along of course. The conference offers rooms at the Dolphin for $224.50 (a good rate) but I can get a teacher rate of $177.63 for part of the days we would be there. I have 2 questions:

1. What are the odds they would make us move rooms with the new (less expensive) reservation after the conference?

2. How long before a big event like this will they release the rooms they are holding back for the conference that do not get booked? I know there are rooms as they are available to book through IBM but the resort is "sold out" for June 6,7,8. I think if they don't use all the blocked rooms they will offer them at a discount but when will that happen is the question! My parents will come along if they can get a discounted room.

Thanks everyone!

 

[SingingMom]

Thanks FINFAN!!! It sounds like the Dolphin is lots of fun. I know it is easy to get to mgm and epcot and you have to take a bus to AK but would you walk through epcot to the monorail to go to MK to avoid the buses. We don't mind long walks and will have the hopper pass but does that seem logical to you?

I have always taken the bus to MK. It is a very long walk from the S/D to the Epcot monorail and then you would also have to change monorails at the TTA. Bus is so much easier, and quicker.

I have to agree with Dan Murphy. While it certainly is do-able, and I've done it, it takes SO much more time to walk to Epcot, walk through Epcot, hop on the monorail, change monorails, walk from monorail to MK & then in to MK. It took us roughly an hour last time we did this. The bus from Dolphin to MK goes straight to MK - no other stops - you will be door-to-door in less than 15 minutes. Last week we didn't wait more than 5 min. for a bus to MK or AK from The Dolphin.

We usually only do this if we have one last attraction or food stop to make in Epcot on our way to MK. But if you're absolutely opposed to taking the bus, then it's an alternative to that.

As everyone has stated - it is a LONG walk to get to the monorails in Epcot and ride to MK. But, if it's not TOO hot, it's also a nice break from the attractions. It is more for the experience, however, it is NOT a time saver by any stretch! Heading directly to MK from the Dolphin - the bus is the quickest way to go!

 

[Zuzu03]

Hi everyone! It has been awhile since we have had the pleasure of staying at the Dolphin. This summer DH is attending the IBM Rational Conference at The Dolphin!!!! The kids and I are tagging along of course. The conference offers rooms at the Dolphin for $224.50 (a good rate) but I can get a teacher rate of $177.63 for part of the days we would be there. I have 2 questions:

1. What are the odds they would make us move rooms with the new (less expensive) reservation after the conference?

2. How long before a big event like this will they release the rooms they are holding back for the conference that do not get booked? I know there are rooms as they are available to book through IBM but the resort is "sold out" for June 6,7,8. I think if they don't use all the blocked rooms they will offer them at a discount but when will that happen is the question! My parents will come along if they can get a discounted room.

Thanks everyone!

I can only answer question #1 - I had the exact same thing last year and they didn't move me. In fact I had been upgraded and I was sooo relieved not to leave my beautiful room!

 

[polyforme]

I have to agree with Dan Murphy. While it certainly is do-able, and I've done it, it takes SO much more time to walk to Epcot, walk through Epcot, hop on the monorail, change monorails, walk from monorail to MK & then in to MK. It took us roughly an hour last time we did this. The bus from Dolphin to MK goes straight to MK - no other stops - you will be door-to-door in less than 15 minutes. Last week we didn't wait more than 5 min. for a bus to MK or AK from The Dolphin.

We usually only do this if we have one last attraction or food stop to make in Epcot on our way to MK. But if you're absolutely opposed to taking the bus, then it's an alternative to that.

Thanks for the advice-it make sense!!

 

[polyforme]

As everyone has stated - it is a LONG walk to get to the monorails in Epcot and ride to MK. But, if it's not TOO hot, it's also a nice break from the attractions. It is more for the experience, however, it is NOT a time saver by any stretch! Heading directly to MK from the Dolphin - the bus is the quickest way to go!

Thanks- Now I just have to convince my husband!

 

[Poly-Anna]

Yes, sorry for the confusion. I meant to say Premium Studio Suite not just Premium Suite. We booked it with 2 double beds plus it has the sleeper sofa which is great.

 

[TaraPA]

I can only answer question #1 - I had the exact same thing last year and they didn't move me. In fact I had been upgraded and I was sooo relieved not to leave my beautiful room!

And I just had the exact opposite experience last week - we had to move! We were there 3 nts on a corporate rate through DH's work ($199), then 3 nts on the ESPN weekend rate ($149). We were told when booking & at check-in that it shouldn't be a problem, that we should be able to keep the same room, but no guarantees. We didn't find out til the morning of the 4th day that we were expected to be packed up by 11am to move rooms.

So this goes to show it can go either way!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

So I know that I have to pay a fee each day for internet & water & some phone benefits. I have a sort of silly question, but what time do they bring the water? Are there 2 bottles waiting when you check in and then they give you 2 bottles each day when they clean the room? Or do you have to ask for this?
Thanks!

 

[SingingMom]

So I know that I have to pay a fee each day for internet & water & some phone benefits. I have a sort of silly question, but what time do they bring the water? Are there 2 bottles waiting when you check in and then they give you 2 bottles each day when they clean the room? Or do you have to ask for this?
Thanks!

That's what we found - two in the room at check in, and two at each cleaning. Once I did have to ask for the water, since it was not replaced.

 

[Ello Poppet]

Hi anyone know what you have to show for teacher rate if you home school? I don't want to get there and then have to pay rack rate thanks

 

[SingingMom]

Hi anyone know what you have to show for teacher rate if you home school? I don't want to get there and then have to pay rack rate thanks

Gee, not sure about that one. The one year I used the Teacher's Rate, I showed my school paystub and my school id. Not sure what they would consider for "home schooling"?

 

[diskids2]

Hi anyone know what you have to show for teacher rate if you home school? I don't want to get there and then have to pay rack rate thanks

We don't use the teacher's rate...but we do use the government rate and I had to show my DH's picture ID and a pay stub.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

That's what we found - two in the room at check in, and two at each cleaning. Once I did have to ask for the water, since it was not replaced.

Thank you!

 

[f15robyn]

Thanks to all of you who've been contributing to this thread.

On Friday I saw photos and video from the Flower & Garden festival and decided we just had to go (this is our first year as annual passholders - dangerous by the way - as it's just so easy when your park tickets are already paid for and there are hotel discounts available).

Lately we've been staying in the MK area, but since the focus for this trip is Epcot I decided to try for an Epcot resort. WOW!! I didn't realize we were deciding to travel during peak prices (we've always traveled in Jan or Dec). BW/BC/YC all through the roof (for the room types available at the end of this month, even with the AP discount).

So I call the Dolphin to ask if there are by chance any rooms available for our 4 day weekend and if there's an annual pass discount available. $175 per night plus resort fee and tax!!! Resort view because we're annual passholders. King bed (I can't get that at CR without a miracle). And we always use a town car service and don't do the DDP, so neither of those is an issue for us.

Now after reading all 144 pages of your great thread, I'm even more excited to check out the resort. I'm no longer just thinking of it as "just" a place to stay.

Thanks again. (Especially for all of the great tips like AAA discount on many of the restaurants at the resort, etc).

 

[SingingMom]

Thanks to all of you who've been contributing to this thread.

On Friday I saw photos and video from the Flower & Garden festival and decided we just had to go (this is our first year as annual passholders - dangerous by the way - as it's just so easy when your park tickets are already paid for and there are hotel discounts available).

Lately we've been staying in the MK area, but since the focus for this trip is Epcot I decided to try for an Epcot resort. WOW!! I didn't realize we were deciding to travel during peak prices (we've always traveled in Jan or Dec). BW/BC/YC all through the roof (for the room types available at the end of this month, even with the AP discount).

So I call the Dolphin to ask if there are by chance any rooms available for our 4 day weekend and if there's an annual pass discount available. $175 per night plus resort fee and tax!!! Resort view because we're annual passholders. King bed (I can't get that at CR without a miracle). And we always use a town car service and don't do the DDP, so neither of those is an issue for us.

Now after reading all 144 pages of your great thread, I'm even more excited to check out the resort. I'm no longer just thinking of it as "just" a place to stay.

Thanks again. (Especially for all of the great tips like AAA discount on many of the restaurants at the resort, etc).

I promise you, you will LOVE it!!

 

[Needafix]

Thanks to all of you who've been contributing to this thread.

On Friday I saw photos and video from the Flower & Garden festival and decided we just had to go (this is our first year as annual passholders - dangerous by the way - as it's just so easy when your park tickets are already paid for and there are hotel discounts available).

Lately we've been staying in the MK area, but since the focus for this trip is Epcot I decided to try for an Epcot resort. WOW!! I didn't realize we were deciding to travel during peak prices (we've always traveled in Jan or Dec). BW/BC/YC all through the roof (for the room types available at the end of this month, even with the AP discount).

So I call the Dolphin to ask if there are by chance any rooms available for our 4 day weekend and if there's an annual pass discount available. $175 per night plus resort fee and tax!!! Resort view because we're annual passholders. King bed (I can't get that at CR without a miracle). And we always use a town car service and don't do the DDP, so neither of those is an issue for us.

Now after reading all 144 pages of your great thread, I'm even more excited to check out the resort. I'm no longer just thinking of it as "just" a place to stay.

Thanks again. (Especially for all of the great tips like AAA discount on many of the restaurants at the resort, etc).

I'm so excited for you. You sound like me, not thinking of S/D as real Disney resorts, but I absolutely love them now that I finally tried. I've gone several times during Flower & Garden Festival and now it's hard to go any other time of the year. Epcot is soooo beautiful with all the extra flowers. I'm sure you'll love it. How can you not at that price!?!? And yes, the AP is very dangerous. I already have two vacations booked and I'm already trying to figure out how to get a third trip squeezed in.

 

[lissiesmum]

Hi guys!

I was wondering if you book the Epcot fireworks view, what kinds of things you can see from your room at night? For instance, I loved to watch the lights on the castle changing at night, and to see the lights on Space Mountain, and the boats coming and going across the lagoon. Just wondering what kinds of things I can look forward to from the Dolphin

Also, I was just looking at the S/D photo thread and noticed the swan boats...do they still have them, and how much does it cost to rent one? Are they boats that you pedal with your feet?

 

[tinacaplan]

I am def. going to have look through the rest of this thread. We were at Disney in February and I had toyed with the idea of booking either the Swan or Dolphin. My Dh and I are aboth teachers AND we're AAA members. With those discounts, rates get close to the Disney moderates. Anyway, we were convinced we wanted the DxDDP, so we ended up staying at CSR. I love it, however... The Swan and Dolphin were really beautiful. They have that somewhat muted, you're in a luxurious hotel feeling about them. The design elements also really appeal, as does the proximity to the Boardwalk and EPCOT, my favorite park.

Needless to say, the DxDDP was way too much food and when you factor tips and all the unwanted meals we ate, probably not worth it, so I'm kinda wishing we had stayed here.

Having said that, it is def. a contender for our next trip with our son, who will be three or four. How kid friendly are the resorts? Saw lots of conventioneers, not a lot of kids.

Thanks.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Hi guys!

I was wondering if you book the Epcot fireworks view, what kinds of things you can see from your room at night? For instance, I loved to watch the lights on the castle changing at night, and to see the lights on Space Mountain, and the boats coming and going across the lagoon. Just wondering what kinds of things I can look forward to from the Dolphin

Also, I was just looking at the S/D photo thread and noticed the swan boats...do they still have them, and how much does it cost to rent one? Are they boats that you pedal with your feet?

If facing toward the Boardwalk, Epcot fireworks, you should be able to see the high fireworks from Illuminations, the Boardwalk Resort, the Friendship boats coming and going at the S/D.

They still have them, and they are pedaled.

 

[TaraPA]

Hi guys!

I was wondering if you book the Epcot fireworks view, what kinds of things you can see from your room at night? For instance, I loved to watch the lights on the castle changing at night, and to see the lights on Space Mountain, and the boats coming and going across the lagoon. Just wondering what kinds of things I can look forward to from the Dolphin

Also, I was just looking at the S/D photo thread and noticed the swan boats...do they still have them, and how much does it cost to rent one? Are they boats that you pedal with your feet?

Here are some shots from the Epcot Fireworks view room we had last week:

looking straight ahead from the balcony:

zoomed-in view:

view looking right off the balcony:

Illuminations at night (zoomed-in -you can see the Eiffel Tower lit up in the foreground):

They did have the peddle Swan boats at the dock last week but I didn't see anyone using them.