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

[SingingMom]

The problem with putting beverages in checked luggage, besides the possibility of breakage/spillage, is the added weight and space. Unless you fly on Southwest, most airlines charge at least $15 for the first checked bag (50 pounds or less) and a higher fee for the 2nd bag.

Yep - too heavy for luggage and too scary to think of something bursting all over the luggage.

I still vote for drinking and people watching in the Dolphin Lobby Bar.

 

[Needafix]

Yep - too heavy for luggage and too scary to think of something bursting all over the luggage.

I still vote for drinking and people watching in the Dolphin Lobby Bar.

You're killing me!!! I don't think I can last until July. Any idea what time the Dolphin Lobby Bar is open until. I've decided I may have to put that on my must do list for next Friday, even though we're staying at BC, won't get checked in until around 10pm and still need to get everyone fed. Maybe after dinner, I can get one to relax with.

 

[NancyIL]

Yep - too heavy for luggage and too scary to think of something bursting all over the luggage.

I still vote for drinking and people watching in the Dolphin Lobby Bar.

The "people" I like to watch perform in Canada 5 days a week.

 

[dusten]

The problem with putting beverages in checked luggage, besides the possibility of breakage/spillage, is the added weight and space. Unless you fly on Southwest, most airlines charge at least $15 for the first checked bag (50 pounds or less) and a higher fee for the 2nd bag.

You're right, you really have to watch the weight if you are a heavy packer so I only put 4 in my suitcase, but you don't have to bring them home so you have more room for souvenirs. I used my home scale to weigh the suitcase in advance. Also, I shipped some down in advance in a box with other food (we were staying 7 nights at a DVC 1 bed villa) and got more groceries delivered from Garden Grocer. Just did the calculation and I saved about $90 for my trouble.

I actually think adding bottles is good way to maximize the weight. In other words, if you have to pay for each suitcase up to 50 lbs, why not make it 49 lbs and include items that save you money. Those little wine bottles must be tough to have survived UPS and luggage handlers. I did make sure the lid was tight on each one before I packed them.

 

[rogers803]

Does someone deliver pizza to the Dolphin? Is it quick? thks

 

[kid-at-heart]

Thank you SM. I will peruse the thread and perhaps run across the pic, lol. Glad to know the option exists.

I did join Starwood but only have my paper printout of the card/number since we haven't actually been to a Starwood resort yet. We really want a balcony. This is (while a convention) almost a second honeymoon as we haven't vacationed without the kids before.

If we want wine/champagne do you suggest packing it in checked luggage, buying at the airport, or buying at the resort. We have to use Mears and won't have a car for groceries or booze stops.

Just returned from a Swan trip; we picked up a really nice Merlot from the general store next to the Boardwalk. Cost about $12-$13 for a full sized bottle, fairly inexpensive considering we were buying on property. Sorry I do not remember the name of the wine. I can ask my spouse later tonight if anyone is interested. The bottle did require a cork screw (which we had packed). Also, if you venture over to Animal Kingdom Lodge they carry bottles of very nice (again inexpensive) South African wines, again in the $12-$14 range.

 

[WVParkfan]

I have a question for the group...

Which is better for ice cream/ milkshakes , The Fountain at the Dolphin, or Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club? I've heard so much about Beaches and Cream, and I know we will be very close, but I just discovered the menu at the Fountain, and it looks great!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Well, here are both menus....

http://allears.net/menu/menu_bc.htm

http://allears.net/menu/menu_dfic.htm

http://allears.net/menu/menu_df.htm

I think they are both pretty comparable. I think B&C might have additional 'fun' atmosphere, if looking for that, like with kids. Fountain would be more quiet I would say. Fountain would have 20% discount for AAA, B&C 20% for ToW. I would say Fountain would probably give more non-dessert/ice cream food options.

Both are great.

Not sure about pizza delivery. I know pizza can be purchased at Picabu.

http://allears.net/menu/menu_tub.htm

Good to know those options, kid-at-heart.

 

[FINFAN]

a little OT, but has anyone RECENTLY ordered the chicken tenders from Picabu? Are the still the actual tenders, like chicken strips, or are they like nuggets they way the rest of WDW is now? Our last stay was at POP in 2008, so it has been a while since we have eaten at Picabu's, and (fingers crossed) we havea thrice rescheduled trip for SW weekend in June and staying at the Dolphin!

Thanks!

 

[MyTalula]

a little OT, but has anyone RECENTLY ordered the chicken tenders from Picabu? Are the still the actual tenders, like chicken strips, or are they like nuggets they way the rest of WDW is now? Our last stay was at POP in 2008, so it has been a while since we have eaten at Picabu's, and (fingers crossed) we havea thrice rescheduled trip for SW weekend in June and staying at the Dolphin!

Thanks!

My DD had the on 2/9/10 and they were tenders. I tried a bite they were good!

 

[NancyIL]

Well, here are both menus....

http://allears.net/menu/menu_bc.htm

http://allears.net/menu/menu_dfic.htm

http://allears.net/menu/menu_df.htm

I think they are both pretty comparable. I think B&C might have additional 'fun' atmosphere, if looking for that, like with kids. Fountain would be more quiet I would say. Fountain would have 20% discount for AAA, B&C 20% for ToW. I would say Fountain would probably give more non-dessert/ice cream food options.

Both are great.

Not sure about pizza delivery. I know pizza can be purchased at Picabu.

http://allears.net/menu/menu_tub.htm

Good to know those options, kid-at-heart.

The Boardwalk's Seashore Sweets (next door to Kouzzina) also has good ice cream: http://allears.net/menu/menu_ss.htm

You get the 20% Tables in Wonderland discount at Beaches and Cream only if you dine in the restaurant. There is no discount for carry-out.

 

[FINFAN]

My DD had the on 2/9/10 and they were tenders. I tried a bite they were good!

YAY! DS lives on these....and hot dogs which are not beef anymore, thanks so much for posting. made my day!

 

[maroo]

I am sorry....I have not read this whole thread, but I am hoping you guys can help me!

We are taking a trip over Thanksgiving week and considering the Swan/Dolphin.

However, the child in this family uses a wheelchair full time. They will have to have a roll in shower.

Does anyone have pictures of those rooms? I can't seem to find any anywhere so far.

Also...does anyone happen to know if the pool area, etc is at all wheelchair friendly? Has anyone ever stayed there that uses a wheelchair full time? What problems did you encounter?

 

[WVParkfan]

Does someone deliver pizza to the Dolphin? Is it quick? thks

Disney pizza is terrible. There are tons of chain pizza places that will deliver to the Dolphin (Pizza Hut, Papa Johns, Dominoes, etc.). We really liked the pizza we got from Giordano's. They are "Chicago Style," but do have thin crust, too.
http://www.giordanos.com/index.html

GIORDANO'S
LAKE BUENA VISTA
(407) 239-8900
12151 S. APOPKA VINELAND RD

 

[SingingMom]

Also...does anyone happen to know if the pool area, etc is at all wheelchair friendly? Has anyone ever stayed there that uses a wheelchair full time? What problems did you encounter?

There is a lift at the Grotto Pool to allow access into the water... it is located to the left of the waterfall, closer to the Swan.

 

[maroo]

There is a lift at the Grotto Pool to allow access into the water... it is located to the left of the waterfall, closer to the Swan.

Thank you so much for the info!!

Do you know about the rooms or transportation options? Is the boat HA accessible?

 

[SingingMom]

Thank you so much for the info!!

Do you know about the rooms or transportation options? Is the boat HA accessible?

The Friendship boats are absolutely accessible. The captains will load and unload wheelchair and scooter passengers first. I do not know personally know about the rooms, but a quick call to the Swan/Dolphin will give you all of that info, I'm sure!

 

[Dan Murphy]

I am sorry....I have not read this whole thread, but I am hoping you guys can help me!

We are taking a trip over Thanksgiving week and considering the Swan/Dolphin.

However, the child in this family uses a wheelchair full time. They will have to have a roll in shower.

Does anyone have pictures of those rooms? I can't seem to find any anywhere so far.

Also...does anyone happen to know if the pool area, etc is at all wheelchair friendly? Has anyone ever stayed there that uses a wheelchair full time? What problems did you encounter?

I was able to find this, an explanation, no pictures though.....

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/resorts/SwanDolphin/rooms.htm

You might ask on the disABILITIES board here on the DIS.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Thought this was interesting information to add to this thread..........

http://www.wdwmagic.com/Walking-Distances.htm

All times and distances were recorded on a pedometer, worn by the same person, walking at an average-to-brisk pace.

Boardwalk Inn Resort entrance to Swan and Dolphin Resort
5 mins - 0.2 miles

Epcot International Gateway to Epcot monorail station
15 mins - 0.53 miles

Swan and Dolphin Resort to Disney-MGM Studios entrance
18 mins - 0.83 miles

Swan and Dolphin Resort to Yacht and Beach Club Resort lighthouse area
7 mins - 0.28 miles

Swan and Dolphin Resort to Epcot International Gateway (via Yacht and Beach club)
12.5 mins - 0.52 miles

Swan and Dolphin Resort to Epcot International Gateway (via the Boardwalk)
11.5 mins - 0.49 miles

Yacht and Beach Club Resort to Epcot International Gateway
5.5 mins - 0.24 miles

 

[SingingMom]

Thought this was interesting information to add to this thread..........

http://www.wdwmagic.com/Walking-Distances.htm

That is so neat, Dan! Thanks for including it here!