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

[TaraPA]

Great info Dan, thanks for posting. I always wondered which was quicker from S/D to Epcot - BW or going past YC/BC. Now I see they're almost identical! I've always gone the BW route, but when you're just about at Epcot & look back, it almost seems the YC/BC route would be shorter....have to try it next time!

 

[NancyIL]

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

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

If you're at the Swan, you're closer to the Boardwalk and thus the International Gateway than if you're at the Dolphin. If you're in the east wing of the Dolphin and go out a side door, winding your way around the lake - you're closer to the YC/BC route.

My preference is to stay at the Swan and walk to Epcot via the Boardwalk.

 

[NancyIL]

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?

Hi, Mary! You'll LOVE the Swan/Dolphin!

 

[Dan Murphy]

If you're at the Swan, you're closer to the Boardwalk and thus the International Gateway than if you're at the Dolphin. If you're in the east wing of the Dolphin and go out a side door, winding your way around the lake - you're closer to the YC/BC route.

My preference is to stay at the Swan and walk to Epcot via the Boardwalk.

Nancy, the question came up several days ago about exiting the east wing an the Dolphin. It seemed the conclusion was either there was none or no saving in walking as compared to exiting the doors by the large fountain on the S/D walkway. Is there a way to exit there and sort of directly get to the Y&B area? I have no idea as I too stay at the Swan.

 

[sillyjodes]

Hi all, it looks like we are taking an impromptu trip 3-31-10 thru 4-4-10 as I found some great last min air fare and discounted rooms at the dolphin. Just a few questions:
1) Is there a grocery delivery service to the dolphin?
2) Cheapest way to get from the airport to the hotel?
3) Will it be warm enough to swim?
Thanks,
Jodie

 

[Ramsfan28]

Hi all, it looks like we are taking an impromptu trip 3-31-10 thru 4-4-10 as I found some great last min air fare and discounted rooms at the dolphin. Just a few questions:
1) Is there a grocery delivery service to the dolphin?
2) Cheapest way to get from the airport to the hotel?
3) Will it be warm enough to swim?
Thanks,
Jodie

1. Yes, and I have used Garden Grocer.
2. Define cheap - I have the hotel concerige set up transportation to and from the airport usually and the fare is reasonable in my opinion.
3. Yes, it should be plenty warm to swim.

 

[NancyIL]

Nancy, the question came up several days ago about exiting the east wing an the Dolphin. It seemed the conclusion was either there was none or no saving in walking as compared to exiting the doors by the large fountain on the S/D walkway. Is there a way to exit there and sort of directly get to the Y&B area? I have no idea as I too stay at the Swan.

You would have to know your way through the Dolphin to get to a side door, and then wind around the water. There must be a rear exit from the Dolphin's Convention Center that's closer to the Yacht Club - but I don't know where it is. Exiting the Dolphin by the outside fountain is more direct, but it's still farther than if one stayed at the Swan.

 

[NancyIL]

Hi all, it looks like we are taking an impromptu trip 3-31-10 thru 4-4-10 as I found some great last min air fare and discounted rooms at the dolphin. Just a few questions:
1) Is there a grocery delivery service to the dolphin?
2) Cheapest way to get from the airport to the hotel?
3) Will it be warm enough to swim?
Thanks,
Jodie

I can't help with #1 or #3. Depending on how many people are traveling, the cheapest is probably to rent a car from National or Alamo at MCO for drop-off at the Dolphin. I usually go to WDW solo, so I get picked up by friends, rent a car, or take Mears. I have never used a limo service.

I wish I had an impromptu trip this month, but I'll survive until my trip 5 weeks from tomorrow! I hope you'll have a great trip!

 

[sillyjodes]

Thanks! It's quite a surprise that just happened upon us last night! Gonna book now, which is exciting!
Any good pizza delivery or other dinner delivery suggestions, so we are not paying resort prices the whole time?

 

[TaraPA]

Thanks! It's quite a surprise that just happened upon us last night! Gonna book now, which is exciting!
Any good pizza delivery or other dinner delivery suggestions, so we are not paying resort prices the whole time?

I've never had any food delivered to S/D but are you a AAA member? If so you will get a 20% discount on food at some places in S/D - including quick service Picabu which is open 24 hours, and at The Fountain which is burgers, shakes, etc. Both places are reasonably priced, in my opinion (well what's "reasonable" in WDW is higher than what I'd consider "reasonable" here at home!)

You can also walk over to The Boardwalk for cheaper food options. There is a pizza window where I think pizza is about $2.50 - $3.50 a slice, and the "Boardwalk To Go" little shack - we had 2 hot dogs, fries & soda for $10.

 

[jnfr2424]

Hi all, it looks like we are taking an impromptu trip 3-31-10 thru 4-4-10 as I found some great last min air fare and discounted rooms at the dolphin. Just a few questions:
1) Is there a grocery delivery service to the dolphin?
2) Cheapest way to get from the airport to the hotel?
3) Will it be warm enough to swim?
Thanks,
Jodie

1. We have used Garden Grocer in the past
2. We usually rent a car as well but you can also use the Concierge service at the hotel for car service( look on their website and fill out the form) I used this when I gave my family a free room for a night @ the Dolphin in November. the private car for 5 people cost $80 and taxis are $60+ one way
3. The pools are heated we went swimming in November so I am sure it will be more than ok on your travel dates

 

[sillyjodes]

Thanks for tip on pizza at boardwalk. Our 5yo daughter is a rather picky eater, but usually loves pizza.
Just booked rooms (eek the resort fee and taxes add up!) and flight (eek on taxes there too), so all is a go! I'm so excited!
How's the internet service?

 

[kamikazecat]

Hi everyone. I have been reading through the thread and have a question.

We will be staying at the Swan for one night before we move to BLT for two weeks. It is myself, my hubby, and our 4yo son. Is there a special place we should eat or something we should check out around the hotel that we shouldn't miss? I think all the pictures are beautiful and can't wait to see it first hand, even if it is only 1 night.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Thanks for posting the distances Dan! I think I'll take the boat to HS

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Just saw my ticker!!! Although I leave Sunday so I'm not sure why it says 1 day, it should say 2 days - but that is close enough!!!

I'll let y'all know how I like it. Of course, it will be old news to you s/d experts. Thanks for all the info you've given me over the past couple of months - it's been awesome and I'm VERY prepared for my trip. Here's to seeing the mouse real soon

 

[Dan Murphy]

With your son, Garden Grove character meal.

http://www.swandolphinrestaurants.com/gardengrove/index.html


Have a great trip, Tinkerbellie16.

 

[SingingMom]

Thanks for posting the distances Dan! I think I'll take the boat to HS

The boat ride is nice and quick to the Studios - you are much better off!
The walk to Epcot is rather fun, along the Boardwalk, if you have the time and it's not too hot!

Just saw my ticker!!! Although I leave Sunday so I'm not sure why it says 1 day, it should say 2 days - but that is close enough!!!

I'll let y'all know how I like it. Of course, it will be old news to you s/d experts. Thanks for all the info you've given me over the past couple of months - it's been awesome and I'm VERY prepared for my trip. Here's to seeing the mouse real soon

Have a wonderful time and make sure you report back to us. It's never "old news" for us to hear that someone else enjoyed our beloved Swan & Dolphin!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

With your son, Garden Grove character meal.

http://www.swandolphinrestaurants.com/gardengrove/index.html


Have a great trip, Tinkerbellie16.

The boat ride is nice and quick to the Studios - you are much better off!
The walk to Epcot is rather fun, along the Boardwalk, if you have the time and it's not too hot!


Have a wonderful time and make sure you report back to us. It's never "old news" for us to hear that someone else enjoyed our beloved Swan & Dolphin!

Thank you guys!!! I'm so excited but I have to get through my daughter's 6th birthday party tonight. 20 kindergartners at my house in less than 2 hours. I'm crazy

 

[Mouseteacher]

Have a magical trip, Tinkerbellie16!

I hope you love the S/D as much as we veterans do.

 

[lissiesmum]

Just saw my ticker!!! Although I leave Sunday so I'm not sure why it says 1 day, it should say 2 days - but that is close enough!!!

I'll let y'all know how I like it. Of course, it will be old news to you s/d experts. Thanks for all the info you've given me over the past couple of months - it's been awesome and I'm VERY prepared for my trip. Here's to seeing the mouse real soon

My ticker did the same thing for me using Mickeypath my last trip!

Have a great stay and I'll look forward to your reviews...I know we were at the Poly at the same time last year and I'm curious to hear about your stay here! Enjoy, and I hope it warms up for you...it was so cold when we were down there a few weeks back, we only attempted to swim once!