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

[BluEyezNSC]

I'm with Dan on preferring the Swan. I have never used the pools at the S/D, so I don't care if the Grotto pool is farther or the water is cold! The Swan is closer to the Boardwalk as I walk to Epcot, and the buses to the MK and AK stop there first. The Swan has a much better bathroom layout, with a sink inside and outside the bathroom. The Dolphin does have the winning lobby, especially at holiday time. However, I don't sleep in the lobby!

Add me to the list of people who prefer the Swan. We've stayed at both hotels a number of times and my kids and I do notice a difference in the size of the beds. We also prefer the smaller and quieter feel of the Swan, and the closer proximity to the Boardwalk where we usually spend a few evenings during our vacations. Plus, every room we've stayed in at the Swan has always seemed a bit "fresher" or more recently updated than our rooms have been at the Dolphin.

 

[maroo]

Are all of the pools not heated?

If not...which ones are heated?

 

[Poohlovr]

Officially, all of the pools are heated. But, the Grotto pools feels cooler than the others because it loses heat through the waterfall.

The lap pools and spring pool may feel warmer to you.

 

[SingingMom]

The Dolphin does have the winning lobby, especially at holiday time. However, I don't sleep in the lobby!

Me either, Nancy.... I just sip my espresso martinis there...

 

[LovintheLodge]

You all helped me tremendously ...I think we will be staying at one of these hotels! I remember on my last day at the convention I ate at the cabana near the pool and enjoyed the atmosphere...a truly deluxe resort and room. We loved the WL (5 years ago), but are looking to go somewhere else, preferably with a bigger room for the 4 of us, and I really want to stay in that area of Disney.

I also took a little time to go through this thread from the beginning (up to about 40 or so pages) and there is so much good information. My only hesitation now is that we can't get the dining plan. We enjoyed our one sit down meal a day. However we can eat a few meals at the resort and get a AAA discount so that's good! Thanks again!

 

[Poly-Anna]

We returned Monday night after a four day stay for Easter Weekend and had a great time at the Dolphin. We booked a premium studio suite with two double beds and the room was great. The usual size bathroom with an additional sink outside it next to the regular closet and then around the corner an area with another sink, the fridge and counter area that led into a huge walk in closet. The room was huge with a couch, two chairs and 42" TV, everything pictured just like on the website. Our view was okay, it overlooked the main entrance and you could see Everest to the left and MK to the right. Nothing great but it was on the 17th floor so you had a quite a high view. We've stayed previously at the Swan, but I enjoyed being in the same building as all the restaurants and the elevators were super fast. Nothing slow here. Our room was at the end of a hallway, just around the corner from the central elevators and it was so quiet. No other room noise at all.

The weekend's weather was perfect - 83 degrees, sunny, no humidity. Couldn't have asked for better weather. And the parks weren't crowded at all til about noon. I thought we were doomed going Easter weekend, but it was great! We get to the parks for rope drop anyway and MK opened on Saturday at 7 a.m. - we were done everything we wanted to do by noon. There were no lines, we even waited only 5 minutes for Dumbo and that was at 9 a.m.! We didn't need to use FASTPASS even - my DH didn't know what to do! We went back to the hotel and swam and relaxed and then went back for the Wishes Dessert Party and fireworks that night. Awesome! Easter Sunday was the same for Epcot - done everything by 1 p.m. then to ESPN for lunch with no wait.

Best trip to Disney we ever had!

 

[Shock13]

Hello everyone! Making plans for my 2nd trip to WDW and although my family wants to stay @ the YC, I'm leaning towards the Dolphin more because we could get 2 rooms for a cheaper price than 1 room at the YC. My question is in regards to the teacher's rate. Is it just for teachers? I work at a community college but in an administration office. I have an ID and paycheck stub that says the name of the school. Will that work?
Thanks for any info!

 

[Poohlovr]

My understanding is that support personnel are also eligible. I know there are some teachers here who I am sure will be along.

You could call the resort tomorrow and verify.

 

[TaraPA]

Poly-Anna - thanks for the great review! Glad you had a wonderful trip. How was the Wishes Dessert Party? I had tried to book this last year for my Girls Trip but it was sold out. If it's still around for this year's Girls Trip in October I'd like to try & go. Would you do it again?

 

[SingingMom]

You all helped me tremendously ...I think we will be staying at one of these hotels! I remember on my last day at the convention I ate at the cabana near the pool and enjoyed the atmosphere...a truly deluxe resort and room. We loved the WL (5 years ago), but are looking to go somewhere else, preferably with a bigger room for the 4 of us, and I really want to stay in that area of Disney.

I also took a little time to go through this thread from the beginning (up to about 40 or so pages) and there is so much good information. My only hesitation now is that we can't get the dining plan. We enjoyed our one sit down meal a day. However we can eat a few meals at the resort and get a AAA discount so that's good! Thanks again!

You are quite welcome! Let us know if you have any more questions - we aim to please!

 

[SingingMom]

We returned Monday night after a four day stay for Easter Weekend and had a great time at the Dolphin. We booked a premium studio suite with two double beds and the room was great. The usual size bathroom with an additional sink outside it next to the regular closet and then around the corner an area with another sink, the fridge and counter area that led into a huge walk in closet. The room was huge with a couch, two chairs and 42" TV, everything pictured just like on the website. Our view was okay, it overlooked the main entrance and you could see Everest to the left and MK to the right. Nothing great but it was on the 17th floor so you had a quite a high view. We've stayed previously at the Swan, but I enjoyed being in the same building as all the restaurants and the elevators were super fast. Nothing slow here. Our room was at the end of a hallway, just around the corner from the central elevators and it was so quiet. No other room noise at all.

The weekend's weather was perfect - 83 degrees, sunny, no humidity. Couldn't have asked for better weather. And the parks weren't crowded at all til about noon. I thought we were doomed going Easter weekend, but it was great! We get to the parks for rope drop anyway and MK opened on Saturday at 7 a.m. - we were done everything we wanted to do by noon. There were no lines, we even waited only 5 minutes for Dumbo and that was at 9 a.m.! We didn't need to use FASTPASS even - my DH didn't know what to do! We went back to the hotel and swam and relaxed and then went back for the Wishes Dessert Party and fireworks that night. Awesome! Easter Sunday was the same for Epcot - done everything by 1 p.m. then to ESPN for lunch with no wait.

Best trip to Disney we ever had!

Sounds like you had a great time!
Do any of the studio suites have a balcony? I would love the extra room, but I also love to sit on the balcony with a cup of tea in the morning, or with my book while I'm waiting for DH and DD to get ready to go to dinner....

 

[Dan Murphy]

.....My question is in regards to the teacher's rate. Is it just for teachers? I work at a community college but in an administration office. I have an ID and paycheck stub that says the name of the school. Will that work?
Thanks for any info!

My understanding is that support personnel are also eligible....

From the S/D site, see the upper right by the flag.......

http://www.swandolphin.com/offers/

 

[Poohlovr]

Yay! I was right!

 

[Needafix]

Ok, now that I'm finally coming out of my post-Disney blues from March, time to get going on the July trip.

SingingMom - I think it was you, but now I can't find the post. I need to book a shuttle or whatever they're called and I want to see my name being held up by the chauffeur. Can you or anyone remind me of some good/inexpensive car services?

And they BETTER have the espresso machine working in July for my martini upon check-in! I think they need to put a spot on the reservation to have one ready upon arrival.

 

[WVParkfan]

I need to book a shuttle or whatever they're called and I want to see my name being held up by the chauffeur.

The last time that we flew to Orlando, we used Tiffany Towncar Service. They met us at the baggage claim with our name on a sign, took care of our luggage, stopped at a store for us on the way to our resort (you have to request that in advance), and then picked us up and took us back to the airport. No hassles, and quite affordable at around $125 roundtrip for your entire family (up to 7).
http://www.tiffanytowncar.com/

 

[SingingMom]

Ok, now that I'm finally coming out of my post-Disney blues from March, time to get going on the July trip.

SingingMom - I think it was you, but now I can't find the post. I need to book a shuttle or whatever they're called and I want to see my name being held up by the chauffeur. Can you or anyone remind me of some good/inexpensive car services?

And they BETTER have the espresso machine working in July for my martini upon check-in! I think they need to put a spot on the reservation to have one ready upon arrival.

I sent you a PM with the information....

 

[R and C's momma]

Ok, now that I'm finally coming out of my post-Disney blues from March, time to get going on the July trip.

SingingMom - I think it was you, but now I can't find the post. I need to book a shuttle or whatever they're called and I want to see my name being held up by the chauffeur. Can you or anyone remind me of some good/inexpensive car services?

And they BETTER have the espresso machine working in July for my martini upon check-in! I think they need to put a spot on the reservation to have one ready upon arrival.

Not SingingMom (obviously, haha) but I just booked 2 car ressies -- through National -- for a total of $95 and some change. #1) picking up at MCO when we land and dropping @ Dolphin/National and #2) picking UP at National/Dolphin and dropping at MCO. We will have to pay for one night of parking since we get in after the Dolphin location closes (they close at 4 PM) but we will be able to do a grocery stop and it's still cheaper than getting a town car or taxi especially when you include tip to the driver.

I had 2 codes to get this rate (through our Entertainment.com coupon book). They are: CONTRACT ID 5027958 AND COUPON ID NU4453FJL. The Contract ID is for 25% off and the coupon is for a free double upgrade.

Just wanted to pass along the info incase anyone is interested in doing the same. You can price it on their website but when I called I got even better rates (the pick up/drop off same day was only $40.77!).

Cheers!

~R and C's momma

 

[SingingMom]

Not SingingMom (obviously, haha) but I just booked 2 car ressies -- through National -- for a total of $95 and some change. #1) picking up at MCO when we land and dropping @ Dolphin/National and #2) picking UP at National/Dolphin and dropping at MCO. We will have to pay for one night of parking since we get in after the Dolphin location closes (they close at 4 PM) but we will be able to do a grocery stop and it's still cheaper than getting a town car or taxi especially when you include tip to the driver.

I had 2 codes to get this rate (through our Entertainment.com coupon book). They are: CONTRACT ID 5027958 AND COUPON ID NU4453FJL. The coupon is for a free double upgrade from Economy to Standard.

Just wanted to pass along the info incase anyone is interested in doing the same. You can price it on their website but when I called I got even better rates (the pick up/drop off same day was only $40.77!).

Cheers!

~R and C's momma

This IS "SingingMom"...

Do those car rental prices include all the dang taxes, fees, first borns, that they add on?
How easy is it to get the car at MCO? I remember years ago (dating myself) when we had to get that dopey shuttle to some remote spot to get to the Alamo rental location, lugging luggage etc.. I remember being so HOT by the time we were settled.
Since we don't use the car otherwise, I'd just assume be met by my limo friend, holding my name on the piece of paper.

 

[f15robyn]

Since we don't use the car otherwise, I'd just assume be met by my limo friend, holding my name on the piece of paper.

Agreed. We're two adults, no kids. So we get a town car (as opposed to a van or limo) from a company already mentioned. We actually request the same driver every time. Now he doesn't even hold up a sign with our name. He knows us. He just waits at the bottom of the escalator.

This last trip that felt really luxurious, like we had our own personal driver We didn't check any luggage, so coming down the escalator he saw us and waved. We said, "Let's go Sam (yes, that's really his name ), we don't even have to wait for bags." And off we went, to the special parking area for the town cars, opposite of where you walk out to get the rental car buses. LOVELY!!!

 

[SingingMom]

Agreed. We're two adults, no kids. So we get a town car (as opposed to a van or limo) from a company already mentioned. We actually request the same driver every time. Now he doesn't even hold up a sign with our name. He knows us. He just waits at the bottom of the escalator.

This last trip that felt really luxurious, like we had our own personal driver We didn't check any luggage, so coming down the escalator he saw us and waved. We said, "Let's go Sam (yes, that's really his name ), we don't even have to wait for bags." And off we went, to the special parking area for the town cars, opposite of where you walk out to get the rental car buses. LOVELY!!!

Same with us. Miguel is waiting for us as we descend the escalators with a smile and "Welcome back!" It's usually just the three of us, so we have a town car, but this past year we had my parents with us, so we had a stretch limo. That was quite a treat! To the Dolphin, please!!