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

[Needafix]

Missed you!

10 weeks for us! Are we there the same time?!

It looks like we'll just be missing you - we'll be there 7/7-7/14, so don't drink all the espresso martini's.

 

[SingingMom]

It looks like we'll just be missing you - we'll be there 7/7-7/14, so don't drink all the espresso martini's.

Oooo... a tough request.... but I will try to control myself...

 

[Dan Murphy]

Heading out soon to an overnight stay in Milwaukee, and early AM flight out tomorrow AM to Miami for a four day business function there. Then on Wednesday, driving from there to Orlando for a seven day stay at the Swan. Looking for some relaxing R&R.

 

[SingingMom]

Heading out soon to an overnight stay in Milwaukee, and early AM flight out tomorrow AM to Miami for a four day business function there. Then on Wednesday, driving from there to Orlando for a seven day stay at the Swan. Looking for some relaxing R&R.

Have a safe trip, Dan! During the 7 days, pop over to the Dolphin's Lobby Bar and make sure they have the espresso machine working for me... they have until June to get that fixed!!!

 

[RachelTori]

I am hopefully going the book the Swan/Dolphin with the points/cash option and was thinking of doing a split stay. I wanted to do 4 nights at the Swan/Dolphin then 4 nights at the Poly. I just realized that I can't book the dining plan on the Poly portion since I will already have my tickets. Would doing the Poly first then "downgrading to the Dolphin not be a good idea?

Also, I read that when you do DVC you can add dining when you check-in. So, can I do the Swan/Dolphin then rent some points for the AKV and add the dining plan at checkin or do I still need to buy a ticket to add the dining plan?

Hopefully I am making some sense and you guys understand my question.

I don't think anyone has answered your question about the DVC points and Dining Plan: Yes, you can get the dining plan (no tickets needed! ) when you book a stay on points (whether they're your own points or rented). The important thing is that you MUST add the Dining Plan to your DVC reservation at least 48 hours before check-in. You don't pay for it until you check in, but you can not get up to the front desk and request they add it to your reservation (they can't). So my suggestion would be that if you are booking with points, add the Dining Plan when the initial reservation is made. (and FWIW, Swan/Dolphin & AKL/AKV is my favorite split stay! )

 

[FINFAN]

Heading out soon to an overnight stay in Milwaukee, and early AM flight out tomorrow AM to Miami for a four day business function there. Then on Wednesday, driving from there to Orlando for a seven day stay at the Swan. Looking for some relaxing R&R.

Hi Dan! Have a great trip...our plans have us arriving first or second week of June ( still trying to decide) 7 days sounds nice, kinda like us! Have a great time and take some more awesome photos as always!( AFTER your R&R )

 

[Zuzu03]

It looks like we'll just be missing you - we'll be there 7/7-7/14, so don't drink all the espresso martini's.

And we'll be there 7/8-7/15 - but you don't have to worry about us drinking up all of the espresso martinis. Not a fan at all! See you in July!!!

 

[jreeves628]

I don't think anyone has answered your question about the DVC points and Dining Plan: Yes, you can get the dining plan (no tickets needed! ) when you book a stay on points (whether they're your own points or rented). The important thing is that you MUST add the Dining Plan to your DVC reservation at least 48 hours before check-in. You don't pay for it until you check in, but you can not get up to the front desk and request they add it to your reservation (they can't). So my suggestion would be that if you are booking with points, add the Dining Plan when the initial reservation is made. (and FWIW, Swan/Dolphin & AKL/AKV is my favorite split stay! )

Thank you so much for the info!

 

[Poohlovr]

Hey Dan-Have a great trip. Say "hi" to the man for me and remind him that the Cheerleaders will be back not long after you leave.

I'm sure he'll be thrilled.

 

[starhitter21]

How is the bus service to/from Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom? Also, about how long are those commutes?

 

[TaraPA]

The Dolphin is the last pick-up for MK - so it's a straight shot there, about 15 min. I forget the order of pick-up to AK, but it's also not long, again about 15 min. ride. We've never had bus problems from The Dolphin, in fact we've had better bus service to/from there than at any Disney Resort.

 

[Zuzu03]

Hey Dan-Have a great trip. Say "hi" to the man for me and remind him that the Cheerleaders will be back not long after you leave.

I'm sure he'll be thrilled.

Uh-oh Poolovr, how many Cheerleaders are we talking?

 

[Poohlovr]

Oh-it's not that kind of cheerleader-lol. You would have had to been on these boards many, many years ago (or go to the Community Board) to understand.

Nothing to worry about.

 

[loveswdw]

Just wanted to share my excitement! We will be staying at the Swan for the first time in June. We had CBR booked (2 nts preferred for $330) and I saw elsewhere on the DIS about using Delta SkyMiles for hotels. We had some miles just sitting around since we haven't flown Delta in years. Well, low and behold, I ended up getting 2 nights at the Swan for miles and cash--a little cash. $13.03!!

So, we are staying 2 nights for $13.03 + taxes, resort fees & parking fees. Less than $75 for 2 nights.

 

[puggymom]

Thanks for the great thread. I usually stay on DVC points but need to save them up for a few trips next year where I am taking family. Started looking for an alternative. I love the whole Epcot resort area (usually stay at BW or BC). I looked at Dolphin and Swan and found what I think is a great rate for September at the Swan ($141). Even with adding the resort and parking fee it's still better than (and IF) an AP rate at one of the other Epcot resorts.

Also, love that you can book a King bed and the restaurants aren't on the dining plan (with free dining possibly during that time, Disney's restaurants just get too crowded and crazy). I will have the TIW card though.

I did sign up for SPG based on this thread. Still debating upgrading to a balcony room, just not sure it's worth it.

Again, thanks for the great thread. Looking forward to a great week at the Swan

 

[NHAnn]

Also, love that you can book a King bed and the restaurants aren't on the dining plan (with free dining possibly during that time, Disney's restaurants just get too crowded and crazy). I will have the TIW card though.

I love the TIW card - but keep in mind it is not valid at the SwanDolphin restaurants. At the Dolphin you can get a discount at some of the eateries- like Pikabu or the Fountain with AAA membership card though.
Enjoy your trip!!

Poohlovr---I need to add a note to my signature: "Not THAT kind of Cheerleader"

 

[Zuzu03]

Oh-it's not that kind of cheerleader-lol. You would have had to been on these boards many, many years ago (or go to the Community Board) to understand.

Nothing to worry about.

My DD reminded me of the time we were at Minnie's house and she went to sit on the couch when about 20 cheerleaders came in and shoved her out of the way. She was about 7 and the time and was so upset! We had instant flashback when we read your post! HAHAH!

 

[Poohlovr]

HI, Ann-

Yes, you are that kind of cheerleader-you have reindeer antlers!

Just an FYI-


"S/D restaurants (including the signature ones ), among other Disney ones, added to TiW discount card program

http://www.wdwmagic.com/Other/Tables...estaurants.htm


- Il Mulino New York
- Garden Grove
- Kimonos
- Shulas Steak House
- Todd English Bluezoo

Blatently stolen from an earlier post by Dan Murphy.


ETA- A more accurate link than the one in Dan's post

http://www.wdwmagic.com/Other/Table...s,-including-Swan-and-Dolphin-restaurants.htm

 

[Mickeyfaniam]

Oh-it's not that kind of cheerleader-lol. You would have had to been on these boards many, many years ago (or go to the Community Board) to understand.

Nothing to worry about.

no not at all. We probably all have AARP memberships or close to it anyway!!

 

[Poohlovr]

no not at all. We probably all have AARP memberships or close to it anyway!!

Speak for yourself, Miss Thang. I do not have an AARP membership.


I got ticked when they sent me a thing in the mail before I was old enough to join. So, when I got old enough, I refused to.