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

[smithmac]

Needafix, thanks again for the information. Looks like it's worth giving Dolphin a try. Can get discount rate of $149.00 a night with Govn discount. Beach Club is $390.00 a night. Are the rooms comparible size wise/decor?

 

[SingingMom]

Thanks for all of your responses. If we book the Dolphin it will save us about $1000.00 for a 4 night stay. Disney isn't offering free dining during the time that we would be going. Our kids are 12, 10 and 7. Sounds like the Dolphin would be worth checking out. The awful room picture that I saw was of the view. The were looking at a construction zone, dumpster. Not very magical at all. I do have AAA do you know how much of a discount you get at the restaurants?

If you are going to save $1000, and you don't have toddlers - GO WITH THE DOLPHIN! The kids will love the Grotto Pool area.

The walk is long to Epcot, but it is doable - except in severe heat.

I don't think you will be disappointed - for the price - you are at a deluxe resort!

 

[TaraPA]

Needafix, thanks so much for your reply. I'm thinking that we should just try the Dolphin for this one trip. Is the Grotto pool big? Did you walk from the Dolphin to Epcot? Do you usually book a standard room? I was looking at one of the pictures of a standard view room that someone got at the Dolphin is it was awful. How are the dining prices at the Dolphin?

LOL, that was my room view. You can always pay for a better view room to guarantee you won't see dumpsters like I did! I was staying 2 nights free on points, 1 paid as standard for that stay. That was the ONLY bad view I've had in 4 stays at Swan/Dolphin.

The AAA discount at Picabu is 20% off.

 

[NancyIL]

If you think the walk from the Swan/Dolphin to Epcot is long, don't try walking to Hollywood Studios! Granted, I usually don't go to WDW during the summer when it's beastly hot outside.

I once had a view of rooftops and AC units from my room at the Swan, but I spend very little time in my room looking out the window. I use the balcony only to check the outside temperature and not for lounging.

The Beach Club's rooms are larger than the Dolphin's, and some BC rooms have day beds to accommodate 5. The decor there is...beach! I prefer the nautical theme of the Yacht Club to that of the Beach Club, but the location of the BC is better. I preferred the Swan/Dolphin's room decor before the most recent renovation, but I love my Heavenly bed - no matter the color of the carpet and drapes!

 

[SondraC]

I asked a day or so ago about rooms opening up, and even though they say they are all booked, I thought about trying Last Minute Travel and voila! They are showing both Swan & Dolphin available!
So now I think I am going to cancel our Beach Club res. and figure about which to pick, Swan or Dolphin??
We have 2 teens 16 & 17 if that makes a difference. I am hopeful that this will all work even with booking with LMT.

 

[Dan Murphy]

TiW card is for the signature restaurants only, 20% off, 18% tip added. AAA is for the non signature restaurants only, 20% off, you decide the tip.

 

[joedadof3]

I booked an executive suite at the Dolphin with the AAA rate of $279 a night ($324 after fees and taxes)for July. I have a family of 5 staying in A 900 square foot room compared to a standard room at YC/BC...The Dolphin hotel is beautiful. Great location, deluxe accomadations...Disney hotels cannot beat these prices...and it is a SHORT walk to Epcot and MGM Studios

 

[maroo]

I asked a day or so ago about rooms opening up, and even though they say they are all booked, I thought about trying Last Minute Travel and voila! They are showing both Swan & Dolphin available!
So now I think I am going to cancel our Beach Club res. and figure about which to pick, Swan or Dolphin??
We have 2 teens 16 & 17 if that makes a difference. I am hopeful that this will all work even with booking with LMT.

We chose the Swan for the Queen beds.

 

[NancyIL]

We chose the Swan for the Queen beds.

The Swan also has a sink both inside and outside the bathroom - which is helpful for families getting ready.

 

[smithmac]

What is a TIW card? Great to know that Dolphin discounts offer AAA discounts. Disney restaurants don't do they?

 

[dizcrazee]

I read on another thread that the swolphin pools close at 9:00 pm. Can this possibly be true? Say it isn't so!

 

[Poohlovr]

The lifeguards go off duty then, but you can still swim in the pool. I think the hot tubs get turned off at the same time and I know the slide in the pool gets blocked off (altho I have watched some industrious kids walk up the slide, then slide back down) but no one has ever run us off or anything while swimming late at night.

 

[Needafix]

I asked a day or so ago about rooms opening up, and even though they say they are all booked, I thought about trying Last Minute Travel and voila! They are showing both Swan & Dolphin available!
So now I think I am going to cancel our Beach Club res. and figure about which to pick, Swan or Dolphin??
We have 2 teens 16 & 17 if that makes a difference. I am hopeful that this will all work even with booking with LMT.

My family with teens prefer Dolphin because the game room and Picabu's is in the building. My kids are eating constantly, so we like having that easy access. Swan is also a bit too quiet for us and we don't notice the difference in bed sizes at all. Either way, S or D, you can't go wrong.

What is a TIW card? Great to know that Dolphin discounts offer AAA discounts. Disney restaurants don't do they?

TIW - is Tables in Wonderland. Only AP holders can get one and they cost $75 just to get the card, so you really have to figure out how much you're going to actually use it. Since I'm taking two trips to Disney this year and eating at CA Grill, Kimono's and a couple other signature restaurants, it will pay for itself, especially since you also get discounts on adult beverages. Disney restaurants do not accept AAA.

 

[dizcrazee]

The lifeguards go off duty then, but you can still swim in the pool. I think the hot tubs get turned off at the same time and I know the slide in the pool gets blocked off (altho I have watched some industrious kids walk up the slide, then slide back down) but no one has ever run us off or anything while swimming late at night.

Thanks so much for the info! This is a great relief. We generally go for a swim in the evening, and head back up into the room around 10:000.

 

[lovingthemouse]

Never thought of swimming at night since we are usually at a park, - thanks, it is a great idea and a relaxing way to end the day!! Less than 2 weeks now, and we are all pumped!

 

[Timestop]

Can I order gluten-free food for room service at the Swan? I'm hoping I can do that for breakfast and save some time in the morning.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I would say it is worth a call.........

http://www.diz-abled.com/Disney-Resources/Articles/Swan-Dolphin-Resorts.htm


407-934-4000

And welcome to the DIS.

And I would say it is, with it available in the restaurants.

 

[Poohlovr]

This is a pretty specific question.You might want to go on the website (www.swandolphin.com) and send a message to the concierge desk and ask.They can find out for you.

 

[Timestop]

Good idea. I just left a message there and the chef will be calling me back.

Edit: Yes, they can accomodate it. Eggs, omelets, salad, yogurt, ham and potatoes can be served gluten free. They can even try other things but it's a little riskier so I won't.

Thanks! I'm getting spoiled by these forums, I should have just called.

 

[buzz1fan]

Anyone been to Garden Grove recently for the character breakfast, and can tell me which characters are there?