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

[Dan Murphy]

I was there a couple weeks ago, Pluto and Goofy for breakfast.

 

[crazyfordisney2000]

On a whim, I just booked an Alcove suite at the Dolphin today for May 2011, woohoo!! Now the person that took my reservation told me he could guarantee 2 dble beds instead of 1 king, now when I received my confirmation, it says "beds not confirmed 1K or 2dble requested". I booked because he said I would get the 2 dble beds, anyone have this type of experienc, I really don't want a king. Thanks, Tracey

 

[Disney grandma]

The distance from Epcot was quite a hike compared to BC or BW. The path goes out the Dolphin towards the Swan then thru the BW and across to Epcot. I would take the boat if I did it again.

We had an executive suite and the king room and living area were very roomy. It connected to a standard room and I thought it was very small. One side of the room was a long desk and there wasn't much room between the end of the beds and the desk.

We are Starwood members and I was disappointed in our view. Actually the view was fine, but we had those metal cross bars over our windows - blocking the view.

When we walked to Epcot from Dolphin, we went over the bridge and past the BC area and then to Epcot. We didn't have to walk the entire boardwalk area.
It's been two years so I may be mistaken, but it seems like we went directly from the Dolphin side to Epcot and I think we even took a path behind the Dolphin without going across the bridge. It was a pleasant walk.

 

[lvinay]

On a whim, I just booked an Alcove suite at the Dolphin today for May 2011, woohoo!! Now the person that took my reservation told me he could guarantee 2 dble beds instead of 1 king, now when I received my confirmation, it says "beds not confirmed 1K or 2dble requested". I booked because he said I would get the 2 dble beds, anyone have this type of experienc, I really don't want a king. Thanks, Tracey

Hi Tracey,
We just came back. I reserved and was charged for an alcove room ($194 and then 229/night with teacher discount - there was a rate change during our stay). Anyway, we got 4-042, with a connecting standard room 4-044. I believe 4-042 was actually a studio, not an alcove, as it was like two standard rooms. It was awesome. We had a "kitchen" area with tons of storage, fridge, sink, but no microwave. We had a huge closet, a 42" flat screen tv, a 9 drawer dresser, two chairs and a table, two huge windows, two "double" heavenly beds, a 3 drawer bureau, a standard bathroom with the wash area outside of the toilet/shower area, and then a dressing area with a closet, mirror, and large counter. There was a ton of room, it was very easy to keep everything organized. You could walk up the single flight of stairs (the lobby is on the 3rd floor). The only draw back was the view (of the loading dock/employee parking area), but we did not care about that. We were thrilled with the price and room. We were with two other families (one in the connecting room), so everyone came to our room for breakfast and snacks, etc. We easily fit 14 people in there for breakfast each morning. I don't have enough posts to upload pictures, but could send them to you if you like. Linda

 

[Sun Lover]

Fairyfan,

We will be staying at the Swan starting this weekend. We have stayed at the Dolphon one previous time. This time we chose the Swan based on the fact they had queen beds (the kids are older and much bigger now), the extra sink, and a mini fridge. Can you tell me if the refrigerator was big enough to hold 2 gallons of milk? I have not been able to get a clear answer from anyone at the hotel as to how big it is. We plan on having breakfast in the room most days and want to use the fridge for milk, orange juice, yogurt, etc. Also, did you find it inconvenient to stay at the Swan as far as the use of the grotto pool or going to Picabu? Since it's actually in the Dolphin, is it a hassle to get there from the Swan? How are the prices at Picabu? Do you have any suggestions as to a particular room or area of the hotel we should request for our room? I'd appreciate any advice or input. Thanks.

 

[Needafix]

On a whim, I just booked an Alcove suite at the Dolphin today for May 2011, woohoo!! Now the person that took my reservation told me he could guarantee 2 dble beds instead of 1 king, now when I received my confirmation, it says "beds not confirmed 1K or 2dble requested". I booked because he said I would get the 2 dble beds, anyone have this type of experienc, I really don't want a king. Thanks, Tracey

I had a similar situation when they guaranteed me a trundle bed, but on the confirmation it said they couldn't guarantee it. When I called back, they said it was guarantee in their system. Of course, I wanted something that said it in writing, so they said they were able to send me a sep. letter of confirmation - different from their standard letter. I'm sure they could do the same for you.

Fairyfan,

Also, did you find it inconvenient to stay at the Swan as far as the use of the grotto pool or going to Picabu? Since it's actually in the Dolphin, is it a hassle to get there from the Swan? How are the prices at Picabu? Do you have any suggestions as to a particular room or area of the hotel we should request for our room? I'd appreciate any advice or input. Thanks.

In March we stayed at BC and spent at least 1/2 our meals at Picabu's and didn't find it a problem at all walking over to the Dolphin, especially since the walk is so beautiful. Obviously, Swan is even closer, so less walking. We loved the eggs/bacon/hashbrown/toast bfast and thought the price was very reasonable considering it was Disney.

 

[Dan Murphy]

....We just came back.......I don't have enough posts to upload pictures, but could send them to you if you like. Linda

Sounds like a wonderful stay, Linda.

If you have 10 or more posts, you should be able to post pictures. If a problem, let us know.

Fairyfan,

We will be staying at the Swan starting this weekend.........Can you tell me if the refrigerator was big enough to hold 2 gallons of milk? I have not been able to get a clear answer from anyone at the hotel as to how big it is. We plan on having breakfast in the room most days and want to use the fridge for milk, orange juice, yogurt, etc. Also, did you find it inconvenient to stay at the Swan as far as the use of the grotto pool or going to Picabu? Since it's actually in the Dolphin, is it a hassle to get there from the Swan? How are the prices at Picabu? Do you have any suggestions as to a particular room or area of the hotel we should request for our room? I'd appreciate any advice or input. Thanks.

As to the fridge, I would suggest quarts at the largest. And not many at one time, maybe 2 or 3. It is not very large. The pool is about the same walking distance from either resort, since it is at one end between the two. Picabu might be a bit longer walk, but actually, depending on locations within the two resorts, possible a longer walk from within the Dolphin, due to it much larger size. I have never found it a long walk.

Here is the menu and prices...

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

I like the east wing, high up, looking at Epcot, Boardwalk.

For pool/beach, see photo below. The white area on the right is pool/beach area........

 

[tuckerkeys]

hello there everyone!

I'll be staying at the Swan for the 1st time ever in less than 2 weeks! We're so excited to try it out as we've always wanted to but never did! I think we're going to have a great visit!

I know I read somewhere on this thread how to manually override the AC in the rooms. Can someone either direct me to where it was, or please repost how to do it? We are polar bears and like our room cold cold cold!!!
Thanks!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Hold the 'Display' button down and while holding down, push the 'on/off' button and then the 'up' button. That will put it on manual operation for 3 days. You can check if it worked since if in auto mode, temp can only be set down to 65, if manual, can go to 60.

Just make sure to set AC higher when you leave so as to not waste energy while out all day. It does cool down quickly when lowered.

 

[Poohlovr]

Here ya' go-courtesy of Dan Murphy--

Hold the 'Display' button down and while holding it down, push the 'on/off' button and then the 'up' button. That will put it on manual operation for 3 days. You can check if it worked since if in auto mode, temp can only be set down to 65, if manual, can go to 60.

 

[Poohlovr]

Hmmm.... Sorry-double post.

 

[crazyfordisney2000]

I had a similar situation when they guaranteed me a trundle bed, but on the confirmation it said they couldn't guarantee it. When I called back, they said it was guarantee in their system. Of course, I wanted something that said it in writing, so they said they were able to send me a sep. letter of confirmation - different from their standard letter. I'm sure they could do the same for you.

Oh, thanks, I will ty that.

Hi Tracey,
We just came back. I reserved and was charged for an alcove room ($194 and then 229/night with teacher discount - there was a rate change during our stay). Anyway, we got 4-042, with a connecting standard room 4-044. I believe 4-042 was actually a studio, not an alcove, as it was like two standard rooms. It was awesome. We had a "kitchen" area with tons of storage, fridge, sink, but no microwave. We had a huge closet, a 42" flat screen tv, a 9 drawer dresser, two chairs and a table, two huge windows, two "double" heavenly beds, a 3 drawer bureau, a standard bathroom with the wash area outside of the toilet/shower area, and then a dressing area with a closet, mirror, and large counter. There was a ton of room, it was very easy to keep everything organized. You could walk up the single flight of stairs (the lobby is on the 3rd floor). The only draw back was the view (of the loading dock/employee parking area), but we did not care about that. We were thrilled with the price and room. We were with two other families (one in the connecting room), so everyone came to our room for breakfast and snacks, etc. We easily fit 14 people in there for breakfast each morning. I don't have enough posts to upload pictures, but could send them to you if you like. Linda

Ohhhh, that sounds AWESOME!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

We are both on the same wave length, Sue.

 

[SingingMom]

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.

I really have to say the Dolphin, because of the proximity to the Grotto Pool area, and more food choices. But, again, I'm partial.

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

We have been told you may swim as late as you like, but "at your own risk". And, of course, that you are mindful of sleeping guests.

I was there a couple weeks ago, Pluto and Goofy for breakfast.

Ok, Dan... I had a silly visual of you eating Pluto and Goofy for breakfast.... was that with syrup or those wonderful homemade jams?!

We are both on the same wave length, Sue.

I need it COLD to sleep - so I take your instructions with me every time I go!!!

 

[Poohlovr]

We are both on the same wave length, Sue.

You know what they say about great minds....

 

[SondraC]

Thanks for all the replies! We are now trying to book, (Dolphin) and no king rooms are available.
There are doubles for almost every room type, but no kings. Are there only a small amount of king rooms?
BTW, it is the same at Swan too. Also, we are spoiled by our king bed,, and wouldn't want 2 queens.

Thanks!

 

[Needafix]

Thanks for all the replies! We are now trying to book, (Dolphin) and no king rooms are available.
There are doubles for almost every room type, but no kings. Are there only a small amount of king rooms?
BTW, it is the same at Swan too. Also, we are spoiled by our king bed,, and wouldn't want 2 queens.

Thanks!

I'm guessing they have a bunch of them on hold for a convention b/c most people going to a convention would prefer king beds. Just a guess. If that's the case, I'm also guessing they will open them up as it gets closer to your dates. This happens often at S/D. Because they host so many conventions, they have to block off a certain number of rooms for that group until they can narrow down exactly how many rooms they will actually need. I would definitely try again in a couple days.

 

[NancyIL]

Thanks for all the replies! We are now trying to book, (Dolphin) and no king rooms are available.
There are doubles for almost every room type, but no kings. Are there only a small amount of king rooms?
BTW, it is the same at Swan too. Also, we are spoiled by our king bed,, and wouldn't want 2 queens.

Thanks!

Um - where are your kids going to sleep if you get a king room? Don't tell me they have to share the sofabed!

 

[SondraC]

Um - where are your kids going to sleep if you get a king room? Don't tell me they have to share the sofabed!

Oh no, we always do 2 rooms. A king for us, & doubles/queens for them. It doesn't matter if it is a hotel or even a cruise cabin, always 2.

 

[NancyIL]

Oh no, we always do 2 rooms. A king for us, & doubles/queens for them. It doesn't matter if it is a hotel or even a cruise cabin, always 2.

Whew! Your kids are lucky. For my family of 5, my son was often "floor boy"!