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

[minniesota]

Where can we expect to be if we book a standard room at the Dolphin? Are there better standard rooms at the Swan? Should we/can we make requests? Thanks!

 

[Needafix]

Posting just so I can see me ticker! Just called the Dolphin to confirm room is completely paid off!!! Boy that feels good!

AND....

.....for the first and probably last time, I am actually looking forward to coming back from Disney. I just got approved to adopt the cutest puppy and I get him the day I return!

 

[disneyxo]

Posting just so I can see me ticker! Just called the Dolphin to confirm room is completely paid off!!! Boy that feels good!

AND....

.....for the first and probably last time, I am actually looking forward to coming back from Disney. I just got approved to adopt the cutest puppy and I get him the day I return!

Congrats on getting a new puppy and wow that worked out very cool to have something like that to look forward to after your trip.

 

[atrumpet16]

Good evening! We are staying at the Dolphin for the first time in October. We are SPG members, although I can't remember our level, it's not the highest though. Anyway, is it possible to see fireworks at Epcot if you don't get an epcot balcony fireworks view? Like could we stand down at the pool or something and see fireworks?

Thanks for the help!

Angie

 

[TaraPA]

I haven't been able to see them from any category other than Epcot Fireworks View, but that doesn't mean there aren't a few rooms here & there that you can't see them from!

You can see them if you take a few steps outside of S/D and head over towards The Boardwalk. We've often sat on the benches on The Boardwalk facing Epcot to watch them.

If you've never seen Illuminations before, you really need to be inside Epcot to appreciate them. Much of the show is not fireworks, but a moving tribute to humanity that you can only see & hear from in the park. If you've seen Illuminations before, then you'll know what to look for from The Boardwalk area!

 

[SingingMom]

Better late than never...

took over and then the 4th of July weekend with company, but I'm back and will finish up our visit at our beloved Dolphin!

Friday evening we strolled over to Il Mulino for an EXCELLENT dinner! Sidenote: I am Italian. I am a pretty good cook. I live in NJ, 45 minutes from Manhattan. All of this equals - I know GOOD Italian food. NO "chains" for me. Ok... back to business...

Il Mulino was GOOD Italian food.

We had a terrific waiter - he guided us as we ordered - made wonderful suggestions. We shared a cold antipasto with FABULOUS fresh parmigiano reggiano. Wish I had more right now!

I had veal parm. that was to die for, DH had chicken fra diavolo with sausage, and DD had pork chop with fresh vinegar peppers. She actually wasn't totally thrilled with her dish - it was good, but not enough vinegar peppers to her liking. (she also knows "Good Italian Food" )

We shared the best tiramsu I have had in ages! Simply fantastic!

Definitely a restaurant to return to! We have one in NYC and one in Atlantic City - we plan on checking them out!

After dinner, we headed to Magic Kingdom and met up with DD's History teacher, his wife and daughter (a schoolmate of DD) and did some attractions in Fantasy Land. Even though it was VERY HOT and the lines were on the long side, we enjoyed their company, so the waits went by quickly.

Back to the Dolphin and those wonderful heavenly beds!

Saturday through Tuesday to come....

 

[SingingMom]

our first night....
one of the reasons I like to stay at the Dolphin...

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

Ok, I have seen posts about refillable mugs at the Dolphin, are they the same mugs as the WDW mugs or are they Dolphin mugs, does it work the same way as the WDW resorts, what are the hours refills are available. We find the WDW mugs aren't really a good value to us, because of the hours refills are available.

Oh, and when and where do we pay for our parking? And How much is it? The girl that I talked to when booking my ressie couldn't seem to find the prices, she gave me about 5 different prices.

Suzanne

 

[SingingMom]

Ok, I have seen posts about refillable mugs at the Dolphin, are they the same mugs as the WDW mugs or are they Dolphin mugs, does it work the same way as the WDW resorts, what are the hours refills are available. We find the WDW mugs aren't really a good value to us, because of the hours refills are available.

Oh, and when and where do we pay for our parking? And How much is it? The girl that I talked to when booking my ressie couldn't seem to find the prices, she gave me about 5 different prices.

Suzanne

mugs are refillable at Picabu 24 hours a day - they look like the slender type that Starbucks carries. I'm pretty sure you can refill at the Cabana Bar, Garden Grill, and Java Bar, too, when they are open, but I do know for a fact you can fill them at Picabu all day and night.

Parking might be $12 a day now? ... not certain...

 

[Dan Murphy]

Parking, $11 plus tax......

http://www.swandolphin.com/feedback/transportation.html

It is added to your bill each day. Tell them at check in that you are parking and your room key will be made to work the parking lot gates.

 

[Music City Mama]

Hi there, I'm new to this thread.

I'm thinking we'd like to stay at S/D next June. We may do a split-stay w/ the other part being at an off-site Hilton timeshare (Parc Soleil), but I may try to get out of that (that's a whole 'nother story, though ).

Anyhow, would love to stay at a monorail resort, but doubt we could afford it (maybe CR if they offered a good general public discount or I was lucky enough to get a PIN, but not counting on it). Anyhow, I think S/D appeals to me the most of anything else for the price.

I see that right now they have some summer specials going on. How likely are they to have those same kinds of specials next summer? If I book before they release those, could I apply them to my existing reservation (like you can with Disney resorts)? I've signed up for their newsletter, but haven't signed up for Starwood membership just yet.

I will be driving so I know that adds another $12/day in parking fees. Do you think I will be able to pull off around $1,500 for a week (including resort fees/taxes/parking)?

Thanks!

 

[Needafix]

Hi there, I'm new to this thread.

I'm thinking we'd like to stay at S/D next June. We may do a split-stay w/ the other part being at an off-site Hilton timeshare (Parc Soleil), but I may try to get out of that (that's a whole 'nother story, though ).

Anyhow, would love to stay at a monorail resort, but doubt we could afford it (maybe CR if they offered a good general public discount or I was lucky enough to get a PIN, but not counting on it). Anyhow, I think S/D appeals to me the most of anything else for the price.

I see that right now they have some summer specials going on. How likely are they to have those same kinds of specials next summer? If I book before they release those, could I apply them to my existing reservation (like you can with Disney resorts)? I've signed up for their newsletter, but haven't signed up for Starwood membership just yet.

I will be driving so I know that adds another $12/day in parking fees. Do you think I will be able to pull off around $1,500 for a week (including resort fees/taxes/parking)?

Thanks!

I'd be surprised if S/D didn't offer similar discounts next summer as to this summer. There always seems to be amazing deals at those resorts. Because I teach, I always have to go during high seasons and I've always been able to get amazing rates (then again, I'm also lucky enough to get teacher discount there). At $1500 for a week, that's $214/night for 7 nights. I think you would have a very good chance of getting a rate around there or less even including everything. And lastly, yes you can book now and readjust your rate if you get a discounted rate closer to your trip.

You just can't beat their prices for such deluxe resorts in prime locations!

 

[Needafix]

our first night....
one of the reasons I like to stay at the Dolphin...

SingingMom - It's nearly time. I expect to be in your exact same spot with the exact same drink around 9pm tomorrow!!!

Congrats on getting a new puppy and wow that worked out very cool to have something like that to look forward to after your trip.

Thanks - I can't believe I have to go puppy supply shopping before I leave tomorrow afternoon.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Have a great trip, Needafix!!!

 

[JustinS]

JUST CHECKED IN!!! couple hours ago, Dolphin for 10 nights!

 

[LexiC123]

JUST CHECKED IN!!! couple hours ago, Dolphin for 10 nights!

So jealous!

Have a great time. And remember...we like details. Lots and lots of details!

 

[Zuzu03]

Hahah, SingingMom - that picture is awesome! Oh and Needafix, I'll be there on Thursday in that same position!!!

 

[Music City Mama]

I'd be surprised if S/D didn't offer similar discounts next summer as to this summer. There always seems to be amazing deals at those resorts. Because I teach, I always have to go during high seasons and I've always been able to get amazing rates (then again, I'm also lucky enough to get teacher discount there). At $1500 for a week, that's $214/night for 7 nights. I think you would have a very good chance of getting a rate around there or less even including everything. And lastly, yes you can book now and readjust your rate if you get a discounted rate closer to your trip.

You just can't beat their prices for such deluxe resorts in prime locations!

Thank you, Needafix, and have a great time on your trip!

 

[SingingMom]

SingingMom - It's nearly time. I expect to be in your exact same spot with the exact same drink around 9pm tomorrow!!!


Thanks - I can't believe I have to go puppy supply shopping before I leave tomorrow afternoon.

have a WONDERFUL time! and raise a glass to me. lol

what kind of puppy?

 

[SingingMom]

JUST CHECKED IN!!! couple hours ago, Dolphin for 10 nights!

Hahah, SingingMom - that picture is awesome! Oh and Needafix, I'll be there on Thursday in that same position!!!

Have wonderful stays!!!