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

[PrincessSuzanne]

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.

Thank you. Do we need to have the room key activated if we are using resort transportation?

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...

That might make it worth it then, at least for DH so he can get his fill of soda.

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!

Their site will let you check next years rates already. I have been starting to plan our 10th Anniversary next December and I checked the Dolphin and it was giving me a rate of $159/night the week prior to Christmas, including Christmas night. I paid $145/night at Pop last December 25 and 26th. I wanted to stay at the Beach Club, but didn't think we could do it, but with a rate like that at Dolphin, we are still in the same area and can stay the length we want to.

Suzanne

 

[SingingMom]

. I wanted to stay at the Beach Club, but didn't think we could do it, but with a rate like that at Dolphin, we are still in the same area and can stay the length we want to.

Suzanne

I have to say - my sister just stayed at the Beach Club while we were at the Dolphin and we went over to see their room and the resort, and ate at the Cape May Cafe Seafood Buffet. I like the Dolphin much better.
Don't get me wrong, the BC is a pretty resort, but I really liked the offerings at the Dolphin much better. They came over to see the Dolphin, and she felt the same way.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

I have to say - my sister just stayed at the Beach Club while we were at the Dolphin and we went over to see their room and the resort, and ate at the Cape May Cafe Seafood Buffet. I like the Dolphin much better.
Don't get me wrong, the BC is a pretty resort, but I really liked the offerings at the Dolphin much better. They came over to see the Dolphin, and she felt the same way.

I'm glad to hear that. I just don't want to Justify the cost of the Beach Club. We want to do our 10th up right, since we didn't get a honeymoon and I think we can at the Dolphin or even the Swan.

I like that it is between Epcot and DHS, because we spend alot of time between the two anyway.

You know, I usually second guess myself on choosing a resort, but I haven't wanted to change this time.

We are SPG members, does this get us any special priviledges? or discounts other than rooms discounts?

Suzanne

 

[SingingMom]

I'm glad to hear that. I just don't want to Justify the cost of the Beach Club. We want to do our 10th up right, since we didn't get a honeymoon and I think we can at the Dolphin or even the Swan.

I like that it is between Epcot and DHS, because we spend alot of time between the two anyway.

You know, I usually second guess myself on choosing a resort, but I haven't wanted to change this time.

We are SPG members, does this get us any special priviledges? or discounts other than rooms discounts?

Suzanne

SPG members get upgrades when available. There are a number of members here on the thread that can give you more info.

 

[Ramsfan28]

SPG members get upgrades when available. There are a number of members here on the thread that can give you more info.

Since the Dolphin is a Sheraton property and the Swan is a Westin, SPG members get perks at the resorts. I highly reccomend anyone that is planning on staying at the S/D go to SPG.com and join their frequesnt guest program (if they aren't members already).

I have been going to the S/D for 10+ years and always have received a room upgrade of some sort. Depending on your elite level with SPG you can expect at least an upgrade to a preferred floor or view. At my elite level, I have always gotten a suite upgrade and they are wonderful.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

Since the Dolphin is a Sheraton property and the Swan is a Westin, SPG members get perks at the resorts. I highly reccomend anyone that is planning on staying at the S/D go to SPG.com and join their frequesnt guest program (if they aren't members already).

I have been going to the S/D for 10+ years and always have received a room upgrade of some sort. Depending on your elite level with SPG you can expect at least an upgrade to a preferred floor or view. At my elite level, I have always gotten a suite upgrade and they are wonderful.

Are there any other perks besides the room upgrades?

I have been a member for awhile and this is only the second time I have stayed at an SPG property. I had to purchase a few points to get my discount (not a bad exchange either, I spent $17.50 and saved over $600).

Suzanne

 

[Ramsfan28]

Are there any other perks besides the room upgrades?

I have been a member for awhile and this is only the second time I have stayed at an SPG property. I had to purchase a few points to get my discount (not a bad exchange either, I spent $17.50 and saved over $600).

Suzanne

There used to be a club lounge but sadly they closed that a few years back. I don't pay for internet or the resort fee but that might be due to my elite level.

Like most Starwood hotels, they take care of their VIP's/SPG members first when placing guests in rooms.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

There used to be a club lounge but sadly they closed that a few years back. I don't pay for internet or the resort fee but that might be due to my elite level.

Like most Starwood hotels, they take care of their VIP's/SPG members first when placing guests in rooms.

I would love not to pay for that $10 resort fee, because we won't use any of those services and I don't really like having to pay for parking, but oh well.

That is good to know about the room upgrades, we booked a traditional king, one with a view would be nice, but I'm not picky.

Suzanne

 

[ascardino]

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

Enjoy!!!

 

[Mrs_In_Mass]

Good afternoon Dolphin fans! My husband, 2-year-old son, and I are taking our first trip to Disney this October and are staying at the Dolphin.

I need some good advice on the fastest way to get to the Magic Kingdom, and I'm willing to be creative - I'm hoping you all can help.

I've heard that at times it can take up to 45 minutes to get a bus to the MK. This plus the drive is something I don't think our 2-year-old can handle...he gets car sick...and air sick, tho we'll just have to deal with that...sorry JetBlue in advance...

Since we're doing our room all on Starpoints (woohoo!) I'm wondering if it's nuts to take a taxi each day to the Grand Floridian, and then hop on their monorail... I can't imagine it would cost more than $20/day.

Any thoughts on this? Am I nuts? Anyone know exactly how long it takes to go from the Grand Floridian to the MK via the monorail?

With big thanks in advance...

 

[Dan Murphy]

Welcome to the DIS, MIM.

I would say the absolute longest it has ever taken me to get to MK is 30 minutes, if I just missed a bus. I typically am waiting maybe 5 minutes for a bus, then drive time, maybe 15. Enjoy.

 

[TaraPA]

Welcome Mrs In Mass!

I'm not sure where you got the 45 min. time to get to MK from S/D, but it has never taken that long for us using Disney Transportation. As Dan said, the longest it's ever taken us was 25 min. & that was waiting about 5-10 min. for a bus.

If that's unacceptable to you & you don't have a rental car, then yes a taxi is your next best option. You can get dropped at GF as you stated, or at the Ticket & Transportation Center - you can get the monorail to MK at either. Or if you like to walk, you can take a taxi to CR & walk right to the gates of MK from there.

I'm not sure any will be quicker than using Disney transportation though - you still have to walk to the monorail station once dropped off, and you will have to wait for the next monorail if you just missed one.

We have one DS that gets motion sick so I feel your pain. We've used Bonine on each of our WDW trips & he's been just fine. Maybe renting a car would be a better option for you? That way he could sit where he needs to, lay down, recline, etc. in the comfort of your own vehicle.

 

[roydavid7771]

OK, that settles it. Back to the Swan for me! Where are you in NJ fix? I'm in morris county

 

[Chief Stitch]

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


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.

Live from the Swan, The parking gates have not operted properly since my check-in on 7-3. I keep hearing on a daily basis that they are due to be repaired, but the poor attendents have to keep coming out to override the system. Seems like a maintenance problem. I will be here until 7-12 for my DD acting and modeling event so I will post any changes to the system.

Other than that, we usually rent houses on vaca, but because of DD's event we decided stay here in a Deluxe Alcove Rm. to be on time for all events, and the property is fabulous. Service is very good. Accomodations good, and property is everything that has been reported here on the Dis.

I will try to post again, but oiur schedule is pretty hectic, but if you have any questions, I will try to answer them.

 

[SingingMom]

Live from the Swan, The parking gates have not operted properly since my check-in on 7-3. I keep hearing on a daily basis that they are due to be repaired, but the poor attendents have to keep coming out to override the system. Seems like a maintenance problem. I will be here until 7-12 for my DD acting and modeling event so I will post any changes to the system.

Other than that, we usually rent houses on vaca, but because of DD's event we decided stay here in a Deluxe Alcove Rm. to be on time for all events, and the property is fabulous. Service is very good. Accomodations good, and property is everything that has been reported here on the Dis.

I will try to post again, but oiur schedule is pretty hectic, but if you have any questions, I will try to answer them.

Enjoy your stay and good luck to your DD!

 

[Chief Stitch]

Enjoy your stay and good luck to your DD!

Thanks SM Your input on the Boards has proven invaluable. I have read every post about the S&D, and all the information provided by the "regulars" has proven itself many times over. DD is truly having a great time.

 

[Poohlovr]

Chief Stitch-I am glad that you are enjoying the Swan. I also want to wish your daughter well in her competition.

We will be at the Dolphin Friday (plane lands at 11:55 a.m!). Perhaps we'll pass one another.

 

[Mickeyfaniam]

Chief Stitch-I am glad that you are enjoying the Swan. I also want to wish your daughter well in her competition.

We will be at the Dolphin Friday (plane lands at 11:55 a.m!). Perhaps we'll pass one another.

SO Sue, you did change to the Dophin! I didn't know that. Cool
See you in a couple of days

Hope you're having a nice stay JustinS
thats my son

 

[Dan Murphy]

Chief and Justin, have great trips.

And all you cheerleaders, you guys all have a super reunion. Hope the resorts are still standing when you leave. Be gentle there on SSB and his stand.

​

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[SingingMom]

Chief and Justin, have great trips.

And all you cheerleaders, you guys all have a super reunion. Hope the resorts are still standing when you leave. Be gentle there on SSB and his stand.

​

.

No real "lemonade stand" at the boat dock this time on our visit two weeks ago.
I had to go to Epcot for my grey goose....