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

[lotsofboys]

I read on S&D's website that you get 20% off on non-signature dining.

That is correct, we received 20% off using our AAA card at Picabu and the Fountain, both of which were very reasonably priced and huge portions of food. The first day we ate at Picabu my two DS17s ordered nachos and the lady behind the counter said "One for both of you, right?" and they said no they each wanted one, then we got up to pay for it and told the lady our order and said two nachos and she said "oh you mean one order right? two is too much." Of course, being 17 they wouldn't listen and guess what, one would have been plenty for them to share! The hamburgers are gigantic as well, I could barely eat half and that was without eating any of the fries.

 

[Music City Mama]

I read on S&D's website that you get 20% off on non-signature dining.

Where on S/D's website did you find that? I looked everywhere. I totally believe you; just surprised I couldn't find it.

That is correct, we received 20% off using our AAA card at Picabu and the Fountain, both of which were very reasonably priced and huge portions of food. The first day we ate at Picabu my two DS17s ordered nachos and the lady behind the counter said "One for both of you, right?" and they said no they each wanted one, then we got up to pay for it and told the lady our order and said two nachos and she said "oh you mean one order right? two is too much." Of course, being 17 they wouldn't listen and guess what, one would have been plenty for them to share! The hamburgers are gigantic as well, I could barely eat half and that was without eating any of the fries.

Good to know that portions are big. The one thing about the food courts at Disney resorts is that they're cheap. Easily can get a kid's meal for $5.00 or an adult meal for $7-8, but even with Picabu (looking at allears.net) it looks like it would be more like $7-8 to feed a child and $12-13 to feed an adult. So if anything can be shared, that would help the pocketbook -- although, I won't go hungry to save money -- and a 20% discount definitely helps!

Would love to eat at Bluezoo, but probably only if that Bluereef menu is available that lotsofboys posted about.

Ah, and another food question:

How are they with food allergies? Younger ds is allergic to peanuts (and we avoid tree nuts) -- Disney resorts are great (have nut free cookies and brownies in their food courts). And the restaurants in the parks are fabulous -- chef comes out to talk to you.

 

[Zuzu03]

Hi guys! I keep trying to post but it doesn't seem to go through. We're here now and it's been great a bit crowded but not too bad. It hasn't been too hot at all and only a bit of rain. Our longest wait for a ride was 30 minutes for expedition everest and fast passes have been great. We're moving to the poly on Thursday but I'll post when I get back. Heading to garden grove tonight and epcot extra magic hours tonight!

 

[NancyIL]

I was looking at some aerial maps of the epcot resort area and was wondering...how do you walk to espn from the dolphin?

Walk towards the Swan, turn left at the walkway and go over the bridge. Take a right when you get to the entrance of the Boardwalk, and follow it around the lake to ESPN Club - at the far end of the Boardwalk.

 

[SingingMom]

Hi guys! I keep trying to post but it doesn't seem to go through. We're here now and it's been great a bit crowded but not too bad. It hasn't been too hot at all and only a bit of rain. Our longest wait for a ride was 30 minutes for expedition everest and fast passes have been great. We're moving to the poly on Thursday but I'll post when I get back. Heading to garden grove tonight and epcot extra magic hours tonight!

Have fun!!! I had a little problem posting myself when I was down in June - that's why I still need to finish my last few days recap. lol

 

[joanjett1976]

Thanks everyone for the great info. I am having a fantastic time slowly making my way through this thread.

I'm in the booking process for a 6 night stay at either Swan or Dolphin. I'm completely flexible - looking for a 6 night stay anytime between Oct 11 and Nov 23rd. Signed up for SPG. Now time to do some serious math!!!! I'm keeping my fingers crossed on a 129$ rate.

 

[joanjett1976]

oh. and would anyone have a pic of one of the renovated rooms?

 

[SingingMom]

oh. and would anyone have a pic of one of the renovated rooms?

Our room this past June 22-30 at the Dolphin....

 

[joanjett1976]

Thanks SingingMom!!!!!


Basically flat screen, curtains and carpet?

May I ask what type of toiletries are given at the Swan-Dolphin?

 

[SingingMom]

Thanks SingingMom!!!!!


Basically flat screen, curtains and carpet?

May I ask what type of toiletries are given at the Swan-Dolphin?

Exactly. The drapery is very pretty - didn't do it justice in the photo - stripes of greens - I really liked it. The carpeting is nice, too.
Other changes are fridges (which was last year) single cup coffee makers, and the makeup mirror was moved to the sink area, instead of the "pantry" area - which I liked better, because someone could spread out there to get ready too. But that's just me. lol

Toiletries were "Shine" by Bliss - mandarin & mint scent. I left a note for housekeeping to request extra towels and shampoo(my thick hair requires extra both lol) but they didn't leave them, so I called and someone came up with FOUR extra COMPLETE sets of towels (bath, hand, and washclothes) and the cutest little cloth zipper pouch with LOADS of extra toiletries. Terrific service. Love this place!!

 

[WUVmyDISNEY]

I'm in the booking process for a 6 night stay at either Swan or Dolphin. I'm completely flexible - looking for a 6 night stay anytime between Oct 11 and Nov 23rd. Signed up for SPG. Now time to do some serious math!!!! I'm keeping my fingers crossed on a 129$ rate. [/QUOTE]

Joanjett1976...have you looked into the Sunsational savings rate? It is $169 per night(at the Dolphin in December anyway) but you get the 6th night for free. You also get $100 food/bev creidt for your stay. With room/tax/resort fee, minus the food credit I have worked it out to be $152 something per night. I think that is somewhere around 126-127 rate based on a 6 night stay. Only catch is that it is fully pre-paid with a 1 night rm/tax cancellation fee. I do not know if they will charge you that if you book but then have to change the dates.

 

[Dan Murphy]

.......AAA is accepted at Fresh, The Fountain, and Picabu's (which is the quick service/counter service restaurant). You just have to remember to ask - nothing is posted to remind you of the available discount....

Also Garden Grove. TiW accepted at signature restaurants.

 

[SingingMom]

Also Garden Grove. TiW accepted at signature restaurants.

Thanks, Dan, was just thinking of the Dolphin.
...and Cabana Bar & Grill (food only) gives the AAA discount too!

 

[DisneyQueen1320]

I would love to stay at the Dolphin, but I have 3 adults and 2 kids in our party. The website will let me book, it only states 2 beds. Can you request an extra bed? Does anyone have an experience with this?

Thanks

 

[lotsofboys]

I would love to stay at the Dolphin, but I have 3 adults and 2 kids in our party. The website will let me book, it only states 2 beds. Can you request an extra bed? Does anyone have an experience with this?

Thanks

We just stayed at the Dolphin in an Alcove room, those have 2 double beds and a pull out sofa.

 

[DisneyQueen1320]

We just stayed at the Dolphin in an Alcove room, those have 2 double beds and a pull out sofa.

That will work. Do you have to request this room?

 

[BusyMom2Three]

That will work. Do you have to request this room?

I am interested, too. This would eliminate having to pay $25/night for a rollaway and would prob be more comfortable. Is this an upgrade from the standard room?

 

[BusyMom2Three]

Exactly. The drapery is very pretty - didn't do it justice in the photo - stripes of greens - I really liked it. The carpeting is nice, too.
Other changes are fridges (which was last year) single cup coffee makers, and the makeup mirror was moved to the sink area, instead of the "pantry" area - which I liked better, because someone could spread out there to get ready too. But that's just me. lol

Toiletries were "Shine" by Bliss - mandarin & mint scent. I left a note for housekeeping to request extra towels and shampoo(my thick hair requires extra both lol) but they didn't leave them, so I called and someone came up with FOUR extra COMPLETE sets of towels (bath, hand, and washclothes) and the cutest little cloth zipper pouch with LOADS of extra toiletries. Terrific service. Love this place!!

Is this a hotel-wide refurb? I would love to hear that all the Dolphin rooms have new drapes and carpets. My son and I have very bad dust mite allergies, so that would be a huge bonus. I usually bring my anti-allergen spray and use it all over the room (it is chemical-free and de-natures the proteins that cause the allergic reaction). Otherwise, we could end up dealing with asthma issues on our trip.

 

[SingingMom]

Is this a hotel-wide refurb? I would love to hear that all the Dolphin rooms have new drapes and carpets. My son and I have very bad dust mite allergies, so that would be a huge bonus. I usually bring my anti-allergen spray and use it all over the room (it is chemical-free and de-natures the proteins that cause the allergic reaction). Otherwise, we could end up dealing with asthma issues on our trip.

I know they have been in the midst of refurbing - but in a property this size, I'm sure it is an ongoing venture. Last year, our room and the one we booked for my parents both were the "old decor", yet there were many that had been refurbed already.

 

[BusyMom2Three]

I know they have been in the midst of refurbing - but in a property this size, I'm sure it is an ongoing venture. Last year, our room and the one we booked for my parents both were the "old decor", yet there were many that had been refurbed already.

Thanks! We have 7 mos to go, so fingers crossed. I will request a refurb'ed room and see if we can get it.