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

[SingingMom]

So, Dan...have you bought your plane ticket for December? I broke down last week and bought one for October for the Food & Wine Festival, as well!

Good for you, Nancy!!! :cool1

We are thinking about "Disney Adventures" trip to London and Paris next June as a graduation present for DD, but I have a feeling I'm going to be booking a SIX-PEAT at the Dolphin, too! I don't know that I can miss a year now!

 

[WVParkfan]

I love the pics on this thread and I really want to stay here, but after reading some reviews from tripadvisor I'm a little worried.

We'll be making our first stay at the Swan in about 2 weeks. I chose it because of the DIS boards. I would not trust the reviews on tripadvisor.

I'm a "Destination Expert" for my hometown on Tripadvisor because I became fed-up with negative, untrue reviews of local restaurants and hotels. I think Tripadvisor does a wonderful service, but there are too many people who post on there who have an "axe to grind."

Again, even though I'm a DE for Tripadvisor, I'm went with the reviews and info I got here on the DIS to make my decision to stay at the Swan. I trust the people who post here!

 

[SingingMom]

We'll be making our first stay at the Swan in about 2 weeks. I chose it because of the DIS boards. I would not trust the reviews on tripadvisor.

I'm a "Destination Expert" for my hometown on Tripadvisor because I became fed-up with negative, untrue reviews of local restaurants and hotels. I think Tripadvisor does a wonderful service, but there are too many people who post on there who have an "axe to grind."

Again, even though I'm a DE for Tripadvisor, I'm went with the reviews and info I got here on the DIS to make my decision to stay at the Swan. I trust the people who post here!

In my own experience, I've found that more people are prone to take the time to express negative comments than to compliment a wonderful experience. That's why I check Tripadvisor on occasions but never use it as my final decision.

We here on the DIS are pretty passionate about what we love and don't love - but if you read what people comment on - you really have to keep your own situation/tastes in mind. For example - the poster that raves over an all you can eat buffet is fine, but it's not what we enjoy, so I know that's not where I want to go.

We love the Swan & Dolphin here - but read through the posts and determine if what WE love is really what you think YOU will love.

 

[NancyIL]

Good for you, Nancy!!! :cool1

We are thinking about "Disney Adventures" trip to London and Paris next June as a graduation present for DD, but I have a feeling I'm going to be booking a SIX-PEAT at the Dolphin, too! I don't know that I can miss a year now!

The DIS Podcast people are planning an ABD trip to London and Paris for fall 2011. I have no doubt that ABD tours are great, but I'm not willing to fork over that much money - especially after having been in both cities for the same amount of time for a LOT less money! I'd choose a Rick Steves' tour of London and/or Paris for half the price.

 

[SingingMom]

The DIS Podcast people are planing an ABD trip to London and Paris for fall 2011. I have no doubt that ABD tours are great, but I'm not willing to fork over that much money - especially after having been in both cities for the same amount of time for a LOT less money! I'd choose a Rick Steves' tour of London and/or Paris for half the price.

Never heard of a "Rick Steve's" tour before - I will look into that.

I have no desire to go to Europe (I know, that is probably shocking to some. LOL) but it is a major wish of DD. DH said he'd take her alone if I don't really want to go, but I can't see them off without me.

That being said, I thought I might be more comfortable with the very structured Disney trip - just a taste to see both cities and see if we really like it and would like to return in a more lesiurely fashion. Also, if I'm going to go - I want to stay in four/five star accomodations- if you are sending me out of country, I have to have comforts of home. (high maintenance/diva tendencies at times )

I guess I better get researching lol

 

[NancyIL]

We'll be making our first stay at the Swan in about 2 weeks. I chose it because of the DIS boards. I would not trust the reviews on tripadvisor.

I'm a "Destination Expert" for my hometown on Tripadvisor because I became fed-up with negative, untrue reviews of local restaurants and hotels. I think Tripadvisor does a wonderful service, but there are too many people who post on there who have an "axe to grind."

Again, even though I'm a DE for Tripadvisor, I'm went with the reviews and info I got here on the DIS to make my decision to stay at the Swan. I trust the people who post here!

I posted a review on Trip Advisor today for the little budget hotel where we stayed in London last month. I take TA reviews with a grain of salt, but if they are uniformly negative - I know to stay away. Conversely, if all are very positive - then I know I've made a good choice. If they're a mixed bag - I'm usually willing to give the hotel a chance - especially if it has a really good rate.

I LOVE the Swan, and I hope you'll love it, too!

 

[SingingMom]

I posted a review on Trip Advisor today for the little budget hotel where we stayed in London last month. I take TA reviews with a grain of salt, but if they are uniformly negative - I know to stay away. Conversely, if all are very positive - then I know I've made a good choice. If they're a mixed bag - I'm usually willing to give the hotel a chance - especially if it has a really good rate.

I LOVE the Swan, and I hope you'll love it, too!

That's how I use TripAdvisor, too, Nancy! When ALL the reviews are negative, you have to wonder.

 

[NancyIL]

Never heard of a "Rick Steve's" tour before - I will look into that.

I have no desire to go to Europe (I know, that is probably shocking to some. LOL) but it is a major wish of DD. DH said he'd take her alone if I don't really want to go, but I can't see them off without me.

That being said, I thought I might be more comfortable with the very structured Disney trip - just a taste to see both cities and see if we really like it and would like to return in a more lesiurely fashion. Also, if I'm going to go - I want to stay in four/five star accomodations- if you are sending me out of country, I have to have comforts of home. (high maintenance/diva tendencies at times )

I guess I better get researching lol

ABD's prices are so high because they DO stay in expensive hotels. Rick Steves' tours do NOT stay in those kinds of hotels, and neither do I - unless I'm using hotel points. I've stayed at the Renaissance Chancery Court in London where the pricier ABD tour groups stay (using Marriott points), and I stayed in an 80 GBP small hotel last month near Victoria Rail Station in a small triple room. I enjoyed the luxury hotel, but the inexpensive hotel met my needs just as well, and it was in a better location. I value my money, and I would rather take two budget vacations for the price of one expensive vacation. The only thing I WON'T do is CAMP!!!

 

[travelngma]

SingingMom, I agree with Nancy. EU tends to be expensive. We have traveled to London many times and have plans to do Paris in the near future. You might try logging onto Cruise Critic for some good tips on hotels, what to do and how to do a trip for a whole lot less than a tour group. The CC folks are like the Dis folks. They keep an eye on the prices and have great tips.

 

[NancyIL]

SingingMom, I agree with Nancy. EU tends to be expensive. We have traveled to London many times and have plans to do Paris in the near future. You might try logging onto Cruise Critic for some good tips on hotels, what to do and how to do a trip for a whole lot less than a tour group. The CC folks are like the Dis folks. They keep an eye on the prices and have great tips.

Agreed! I enjoy trip planning, and have always put together my own land trips. Others don't mind paying someone else for a packaged tour - like ABD and Rick Steves Tours (http://tours.ricksteves.com/tours10/). (I used to think Rick Steves' tours were expensive - until I saw the ABD prices! ) Now that I'm officially a senior citizen (says AARP) - I'm slowing down in my golden years! I'd really like to take one of Rick Steves' tours - especially in Italy. However - I'd have more money for these possible trips if I would refrain from visiting WDW several times a year!

 

[SingingMom]

Agreed! I enjoy trip planning, and have always put together my own land trips. Others don't mind paying someone else for a packaged tour - like ABD and Rick Steves Tours (http://tours.ricksteves.com/tours10/). (I used to think Rick Steves' tours were expensive - until I saw the ABD prices! ) Now that I'm officially a senior citizen (says AARP) - I'm slowing down in my golden years! I'd really like to take one of Rick Steves' tours - especially in Italy. However - I'd have more money for these possible trips if I would refrain from visiting WDW several times a year!

Nancy, I appreciate the link and the ideas - I will start looking into some of them.
But, I have to admit, I am a chicken about going someplace where we do not speak the language, and I have a TERRIBLE stomach, so I am constantly worrying about finding "facilities", etc. That's why I say I want to stay in a luxury hotel - in case I am stuck IN THE ROOM and immediate vicinity (ie: pleasant lobby, etc) - I want to make sure I have nice surroundings.

Unfortunately, I'm not the best "traveler".

 

[NancyIL]

Nancy, I appreciate the link and the ideas - I will start looking into some of them.
But, I have to admit, I am a chicken about going someplace where we do not speak the language, and I have a TERRIBLE stomach, so I am constantly worrying about finding "facilities", etc. That's why I say I want to stay in a luxury hotel - in case I am stuck IN THE ROOM and immediate vicinity (ie: pleasant lobby, etc) - I want to make sure I have nice surroundings.

Unfortunately, I'm not the best "traveler".

You know what works best for you when traveling, and you'll definitely have a nice hotel room and lobby on an ABD tour!

 

[travelngma]

SingingMom, Don't stress the language or the food. We traveled to several parts of UE and you would be suprised at how many people speak english. We never had a language problem. I also have food issues. There are well known US fast food places pretty much everywhere if you get in a pinch. I used the restroom at McDonalds pretty much all over EU. I think I saw a Hard Rock in London also.

I am a luxury girl myself and with a little research found some really nice hotels with discounts. Something you might keep in mind about group tours is that they are normally large groups. We did it once and found that we spent a lot of time waiting for the others in the tour. We like to go on our won pace. What ever you decide you will have a wonderful time.

 

[Zuzu03]

Nancy, I appreciate the link and the ideas - I will start looking into some of them.
But, I have to admit, I am a chicken about going someplace where we do not speak the language, and I have a TERRIBLE stomach, so I am constantly worrying about finding "facilities", etc. That's why I say I want to stay in a luxury hotel - in case I am stuck IN THE ROOM and immediate vicinity (ie: pleasant lobby, etc) - I want to make sure I have nice surroundings.

Unfortunately, I'm not the best "traveler".

You won't have any problems in Paris - I take students and their parents over every two years to France and Spain and they've never had a problem with being understood (even without me around). Believe me, DH doesn't get much further than "merci" and "Bonjour" with a horrible accent and he really doesn't care to know any more, but if you try, almost everyone over there appreciates it! As far as hotels, just be careful because our star rating system is different than theirs and luxury to you may mean something different to them (trust me on this!). You could always stay at Disneyland Paris at the Disneyland Hotel (DH and I did this) because you KNOW what you're getting there! Enjoy it, traveling overseas is so rewarding and your DD will remember it forever!!!

 

[CanadianGuy]

We are way off topic here.

If you wish to chat about other trips, hotels and countries please open a thread on the community board.

This thread is about the Swan and Dolphin.

 

[Lynne M]

Can we get this back on topic, please? Thanks.

 

[paras4ri]

Hello Everyone,
I hope someone can help me out.

I'm torn between the Dolphin and BC. There's a nice rate right now for Dolphin and I would save about $80 to stay there. We would have a party of 5, (3 adults and 2 kids). We would need a rollaway bed, hopefully it's enough room. I did request an alcove room but it wasn't avab.

I love the pics on this thread and I really want to stay here, but after reading some reviews from tripadvisor I'm a little worried.

I know tripadvisor can be misleading, and I trust disboards, everyone normally right on the money w/reviews.

Can someone please tell me this isn't true, and is it worth saving $80 to stay at the Dolphin?

Thanks

Proud veteran of 5 Dolphin stays as well as 2 at the Swan chiming in. We have also stayed at both YC and BC and will choose Dolphin or Swan in a heartbeat. We have used a rollaway at both hotels and have had more than enough room.

 

[cinderella'smommy]

Hello--

I have booked the Swan with Starwood points for 5 nites the first week of April 2011. I want to get an ADR at CRT for my daughter's birthday, and I am wondering if I would be able to book at 180 days + 10. Or, is that not possible b/c it isn't a disney booking?

BTW---I met Rick Steves in Bath, England in 2008; we were hanging out on a street listening to an outdoor concert featuring Meatloaf, when he just walked by. He was as nice as could be; signed by guidebook and posed for a pic with me and my family!

 

[gemmybear83]

Hello--

I have booked the Swan with Starwood points for 5 nites the first week of April 2011. I want to get an ADR at CRT for my daughter's birthday, and I am wondering if I would be able to book at 180 days + 10. Or, is that not possible b/c it isn't a disney booking?

BTW---I met Rick Steves in Bath, England in 2008; we were hanging out on a street listening to an outdoor concert featuring Meatloaf, when he just walked by. He was as nice as could be; signed by guidebook and posed for a pic with me and my family!

I don't think you can, I tried to do this too but could not fuind out a way to do it (if there is one!).

I did manage to get an adr for CRT at 180 days out- hope you can too

 

[DisneyQueen1320]

I'm think I will choose the Dolphin, but I hate to have to ask this question.

Has anyone had any trouble with bedbugs? Someone wrote that they had bedbugs on tripadvisor and I'm a little worried if it's a problem in the Disney area.

Has anyone had problems with them at the Swan/Dolphin or any Disney Resort hotel?