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

[DiSnEyFrEaK22]

Congratulations, DF!

I have seen a few weddings over the years, in the small courtyard within the Swan. Always beautiful.

Thank you!! Actually, my fiance took me on a surprise site visit in January for my birthday. We had never seen the hotel before booking the wedding. It was beautiful.

 

[lissiesmum]

That will probably work going to AKL. However, if you finish dinner after the Studios have closed, you'll need Plan B! I would take the bus to the MK, if still open, and then a bus to the S/D. Plan C would be to take a taxi!

Thanks for the tip,Nancy! I'll be sure to schedule dinner early enough so we can get back to the HS!

Can you confirm that the friendship boats and busses are around the same area?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Relatively the same area, front side of the park. As you exit the boat area, look to your left, across the concrete expanse that leads to HS, and you will see the bus loading area. The buses are very easy to see as you walk away from the boat area. If you just keep walking in the direction as the sidewalk that exits the boat area, instead of veering right to the park, you will walk right to the bus area.

http://www.bing.com/maps/explore/?org=aj&FORM=Z9LH9#/bz5rl30ogocxl02c

 

[lissiesmum]

Relatively the same area, front side of the park. As you exit the boat area, look to your left, across the concrete expanse that leads to HS, and you will see the bus loading area. The buses are very easy to see as you walk away from the boat area. If you just keep walking in the direction as the sidewalk that exits the boat area, instead of veering right to the park, you will walk right to the bus area.

http://www.bing.com/maps/explore/?org=aj&FORM=Z9LH9#/bz5rl30ogocxl02c

This is great, thanks Dan! We're so excited to stay at the Dolphin!

On a side note, I had asked yesterday about the friendship boats and if they had horns...I researched on you tube and I can confirm that yes they do and they are pretty loud! Music to my ears!

 

[SingingMom]

I have a transportation question for y'all...

We will be going to the AKL for a few dinners, and I'm wondering the best way to get there from the Dolphin? My thought was to take a boat to HS, then the bus from there? How much time would you allow?

I like Nancy's "plan c" - I would strongly consider a taxi.

 

[WUVmyDISNEY]

I can't wait to get married at the resort next month!!!

Congratulations and good luck for a beautiful wedding at the Dolphin!

 

[lissiesmum]

Hi guys, I was wondering how you get into the parks for the EMH? If you don't have a KTTW pass, do you show them your Dolphin room key? Do you buy your park tix before you leave, or when you get there?

Now that I'm in full Dolphin planning mode, could you guys share some of your favorite things to do at the Dolphin...whether it's in the hotel, outside, in the surrounding area, etc. I'd love some great tips. Two adults with a kiddo in tow. Tell me everything

 

[SingingMom]

Hi guys, I was wondering how you get into the parks for the EMH? If you don't have a KTTW pass, do you show them your Dolphin room key? Do you buy your park tix before you leave, or when you get there?

Now that I'm in full Dolphin planning mode, could you guys share some of your favorite things to do at the Dolphin...whether it's in the hotel, outside, in the surrounding area, etc. I'd love some great tips. Two adults with a kiddo in tow. Tell me everything

Make sure you request a room key for each member of your party when you check in at the Dolphin. You will need to show this at each ride during EMH.

Not a secret on this thread, , but MY favorite thing to do at the Dolphin is to enjoy a espresso martini from the Lobby Bar, sit on the "comfy couches" in the middle of the Dolphin's lobby, and people watch!

DH and I enjoy a cocktail and DD usually enjoys a treat from The Fountain ice cream counter.

An afternoon/early evening at the Cabana Bar and Grotto Pool is also a "must do" each visit, as is an evening stroll on the nearby Boardwalk.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! You will love staying at the Dolphin!

 

[lissiesmum]

Make sure you request a room key for each member of your party when you check in at the Dolphin. You will need to show this at each ride during EMH.

Not a secret on this thread, , but MY favorite thing to do at the Dolphin is to enjoy a espresso martini from the Lobby Bar, sit on the "comfy couches" in the middle of the Dolphin's lobby, and people watch!

DH and I enjoy a cocktail and DD usually enjoys a treat from The Fountain ice cream counter.

An afternoon/early evening at the Cabana Bar and Grotto Pool is also a "must do" each visit, as is an evening stroll on the nearby Boardwalk.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! You will love staying at the Dolphin!

Thanks Singingmom! I do remember you talking about those espresso martinis! We'll be sure to check that out, and we also love to people watch! We'll only be spending a few hours in the parks, so I appreciate you sharing things to do and look for...we'll definitely be in the pool a lot, enjoying the view from our room (we finally decided on Epcot view), and spending the evenings at the BW, or making dinner ressies at Epcot. I am so excited! Do you know off hand what kind of games they have at the BW, and how much it costs to play?

 

[SingingMom]

Thanks Singingmom! I do remember you talking about those espresso martinis! We'll be sure to check that out, and we also love to people watch! We'll only be spending a few hours in the parks, so I appreciate you sharing things to do and look for...we'll definitely be in the pool a lot, enjoying the view from our room (we finally decided on Epcot view), and spending the evenings at the BW, or making dinner ressies at Epcot. I am so excited! Do you know off hand what kind of games they have at the BW, and how much it costs to play?

there are only about three games on the Boardwalk - a basketball toss, a smack the frog into the lily pad type thing - and a water gun game. I think that's about it - and they are a few dollars a game if I remember correctly. Not as many games as the famous Wildwood or Seaside boardwalks in NJ!

They have a few "street performers" that appear nightly - lots of fun to watch - magicians, jugglers, etc... It's a nice break from the hectic pace of the parks. Enjoy!!

 

[lissiesmum]

there are only about three games on the Boardwalk - a basketball toss, a smack the frog into the lily pad type thing - and a water gun game. I think that's about it - and they are a few dollars a game if I remember correctly. Not as many games as the famous Wildwood or Seaside boardwalks in NJ!

They have a few "street performers" that appear nightly - lots of fun to watch - magicians, jugglers, etc... It's a nice break from the hectic pace of the parks. Enjoy!!

My DD loves all of those games! Thanks again, I'm sure I'll have a ton of questions as the time gets closer!

 

[Zuzu03]

Does anyone know if there's a new code for restaurant.com? We loved Garden Grove so much that we'd like to go again in December!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Hey everyone! I was really trying to avoid being the stupid newb asking obvious questions that have been answered a hundred times. But I've tried my best to figure it all out on my own and I feel like I'm getting nowhere!!

So here's my deal. I NEVER thought I would consider staying at the Swan or Dolphin but we are looking to go for a long weekend next September for the first weekend of Food and Wine. Since that's the primary reason we are going, we really want to stay in an Epcot resort but not pay BC/YC or Boardwalk prices!

So here are my questions about Swan/Dolphin.

How can I find out what the teacher rates are? I tried looking up rates online and can only get rack rate.

I am sooo torn as which one to choose! Which resort is preferred and why? Are they both pretty much the same walking distance to Epcot?

I am DISNEY in every sense of the word. Will I regret not staying at a "disney" resort?

Thanks in advance!

 

[teacher31]

Niki - I'm a teacher, too. Click on government worker discount. It's the same for us. I am uptight and always call to change it to teacher, but it is the same. Have stayed there 4 times and only once I've been asked for my school ID. I always have it, though!

My question - Can anybody share the code for the recipe club discount? I've deleted those and am unhappy with the discount next July.

Cracks me up so many teachers are already planning their next vacation.

 

[RachelTori]

Nikki,

I do the same; check the Government Employee discount on the site, then I call the toll free # (888-828-8850) and book the teacher rate over the phone. I've always found the Swan/Dolphin CMs so pleasant to deal with!

As to which hotel: Dolphin is the bigger, more lively resort -- the 24-hr restaurant is located there. Swan is much quieter (and since it's a Westin, the rate is usually $20/night more than Dolphin, a Sheraton). Both are great though!

Swan is closer to the Boardwalk; Jelly Rolls is just around the corner!

 

[rpcwjr]

Hey everyone! I was really trying to avoid being the stupid newb asking obvious questions that have been answered a hundred times. But I've tried my best to figure it all out on my own and I feel like I'm getting nowhere!!

So here's my deal. I NEVER thought I would consider staying at the Swan or Dolphin but we are looking to go for a long weekend next September for the first weekend of Food and Wine. Since that's the primary reason we are going, we really want to stay in an Epcot resort but not pay BC/YC or Boardwalk prices!

So here are my questions about Swan/Dolphin.

How can I find out what the teacher rates are? I tried looking up rates online and can only get rack rate.

I am sooo torn as which one to choose! Which resort is preferred and why? Are they both pretty much the same walking distance to Epcot?

I am DISNEY in every sense of the word. Will I regret not staying at a "disney" resort?

Thanks in advance!

You can get the teachers rate right on wdwinfo.com. Go to resorts, choose Swan and Dolphin and you will see a place where you can book. Choose your dates and your rate (teacher) and see what you get!

Either resort is nice. The Swan is smaller and more intimate but I like them both. They are both pretty close to Epcot. Not much farther than BWI.

I am a huge disney fan but I have no problem staying at these resorts. I can tell you from experience the beds at the Swan and Dolphin are WAY more comfortable than the beds at the Disney resorts. I hope this helps.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Does anyone know if there's a new code for restaurant.com? We loved Garden Grove so much that we'd like to go again in December!

Current code, 70% off, is STEAK. If you have signed up on the site, you will get emails all the time with the current codes and % off.

......How can I find out what the teacher rates are? I tried looking up rates online and can only get rack rate.

I am sooo torn as which one to choose! Which resort is preferred and why? Are they both pretty much the same walking distance to Epcot?

I am DISNEY in every sense of the word. Will I regret not staying at a "disney" resort?

Thanks in advance!

Hi Nikki.

Have you tried this?

http://www.mousesavers.com/swandolphin.html#teacher

http://www.mousesavers.com/swandolphin.html#govt

Or here?

http://www.mousesavers.com/swandolphin.html#rates

Sign up here for the recipe club, always has discounts with their emails. Current is http://www.swandolphin.com/offers/recipe/index.html but not for F&WF yet.

Both are about the same walking distance to Epcot, with Swan having a bit of an edge, though not much. Really just the distance between the two.

http://www.bing.com/maps/explore/?org=aj&FORM=Z9LH8#/7rhljotwssc5mntw (If you do not have the 3D set up in Bing, try it, it makes the map reading breathtaking)

http://www.wdwmagic.com/Walking-Distances.htm

If you are DISNEY, you will truly enjoy the resort.

As for which resort, for the two of you, a little more laid back, the Swan. I prefer the Swan, though many prefer the Dolphin.

Just an FYI. I think popcorn is available at the 24 hour restaurant/mini-store, Picabu.

 

[Phlip]

All right, after going blind reading the WHOLE thread--I need a hobby, I know, LOL-decided to book the Dolphin for June 2011. We are 2 families, Me, DH DD14 DS 9 and my friend her DH and DD14. I'm going to book 2 rooms AAA rate of 190.00 per room per night incl. fees and tax for 6 nights. Now, my question is should we get cars or take a car service? If we do rental cars-we will get 2. My family will get a car at some point-we will be going on to another adventure, but my friend will be going home after WDW. My questions (so far)

1)How is the transportation to MK? We won't be doing AK-how's the boat to MGM/Epcot? Will I want to drive to the parks instead?
How does the SPG thing work? I have a membership, but doubt I have any points-
2)I have a delta sky miles card with points-has anyone paid with their room with these?
3)Should I bag the delta am ex and get a starwoods one? How much can I save if I rack up points till June?
4)I have a AAA rate now-seems pretty good to me, but any idea if the rates have gone lower than what I have?

We've stayed all over WDW-Beach Club, CR, WL and Poly-some mod's too. Can't see spending the $$ for it anymore and don't really want to be off site for this trip.

Thanks for all the info on this thread-and I wish I could have one of those espresso martini's you like so much SingingMom!

 

[rie'smom]

All right, after going blind reading the WHOLE thread--I need a hobby, I know, LOL-decided to book the Dolphin for June 2011. We are 2 families, Me, DH DD14 DS 9 and my friend her DH and DD14. I'm going to book 2 rooms AAA rate of 190.00 per room per night incl. fees and tax for 6 nights. Now, my question is should we get cars or take a car service? If we do rental cars-we will get 2. My family will get a car at some point-we will be going on to another adventure, but my friend will be going home after WDW. My questions (so far)

1)How is the transportation to MK? We won't be doing AK-how's the boat to MGM/Epcot? Will I want to drive to the parks instead?
How does the SPG thing work? I have a membership, but doubt I have any points-
2)I have a delta sky miles card with points-has anyone paid with their room with these?
3)Should I bag the delta am ex and get a starwoods one? How much can I save if I rack up points till June?
4)I have a AAA rate now-seems pretty good to me, but any idea if the rates have gone lower than what I have?

We've stayed all over WDW-Beach Club, CR, WL and Poly-some mod's too. Can't see spending the $$ for it anymore and don't really want to be off site for this trip.

Thanks for all the info on this thread-and I wish I could have one of those espresso martini's you like so much SingingMom!

You could get a car service-stretch limo for both of your families to get to the Dolphin.

There's an Alamo rental desk at the Dolphin as well as Alamo/National desk at the Car care Center where you could rent a car. The prices are ususally better if you rent from the CCC. They will come and pick you up at the resort.

We take taxis most of the time to get to the parks if we want to make rope drop or if we have a dining reservation.

The boats are fine but sometimes there's a pretty long line and it's easier and faster to walk to Epcot and DHS.

As far as the Starwoods pts, if you look at the Starwoods site, you'll see the number of pts needed for free rooms or for discounted rooms. There are also blackout dates.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Ramsfan28]

Hi guys, I was wondering how you get into the parks for the EMH? If you don't have a KTTW pass, do you show them your Dolphin room key? Do you buy your park tix before you leave, or when you get there?

Now that I'm in full Dolphin planning mode, could you guys share some of your favorite things to do at the Dolphin...whether it's in the hotel, outside, in the surrounding area, etc. I'd love some great tips. Two adults with a kiddo in tow. Tell me everything

Yes, you would show them your Dolphin room key to take advantage of the EMH.

As far as buying your tickets- that is up to you but there is a ticket desk at the resort so it might be easier to just buy it when you arrive.

So much to do - the pools at the S&D are fun plus you are right there to walk and enjoy the Boardwalk area.

Enjoy!