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

[paras4ri]

Originally Posted by anbouk

Say...does anyone know if any of the 'suites' or larger than standard size rooms at the Dolphin contain balconies? All of stays have been on the East side facing Epcot...that is what our preference is, just curious if there exist larger room types there?

We stayed in what was called a Jr. Suite a few years ago and the 2 rooms that made it up did not have a balcony. We were in the west wing and faced the Swan and the Studios.

[Paula13]

Originally Posted by NancyIL

Paula13 - there are a number of places to eat at the Swan/Dolphin, but I would probably go to ESPN Club on the Boardwalk or Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club for a casual lunch or dinner. I have stayed at the Swan and Dolphin quite a few times, but I've never used the pools. I've heard the Grotto pool is great!

Thanks for your help!

[teruterubouzu]

3xthejoy - Thanks for sharing those photos. The suite does look like it has a nice amount of space.

Your three little girls are absolutely adorable!

[madge]

Originally Posted by lovingthemouse

Oh Robin - thank you so much for getting this going again - we would have missed sharing so much information!!!
Now I am hoping that someone can answer my question - as the poster above said- I used 4000 starwood pts and $60. to get our first night at the Dolphin, it's in 2 weeks. My friends have never stayed there and I wondered if I could request a room in the front with a view? Not wanting a balcony or anything fancy, just a Swan view. Hoping one of you have the answer. Thanks.

I'd think that booking a room on cash & points would be the same as booking on points, and I always request (and get )a view when I book on points. I think the S/D takes good care of their SPG peeps.

I just checked, and I can get cash & points for late September/early October. I wonder (but highly doubt) if I can combine that with the free room birthday offer ...

[Paula13]

Can anyone let me know if... disney transportation is provided to go to down town disney. Does the hotel offer refillable mugs like at the other resorts. Do they have a shop/store?

TIA,
Paula

[Mouseteacher]

The Disney bus to DTD stops at the S/D. There are Disney shops in both the Swan and the Dolphin. I believe there are refillable mugs located at what I still call Tubbi's (). Can't get used to the name changes.

[elaine and the boys]

3xthejoy,

When we stayed at the Dolphin Christmas 2005, we had this exact room. It looked out over the rotunda below....no views, but we didn't mind. We had soooo much room, it was great! Do you remember what classification of suite this room was? We were upgraded to this room from a standard room as Starwood members. What was your room number? I'd love to be able to request this room for our 2009 Christmas stay.

Thanks....and how cute are your girls!!!!!!

Elaine

[lovingthemouse]

Hi MT - fancy meeting you over here!!! lol
The Disney shop in the Dolphin is called Daisy's Garden - they have a fairly good selection of clothing, souvenirs, etc...
Thanks Madge for the response. Next week I will find out if my pts/cash combo was able to upgrade us. For those of you who have emailed them requests ahead of time- have they ever responded to your requests?
3xthejoy- your daughters are adorable!!!

[JPGonzales]

This may be a silly question, but can you do the free meal option or this not one of the "Disney" resorts they were talking about?

[Paula13]

Originally Posted by Mouseteacher

The Disney bus to DTD stops at the S/D. There are Disney shops in both the Swan and the Dolphin. I believe there are refillable mugs located at what I still call Tubbi's (). Can't get used to the name changes.

Thanks so much for the info!

[teruterubouzu]

Originally Posted by JPGonzales

This may be a silly question, but can you do the free meal option or this not one of the "Disney" resorts they were talking about?

Unfortunately, you can't do the dining plan at the Swan & Dolphin.

[mamagoose]

Originally Posted by elaine and the boys

3xthejoy,

When we stayed at the Dolphin Christmas 2005, we had this exact room. It looked out over the rotunda below....no views, but we didn't mind. We had soooo much room, it was great! Do you remember what classification of suite this room was? We were upgraded to this room from a standard room as Starwood members.

Elaine

Just curious, did you request the upgrade, or did they see your Starwood membership on your ressie and offer it themselves?? We are staying at the Dolphin in June as Starwood Members, and I always feel awkward asking for things like this, but I will if I have to.

[Mouseteacher]

Mamagoose, I, too felt awkward about asking for upgrades. I had never done it. It never crossed my mind to ask. I thought it wasn't the correct thing to do. Then, 2002 when I came across the S/D thread and planning my first stay there, the wonderful people here encouraged me to "just do it"!

So, I have done "it" for all my S/D stays and they have been wonderful in upgrading each and every stay. I am starwood member and do have the AMEX Starwood card.

SO, my advice to you...."just do it". The worst that can happen is that they might politely decline the request.

[anbouk]

We have stayed at the Dolphin on several trips. We have NEVER asked to be upgraded, never thought to do so as I didn't think it was right. However, since being Starwood Preferred guests, we have always been given a balcony room at check-in , w/o paying for the upgrade. I believe they do it automatically. Wondering if anyone has ever been ugraded to something nicer...perhaps a suite?

[Mouseteacher]

anbouk, on my 2005 stay at the Swan, we were upgraded to a junior suite with balcony. It was an awesome surprise when the CM asked us at check-in if a junior suite upgrade (no charge) was acceptable.

Ummm....sure... it's okay!