Booking the Dolphin a year in advance

[LBYC-19]

This is part 2 to my original thread when I inquired when do DC and AAA discount rates come out-

I called to book the Dolphin for next Easter and was told because none of the rates were released yet, except 25% off (could have been Triple A), that I would have to put most of the rack rate on a credit card (358 with tax, ouch). I understand that if I called the CRO for any other Disney deluxe, this would also be the standard policy until the discount rates are released....but..

When I called a year ago to book for April, 2002 (which we just returned from) the Dolphin acknowledged the Disney Club discount already. I'm a little concerned that they allowed this a year ago, but now I have to wait until it is officially released....probably in the Fall.

I sure hope DC isn't thinking of revamping their 50% off! Does anybody know anything, or am I just being overly anxious? Thanks in advance for your help.
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Joanne

[Jen80370]

Something to think about...

When I first booked my two rooms, it was 15 months out. My deposit was at rack rate. I said ouch at the time, but my then deposit of one night is now worth three nights, and it is less money I have to think about. Just my .02 worth.

Good luck!

[LBYC-19]

You're right, Jen, but I think I'm more worried about the Disney Club not doing the 50% off thing again....

Just got the Amex Starwood, so will start racking up those points now. I think you should give us all a course in this..maybe when you get back? A whole thread devoted to JUST Starwood tips and hints!!

[NancyIL]

The 50% discount for Disney Club members is a Swan/Dolphin initiative and not the Disney Club's doing! It is no more likely to disappear next year than the Entertainment, AP, teacher, or nurse discount. I wouldn't fret about it. :)

[The Pluto People]

LBYC-19: I would also like a thread devoted to the Starwood point plan...:D I am trying to accrue points for a Dolphin stay next year! I think I'm doing ok - I booked a night in Cape Cod at a Sheraton (other night is a free friday) for about $160...this will be worth approx. 1140 points! We are now charging everything on our Starwood AmEX (and paying it off at the end of the month)-I seldom need cash anymore!:D :D :D

[NancyIL]

Remember to book your Starwood reservations online to get 500 bonus points per stay! :D

[DawnCt]

If you don't really need to book a room at the Dolphin a year in advance, I would think twice about it. Discount rates are set by a process called yield management. If they are showing good occupancy for that time, then discounts may not be as good or as available. It seems to me that even during very busy times of the year, when affordable airfare from the northeast was essentially sold out, affordable rooms were available at the Dolphin.

[Jen80370]

That Starwood thread is a great idea! I'll have to get some research done on my trip. This could be fun! :) Thanks for the vote of confidence LBYC-19! Now if I only could get those Cash and Point stays to count towards Free Fridays! :D

One thing to consider is the time of year you want to go. If it is week that fills fast, I'd jump on it.

To get those points jumping up fast, start shopping for other people too. My DS' sons come to me for their concert tickets. I order them in bulk (because they go on sale while they are in school) and all I charge them is the cost of tix plus Ticketmaster's fees. They give me the cash before I do it, and if the show sells out, I return the cash(I usually get them though) I tease them though if I spend more then 10 minutes on the phone trying...then they owe me a pizza dinner. They usually do so anyway. Then my DS has a sleepover (they're 13) and I don't have to cook. The kids chip in towards pizza (that they would've gotten it anyway) and I cover the tip. It's a beautiful symbiotic relationship. The kids' parents love it because I'm always the one the ends up driving to the concerts anyway. There is one festival this summer...I have bought ten tickets for DS" assorted friends. Those Starwood points add up fast, and my DS thinks "I rock." It is a win-win situation.

[LBYC-19]

Nancy,IL you make me feel better already. You'd be terrific for this Starwood thread, too, you seem very knowledgeable about it.

Pluto People: That is a nice Sheraton on the Cape, I think it is fairly new?

Jen: Just enjoy your upcoming vacation, and we'll look forward to that new thread upon your return. You surely are diligent, you'd be very popular in my house.. Forget about DS's loan, we should put his college tuition on this new card (or HIS concert tickets, but at his age, he'd better be responsible for his own charge card..) It's a great idea for the younger kids!

[Bimmy56]

I just made a res. last week (luckily!!) for the teacher rate of $129 for New Years week, so it shouldn't be too long before Easter week begins opening up. If I had made it this week, those same 2 rooms for 6 nights would be another $240. Yikes!