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View Full Version : I am not stressing about AP rates anymore, I will stay at the Dolphin

DrmWvr1299
11-19-2009, 10:26 PM
I am tired of this game of checking 10 times a day to see if AP discounts for holders come out. It is just as easy for me to stay at the Dolphin rather than a disney resort. The service there is great and the location can't be beat.
KimDis
11-19-2009, 10:44 PM
Just came back from a 4 night stay there - good hotel, great location...
GOLFDISNEY72
11-20-2009, 06:56 AM
just stayed there a few weeks ago and loved it. tried yesterday to book our next stay and the did not have anything available for one of the nights. does it normally fill up like that?
dizfamily4
11-20-2009, 12:37 PM
sooooooooo love the Dolphin, and with a nurses rate there are great deals!!!
snowwhitenyc
11-20-2009, 01:15 PM
My thoughts exactly! Swolphin hotels are great, and I really appreciate that they have year-round discounts for ALL AP holders, teachers, nurses, military available. No waiting like a dog for someone to give you a treat.

Unfortunately they don't have any discounted rooms left for my trip in January, but I still may stay there. I don't think Disney handled AP rates for early 2010 the right way (random pin codes to select passholders during one of the slowest times of year?). Disney already has my ticket money, I'd rather give someone else my hotel business...and I will be sure to let Disney know.
MCourtney
11-21-2009, 08:08 PM
Tried several times to book for NYE at either starting back in August. Gave up and we are now at the Poly. Wasn't sure if it was a website thing, or if they both really booked up that early. But after 2 weeks of trying I gave up. :confused3
airhead
11-22-2009, 05:34 PM
me too I'm happy to say!
BABY_EINSTEIN'S_MOM
11-24-2009, 03:23 PM
Is it the Dolphin or the Swan that is a choice for families of 5?
GOLFDISNEY72
11-24-2009, 07:16 PM
The Dolphin. We have 5 and just stayed there.
goofy4tink
11-25-2009, 09:24 AM
And this is exactly why I always recommend against getting an AP just to get any room discounts. It's a huge pain in the neck to keep checking. And lately, Disney just hasn't been offering discounts for AP holders that are all that terrific. Many more discounts for those booking packages...not room only.
MomtoGKC
11-25-2009, 10:11 AM
Wait - Swolphin offers Disney AP holders discounts? I never knew that!
DisneyLifer87
11-25-2009, 01:37 PM
Does Swolphin utilize the magical express?? And anyone know where I can find the rates for May 2010??
rosiep
11-25-2009, 01:40 PM
Wait - Swolphin offers Disney AP holders discounts? I never knew that!

Neither did I.....

I went to the website to look and found no such discount.
tony67
11-25-2009, 01:43 PM
Does Swolphin utilize the magical express?? And anyone know where I can find the rates for May 2010??
The Dolphin is my personal favorite, but they do not have the ME or access to the DDP.
I can live with out DDP, but will really miss ME.

You can check their website for prices (http://www.swandolphin.com/rates/index.html). Make sure you check the AAA rates and all the special packages.
It can be anywhere from $109-$359 depending on how busy they are.
sdchickie
11-25-2009, 05:59 PM
Are the AP rates similar to the AAA rates? I had no idea that they even had AP rates! I would have loved to have stayed there during the last year. Too bad I'm going on my last Disney trip with my AP this week.
DrmWvr1299
11-25-2009, 06:26 PM
I was thinking about buying into DVC and I wanted to go back this January for the second trip on my AP. Most of my trips have been in January and Feb. so I know what time of year I will be visiting with the DVC. After the way they are dragging their feet I will really have to think hard about buying into it now. I know that sounds like comparing apples to oranges but I was wanting to be treating like a loyal customer.

I have stayed at the Dolphin before and loved the location. The customer service is top-notch and...the Disney bus service was the best picking up from the Swan and Dolphin. The only thing I missed was the "softer disney touches" but hey, for a great price I will get over that :rolleyes:
happymommy
11-27-2009, 07:11 AM
Is it the Dolphin or the Swan that is a choice for families of 5?

You would have to stay at the Dolphin if you want just one room - they have double beds (not queen) but you can get a rollaway. My friend did that when we went for her and her 4 young boys. For a family of 5 including two adults, it would be quite crowded (I couldn't do it) but it can be done.

Or you can book two connecting rooms, at either.

The Swan has queen size beds, but the rooms are smaller. I personally prefer the Swan, but there is little difference between the two.
FINFAN
11-27-2009, 07:54 AM
and the Dolphin is at 122.50 (not including resort fee of 10 + tax each night) including Christmas Eve! We currently have a split stay of CSR/CR at 40% thru those dates, but the Dolphin is cheaper even with the resort fee and parking. We really had our dream stay at CR MK View set in stone, but even with the 40% it is going to be $450 p night for us....vs $150? We have to go withthe Dolphin and not like it is a hardship..we love it there and the location during the Holidays , well anytime...what a perk! This will be our 3rd stay at the Dolphin over Christmas, it is wonderful there.
Tiffany
11-27-2009, 04:32 PM
I am tired of this game of checking 10 times a day to see if AP discounts for holders come out. It is just as easy for me to stay at the Dolphin rather than a disney resort. The service there is great and the location can't be beat.

We will be at the Dolphin from Jan 26th through the 30th. $221 all in taxes and resort fee. Since Disney is not releasing AP rates to all AP holders, I new low IMHO, the S/D offers the best value for your money at the Deluxe level.
DrmWvr1299
11-28-2009, 06:53 PM
We will be at the Dolphin from Jan 26th through the 30th. $221 all in taxes and resort fee. Since Disney is not releasing AP rates to all AP holders, I new low IMHO, the S/D offers the best value for your money at the Deluxe level.

I know discount rates are not guaranteed, but I have to agree with you on this one...I feel Disney has reached an all time low for snubbing passholders. I have stayed at the Dolphin before and love the location and I will stay there again.
Tiffany
11-29-2009, 08:52 AM
I know discount rates are not guaranteed, but I have to agree with you on this one...I feel Disney has reached an all time low for snubbing passholders. I have stayed at the Dolphin before and love the location and I will stay there again.

I hear you. I know that rates are not garenteed but they have never just released rates to some AP holders and not others. We were planning on not renewing our APs when then expire on 02/01/10 due to considering traveling to Alaska in 2011 and not going to Disney at all between July 2010 and Dec 2011 and now this just seals it. We have two trips scheduled for the first six months of 2010 and then will not be back until Jan 2012 at the earliest.
TDC Nala
11-29-2009, 11:32 AM
just stayed there a few weeks ago and loved it. tried yesterday to book our next stay and the did not have anything available for one of the nights. does it normally fill up like that?

Possibly, if there is a convention booked. The Swan/Dolphin often host large conventions. Keep checking, rooms may be released that were reserved for a convention if the convention won't use them all.
brucec32
11-29-2009, 09:08 PM
Just came back from a 4 night stay there - good hotel, great location...


Agreed, If you can catch it on sale it really blows away comparable disney rooms. I've stayed in all but GF and AKL and the Dolphin room was a little more comfortable and well appointed, the restaurant choices better, it has the boardwalk nearby, and it's a good value overall. Paid under $200/night including fees, parking, and taxes last month.

I also wish Disney would be a little more upfront with pricing and not require so much groundwork, but I guess they are trying to maximize the price they get for rooms.