The **New** Swan and Dolphin Resort thread ~ April 2012 ~ Please read post #1

[baler31]

The Swan/Dolphin win on location, location, location - plus the heavenly beds!

 

[SCPP]

The only other points rate that I know of is 20,000 pts/night for a suite. I don't know which kind of suite that is for, though. Perhaps someone else has better information? If it is for an alcove room, I don't think it makes sense in terms of points value, since I don't think those rooms are twice the size of a standard. We are currently booked in the resort view with points, but I would love to upgrade to a fireworks view, even if it means paying some amount per night in cash. By the way, keep in mind that if you pay for 4 nights with points, the 5th should be free (so 40,000 points for 5 nights in a standard room).

SPG also offers a 11K point rate for a preferred room. I was told that the room would be a preferred view higher level etc. Based on status within Starwood (Plat. Gold Etc) it could be a suite.

A 20K suite reward is a 1 bedroom with the living area attached to it.

We booked a suite for 10 days back in June and as SPG Platinum (122 nights this year already) we were upgraded to an EPCOT view over the Boardwalk to a suite that had 2 bedroom, one bedroom with 2 queens and one bedroom with 1 king. It was a very nice upgrade and an amazing room.

10K = Room
11K = Preferred room (alcove or view or higher floor)
20K = 1 BR suite

5 nights for the price of 4 at all SPG properties.

As always upgrades will depend on availability and your status within the Starwood Program and these days, how much pull your Platinum Concierge has with a property.

 

[SCPP]

Thank you, Lexi. I have been dealing with Starwood, since I originally made the reservation through my Starwood account. They are saying that the money has to be refunded through the resort. When I spoke with the billing department, they tell me that this reservation is non-refundable. I have all of the emails confirming and cancelling my reservation, with the cancellation terms and amounts on them, that I have forwarded to this person in billing, with a request for confirmation that they have received it and a response on how this issue is being handled. I have yet to receive any communication from this individual or The Swan. I'd be happy with any communication at this point, even communication disputing my claim, so I would know how to proceed.

I just sent an email to the individual in billing that I was dealing with and copied Mr. Scott on it. Wish me luck!

Dispute the entire amount with your credit card company. Attach the emails and write a short succinct message.

Hotels hate dealing with credit card disputes because it cost them time and money.

If I hate anything about SPG it is dealing with cancellations, credit holds and refunds. They are notorious slow.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I just received confirmation from Mr. Scott that this is being refunded. Thanks for the advice. I really do love the Swan and Dolphin, and am pleased that I received a response. I'm happy that I will be able to do business with them in the future. They are refunding my money.

Good to hear, Lzylitnin.

 

[olive]

SPG also offers a 11K point rate for a preferred room. I was told that the room would be a preferred view higher level etc. Based on status within Starwood (Plat. Gold Etc) it could be a suite.

A 20K suite reward is a 1 bedroom with the living area attached to it.

We booked a suite for 10 days back in June and as SPG Platinum (122 nights this year already) we were upgraded to an EPCOT view over the Boardwalk to a suite that had 2 bedroom, one bedroom with 2 queens and one bedroom with 1 king. It was a very nice upgrade and an amazing room.

10K = Room
11K = Preferred room (alcove or view or higher floor)
20K = 1 BR suite

5 nights for the price of 4 at all SPG properties.

As always upgrades will depend on availability and your status within the Starwood Program and these days, how much pull your Platinum Concierge has with a property.

Not the OP, but this is super helpful! When I booked our 11k/night rate, I was told it would be for a resort view with balcony. We actually would have preferred not to have a balcony but were told that category is not available on points. I figured we would just ask at check in. We'll consider the 20K option if there is an entirely separate bedroom. We will be traveling with a 5 year old and a baby, and separate spaces might be very handy in that situation! I assume there is no way to guarantee which of the 11K options you get when you book that?

 

[catiesmom]

newbie here so go easy on me please

We just booked 2 rooms at the Swan on points for April 2013. We're taking our 3 kids (4, 2 & 1) for 7 days/nights. In-laws will have a 3rd room there - paying cash. DH will have platinum status within a 3 months so hoping for an upgrade

I've read a good bit on this thread and many other places but I'm still confused on tickets and dining reservations since we aren't doing a package deal. I would be so appreciative if anyone has any insight! This is our first Disney trip. We are so excited!!!!!!!!

I can book ADRs 180+10 days out, right? Since I've used points and the Swan is not a Disney property, is there anything I need to do in advance to make sure that making my ADRs goes smoothly when I call in?

Also are any of the Disney dining plans an option for us? I mean, are we even allowed to purchase it since we didn't book through Disney? I don't think we're going that route but want to weigh all our options.

Also my son will turn 3 right in the middle of our trip. I'm getting tix from undercovertourist. Do I need to get him a 3 day pass for the time after his birthday? DH says no but I feel that is dishonest

Thanks!

 

[kandb]

You cannot get the disney dining plan when staying at the swan/dolphin. Starwood offers some kind of dining plan but you have to eat at the swan/dolphin restaurants, and to me that would be inconvenient since we are at the parks at dinner time. I don't believe you can book 180 + 10 when you book ADR's. When you book adr's when staying onsite (disney owned hotels), they give you a confirmation number that you have to put in in order to get the 180 + 10. I might be wrong with this. As far as your son needing a ticket, your husband is absolutely right, no need to buy him any ticket for your vacation. We have always stayed onsite at disney resorts, but this Sept we are trying the dolphin and we are super excited. I have to admit, I am going to miss the ddp, but I have made some nice adr's, so I am sure it will be fine. Have fun. Hopefully, you booked your parents room, because on a 2nd room, they give a really good discount. We booked a room for my mother and her's is only $119/night.

 

[Flews]

newbie here so go easy on me please

We just booked 2 rooms at the Swan on points for April 2013. We're taking our 3 kids (4, 2 & 1) for 7 days/nights. In-laws will have a 3rd room there - paying cash. DH will have platinum status within a 3 months so hoping for an upgrade

I've read a good bit on this thread and many other places but I'm still confused on tickets and dining reservations since we aren't doing a package deal. I would be so appreciative if anyone has any insight! This is our first Disney trip. We are so excited!!!!!!!!

I can book ADRs 180+10 days out, right? Since I've used points and the Swan is not a Disney property, is there anything I need to do in advance to make sure that making my ADRs goes smoothly when I call in?

Also are any of the Disney dining plans an option for us? I mean, are we even allowed to purchase it since we didn't book through Disney? I don't think we're going that route but want to weigh all our options.

Also my son will turn 3 right in the middle of our trip. I'm getting tix from undercovertourist. Do I need to get him a 3 day pass for the time after his birthday? DH says no but I feel that is dishonest

Thanks!

There are so many handy and diverse eating options at the S/D, right beside the property (the boardwalk, YC, etc..), and even Epcot/DS themselves, we wouldn't even consider buying a dining plan. There's also a store on the boardwalk to buy milk, cereal, bread, cold cuts, etc... for light meals and snacks. Remember, re: your husband's SPG status, all S/D meal charges to the room count as points.

I suggest your husband call Platinum concierge when he hits Platinum. Ask the PC to call the property to 1} note on the reservation he is now Platinum and elegible for all Platinum benefits; 2} let them know about the birthday (they will send up a cake and balloons, or something like that; 3} ask - in light of the multiple room bookings - whether they could consider connecting a parlor to the rooms if a suite upgrade is available. That will get you an extra bathroom, an extra fridge with a wetbar, and tons more room. It's not guaranteed or any thing, but it never hurts to ask.

April is a great time at the D/S; we are there every April as well for our young twins' birthdays.

Cheers,

 

[tjmw2727]

Been a while since I was at the Dolphin so I wanted to confirm that there is still a coffee maker in the room and if so what type? (4 cup, Keruig, pod etc)

Thanks !!

 

[PaDisneyCouple]

Just reading up on the Swan over on All Ears. It says there that there is an airline boarding pass kiosk at Swan. Does anyone know if Southwest is an airline that you can print boarding passes for there?

Still thinking of Swan this fall, as it is currently looking a lot cheaper there than the WDW resorts we'd consider.

Thanks

 

[TaraPA]

I can book ADRs 180+10 days out, right?
Also are any of the Disney dining plans an option for us?

You will not be able to book ADRs for 180 + 10 at S/D unless that's changed since the last time I did it. You will have to call at 180 days out for each day of the trip to book them. You cannot get the DDP when staying at S/D.

Been a while since I was at the Dolphin so I wanted to confirm that there is still a coffee maker in the room and if so what type? (4 cup, Keruig, pod etc)

As of March it was still the single serve machine - not Keurig, but something similar with pods. It was not the Cuisinart single cup machine found in the Disney resorts either.

Just reading up on the Swan over on All Ears. It says there that there is an airline boarding pass kiosk at Swan. Does anyone know if Southwest is an airline that you can print boarding passes for there?

It's an airline kiosk that connects you to the internet where you can log into your airline's website to print boarding passes. It's not specific to any airlines, as long as you can get to the Southwest website & they allow you to pre-print boarding passes, you can do it. The same kiosk is also at The Dolphin.

 

[Swan4Me]

Just checking this thread....how I wish i had a WDW/Swan trip coming up-
LOVE LOVE LOVE the swan!!

 

[tjmw2727]

Thanks TaraPA ! I will bring my pods.....

 

[Mouseteacher]

Just got back from 6 days at the Swan. It was terrific! The resort recognized our anniversary with champagne and chocolate dipped strawberries waiting for us upon arrival in our room. Two days later we came back from the parks and a bottle of wine and cheese and crackers were left for us wishing us a Happy Anniversary again.

We reserved a Deluxe Alcove room with balcony and were granted our request for our favorite section - east wing (7th floor). We overlooked the walkway to the Dolphin facing the lap pool and the boat dock. The 7th floor is the highest floor in this wing and we had the very end room.

We found the resort to be busy but it is summer. We anticipate this. There was a large convention called KIPP but they were mostly at the Dolphin. During the day, you rarely saw the conventioneers. Pool was terrific - we used it every afternoon. We use the Swan lap pool most times.

We had dinner at Shula's and Il Mulino. Il Mulino is our favorite - we all agreed. The food was outstanding. The service perfect. We had breakfast at Fresh on our last day. We, also, had lunch at the Fountain and at the Cabana Bar. BTW, we are all adults - DSs and DD-in-law and........... of course DH and me

The weather was so different than our other summer trips. It was somewhat not as humid as usual. Temps were in the high 80s and a breeze was happening on all our days. Of course, if you were in the direct sun, it was hot.

The parks were equally as busy but utilizing EMH in the morning and FP, works for us. Of course, we are veteran Disney goers, who have a routine down pat.

The only disappointing part of our trip was...............................................
coming home!

Any questions -- ask away and I'll try to answer.

 

[NancyIL]

Just got back from 6 days at the Swan. It was terrific! The resort recognized our anniversary with champagne and chocolate dipped strawberries waiting for us upon arrival in our room. Two days later we came back from the parks and a bottle of wine and cheese and crackers were left for us wishing us a Happy Anniversary again.

We reserved a Deluxe Alcove room with balcony and were granted our request for our favorite section - east wing (7th floor). We overlooked the walkway to the Dolphin facing the lap pool and the boat dock. The 7th floor is the highest floor in this wing and we had the very end room.

We found the resort to be busy but it is summer. We anticipate this. There was a large convention called KIPP but they were mostly at the Dolphin. During the day, you rarely saw the conventioneers. Pool was terrific - we used it every afternoon. We use the Swan lap pool most times.

We had dinner at Shula's and Il Mulino. Il Mulino is our favorite - we all agreed. The food was outstanding. The service perfect. We had breakfast at Fresh on our last day. We, also, had lunch at the Fountain and at the Cabana Bar. BTW, we are all adults - DSs and DD-in-law and........... of course DH and me

The weather was so different than our other summer trips. It was somewhat not as humid as usual. Temps were in the high 80s and a breeze was happening on all our days. Of course, if you were in the direct sun, it was hot.

The parks were equally as busy but utilizing EMH in the morning and FP, works for us. Of course, we are veteran Disney goers, who have a routine down pat.

The only disappointing part of our trip was...............................................
coming home!

Any questions -- ask away and I'll try to answer.

Welcome back! I'm glad you had a wonderful anniversary trip, and also got a break in the weather! I was there from the 25th-30th, and it was in the mid-90s every day and pretty humid. I spent most of my time at Epcot, and the park didn't seem very crowded. Maybe everyone was staying inside air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. I survived by ducking into stores/movies/bathrooms every now and then.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Welcome back! I'm glad you had a wonderful anniversary trip, and also got a break in the weather! I was there from the 25th-30th, and it was in the mid-90s every day and pretty humid. I spent most of my time at Epcot, and the park didn't seem very crowded. Maybe everyone was staying inside air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. I survived by ducking into stores/movies/bathrooms every now and then.

Nancy, the weather was quite a surprise. It ranged from 88 / 90 / 91 but the breeze every day made it feel cooler. DH and I sat many times in the parks waiting for our DSs to do thrill rides and sitting in the shade was quite comfortable.

The night we went to see Wishes, we left the Swan at 9:15 and the temp was 77 degrees. It has just finished raining - a short downpour at about 8:30 pm.

MK was extremely crowded. It may have been because of the EMH morning. Epcot, AK and HS were somewhat more manageable.

 

[NancyIL]

Nancy, the weather was quite a surprise. It ranged from 88 / 90 / 91 but the breeze every day made it feel cooler. DH and I sat many times in the parks waiting for our DSs to do thrill rides and sitting in the shade was quite comfortable.

The night we went to see Wishes, we left the Swan at 9:15 and the temp was 77 degrees. It has just finished raining - a short downpour at about 8:30 pm.

MK was extremely crowded. It may have been because of the EMH morning. Epcot, AK and HS were somewhat more manageable.

The MK is always crowded! We did the Wishes Dessert Party our first park night, and returned the next night for evening EMH. (Loved the dessert party, and would do that again!) We found the Studios to be pretty quiet on a Thursday morning, and my son had no problem riding Expedition Everest several times in a row. (My daughter and I didn't go to AK.) Other than a few sprinkles late at night - we had no rain.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Welcome back, Karen and Nancy. Sounds like good trips.

 

[NancyIL]

Welcome back, Karen and Nancy. Sounds like good trips.

Thanks, Dan!

 

[goofeygirl]

I always stay at the Dolphin when I am in Disney...which is about two times a year. I have never stayed at the Swan though. I guess you get comfortable with one and stick with it.

I love everything about it. You are not so far out of the way and can walk around the boardwalk and to Epcot center. I love the other hotels but feel you get more bang for your buck at these hotels.