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

[mickey2minnie1]

Originally Posted by TaraPA

That's a tough one. While I'm a HUGE S/D fan, I really do love CSR too. The newly renovated rooms at CSR are gorgeous. So you're looking at CSR being about $329 cheaper overall than S/D. Do you need ME? If so, I'd stick with CSR, airport transportation to S/D will really eat into that $329. The advantage for kids your ages would be the location of S/D. Walking distance to Epcot & DHS, as well as all the Boardwalk activities. I also like the Grotto pool area at S/D better than the mail pool at CSR. Hmmm....I'm not helping, am I??

I never notice a difference in size at all between Swan & Dolphin rooms. I honestly don't notice the difference in bed size either (and I'm used to a king at home). Those darn beds are so scrumptiously amazing you lay down & don't care how big the bed is! I sink in & don't move til morning!

If you have laundry to do then definitely Dolphin. You don't want to be schlepping your dirty (or clean) clothing outside from resort to resort. There is only laundry at Dolphin. The nice thing is that the laundry room is right by Picabu and the pool, so you can throw a load in & hang at one of those places while you wait.

Good luck whatever you choose!

Thanks! I do not need ME. Concerned about double beds though.

[NightAngelX]

Originally Posted by SingingMom

The boat to the monorail is doable (we do it at least once a trip ) but it is a long walk from the International Gateway to the front of Epcot, where the monorail is located. It isn't something to do if you have a time constraint, but it is enjoyable. :-). We usually book afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian our first day, so we check into the Dolphin, drop our bags, then take a leisurely trip to the GF via Epcot and the monorail.

All rooms have a mini-fridge. :-)

"SingingMom" ....Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Thanks SingingMom! I know we should really stay somewhere more economical but I am really falling in love with the idea of being so close to Epcot and DHS and theoretically only having to take the bus to AK and DD.

[SingingMom]

Originally Posted by NightAngelX

Thanks SingingMom! I know we should really stay somewhere more economical but I am really falling in love with the idea of being so close to Epcot and DHS and theoretically only having to take the bus to AK and DD.

Keep checking your rates - even after you book. Swan and Dolphin are really surprisingly reasonable especially when you think of the beautiful resort. Good luck!

"SingingMom" ....Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

[patty57]

Originally Posted by SingingMom

Keep checking your rates - even after you book.

Absolutely..I've had two AAA rate drops for my May trip since I booked in November.

[lmminghe]

Originally Posted by RachelTori

Go to this link: http://www.swandolphin.com/ On the right side of the page (you may need to scroll down a bit), you will see "Special Offers". Click on that and it will bring up several discounts, including teacher, nurse, military.

Click on the discount you want and it will take you to a page where you can put in your dates and check the rates! I believe teacher and nurse rates are the same......... and AAA rates have also been the same the past year or 2.

No, you can not stack discounts, but for the location and accommodations - the Swan/Dolphin is a true bargain!

You can call their reservation number 888-828-8850 and the CM will check for any discounts available for your travel dates.

I just went to the S&D wesite and clicked on special offers as advised above and they do not list any teacher or nurse discounts. Is there anywhere else I can look online? I like to do some online checking before I call the 888 number. TIA!

[LexiC123]

Originally Posted by lmminghe

I just went to the S&D wesite and clicked on special offers as advised above and they do not list any teacher or nurse discounts. Is there anywhere else I can look online? I like to do some online checking before I call the 888 number. TIA!

The teacher and nurse discounts are along the right side of the page, but here are the links:

Teacher

Nurse

[Yank]

Introducing SPG Kids Pass!

An all-inclusive dining program for kids and one less thing to worry about for parents. When kids are happy, parents are happy. That’s why we now offer the SPG® Kids Pass. For a flat daily rate of $25, children (ages 12 and younger) of Starwood Preferred Guest® members can enjoy all-inclusive access to a variety of dining options, including children’s menus, buffets (where available) and beverages at Cabana Bar & Beach Club, Todd English’s bluezoo, The Fountain, Picabu buffet, and Fresh Mediterranean Market

Anyone use it? Do you have to buy it for the whole trip or can you pick days?

[RachelTori]

Originally Posted by lmminghe

I just went to the S&D wesite and clicked on special offers as advised above and they do not list any teacher or nurse discounts. Is there anywhere else I can look online? I like to do some online checking before I call the 888 number. TIA!

Originally Posted by LexiC123

The teacher and nurse discounts are along the right side of the page, but here are the links:

Teacher

Nurse

Thanks, Lexi!

Imminghe, the links are on that page, but they are boxes - maybe don't look like something you would click on! But Lexi gave you the direct link so you should be good!

[lovingthemouse]

Right now, the SPG lowest standard rate is $60. less than our teacher rate for mid April. It was $219 plus taxes back in Nov., now it is at $159 plus taxes. I always check all the rates on the SPGdotcom site before calling.

[RachelTori]

Originally Posted by lovingthemouse

Right now, the lowest standard rate is $60. less than our teacher rate for mid April, at $159 plus taxes. I always check all the rates on the SPGdotcom site before calling.

.....and it never hurts to try the discount sites - expedia, travelocity, etc. In the event they have a discounted rate, the CM at the 888# will match it (they will verify it via the web first). Twice in the past couple years I have gotten awesome rates because I found a sale on one of the discount sites!

[Dan Murphy]

Originally Posted by Yank

Introducing SPG Kids Pass!

An all-inclusive dining program for kids and one less thing to worry about for parents. When kids are happy, parents are happy. That’s why we now offer the SPG® Kids Pass. For a flat daily rate of $25, children (ages 12 and younger) of Starwood Preferred Guest® members can enjoy all-inclusive access to a variety of dining options, including children’s menus, buffets (where available) and beverages at Cabana Bar & Beach Club, Todd English’s bluezoo, The Fountain, Picabu buffet, and Fresh Mediterranean Market

Anyone use it? Do you have to buy it for the whole trip or can you pick days?

I don;t know of anyone here using it. You would have to buy all your meals there to make it worthwhile, not a likely happening. And it is whole trip. If on a daily basis, might work.

[Yank]

Originally Posted by Dan Murphy

I don;t know of anyone here using it. You would have to buy all your meals there to make it worthwhile, not a likely happening. And it is whole trip. If on a daily basis, might work.

That's what i was wondering about. If you could do it for a couple days of a trip I thought it mite save some money. Use it for breakfast, Go to Epcot for the day and use it again for dinner.

[visual]

Originally Posted by lovingthemouse

Right now, the SPG lowest standard rate is $60. less than our teacher rate for mid April. It was $219 plus taxes back in Nov., now it is at $159 plus taxes. I always check all the rates on the SPGdotcom site before calling.

Hi. Just out of curiosity - where do you see the $60 SPG rate you cited?

thanks.

[RachelTori]

Originally Posted by visual

Hi. Just out of curiosity - where do you see the $60 SPG rate you cited?

thanks.

I think it reads "$60 less than our teacher rate".

[lmminghe]

Originally Posted by RachelTori

Thanks, Lexi!

Imminghe, the links are on that page, but they are boxes - maybe don't look like something you would click on! But Lexi gave you the direct link so you should be good!

Thank you! Duh - I didn't even look at the side of the page - I was focused on what they featured in the middle!!