$129.00 at Swan and Dolphin?

[JDY]

As a teacher, I am always quoted this rate and I assume it is a good one.

Is it worth it or should I look for an AP rate at a Disney Deluxe?

Any advice would be great...

 

[Mouseteacher]

It is my understanding that the teacher rate is a great deal even over AP rates. Hopefully, others who have used AP rates at a deluxe will know for sure.

 

[DNBois]

That rate is definitely the best especially since the Dolphin/Swan are considered Deluxe Resorts. The AP usually gives only a 10% discount (sometimes more) so if for example you wanted to stay at the Contemporary for $200 a night, you would end up paying maybe $180. And getting AP rates are no easy task; you almost have to beg, plead and grovel. So the fact that a Deluxe resort is offering this rate means a lot to those who us who still want to stay at a Deluxe for a phenomenal rate. And the Swan/Dolphin are considered Disney resorts since they are on Disney property, just not owned by Disney so you get early entry, preferential seating and can access E-night tickets. Dolphin also has some of the best restaurants: Shula's Steak House and Juan and Only's (Mexican). If you can, grab the 2003 Birnbaum's and Fodor's - they have alot of information on all Disney resorts, including the Swan/Dolphin and the write-ups are very favorable. My husband and I have not stayed there before but we'll give a write-up when we return; in the past, I have stayed at Contemporary, Grand Floridian and Carribean Beach - nothing surpasses a Deluxe resort, right?

P.S. There is also a new mandatory $10.00 per day fee that includes unlimited use of the gym, bottles of water, provides newspaper and coffee each morning, and 60 minutes a day of local telephone calls. After complaints on the forum, a DIS Moderator called and found that it can still be waived at check-in. Check out my post regarding this subject $10 Dolphin Resort Fee Now Mandatory by dnbois on 1/24-03. Hope this helps!

 

[wdwphanatic]

Juan and Only's has been closed and a new restaurant is in the planning stages, I believe... Check out the Swan/Dolphin thread for more information on it. Also, I have heard great things about Palio's at the Swan (and it's rated very highly in some of the 2003 guidebooks as well).

Have a great trip,
Sarah

 

[opal]

We stayed at Swan earlier this month at the govt. rate of $129.00. Definately a great value. Deluxe accomodations and a great location. We loved the heavenly beds. The $10.00 resort fee was in effect. Worked hard at getting it waived. Used the argument that when I booked they told me it could be waived and they should honor the term the reservation was made under but the best I could manage was getting $5.00 of it waived. So don't count on getting it all waived. I think it depends on who you get at check-in.

 

[Jan/Ma]

I really need some help! First of all, I have never stayed at the Swan or Dolphin. That being said, both my sons-in-law are state employees. I have several questions. Can they also book a room for me using the government rate of $129.00? Where should I request a room if that is allowed? I would like to be close to everything, (doesn't everyone) the less walking the better. I am like a fish out of water here. I have always stayed in a Disney Resort, and this is unchartered territory for me. I just joined Starwood Preferred, but I'm not sure if that helps or not. Please guide me through this. Thanks

 

[zurgswife]

I was under the impression that you must show a government ID at checkin and it must match the name on the ressie....

 

[Jan/Ma]

Sorry I was unclear. I meant that the entire family would be going and needing three rooms. My two daughter husbands are both state employee's. They will each be booking their own room. My question is can they also book one for me under this rate?

 

[gschmerl]

Jan/Ma,
Any teacher, government employee, or nurse can book up to three rooms on the discounted rate, so yes, they could book a room for you at that rate. The rates are not always available. Call and see if you can get them. If the hotel says they are not available, check out www.dreamsunlimited.com They were able to get me that rate when the Dolphin told me they had no rooms at all available.

 

[Trekker]

One thing I would like to clarify - the AP discounts can and often do run as high as 40% off.

AAA and DC are the ones that are usually 10% (occasionally as high as 20%)

 

[RAV]

After nine stays at the Yacht Club, my family and I recently spent 17 days at the Swan. The resort was lovely and we were not disappointed. We too were apprehensive about staying in a hotel not owned by Disney but it was just wonderful. We are planning to return to the Swan this summer.

 

[SwanDolphin]

Only quick other note from above are that the Resort Fee now includes high speed internet access in all guest rooms.

Ability to book three rooms, is correct.

 

[Mitla96]

As a nurse, I was told to bring either an ID badge or a paycheck (being me, I plan to bring both!)

 

[SwanDolphin]

Haha! Better too much, than too little, eh?

Either one of those would be fine... or letter from school on letterhead.