A Few Questions about the Dolphin

[Cmbar]

HI Fellow Disney Lovers!

I am planning a trip for a friend who has a family of five. They would like to stay on Disney property/Boardwalk and pay in the moderate range. So I have narrowed down that they can fit in the POR and the Dolphin. Is this correct? I have noticed from posts that most people would pick the Dolphin over the moderate resort so I was wondering what would be the best way to get the best rate for the Dolphin. They are not eligible for any of the discounts but they do have a AAA membership. Can that be used to get a better rate and also is it better to book with the Dolphin directly or go through Dreams Unlimited or some other way.

One last question: what is the difference between booking online at Disney (I think that is the Walt Disney travel) and calling the 407 number? Is there different cancellation policies? The Dolphin looks like it has a great cancellation policy of only 7 days. Is this actually true? If so wouldn't It be wise to just book with the Dolphin now and then see if I can get a better rate somewhere else (maybe a deluxe on site)?

Any help would be appreciated!!

PS. I love planning trips for others to go to Disney but I wish it was for us instead!

 

[kda]

If Entertainment rates are available during their stay, those are approximately 50% off, which may be the best discount if they're not available for the $129 rate for teachers, nurses, government workers. You can purchase the Entertainment book locally (or order the Orlando version) for $20-$30. I always book directly with Swan/Dolphin in Orlando, not CRO or the Starwoods #. 1 night deposit is required and cancellation is 5 days before arrival.

Many people choose the Dolphin because of the location and other amenities. POR is also great, but may be undergoing renovations soon. You can always book the Dolphin and keep an eye out for other discounts that Disney might offer. The Dolphin had a $99/night rate over Labor Day and early September and $129/night rate for other nights through December. There's also the 11% tax and $10/night charge for extras that they add on.

 

[Cmbar]

Thanks kda!

One question: Are the Entertainment books just those books with all the coupons in them? We live in Maryland and I know that the people I am planning this trip for have parents (may or maynot come with them) that have the Entertainment book. Is it just a coupon or does it have to be in someone's name? Also could you tell me how to buy the one in Orlando? Does it offer any other discounts say for a towncar service from the airport? Thanks for responding!
Cmbar

 

[kda]

Entertainment book is about 1 1/2" thick and comes with lots of coupons and info about discounts. It also comes with a card, which is what you have to show on check in. The new books come out each fall for November 1, I think, so be careful of the dates. Some coupons in the 2003 book are good until the end of December, but the card is technically only good through 10/31, I believe. So if your friends are doing a trip next year, they need to buy the 2004 book. That can be done after the reservation is secured, because rates might be available for their dates.

A coupon isn't needed for the hotel discounts -- there's lists in the back of various hotels in various states that offer the 50% off discount, and the Swan/Dolphin is listed ---- as well as the 3 on-site Universal hotels, which makes this a fantastic deal!

Many local groups sell the Entertainment book as a fundraiser (ie, schools). The local AAA sells it in CT, so you might check NJ (-----edit to say NJ --- sorry!) AAA. Or, go to www.entertainment.com and order a book from there. It was cheaper for me to buy the book at AAA, but after I registered my # on line, I got an e mail for an even cheaper rate to buy the next year's book, so I did that.

There's coupons for rental car rates, but I have the CT book, so it doesn't have any Orlando towncar services. Some people choose to order the Orlando book so they can get coupons for Orlando. We don't generally eat outside of Disney, so it wasn't worth our while. There are mostly local coupons of all types in each book, plus nation-wide coupons (car rentals) and info about hotels nationwide.

Edit again: the Entertainment card just has a # on it --- no name, so I'm really not sure how anyone would know if you used someone else's card. I have no idea if the hotel has to log in the Entertainment # and a name is matched to it on the computer. I've used it to book some hotels and just showed my card on check in.

 

[Cmbar]

OK I need help with getting quotes on the Dolphin! If I check for availabilty on the Dolphin website (I think it goes to Sheridan reservations sytems) I a room rate of $309 but if I go through Dreams Unlimited to get a quote I get a room rate of $162. What gives? Does that sound right to everyone. I swear I am entering all the same information with dates and number of people. Any idea if Dreams unlimited really gets a better rate. I am using the Entertainment rate for Dreams but the Dolphin site lets me put in the AAA and thats when I get the 309 rate. I am really confused.

Please help!
cmbar

 

[kda]

The Entertainment rate is 50% off and you may have to call the Dolphin to book that rate, if it's not an option on their website. Sounds like DU gives you the option of finding out what the rate is with the Entertainment discount. I'm not sure what the AAA discount is, but it might not be anything like 50% off. There is some new program now that you can a room upgrade and late check out if you're a AAA member, but not sure if you have to book through AAA or not.

 

[Cmbar]

Thanks Kda I think we will have to call the Dolphin in the AM!
Have a good one!

Pixie dust to you!

 

[kda]

Just went to the site and plugged in a random date in March, since I don't know when your friends are going. The $309 rate came up, and in small red letters just above the first room rate choice, it said the discount was not available for those dates. I tried both AAA rate and 'promotional', which is the nurses, teachers, gov't workers. Check to see if your dates didn't also have the 'dates not available' in red.

 

[Bimmy56]

I absolutely LOVE the Dolphin, but one thing that you might want to keep in mind, depending on the ages of your party, is that they charge $25 a night for the 3rd adult and $25 a night for a rollaway. That could make a hefty increase in your price.

 

[Cmbar]

Thanks Bimmy56! I did figure that out when the price for the same room on the Dreamunlimited site kept adding $25 per night but I realized that they had asked for the total number of people. I think this is their best option. They are first and only timers to Disney so I want to make sure that they will enjoy the trip and be at least on property or the boardwalk area. Which brings me to another question since you have been there. Should I push them to spend more to get an upgraded room. The lowest price obviously is for a standard room. Since I have never been there I was wondering if I should suggest at least an upgrade to a lake view room or to a resort w/out a balcolny. They feel that they won't be spending much time in the room so I kinda expect they won't feel they need the upgrade but I just want to make sure they are looking at the garbage canisters or something. Also, I saw something about refurbishment. Should I be concerned?

Also do I understand correctly that you can walk to Epcot (or boat) but that you can also take a boat to MGM. I thought I read that somewhere but I am not sure.

Thanks so much for responding!

 

[#1hockeymom]

You might want to call the Swan/Dolphin or starwood, directly.

I couldn't get the teacher rate to show up on the website, but with a quick phone call had my dates reserved! I called the Swan direct, but since it was after hours I was transferred automatically to starwood. The reservationist was very friendly and knew all about the different rate plans.

You're going to have a great trip!
Debbie

 

[Tigger Fans!]

Here's one more option ~ you could try renting DVC points from the rent/trade board.

TTFN!