Another Dolphin Room View Question

[DisneyFanatik]

OK - From reading the posts of all of you Dolphin experts, I see that for a chance at an Epcot view I would have to ask for a room in the far east wing with an unobstructed view. Now my questions are: since I am getting a gov't rate for this room (standard) are they going to laugh at the prospect of giving me such an upgrade? Is it better for me to simply request a room in the east wing and then try to schmooze them for a room with a view when I get there? (I do have a starwood preferred card - but I don't have any points and I really don't see the opportunity to earn any before our trip) Also, when would be a good time to put any requests on the ressie? We are not going until June.
Thanks so much for your tolerance with this Dolphin newbie!

 

[Dolphin_Girl008]

Hi DisneyFanatik,

Nobody is going to laugh at you. We booked my room for $99/night in December (cheaper than your gov't rate?) and they offered us a free upgrade to a lake/resort view room (MGM view). I didn't have any SPG points at the time of check-in but when the CM learned that it was our first stay, she offered us the upgrade (we didn't ask). Just ask them nicely but don't be disappointed if they can't upgrade you.

I added my requests to my ressie right after I made it (did it using the SPG website). I also submitted my requests again via the Dolphin website a week before our trip. Both of our requests were met (non-smoking renovated room).

Hope this helps.

 

[DisneyFanatik]

Thanks for the advice!

 

[aunt kelly]

I signed up for a Starwood American Express a few months before our trip in November. I charged things that I normally write checks for (such as groceries and car repair bills-I made sure that I recorded each transaction in my check book so I would have enough money at the end of the month to pay my bill in full). I earned plenty of points to purchase an upgrade on the Starwood site five days before our trip. (I upgraded to a deluxe room with a resort view). When we checked in, we were assigned to an eighth floor room in the West wing. It had a balcony and a great view of the pool area and the Tower of Terror. I really wanted a renovated room, so the bellhop called the front desk and they moved us to the 5th floor, East wing. We had a terrific view of Epcot from our balcony. Perhaps if I hadn't used the Starwood points, I would have been upgraded anyway. However, I really wanted a room with a view, so it was well worth it to me to use the points.

 

[DisneyFanatik]

OK - I just applied for the starwood Amex card....I will try and get as many points as I can by using it. Now my question is do I have to tell them about any points I have when I check in or will they automatically know?

 

[aunt kelly]

I assume the front desk will be able to look up your points, but I don't know for sure. I got my upgrade by calling Starwood, not the Dolphin. You can call five days before your trip to use points to upgrade. (I called at 12:01 am five days before my trip). Have fun charging on your Am Ex. and have a great trip!

 

[DisneyFanatik]

Thanks so much again! Everyone on these boards are so helpful!

 

[Kapp]

and add the Epcot view request to your reservation at the Dolphin. Also, be sure to let them know at check-in that it is your first stay there. If you could get some SPG points before you from your AMEX card, that would probably help too. Just be nice and considerate when you request the upgrade (especially at check-in) and if they can upgrade you, I'm sure they will!!!! We had a great view of Epcot from a renovated room (6th floor but can't remember the room number) and a balcony! We had booked it using the Teacher rate but had earned enough points in 7 months to get CL privs.

We LOVE the Dolphin!!! ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!