Any teachers/nurses report back from S/D?

[PracticalPig]

Just wondering if any teachers or nurses (who used the discount) have returned from the Dolphin or Swan recently and would like to share their experience with the rest of us? What was the room like? Were you offered upgrades? Did you join Starwood Preferred Guest etc etc. Planning a trip for next Spring and just wondering if you felt it was worth it. Thanks all!!

 

[Mouseteacher]

I stayed for the first time last summer @ the Dolphin b/c of the teacher rate. I was at first concerned about a nonDisney resort but relaxed knowing the great rate and location. It didn't matter since we were thrilled to be going to Disney - the only reason it happened was b/c of the teacher rate. I followed the advice on these threads - joined spg, got the Starwood Amex cc and upgraded to gold preferred status. E mail my request for a comp upgrade. We were given a Club Level room (12th floor) with club room priviledges - I had no points built up at that time. Our experience was awesome - CL was a treat, pool was terrific and the location was... well... magical. Our view was fair - but I didn't push the issue b/c we received a comp CL.

Now, because of the points I built this past year and wonderful spg promotion of cash and points being offered at the S/D - DH and I are returning to the Swan this time. We would not be going if it weren't for this special offering.

So... twice we have been able to go to Disney unexpectedly b/c of the Swan and Dolphin!

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

I was already at The Swan 2 early Decembers in a row. I joined Starwood even before my first visit. I got the gov't discount for being a New York State employee. I have never redemed the starwood points that I got from these 2 visits, however, I was given a complimentary upgrade to a balcony room both times.

Now.....THIS coming early December will be different. I will only be at The Swan for three nights (instead of 6 ). My next 3 nights will be at BWV on rented DVC points.

I have enough Starwood points to get a balcony room upgrade WITH club room access. I already called Starwood, and they confirmed that I do have enough points to do that. They advised me to call Starwoods back 5 days before arrival, to set up that up-grade.

 

[swilphil]

I returned from the Dolphin on July 3rd. We joined Starwood and received a "resort view" room, as opposed to a limited view. I tried to upgrade to a balcony, but they didn't have one. We were offered one later because of the construction on our floor(during ds's afternoon nap), but we decided we didn't want to move rooms so close to the end of our trip. I peeked at the renovated rooms. They are very nice. You should request a renovated room.

I found the room to be spacious for a standard room. The Dolphin room is actually a little bit bigger than the Swan standard. I also found the staff to be very nice and helpful. You can make dinner PS's through the concierage. It seems they can get you at short notice. I also liked the Dolphin Lobby and the Pool. If you have a room in the West Wing, you will be closer to the pool.

 

[hawkrn]

I made reservations last week for next June at the Dolphin under the nurses rate and was given an "upgrade" to lake view after I gave her my spg #. I have never used the card before. FYI, she still quoted me a rate of $129/night despite all the talk on the boards about the rate going up d/t renovations.

 

[TinkOhio]

Did you make the reservation through SPG or the hotel to get your upgrade? We made reservations for April 2004 and an upgrade was never mentioned regarding our SPG gold card. Do you think we should call and request one?

Thanks for your help!

Tinkohio