Dolphin Questions

[swilphil]

This is my first time staying at a Disney Resort. We booked a standard room at the govt. rate for June 29-July 3. Here are my questions:

1. I just joined the Starwood Preferred Guests. Will I be able to get any benefits on our first stay? We did stay in a Westin last spring, but we didn't join the program--I could kick myself for that.

2. When should I request an upgrade? At check in or 5 days in advance? Should I use fax, email or phone?

3. We have a 3 yo and a 1 yo in crib. I would like to get a room with a balcony that we can use when kids are sleeping and napping. Is that possible?

Thanks,
Sherri

 

[pooh2001]

You will love the Dolphin.
Ask for a newly renovated room with the
Heavenly Beds.
Fax them your request, politely.
Send it attn: Room Controller. Mail the note 7 days
before your stay or fax 5 days before.

Politely ask if any rooms with a balcony
become available would they give you
a complimentary upgrade.

We always just pay for the water view
(get a balcony). It rained every afternoon
when we were there 2 in 2002.
The bathing suits drying had more use of the balcony
than us.

You could also ask for an outside wing - has better views.s.
East Wing views: EPCOT, Boardwalk and the lake, or
West Wing views: MGM and pool.

The pool is great. Facing the pool with the Dolphin
at your back, the left side of the pool would be great
for your little one. If your older child is more of a
swimmer - try the center with the water silde and
water fall. Swim Vests are free to guests at the cabana.
Towels also available for guests too.

We could not use our accrued Starwood points
on our stay at the Dolphin. They are credited when you check out.
I was able to get an instant reward for two $25 Gap Certificates
for our earned points (3000).

I did a long write up on 3 of the eateries on the Dining board.

enjoy we will not be back till 2005 !

 

[Mouseteacher]

Just a clarification - the Swan Dolphin are not Disney owned resorts. They are awesome places to stay and you are given all the same perks as if it were Disney owned except charging to your room. E mail your request - use the form on www.swandolphin.com / click on reservation and then on Special Request Form. I would e mail right away and then send a gentle reminder e mail about 5 days before arrival. Keep checking your reservation on www.spg.com - you might just see your room details description change from standard room to an upgrade description. That magic happened to us last summer. Good Luck.

 

[swilphil]

Mouseteacher--Thanks for the clarification about sending an upgrade request. I joined SPG after I made my reservation, so I don't know if I'll be on the spg.com site.

I am going to send my request for a room with a balcony plus one that is close to the pool. I read on the other post that I should ask for one on the West Wing. Does that sound right to you.

Sherri

 

[Muffy]

Sherri,
If you want any chance of a comp upgrade you must get your starwood membership number on your reservation. Do this by calling starwood and ask them to include your membership number 1 888 625 4988. Then follow mouseteachers advice with an e mail imediatly and then another email 5 days prior. Have a great time at the Dolphin!

 

[Wenlitz]

POOH2001

We are planning a trip and are staying at the Swan. I just joined starwood and they sent me an e-mail with my membership #. I called back and had it added to my ressie.
Tell me your opinion of the club level. I am only seeing bad reviews however the pics they are showing of it look great!
I am considering upgrading to club level. Can you get club level with a balcony?? Is West side the best view? Thanks for your help.

 

[swilphil]

I added my Starwood number to my ressie and sent my request to the Dolphin via the website. Thanks for the info!! I just requested a room with a balcony. I've been reading a lot about the construction on the West Wing, so I thought I would wait until check in to ask about placement.

The Dolphin special request web page says it will respond in 3 days, so I'm anxiously awaiting!!!

Sherri

 

[Mouseteacher]

Sherri ~ You will receive a reply but it will be the standard reponse from "Melissa". It will say "your request was noted but no guarantee" (something like that). Don't be discouraged - it is noted and probably will be granted.

 

[Donald23]

I e-mailed the Swan today and received a e-mail back today from them.
It just said that my request has been entered.

So I guess that just means it has been entered into the computer and maybe it will be granted when I arrive????

THANKS

Dona Disney Vacation Begins June 21, 2003

 

[pooh2001]

We never stayed Club level. The rooms are in the center of the
building for Club and have no balconies.
The desk service is great for answers, maps, PS's - so I do not
know if Club is worth the extra $$'s. We bring our own cereal and order the family basket from the WDW florist. It comes with plenty of snacks for a week - so we do not need the club snacks.

Ask for a refurbished room (new heavely beds) on an upper floor, in an outside Wing facing the Boardwalk or Pool.
If you look at a picture of the Dolphin - it looks like a lUl - 2 wings
on either side. You want an outside wing with a great view.

West Wing - The Pool side on a upper floor will give you MGM (fantasmic fireworks).
East Wing - The Boardwalk side will give you EPCOT fireworks.

You could request a specific Wing - BUT, I would just request an
outside wing, upper floor heavenly bed balcony room with a great view. You will not be disappointed. Too many specifics
may not give you what you want.

And be polite. A smile is worth a million.
A nice gesture is to write a thank you note to Dolphin
reservations after your stay.
I also bring a small gift with me to the person who makes
my Dolphin reservation. On our last visit - my reservationist
was getting married soon after our WDW vacation.
I gave her 2 Yankee Candles (through the front desk)
when we arrive at the Dolphin.
You can create some Magic too

 

[swilphil]

Pooh--Thanks for the great info. What's this family basket from the WDW florist? How much does it cost and what does it contain? We are stopping at the grocery store to stock up on snacks. What do you suggest?

 

[swilphil]

I keep checking the spg.com site, but I'm still booked in a limited view, standard room. If they were going to upgrade when would they do it??

Does anyone else know about the family basket with snacks from the WDW florist??

 

[Mouseteacher]

swilphil~ if you are going to receive an upgrade before check in, you most likely would see it on spg site about a week before. Also, ask at check in if it doesn't happen in advance.

 

[pooh2001]

Check out:
http://www.disneyflorist.com/produc...urce=&product_id=09-4086AA:Snack9&country_id=

description: Disney's Family Treat
Snack9
No matter what Disney adventure they choose, Guests will be well equipped with this Disney-signature canvas tote filled to the brim with snacks. Includes MICKEY MOUSE gummies, two (2) cheeses, character shortbread, potatoe chips, pretzels and cookies, Nutter Butter, Ritz crackers, Bagel Chips, Crunch and Munch and six (6) pieces of fruit.

We OMIT the Cheese and ask for more fruit.
We even asked for 2 mugs to be added to it for our anniversary.
(extra charge for the mugs).

There are many other items to select from...
http://www.disneyflorist.com/ffo_in...e_range=&product_category=&florist_exclusive=

or just go to www.disneyflorist.com and go to
'Our Unique Designs'

For Kids:
Disney Welcome
Snack15
A magical welcome gift with "real character." This basket features MICKEY MOUSE ears, camera, a cool autograph book and pen, photo album, character cookies and pretzels all wrapped up in a MICKEY MOUSE-shaped basket.
-or-
Mickey's Kool Snack
Snack7
A mountain of delicious treats:
2 Sodas, logo chips, Cheese Doodles, Crunch and Munch, wise chips, bagel chips, Nutter Butter, MICKEY MOUSE shaped pretzels, Ritz Bits, Chips Ahoy, Milky Way, Crunch Bar and a Mickey chocolate bar!
Everything stays fresh in a cooly decorated, insulated bag.

and for adults only...
Wine Garden B
snack13B
The ultimate in extravagance, this gift basket includes Iron Horse Champagne. This bottled delicacy is complimented by a delicious variety of gourmet-style snacks. Cashews, pretzels, Malto Bella chocolate cookies, crackers, dipping mustard and Disney-signature stemware are all presented in our unique MICKEY MOUSE-shaped basket.
You may call us for price selections regarding choices of wines.



WDW Florist
1503 Live Oak Ln
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Local: 407-827-3505



We use them every time we visit.
Never had a problem. Great selections ! :

 

[swilphil]

Mouseteacher--Thanks for the info about the upgrade. I'm waiting patiently to hear.

Pooh2001--Wow! How nice of you to post the info about the snack packs. I was thinking of sending the Kids Kool Pack to my neices who are staying at the Swan while we are at the Dolphin. My kids are so young they wouldn't know the difference. I am a little put off by the $12.50 delivery fee, so I may make one myself, and see if I can have it sent up to their room.

You guys have such good advice!

 

[#1hockeymom]

I have premade gift baskets for my children on previous vacations. I have never had a problem sneaking downstairs and asking someone at the desk to have them put in our room while we are somwhere else. You can always "forget" something from your room and put it there while they are waiting in the lobby, too!

My DD (17) still believes deep inside that Cinderella really did leave her a gift during a long ago vacation! Her eyes till glow when she talks about it!

Debbie

 

[Mouseteacher]

swilphil ~ just a thought - if you don't receive an upgrade don't be disappointed b/c the resort is wonderful. We had a standard room with a lousy view on the Club floor (CL was our upgrade). We were in our room so little the view didn't matter to us. Our standard room was very nice and we were close to the central elevators. We spent our nonpark time in the Dolphin lobby, at the Dolphin Soda Fountain and every afternoon at the Grotto pool. S/D are such a great place to stay and play!

Our trip to the Swan is in July and I don't anticipate an upgrade to CL this time which is fine / we were lucky last time. I'll take any comp upgrade they can give or not whichever is okay b/c We are in Disney World!

 

[swilphil]

Debbie--How wonderful your daughter still believes!!

Mouseteacher--Will you be in WDW during the 4th? What are the crowds like? I won't be too disappointed about no upgrade. I'm more interested in a balcony, so we have someplace to go if 1 child is napping. My 3 yo usually takes a 2 hour nap every afternoon. The 1 yo naps more sporadically, but is a light sleeper and the 3 yo has a hard time staying quiet. I suppose dh and I can take turns staying with the napper. DH tends to be a big napper himself, so he can doze with the boys.

 

[Mouseteacher]

swilphil - we arrive 7/24. The Fourth can be a crowded time especially w/ FTP offer. Just ask at check in and explain about the children and the napping situation. If you get a sympathetic CM, your wish may be granted! LOL - re: DH napping - my DH is the King of Napping. We take an afternoon break so he can nap! I go to the pool. And yes, it was good when our kids were little since he was willing to stay with them while they napped - ulterior motive, I say!

 

[#1hockeymom]

My dh is also a "king" of napping! That is one of the things that sold me on my discision to stay at the Swan. I decided with the boardwalk/epcot/mgm literally steps away, we wouldn't have to wait around for "just a few more minutes". If I know he's going down for the count for hours, we'll take off and come back later.

Have a great trip!
Debbie

No, I didn't post this just to see my timer, but isn't it a great looking timer? LOL 1 1/2 days!