Dolphin with Gov discount options and ?'s

[3PRINCESSMOM]

We've decided the Dolphin it will be for our December vacation. Now I need some advice and guidance. My husband is a gov employee, and I am a SPG. If the reservation is in both names, then both should apply, right? Meaning I can earn points AND we get his discount. Should we get his name added to my SPG membership? Does it matter? I know we can book more than one room with the discount. My sister's family will be travelling with us. Can we book the room, but have it reserved in her husband's name? That would make payment much simpler for us. Or will we have to use our credit card, keep everything in our name, and figure the numbers out ourselves? Finally, with "standard" reserved do we bother to make any requests or go with what we get? Thanks!
FYI: tried the FAQ thread, but I found it very difficult to navigate to specific subjects.

 

[3PRINCESSMOM]

Nobody has advice or words of wisdom for me here? I thought this board was for Disney lovers to share experiences? In 5 days noone has responded, and yet there are approximately 5 new pages of posts, the majority of which focus on gripes we may have regarding the lack of codes and/or AP rates, or conversely people being critical of those complaining. I like a good read as much as the next person, so frankly a few of those threads are quite entertaining. Entertaining...yes. Informative...no.

I am planning to stay at the Dolphin because there aren't discounts available yet at Disney resorts for our travel dates and I am going crazy. So if there is an experienced Dolphinite out there willing to forgo the complaint littered threads and offer their pearls of wisdom I'd be eternally grateful!

 

[Poohlovr]

I suspect that you arent getting answers because no one has been in this position.
I am the SPG member, but, I always have the room in my name because I also qualify for the nurse discount, so, can't help you with that.
I suggest you call the SD directly @ (800) 227-1500 and ask.

I always ask at check-in for any requested upgrades (I always ask for Epcot view with balcony) and have never been refused. I know some people suggest calling in advance (or using the form on the SD website for special requests), but, I've never tried that.

As far as multiple rooms, what I have done in the past is reserve all rooms in my name, and then, at check-in, ask to have each room billed seperately. It has never been a problem to do it this way.

 

[3PRINCESSMOM]

Poohlovr,
Thanks so much! I will give them a call. I will reserve the rooms and do as you suggested at check-in.

Any other info about the Dolphin you care to share, Pooh? Anybody else?

THANKS!!!!

 

[Tigger Fans!]

I'd also suggest calling the hotel directly! I've always found them to be extreemly helpful! If your husband is a government employee you might also consider SOG. I understand they are sending people to the Contemporary right now (I believe they are currently doing rennovations).

TTFN!

 

[Poohlovr]

I would be more than happy to answer any specific questions you may have about the Dolphin.

It's actually only my 2nd favorite hotel at WDW--the Swan is my personal preference, but, the Dolphin appeals more to my children, so, the Dolphin it is, usually.

Since my first stay at the SD, I have only stayed at another WDW resort one time (AKL when it first opened). On that trip, the kids would look at the SD as we passed by and always mention that they wished we were staying there, instead. Lesson learned.

 

[GoofItUp]

Tigger Fans!,

Any gov't employee can stay at SOG? I thought is was military/DOD only. Please help as this might be useful to me in the future, although we're trying out the Dolphin for the first time on our next trip and can't wait! Thanks!

 

[*Flower*]

We have 2 SPG cards, with the same number and DHs name on it. You can call and have your SPG number added to your reservation without any problems.

AND, there is a separate check in counter for SPG guests! It's really convenient, and saves us from standing in the regular reception line when we check in!!

Have a great trip....... we'll be there in December (Swan) and we can't wait! My brother and family will be experiencing their first WDW stay (they usually do DLR)- and we had to go with Swan/Dolphin!!

Enjoy your stay......

 

[mep319]

I'm a government employee as well..I never take advantage of the discounts at Swan or Dolphin b/c I really (well at this point) have no interest...SOG is for military personal...I only wish we could stay there!

 

[Poohlovr]

Any gov't employee can stay at SOG? I thought is was military/DOD only.

You are right--military (active and retired) or DOD, only.

there is a separate check in counter for SPG guests!

Unfortunately, it's not always open. Really, I haven't figured out exactly when it is open. I just know that it's only been open once when I was checking in....

 

[Tigger Fans!]

Originally posted by GoofItUp
Tigger Fans!,

Any gov't employee can stay at SOG? I thought is was military/DOD only. Please help as this might be useful to me in the future, although we're trying out the Dolphin for the first time on our next trip and can't wait! Thanks!

According to my 2003 Birnbaum's WDW guide, "Shades of Green is for active and retired military personnel and their families, members of the reserves and the National Guard, and Department of Defense employees. "

Hope these rates apply to you! You can always visit their website at www.shadesofgreen.org

TTFN!

 

[DisneyFanatik]

I can't help that much since our June '04 trip will be the first at the Dolphin. I will say though that I made the ressies in DH's name since he is the government employee, and used my preferred guest card number. The woman who took the reservation had no problem with the 2 different names. Hope that helps a little. Looking forward to our trip to the Dolphin, hope you are too!

 

[swilphil]

I think the big concern at the Dolphin is having the ressie in the name of the govt. employee. We were in your same situation last month, and I didn't even think about the name difference but we didn't have any SPG points either at that point. I actually did the checking in but had DH's pay stub to show at check in. I showed my SPG card with my name, too. No prob. but it sounds like a good idea to add DH's name to SPG. I called the SPG 800 number and had our card number added to the Dolphin reservation. You can find the phone number at www.spg.com.

What other Dolphin info do you want to know? We loved the Dolphin, especially the great location!!!

 

[3PRINCESSMOM]

Sherri,
Do you have kids? How'd they like the Dolphin? We are a family of 5. 3 DD's, 10, 6 and 4. They are petite princesses, but will we be cramped? I know, who spends that much time in the room, right. However, in early December, with shorter park hours, we are there a bit more. I was thinking the location of the Dolphin is a major plus, for that very reason...Epcot is the one park opened later and the Boardwalk is right there, too. Am I right?

How about room locations. With a standard booked, do we bother making any requests or just go with what we get?

Tell me about your experiences with transportation. Anything to note...good, bad, or indifferent. Tips? Tricks? Plain old advice? Can you tell I am excited...???

 

[Liz]

I just wanted to add that we've stayed at the Dolphin twice now and I'm so thrilled for you that you will be staying there! I've not been there at Christmastime but I've heard its beautiful! Heck, its beautiful any time of year!!!

Some will say its lacking in Disney magic, but we didn't find that to be the case at all. Its hard to put into words but we feel like Dolphin is "home" for us now and would only stay somewhere else if we had to because of finances.

Just today I was feeling Disney "homesick" and I pulled out one of my oatmeal bars from our stay at the Dolphin - - it helped relieve my sadness a bit!!! You won't get Mickey soaps at the Dolphin, but the soaps they have are so much better IMO!!!

I'm so excited for your family!!! Have fun!!!

 

[swilphil]

3PrincessMom--I have a 1 year old and 3 year old, and they liked the Dolphin just fine. My 3 year old thought the dolphin statues and fountains were neat. He also loved the pool. My in-laws stayed with three girls between 5 and 10 at the Swan (next door and very similar) and they also liked it. There seemed to be plenty of room for a hotel room. The Dolpin has an arcade, ice cream shop and cafeteria that kids like. They also have some program that I've read about where the kids get stamps from different places in the hotel and then get a free ice cream cone when they are done, kind of like a scavenger hunt.

Your kids are a great age for the Boardwalk in the evenings, and there's a shop that has neat, inexpensive bead necklaces/bracelets that they can make.

The location by Epcot and MGM is the biggest selling point of the Dolphin, besides it being a Deluxe hotel. You can walk or take a short boat ride to Epcot--read up on all the neat little things hidden in World Showcase. MGM is also a short boat ride or a longer walk. There's a lot of great shows at MGM. The boats are so easy to catch. If you plan on going to the other two parks on EMH days or for opening on other days, you might want to catch the bus at the Swan. It picks up there first and you'll be guaranteed a seat on the bus.

The only request I would make on location is to be away from the renovation area. Actually I would request a renovated room. They're beautiful and have the comfy beds. I don't know if you can get one or not.

Have fun!!! The Dolphin is wonderful and WDW is magical.