Help with Swan/Dolphin Strategy Please

[plutosmyfav]

Up coming trip 11/28 - 12/7
11/28 - 12/1 already purchased Wyndham (Universal area) for $35/night through PL. Currently have ressies for ASMo for 12/1-12/7 but don't really want to keep them. I would love to try the Swan or Dolphin...

I hadn't considered the Swan/Dolphin before, but I've been reading so much about them that I really would like to book part of my trip there. But I have already bought my 5 day PHP so AP is not an option. What are the chances of a special (similar to their current Labor Day special) sometime during 11/28 - 12/7?

I've read that people sometimes win the Dolphin on PL but I know that is no guarantee. Is there a way I could get S/D for $130 or less per night?

What if I went ahead and got one AP pass and saved my PHP for another trip (1+ years away)? What are AP rates at the S/D and am I correct in thinking that they are in effect even though WDW is holding out on us right now???

I appreciate any thoughts, experiences you all can share

 

[SpaceAce]

If you type just www.disboards.com there is a direct link to the Swan/Dolphin site that, if you follow the links intelligently leads you to pages where it basically tells you the discount. It's much easier than a true Disney resort.

Are you a teacher or nurse? That helps!

 

[plutosmyfav]

Originally posted by SpaceAce
If you type just www.disboards.com there is a direct link to the Swan/Dolphin site that, if you follow the links intelligently leads you to pages where it basically tells you the discount. It's much easier than a true Disney resort.

Are you a teacher or nurse? That helps!

Thanks, I'll investigate.

I'm on staff at a University but I'm not a teacher I have a University ID but I don't suppose I could get the discount that way.

 

[ncbyrne]

The website now says, "LPNs you can now take advantage of the NURSE discount and school and educational facility administrative personnel can take advantage of the TEACHER discounts". So, you are eligible too, even though you are not a teacher. Just be sure to read the details.

 

[ozziewags]

Also, there is entertainment rate, which is 50% off rack rate. You need to buy an entertainment book and use the card in the book when you check in.
Remember that when you see the $139 rate for AP, entertainment or nurse/teacher/gov rates, that besides tax there is a $10 resort fee. Your total is really about $164. The Labor day rate is the best I have seen. You never know what kind of specials they have.......they have popped up alot this summer. We went on a Recipe Club rate and they gave us $50 of food credit for every two days(which wasn't bad for two). Good luck.

 

[maggiew]

Before you buy an AP just for the discount, make sure that the AP rate would be good for your dates. I know some of the dates are sold out.

Maggie

 

[jgates]

I would suggest signing up for some of the Swan emails such as the recipe email. You will not be over-run by junk email, but still will have the opportunity to grab those specials when they come your way! In the meantime, book the teacher rate since you evidently qualify and get ready for the magic!

 

[plutosmyfav]

Thanks everyone

 

[TammyC]

The Swan and Dolphin also offer AAA and Entertainment Book discounts. Subject to availability, AAA is 50% off rack rate - standard view $162.50 I believe. As they become more full the rates go to a prepaid deal in the $200/per night range. They also have comparable senior discounts if anyone in your party qualifies. Keep watching for specials - I know I will be!

 

[ladyjayhawk]

jgates, where do you sign up for the Swan email? Thanks!

 

[swilphil]

Hi Lady Jayhawk!
To sign up for the Recipe Club or other e-mails, go to www.swandolphin.com. Hey, I'm in Kansas, too, in the Kansas City area and I have my masters from KU.

 

[ladyjayhawk]

Thank you swilphil! I am also in the K.C. area and graduated from KU's School of Pharmacy. Do you still cheer for the Jayhawks? (at least during basketball season )

 

[swilphil]

Lady Jayhawk--I think you will love the Swan/Dolphin. It's the best deal around. Yes, I am a big KU b-ball fan, mainly because my dh is a sports nut. He's an MU grad, but he'll cheer for KU when they play any other team. He even went with me to see them play in the NCAA Sweet Sixteen a few years ago. We are planning on going to the MU/KU football game this fall, too.

 

[ladyjayhawk]

Glad to hear he cheers for KU most of the time!!