How is the Disney SWAN Hotel & Discount

[DisneyaholicRaquel]

It doesn't allow Saturday check in...

 

[maui2k5]

I am going to WDW Sept 22-Oct 1 staying @ the Swan and recently learned about the buy 2 get 1 night free promo. I decided to get two reservations at the Swan which comes out like this...

Sept 22-28 @ 169 per night using All Ears Discount (just mention All Ears when booking when calling the Swan directly - not Starwood. Certain dates are available using that code - one night deposit required that is refundable)
Sept 28-Oct 1 @ $264 for first 2 nights then $0 for the last night booked by calling Starwood Directly (paid in full up front (non refundable) with StarWood Amex Card).

I will not have to switch rooms as the reservations are linked.

Total for 9 nights before tax is $1542 (average nightly rate for 9 nights is $171. Not too bad considering it is at the Lake View Level. I am also hoping to have enough points to get either one or two additional nights free before I go an/or a free upgrade. If I am able to get one more free night with points my avg nightly rate drops to $152. If I can swing 2 more free nights it drops to avg $134 per night. Even if I do not get any more free nights or upgrades I am comfortable with the rate I have (does not mean I will not try).

From what I can tell, the best way to get a free upgrade is to place a request on www.swandolphin.com (in the reservations section under special requests) a few days before you are going to either the Swan or Dolphin and also follow up with a phone call. It is not guaranteed that you will get an upgrade, but it increases your chances.