Just back from BCV and the Swan

[Yzma and Kronk]

chrissyk - We too are just back from the Swan!! (Did you see us at the pool???)
Anyway, to add to this:
We are also Starwood Gold (recently downgraded from Platinum...) and asked for a corner king on a high floor. I was told by the CM, that they had upgraded us to a nice balcony room. Now, it was nice to be upgraded, as we too used Priceline, but I had read on another thread that club was first upgrade, then balcony. We didn't want balcony, but really wanted club.
The CM told us that we couldn't have club, since they were clamping down on all the "club requests", and tried to make it sound as if a balcony was the greatest thing.
Also asked about a corner king, and was told a firm "no"
I explained that we were really hoping for Club, so instead she offer us a "Kids eat free coupon" (she said since it was our DS5th birthday) This was really nice of her, since we saved the price of kids meals over 3 meals - probably same as eating bfast in the club. Another bonus - we had to ask for a late checkout. I asked the morning of our departure and because we are SPG Gold absolutely no problem for a 4pm checkout.......gotta love the Swan/Dolphin!
Finally - we too asked that the club fee be waived and they did it!
I have decided that (to quote a famous movie....) "Room requests are like a box of chocolates.....you never know what you are going to get!!"
It seems that everyone has a slightly different story to tell, so don't get your heart set on upgrades, specific requests, balcony or club. It really depends on the CM at the time!
Our view wasn't that great - Room 594 we looked down the boardwalk and at the exit from the Swan to the Dolphin walk. We could watch the people coming and going.
Another thing - those heavenly beds are HEAVENLY! Just like "buttah" I can't describe the feeling getting into that bed after a long day........ahhhhhhhhhhh!

 

[chrissyk]

Yzma and Kronk -- They wouldn't even let you upgrade to Club Level with points? That stinks! They wouldn't give us a complimentary upgrade to Club, but they had no problem allowing us to use points. In fact, I think that the male manager was the one who suggested it! It TOTALLY depends on the CM that you get. The one who checked us in was great...she tried really hard to find us the Corner King with a balcony I think we got very lucky!

That "Kids Eat Free" thing sounds great. We don't have any kids yet, but it sounds like it could save some serious dough for anyone who does have kids. Is it good for all meals at all restaurants? Can you also use another discount (like the 20% DVC discount) along with the "Kids Eat Free" thing? That might be more worth it $$-wise than the club level! We really enjoyed eating at Gullivers and Palio...I imagine that it would be a great deal if your kids could eat free there

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

ChrissyK - Yes, it really depends on the CM! Oh well, we were happy with what we got........try asking for a 4pm late checkout at a Disney Hotel!!!!
As far as the kids eat free, it was some sort of promotion. The CM gave us a card that read:
"Here's something special for the kids....Present this card at a Swan or Doophin restaurant before ordering a breakfast, lunch or dinner entree. For every dining adult, we'll treat up to two accompnaying children 9 and under to a free meal from our children's menu. (the fine print: This card must be presented to your server immediately upon seating. Valid through check out date only. Valid only for: Garden Grove, Gulliver's, Palio and Coral Cafe. Not valid for room service)
We ate dinner at Gulliver's (character buffet), Garden Grove Bfast and Coral Cafe Character bfast. I think it saved us over $50.
That was the second time at Coral Cafe for Bfast. IMHO that is the best bfast buffet in all of Disney. It was just as good this time around, and the characters were an added bonus (Chip and Dale, Goofy and Pluto)