NEW...DOLPHIN/SWAN..."questions and answers"...tips and hints!

[Mouseteacher]

marymrg~ I know how you feel regarding trying to get the Bday rate. However, I applaud your attitude that if it doesn't work you have an alternate plan - to enjoy your vacation, celebrate your birthday and get additional points! I try to let nothing interfere with my precious moments in the place I love to be - Disney! If something extra magical happens - WOW! but I feel that just being there is magical and nothing is going to spoil it.

Happy 39 (again) Bday! I, too, have celebrated that birthday a number of times over!!! LOL

 

[Pkdcoastrs]

Ugh
Well my family finally got around to calling the Swan & Dolphin to get rates for the Studio (Swan) and Jr. Suite (Dolphin). I was hoping to get a really good rate that I've read some people have gotten, but the person on the phone gave a rate of $379. I thought on the Dolphin/Swan information thread that the rate of a Studio was $180 entertainment, so I was a little surprised.

*EDIT* I forgot to mention we asked for Teachers rate and Entertainment rate on both rooms!

We are going to try to call later and hopefully we will get someone who helps us find a better rate

Mike
Pkdcoastrs@aol.com

 

[darcyt]

Hi-- We are on our way to the lovely Dolphin in a few days. I read that the free weekend promo is being offered again, but cannot find it on the SPG website.

Do any of you have a link with more information about the promo? Thanks!

 

[dreamflight99]

luckytso...There is a major discrepancy with regard to the "point" deduction for certain upgrades. The points needed for the CL upgrade are indeed 750. Call the front desk directly, (during the hours of 7am-5pm Eastern time), and inquire again. Please, let me know when the Dolphin guest services replies to your email. Sorry for all the trouble...someday, this will be worked-out, w/Zero confusion and problems.

Caroline...They have been telling everyone this for years. Perhaps they have instituted a new policy, yet the website has not been updated. You could call the Dolphin 5 times, and receive 5 different answers! LOL....it's like Vegas (gambling...)!

marymrg...I pm'd you in regards to your post/plight. Hey...39 forever? I'm still 29...and holding, and holding and holding....LOL! We are a VERY YOUNG & Spirited Group!

Mike...Did you call the Dolphin or Swan? The Dolphin seems to be more "intune" with the prices than the Swan personnel. I have no idea as to the reasoning behind this...yet this is what I have discovered. I KNOW the rate for the Jr. Suite at the Dolphin is LESS than the amount you were quoted. In fact, w/AP or ENT. rate, it is about $292.00. Many have received the Teachers/Nurses/Gov't. Rate at close to your quote...of $200. You just have to TRY, TRY, TRY again (and maybe again...) until you succeed! Call during the week...during the day time hours of 7-5. If you are not satisfied with the info you receive from a reservation associate, politely...end the call. THEN, call back and ask to speak with a supervisor. Do not....I repeat....DO NOT, ask to speak with a supervisor when you are furstrated with an associate. This process will get you NO WHERE...as the associate will interfere in the middle. This method should be applied to nearly EVERY situation in life. Cut out the middle person...and call back to speak with the person in command. Works like a charm...99.9% of the time! Keep me updated (please) on your progress with this situation. Thanks.

 

[marymrg]

OK - it's the 10th anniversary of my 29th and holding birthday........I like that better. But then do I have to go back to having two kids(15 months apart) in diapers? Aah......life was so much simpler then.

 

[Pkdcoastrs]

Hey!

When we called we used the number (407) 934-4000. I wasn't the one who called, so I'll ask my sister after what it first said when she called. So you are saying to call the Dolphin directly? We'll definetly try that after!

Mike

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by marymrg
OK - it's the 10th anniversary of my 29th and holding birthday........I like that better. But then do I have to go back to having two kids(15 months apart) in diapers? Aah......life was so much simpler then.

...Yes...and So very Sweet! No, just "hold" where you are, "29" & holding 10! LOL.... You certainly have a HAPPY & UPBEAT attitude. Moi aussi!

Mike...YES! Call the Dolphin directly, and inquire. Hope your "wishes" are granted!

 

[marymrg]

Called again.........Reservationist said the only birthday rate they offered was the 100th Birthday Celebration rate of $100 and it ended on 2/28. There are no other birthday rates. Of course, I never asked for the name of the Starwood Rep last night or who she talked to at the Swan. I'm sure I am in their system as the "customer" who won't give it up. I'll call tomorrow using my cell phone.......lol.

 

[Dead End Kid]

We were at the Swan in Feb 2003 and it cost us 1,000 points per night to upgrade to Club Level.

That is an increase from the old 2002 cost of 750 points per night.

We called Starwood directly, 5 days before our arrival, and made the change.

If you look on the Starwood website, you will see the upgrade points were raised in 2003.

I'm not exactly sure how some people are getting this upgrade for 750/night - unless they are upgrading when they check-in? If the Swan or Dolphin front desk is not aware of the new rate, then it might be possible to get it for 750. It is certainly worth asking about!

One caution - when I made the call 5 days ahead, I was originally charged 1,500 points per night (which is the "view" charge). When I questioned the Starwood rep about the points, she told me they had been raised in Jan 2003. And then I told her they had been raised from 750 to 1,000.

She put me on hold for several minutes and then came back and confirmed that my info was correct. So be sure that you aren't charged ANY MORE than 1,000 points per night!

Good luck - our family certainly feels the points are well worth the wonderful perks and service of Club Level.

Dead End Kid

 

[Bell Family]

I just read about the Birthday Rate. Does anyone have any more information about this? Is it still valid? We are staying at the Vistana for most of the trip, but had one odd night and booked the Teacher Rate at the Swan. However, that day is my son's birthday - would love to save even more if we can. Thanks for the help.

 

[dreamflight99]

I'll try to get to the BOTTOM of this! I'll give them a "ringie-dingie" tomorrow.


marymrg...related to W. Churchill (Never-Never-Never...Quit)?!? LOL...try the cell phone, and get back to me.
Together, we'll solve the mystery of this rate!

Dead End Kid...You may indeed be correct, as the rates supposedly changed along w/points. So...perhaps if you UPGRADE at check-in, only 750 pts per eve will be deducted. Anyone do this?

**"Elizabeth Smart was found today~ALIVE & WELL." God Bless the family...and thanks to the almighty for this one. **

 

[Libbysmom2000]

Dreamflight,

I know this is completely off the subject of this board but I just had to thank you for including the post about Elizabeth Smart. We've been limiting the amount of TV time in our house because we have a small child that doesn't miss a thing. With all the horrible events going on these days it warms the heart to hear such wonderful news.

Thanks,

Kate

 

[ozziewags]

DF........Hadn't heard about Elizabeth Smart yet. Thanks for posting. I am going to go check CNN and see what's up. God Bless that family.

 

[MOM POPPINS]

What a miracle! Praise the Lord for such a special day for this family!

 

[jgates]

Hi guys......Nothing much exciting going on here, except my counter is finally under 500 days!

So glad to hear they found Elizabeth Smart. So sad to hear about the helicopter crash at FtDrum....

Just sitting here in a typical Wisconsin winter. It was -10 Monday morning and is supposed to be about 65 by Friday!!!!! We live only 7 miles from where the little 2 year old girl wandered out of the car after it crashed under a semi and killed her parents. She was out in the snow for about 3 hours - thank God for the state trooper who had the gut instinct that they should keep looking for a child!!! Some of you have probably heard this story - it was on CNN, Today show etc.

 

[time101]

I'm not new to these boards, but I am new to this thread! I just booked 3 nights (the other 3 nights we will be at All Stars) at the Swan in November! My wife (and I) have ALWAYS wanted to stay here. We got the standard discount (50% of rack rate) $147.50 with upgrade to lake view. We've got 2 rooms reserved, the other for friends traveling with us. I'm looking forward to the Heavenly Bed!

I've been trying to peruse this thread for some time. I just have a couple of questions.

I am a SPG member, but I don't think I have many points, if any. Is it too presumptuous to request free upgrade to CL? Or how about an Epcot view? I understand that they do grant many requests, but I don't want to be perceived as being ridiculous. I'm just happy to be staying here, but I'm not going to turn down a freebie!

Secondly, from what I read the resort fee is not waived unless you do have a CL reservation, is this correct?

I know these questions have been answered before, no doubt...but it is very hard to find specific info in this thread.

Thanks in advance for your replies!

Tim E.
Michigan City, IN

 

[Beader7]

I also was wondering about requesting upgrades. I "may" have enought points, if my AMEX bonus points get upgraded, but to WHOM do I put this request? The hotel, or SPG? I get a letter to "The Swan" and I got a very short reply. They refered my questions to SPG. So, I am wondering to whom do I request a CL upgrade????

Thanks!!!!

 

[dreamflight99]

Elizabeth Smart spent her FIRST NIGHT at home in her own bed last eve....since being kidnapped 9 months ago! More special BLESSINGS go out to the family, my prayers are with them.

jgates...thanks for the WEATHER REPORT! LOL...-10 degrees?!? OUCH! Also, gratis for the story on the little 3 YO. I had not heard/read a thing about this event. It's nice to know we are able to share so much info on this thread.

WELCOME TIM! I'm pleased to read you have reserved the 50% discounted rate at the Swan. It is NOT too presumptuous to REQUEST anything, at ANY resort. If it is not available, they will not fulfill your request. Plain and simple. Good things come to those who ASK~Nothing ventured, nothing gained~You'll never know unless you ask! So...please, email a request for CL, Epcot view...or BOTH. Also, CL does not specifically guarantee a waiver of the resort fees. Truly, the only way to have the fee waived is to REQUEST it upon check-in. You will have to relinquish the amenities associated with this feature to receive the waiver. Previously, I wrote "I personally" had never been charged a resort fee while staying on CL, and presume this to be part of the amenities of staying CL, yet others have been charged. So, due to the discrepancy in this area....I would strongly advise you ASK about this before or during check-in.

 

[time101]

One more question: do I post the request on the www.swandolphin.com website, or is there another way I should do this? Should this be done 4-5 days before arrival at the Swan?

Thanks,

Tim E.
Michigan City, IN

 

[Mouseteacher]

time101 ~I e mailed my humble request for a comp upgrade using the address from the website (as you stated). However, I wasn't specific about what type of upgrade. I wrote that it was our first stay at the Dolphin and we were very excited about it ~noted that I was a gold spg level and that whatever they could accomodate us for would be greatly appreciated and it would make our stay extra magical. We received a comp upgrade to CL. We were still charged the resort fee (CM said because I received the teacher rate) and I didn't argue since we had received so much already.