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

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by happytrails2u
Bonjour Madame Dreamflight, HT here live from Las Vegas (business this time) w/little play time. Had a few moments to catch up on some of the message boards I haven't posted to in a while, including my beloved DIS. Hope things are well with you and the gang in So. Cal.

I did hear today (CNN?) that there were heightned security levels at major resort parks, i.e, WDW, DW, etc., but I suppose that's SOP during these times. If I know you, you will be there come "hell or highwater" (hehe), even if Osama himself is operating Splash Mountain - LOL. However, for the sake of all human life, let's hope that this too shall soon pass.

Warmest regards to all and praying for peace.

HT

...Always a pleasure...HT. I have a little plaque above my desk here, which reads: "This too shall pass". It's absolutely one of my FAV mantras~! Seems to lend some Inner Peace just by saying it aloud. And the prolific TRUTH behind the four simple words...is astounding. You know me very well...I would NEVER deviate from my/our plans...no matter WHAT the circumstances. They would have to close the parks (and even then...I'd still be banging on the rickity chain-link fences and barracades! HeHe.....TTFN (come back soon & give my best to M & MM!).

"I'VE BEEN TAGGED!!" (Thanks, JOC!) Okay....who is the Fairy? How did they know I adore Lilly Tomlin? (LOL)...THANKS!! A ZILLION!! Sunshine all Around!


leahgmac...To use the voucher, please call Starwood preferred guest services directly. It can EASILY be used for the Swan or Dolphin. They will be able to assist you with the details associated with this promo! Congrats on your membership into one of the "Happiest" programs around.

Jruj... CONGRATULATIONS!


kathmzh...HOORAY! I noticed this too...WOW~Another 100 PAGES of amazing INFO & TIPS!

disnurse...YOU know you have my Prayers and thoughts...May GOD be with you and your brave student (& his mom), and watch over all of you throughout this trying ordeal. "LOVE, is the ONLY TRUE GOLD." (Afred, Lord Tennyson). Take care, and know you are loved...more than you love.

Originally Posted by RobMax: On many of the other boards/threads on this website and books like the unofficial guide you can read that the major drawback of the S&D is the level of service is lower than other resorts on campus. They know not what they say!!!

Glenn~LOL...Shhhhhhh!!! It's like some small-town treasures of USA. They are the BEST-KEPT secrets around, until some Official "POLL" or Travel magazine Lists them as "The best place to LIVE in AMERICA". Then...The cover's blown! I'm the one whom wrote the garbage about the Swan/Dolphin...(LOL), do you think I want EVERYONE to know they treat us BETTER (service & accomodations) than the finest of Disney-Owned Resorts? Ignorance is BLISS...and I much prefer for folks to be "Blissful"! P.S. That's a SHARP pic. of you! Very "Take Charge" presence about you, with a Teddy Bear Smile! Can't stop laughing about the heat-mizer hair...and the "pants" nightmare~You're too much! THANKS for the humor, with everything else currently occurring, we NEED a LIFT like this everyday!

marymrg...Wow! Your Marketing ideas ROCK! I would like to add "automatic FRONT of the LINE ACCESS to ANYONE staying ON DISNEY PROPERTY! Just as LOEWS does for U.S. & I.O.A.~~So should the Mouse! MY DD's FAV. Color is GREEN, so SHE LOVED the Green Frosted Cupcakes! So glad they went over well for you too. Green Koolaid? Yummy. We tinted the Lipton Tea Green and we were FEELIN' the IRISH! My prayers to your DB & SIL overseas, and also all in the military. Thanks for the intentions.

Mike...The BEST of luck to you with your "upgrade wishes"! Your candor and honesty are SO refreshing. I commend you for not lamenting over the things you do NOT obtain (Family thinks the 100$ extra is not worth it), but rather appreciating the things you DO obtain (Trip was not even supposed to happen until NEXT summer). The deluxe rooms are GRAND, and who knows...they may even upgrade you to a studio, etc. if available. Just ASK, (ALWAYS, ALWAYS~~ASK!), as you NEVER know until you do! The best part is.."YOU'RE GOING to DISNEYWORLD!" Ciao for now.

Happy Day, Muffy! Looks like MANY of us have been TAGGED and SPRINKLED with some TAG FAIRY DUST! Oh, How I LOVE this board/site! Enjoy the Day.

 

[jaygatz]

Can anyone definitively tell me what "automatic" upgrade one is likely to get at the Swan with Gold SPG? The original booking is for a room with a preferred view, so I am wondering what the upgrade is likely to be--club level? Thanks in advance.

Also, does anyone know what the Starwood category two upgrade on points nets at the Swan?

If no one knows, does anyone know where I can go to get the info? Thanks

 

[leahgmac]

How are the jr. suite and the swan suite set up? (bathrooms balconys ect.) The new pics of the Swan look cool.

 

[Mouseteacher]

jaygatz ~ I don't believe there is any "automatic" upgrade even with gold spg. I believe that the comp upgrades are dependent on what is available at the time you are going. Although, I do believe that the resort does everything to try to accomodate upgrades. We received a CL upgrade.

DF - what do you think?

 

[jaygatz]

Mouseteacher,

prior to geting the Gold status, I held a corporate preferred card via my ABA membership. In that class of membership, I was guaranteed some kind of upgrade (if available). Isn't that the way the Gold SPG works? I'm not trying to be greedy here I am just trying to figure out the upgrade options--complimentary and points. Thanks for your response

 

[Mouseteacher]

Oh, sorry, I'm completely in the dark regarding that membership perhaps dreamflight can help. She should be checking in soon - she's on CA time.

 

[RobMax]

Originally posted by jaygatz
Mouseteacher,

prior to geting the Gold status, I held a corporate preferred card via my ABA membership. In that class of membership, I was guaranteed some kind of upgrade (if available). Isn't that the way the Gold SPG works? I'm not trying to be greedy here I am just trying to figure out the upgrade options--complimentary and points. Thanks for your response

Jay, I am corp and platinum. Corp is between gold and plat. S and D have clerk help cards with all the levels on them at check-in. I told them what I did for a living and asked if I could see it. The night desk manager was excited to showed me (there were several levels I was unfamiliar with). Plat is still the highest and I remember corp and gold being nearly the same (I think there were some business stay benefits and group travel benefits on the corp side, but they didn't hit me as impressive. If you can bring both cards - throw'em both out and see what they do!


Btw, if any of you are trying to book for dates that are convention blocked - ask if you can be put on a waiting list! They are happy to do it!

 

[jaygatz]

Oh, sorry, I'm completely in the dark regarding that membership perhaps dreamflight can help. She should be checking in soon - she's on CA time

--No need to apologize, Mouseteacher. I hope my reply to your response did not sound snippy. I really appreciate the fact that you responded.

If you can bring both cards - throw'em both out and see what they do

RobMax, I think I'll do that Hit 'em with the Gold SPG, the Plat. Amex, and the ABA SPG LOL.

Kidding aside, what I am looking for is Club privileges, at least. By the time of our June trip, I'll have 9,000-11,000 points built up. We're staying for three nights, moving to the AKL, coming back to the Swan for five more nights. Do y'all think it would be best to attempt to garner the CL privileges through points or a comp. upgrade? Thanks for entertaining my queries?

BTW, RobMax, I have enjoyed your posts on the AP thread; however, I feel as if I owe you tuition.

 

[dreamflight99]

leahgmac...The Jr. suites at the Dolphin are configured a bit differently than the Swan Studio...but basically, both are comparable accomodations (and both the same price). Yes...the NEW Swan (After renovations), certainly looks Tempting.

Jay...Mouseteacher is correct w/respect to every SPG level (except Plat.). There are no "set" or automatic upgrades. The Plat. level always receives the Room upgrade (to best available room/view, including a small Jr. suite~IF available), and also CL. Gold at the Dolphin USED to receive more similar upgrades,(like CL), but not any more. Now, gold gets a "Preferred room" as the Free upgrade (automatic). This means a BETTER VIEW, amybe perhaps a Balcony. Yet, as mouseteacher wrote...you are elegible for ANY upgrade at the time of check-in, merely by requesting. Also, it never hurts to email/call, etc., a specific request PRIOR to your arrival. The reservation department attempts to fulfill all the requests (when possible). So...I personally, would TRY for the FREE CL UPGRADE. If it doesn't work...no harm/no foul. You can simply use points at check-in, and obtain the privs. in that manner.

Here's what is posted on the SPG site:

Gold Preferred Guest®

Stay just 10 times (or 25 nights) a year, and earn Gold status. Receive all the benefits of a Preferred Guest® with the following enhancements:

*More Starpoints: Earn 3 Starpoints(SM) for every eligible U.S. dollar spent -- a 50% bonus over Preferred Guests, more than any other program -- so you earn free nights faster.

*Automatic Room Upgrades: As an elite member, you don't need to redeem Starpoints for a room upgrade --- you'll automatically be given a Preferred Room at check-in when available.

*Faster Airline Awards: Enjoy a lower minimum transfer threshold when converting Starpoints to frequent flyer miles -- exchange just 1,500 Starpoints versus 2,500 for Preferred Guests.

*Little Extras: Take advantage of a morning newspaper, 4 p.m.

*late checkout, check-cashing privileges up to $300, and access to the Gold Preferred Guest special customer service telephone number for reservations and information.

AS for the platinum level:

Stay 25 times (or 50 nights) a year, and achieve Platinum status. Enjoy personalized attention and unparalleled rewards at an extraordinary collection of hotels and resorts worldwide as well as the following enhancements:

*Our Best Room: You'll automatically be upgraded to our best available guest room at check-in.

*Platinum Concierge: No other program offers such highly personalized service as our Platinum Concierge(SM). Call to make reservations and secure upgrades, redeem awards, book opera tickets and baby sitters, or get information on local restaurants and sights.

*Complimentary Access: Enjoy complimentary access to the hotel gym and Executive and Club Level floors at Westin® and Sheraton® Hotels & Resorts.

*Welcome Gift Upon Arrival: Each time you stay with us, choose a complimentary gift such as a refreshing bowl of fruit or snack, an in-room movie, or bonus Starpoints(SM).

RobMax...I am Corp, Gov't. & Plat.~so I COVER the bases! I use the Plat. @ SW as it offers the best. Thanks for mentioning the wait-list for the rooms. I've used this before at the Dolphin, and also at VERO beach for this summer. They did not have the Villa I requested available (according to their reservation records at the time) for the full length of time I required. So==Waitlist. They phoned as soon as someone either cancelled, or these opened in some other fashion. I'm all set. It definitely works~and you'll be the first to know as soon as the corporate conventioneers call to drop/cut some of the rooms/suites they've blocked. Should not be long now.

 

[ozziewags]

Wow, you guys, I can't keep up!

Great marketing ideas......and the front of line access is an awesome perk. So worth staying on property.

Glenn...great pic. Very professorial! Your posts keep me in stitches. Where is it you are going that is closer to the MAGIC?

I am now receiving email notifications too. Now all I need is the tag fairy to visit!!!!

As for the Q about the Swan jr. suite.....lower floors are L shaped, with a King bed and sofa bed in one room and a dining area in the L. Our jr. suite, on the 12th floor was one huge room with a King bed, sofa bed, dining area with a wet bar across the wall at the back of the room. I have pictures on p. 55 or so of this thread. They would be the beginning of Jan. 03. Hope that helps. I understand that the Swan has been completely renovated since we were there in Dec.

 

[RobMax]

Originally posted by ozziewags
Where is it you are going that is closer to the MAGIC?

I'm going to be teaching and researching at Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Can't wait. I got my BS there. (Come on - not that kinda BS)

Got the illini going to the 16. Goodluck beyond that - AZ's gonna be tough and then KU! Yikes!

I'll be pulling for Bama (Choke!) and OU (!!!) as usual!

 

[ozziewags]

Good Luck to you, Glenn. There's always something special about that place you get your first degree. (that kinda BS, right?)
Illinois got in a tough bracket, but we have hope. KU is beatable, but tough, and beyond that who knows! OU is also good, a #1! It's going to be fun watching, starting Thursday.

GO ILLINI!!

 

[Mouseteacher]

jaygatz ~ you did not sound snippy at all I just realized that I misinterpreted the question.

 

[dahess]

ozziewags,

We are from Bloomington/Normal area. I actually grew up on a farm in Downs

It's a small world after all.

 

[jaygatz]

A big thank you for your answers to my questions. Now, forgive me for being obtuse, but anyone's help in deciphering this would be greatly appreciated:

as a response from Starwood, I received this explanation of Level 1 and Level 2 upgrades, respectively--

Level 1 or 1000 point upgrade

The definition of a Specialty Room varies by brand. In Sheraton, Four Points, and Caesar's hotels, you will receive an Executive, Club Level with Lounge, or a Mini-Suite. In Westin hotels, the Specialty room is a Smart Room or Guest Office, and a Business Class room in W Hotels.

Level 2 or 1500 point upgrade

The definition of a Specialty Select Room also varies by brand. In Sheraton you will receive a Towers Room. For Westin you will receive an Executive room. At Four Points you will receive a Mini or Executive Suite, and at the W Hotels you will also receive a Mini or Executive Suite.


Does anyone have any idea what an "Executive room" is? I hate to show my ignorance, but this is quite confusing

Thanks all

 

[leahgmac]

Do any of the Jr. suites at either hotel have balconys?

 

[leahgmac]

One more ? do the Jr. suites have a "closed off" vanity area?

 

[Muffy]

The Jr. suites at the Dolphin do not have balconies. I'm not sure about the Swan. The Jr. suites at the Dolphin are basicly 2 rooms with a connecting door. We loved our Jr. Suite when we were at the Dolphin in Jan. The vanity area is not closed off but very nice with a padded bench, huge mirror and wall mounted hair drier. The Jr. suite is very roomy, cozy and comfy! Happy planning!

 

[poohbear7]

I just called the hotel about upgrading to club level they told me I had to call Starwood.
I called Starwood they told me it's 1500 points to upgrade I thought someone posted 750 points. I can only do it 5 days before checkin.

 

[leahgmac]

Poobear7, The same thing happened to me in July.(different amounts) I e-mailed starwood and the hotel which gave different numbers. I saved the response I was given that I liked and used that as proof of how many points I needed to use.