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

[dreamflight99]

Hi Robmax (Did I ever tell you I LOVE the mad scientist at the bottom of your page?!) Here's some info I copied from "Mousesavers.com" (Mary's AWESOME sight for all $avings DISNEY! Enjoy...hope this helps:

Limo Service

If you're not renting a car, towncar service from Orlando airport to WDW area hotels will cost you about $75-$90 round trip (plus tip). It's about twice that for stretch limo service. If you have a party of 3 or more, limo service is often a better deal than taking a shuttle -- and much faster and more comfortable! The driver meets you at baggage claim, assists you with your luggage, and takes you straight to your hotel. It really gets your vacation off to a great start.

There are a lot of limo companies in the Orlando area. I've checked out a number of them, and I personally recommend Happy Limo, which has excellent rates and very dependable service. Its reservations center is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so you won't have problems reaching someone, and I have found the nice folks at Happy Limo to be very responsive to e-mail inquiries. You can even book your limo online (http://happylimo.com/) through a secure server. If you request it in advance, Happy Limo will make a FREE 15 minute stop at a grocery store on the way to your hotel so you can pick up a few things.

MouseSavers readers can use Code MS5569 and receive $5 off roundtrip towncar or van service or $10 off roundtrip stretch limo service from Happy Limo. You can give the code when calling to reserve at 888-394-HAPPY or put it in the comments section when booking online. The best part is, there are no coupons to print and remember -- just a nice rate reduction when you use the code!

 

[RAV]

RobMax,

We recently used Tiffany to transport us to and from the airport. The service was punctual, friendly and reasonable.

 

[hookedup]

On our last trip we used Tiffany Town Car and they also have a coupon (it's on their website) they were GREAT (we were delayed until at 3:00 am arrival and our driver was there still waiting!) They also do free 30 min grocery stops and have child seats (they usually carry booster seats in the trunk) but definately make sure whatever service you use you tell them you need a child seat and grocery stop when you make your reservation.

 

[dreamflight99]

RAV and Hookedup are absolutely correct! TIFFANY towncar services consistently receive high customer satisfaction ratings. Here is the link:

http://tiffanytowncars.com/

Enjoy...which ever you select. It is nice to be "picked-up & dropped-off" at YOUR convenience! I may opt for the stretch Limo this summer at the AP (to the first eve at the Peabody), to and from Cape Canaveral (Dolphin to the Cruise & back to the Dolphin), and finally FROM the Dolphin to the AP. I'm renting an Expedition for two+ weeks (again)prior to checking into the Dolphin, then for another week AFTER the Cruise. I really don't need a car while at the Dolphin for 5+ weeks, or while on the Cruise! The remainder of the time (Portofino, Peabody, Disney's Vero Beach, etc.) we are on the go so much--it is conducive to have our own means of transportation.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

We used Yourride Transportation Company ( www.yourride.net ) and were very pleased in their service. They have Ford Luxury Vans, Lincoln Towncars, and a Ford Excursion (we rode in this - it was loaded and very comfortable!). Rabbit (the owner) has excellent customer service - I'm sure you'd be pleased with their service!

 

[Jodi1980]

What night does the Dolphin have all you can eat crab legs?

Are they working on the bottom floors first at the Dolphin or the top?

 

[Tracy M]

DF99 & MomPoppins:

Thanks so much for the replies.....I had an strong feeling it could be done. I will persist this time....first by email & fax.

DF: I did ask for an upgrade in August & I'm a Gold SPG member. They said they would try as we arrived around 9am. We didn't get our room until 3:30pm, and that's where we got stuck on the 3rd floor. It felt so strange being on lobby level. They were also replacing all the furniture (beds, etc) on the floor, so everyday the hallways were cluttered with the old furniture. Try manuevering a stroller around bedframes & chairs in those hallways.

I should of pushed with my dissatisifaction of the room...but my children were so excited just to be there I let it go. We've stayed 5 previous times @ Dolphin and have always received the best service & rooms. However, this time I'll persist.

I'll let you know how I make out......thanks again.

Best,
T

 

[livsea2]

When I reserved for my stay in Nov. at Dolphin I used cash & points and the operator asked me if I wanted to upgrade with more of my points! That should answer your original question.

 

[Tracy M]

livsea2:

When I called the other day...I told the SPG representative that I would like to upgrade using more of my points and they said "not w/cash & points". I guess you should just never take "no" for an answer!

I'm going after that upgrade one way or another! Thanks for your reply. I was just in Rehobeth for the sidewalk sale at the outlets. I take the ferry from Cape May. Small world..(no pun intended)

Best,
T

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by CaliforniaDreaming
The Ford Excursion was loaded and very comfortable!).

Was this by any chance...extended? We have some out this way, and they are all "stretch", and VERY NICE indeed!

Jodi...Fridays! No one is really sure, but my guess (hypothesis...LOL) is from the TOP down.

Trace...or "T" (my sister's name, I always call her Trace )...PLEASE persist this time, and definitely let me know what happens. I was there in August as well (until the end of the month), and recall all the changes occurring and the maintenance by the front door in the eves (all the doors from the boat were taped off--as they were replacing the flooring tile!). The upgrades are wonderful, but when they interfere with the enjoyment of the guests (as they did in your case), management should be notified. I'm confident you'll obtain the upgrade...one way or another!

 

[Mouseteacher]

We, too, used Tiffany Towncar this past August for the first time. They were prompt, courteous and we arrived at the Dolphin in 20 min. (we did not need a grocery stop). We used the coupon and had a van since there were two families. I will never use Mears again. The sharing of rides and other resort stops is not a pleasamt way to start your vacation.

 

[adisneyfan2]

Originally posted by adisneyfan2
We got a message that said we would get a call within 7-10 days to confirm the info in our application, then we would get our card!

For anyone else interested in applying for the SPG AmEx card:
We applied Friday afternoon, got instant tentative approval, and were contacted by AmEx on Saturday afternoon for final approval. (Basically they confirmed name, address, phone numbers, etc.) They said we could expect our cards within seven days, and were able to give us our credit limit over the phone!

Thanks to this thread, now we can take advantage of the great upgrade programs through SPG too! Thanks everybody!!

 

[hookedup]

adfan2 - after you get your cards call SPG res 800 # and tell them that you are AMEX SPG Platinum Card holders and they will upgrade your SPG membership to gold level!

 

[Tracy M]

DF99: My sister calls me Trace all the time...so feel free to call me Trace too

I'll keep you posted...and you bet I'll persist! I've already emailed and faxed since my later post.

I really love the Dolphin, but staying on that 3rd floor really took the enjoyment out of the stay.

Thanks again for all your knowledge & tips!

Best,
"Trace"

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by Tracy M
DF99: My sister calls me Trace all the time...so feel free to call me Trace too

Again, sorry "Trace" for all the problems you encountered during your last stay. Call/fax/email a request for an UPPER FLOOR w/unobstructed view of the EPCOT (or MGM) theme park. This should be specific enough, unless you want room #'s too! P.S. I love the Dolphin too! (but would not be pleased on the third floor, etc. either!)

adisneyfan2....hookedup is RIGHT! Call and obtain your FREE UPGRADE to GOLD SPG~ASAP!

Mouseteacher...We have never used MEARS, but have heard nothing but complaints about the service. We usually grab a vehicle via emerald aisle, etc. @ MCO. Yet, I have used the limo service in other cities, and am seriously contemplating trying it in Orlando too! Thanks for all the info on this, I'm learning as much as RobMax...LOL.

 

[WiscMomof2]

Hi all! Just got back tonight from 8 days at WDW. The weather and crowds were fantastic. We couldn't have asked for a better trip! We spent 5 of our 8 nights at the Dolphin and overall were very happy with the resort and the service. We upgraded to club level on SPG points and felt that it was well worth it. Our room was ready at noon on check in day and it had a beautiful view of the Swan, Boardwalk, and the TOT. We also had a gorgeous view of Illuminations which we loved watching from our room every night. One of the best things about the Dolphin is definitely the location. We walked to Epcot in about 15 minutes and loved strolling the Boardwalk at night. Please let me know if I can answer any questions for you.

 

[dreamflight99]

WELCOME BACK WISCMOMOF2! Sounds as if you had a GREAT time. The LOCATION is one of my favorite things! So glad to have you back SAFE & SOUND. Now, you can tell us all the DETAILS of the DOLPHIN STAY (more, please), and the other experiences you enjoyed while staying there.

adisneyfan2....please, visit the SPG website @ www.starwoodpreferredguest.com and obtain all the info on the levels of membership. The Swan/Dolphin operate just like a Disney Owned property, and usually take pts (or so they say) for upgrades 5 days out from your intended arrival. Yet, you are IN the system long before that time. YES, you may fax/email/phone in your requests for certain views/features and any upgrades at any time (the sooner the better). Then, just keep the fax and resend it (or another) when you are a week outside your arrival date. Just as a reminder, or in case the initial fax was never applied to your ressie. Hope this helps.

Happy Sunday! Turn the CLOCKS BACK~Yea!

 

[RobMax]

Turn the CLOCKS BACK"

Does this mean I have to wait another hour for my trip. Oh No ... I'm losing ground!

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by RobMax
Does this mean I have to wait another hour for my trip. Oh No ... I'm losing ground!

No..because you were ALREADY AHEAD an hour~LOL!(since SPRINGing forward...)

 

[adisneyfan2]

Again, thanks for the information! I checked out SPG.com & understand it now (I think!)

Thanks again, adf2