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

[Gilligan]

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear...
I've been reading these tips avidly for 6 months now - I'm beginning to feel I'm letting the side down by not seeking out upgrades. My DH was Gold SPG, (I found out the other day)...except his card expired last year so I've reactivated it and he's back at the bottom of the SPG rungs.

We've got a lakeside standard room, and I think, from what I've been reading here, it'd be nice to be in the East wing. I am going to request that, and maybe I will get it, maybe not. But with allocations done so early on the day, I'm beginning to think we'll end up in the broom cupboard as our flight doesn't even land until 8.15pm! Still, I'm sure it would be a very nice broom cupboard, being at the Dolphin
Views and upgrades are lovely, but we'll just enjoy ourselves whatever! (Now, how do I write that grovelling request?)

18 days to go...

 

[pewing]

Originally posted by dreamflight99
"Solo" can be defined in many ways! You are certainly going to be SOLO on much of your trip, Pewing. Ahhh...it's really a TREASURE, especially when you have two toddlers (both in diapers?). Wow...Now I am really pushing for you to get the CORNER KING w/TURRET. It's like a "HONEYMOON SUITE" (LOL), since you'll be alone...together. ENJOY your time, and be sure to post a trip report upon your return. Of course...you could always bring a laptop...and post during any lonely times (Yea--RIGHT) you may experience!

 

[pewing]

Originally posted by dreamflight99
"Solo" can be defined in many ways! You are certainly going to be SOLO on much of your trip, Pewing. Ahhh...it's really a TREASURE, especially when you have two toddlers (both in diapers?). Wow...Now I am really pushing for you to get the CORNER KING w/TURRET. It's like a "HONEYMOON SUITE" (LOL), since you'll be alone...together. ENJOY your time, and be sure to post a trip report upon your return. Of course...you could always bring a laptop...and post during any lonely times (Yea--RIGHT) you may experience!

I will definately post some news of my solo trip. I am looking forward to some 'quiet' time. To clarify...that is DS #1 and DS #2...they are actually 7 and 8 now. Yes...they were both in diapers at the same time, but we survived

 

[marymrg]

BettyCV - ds(age 5 at the time) and I flew in on Labor Day in 2002. If you can swing it......check in that day so you can hit the parks the next day. We stayed until Fri. AM. The parks were not crowded at all. However, the weather was extremely hot and humid. Also, the Night of Joy(Christian Music Concert) was being held the Friday after Labor Day so Magic Kingdom closed early.

If I had a choice, I would rather go later in September because of the heat. But, once kids are in school, it makes it more difficult as they get older. Sounds like you'll have triple fun there!

Mary

 

[Emme]

Thanks everyone!
So what is boils down to is that turndown service comes standard with club level but anyone (I have just a standard room) can request it? I hope I understood right, let me know. It's been a long day and it's only 1:30

I am so excited to be staying at the Swan and this thread has been a great help!

Emmy

 

[jaygatz]

Did you ever get your AMEX bonus SPG points? I fired off a proactive email salvo to AMEX this morning in the hopes that I don't lose those points...

 

[Mouseteacher]

RobMax ~ Like that recommendation for the new title! It could help us behave!!!

BettyCv ~ the later you go in August and after Labor Day - the lighter the crowds. Although, the heat and humidity are still "in season". I visited once over the Columbus Day weekend and it felt just like the summer and it was very crowded. I'd rather deal with heat and experience lighter crowds, IMHO.

DF ~ Thanks for giving me some star power! hehehehe

A Hollywood bath is a vanity area outside the actual bathroom. And... no Hollywood hunk comes with it --- at least I didn't find any in my Hollywood bath at the Dolphin and I looked very hard to find one.

 

[Penny12]

Yup Emmy, you got it

Awwwww...I'm most disappointed in the Hollywood bath though *sigh* - I never knew the outside vanity area was called that!

 

[pewing]

Emme:

Your countdown timer looks great Have a great time!

 

[Fantasia Sam]

LOL Penny - I wouldn't have needed a hunk anyway I have my own but a bigger Tub would have been cool. I could have sworn that I had a Hollywood Bath then in the last room I had at the Swan.

Oh well I guess a bigger room and preferred room will have to do.

Thanks DF99 and Mouseteacher for clarification.

 

[pewing]

Originally posted by jaygatz
Did you ever get your AMEX bonus SPG points? I fired off a proactive email salvo to AMEX this morning in the hopes that I don't lose those points...

Sigh....not yet. I called Starwood and AMEX again yesterday. I asked to speak to a manager at AMEX, but he wasn't any more helpful. They are 'looking into it'. I was REALLY hoping to use those points for an upgrade on my upcoming trip. I guess I am still hoping for a comp upgrade. I'm ready to cancel the Starwood AMEX over this. I am happy with my Delta SkyMiles AMEX and only got this to hopefully help with some perks....sigh

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by jaygatz
Did you ever get your AMEX bonus SPG points? I fired off a proactive email salvo to AMEX this morning in the hopes that I don't lose those points...

jay...you won't lose those pts! I also had to email to get the BONUS pts...but they were in there asap. Keep on it, and make sure they are deposited.

pewing...me too! I LOVE my amex Skymiles plat. CC. I signed up yesterday for a Business AMEX CC @ Costco, as they were giving away cute pads of paper & a $10 cash card for my troubles! LOL. I already have four accounts (Reg. plat, Skymiles, Blue and Starwood). I need another AMEX like a hole in the head! LOL. Yet, the SW account is GREAT for the extra bonus points, especially at the WDW Dolphin/Swan. It's one of the BEST PERKS about staying there while on property.

Disneymad...so glad to have you joining in here on our thread.

Sam...which of the WONDER cruises are you taking? Are you staying at the Swan after or before your cruise? Last summer we took the 7-night Western before checking into the Dolphin. Oh, the Disney Magic was amazing! Now...we are hopping aboard the Wonder for the Eastern Bahama 4-day romp this summer (in the midst of our Dolphin Stay). Mostly, I just wanted to get BACK on the Disney Cruise lines, and also want to SEE ATLANTIS! LOL. Since you'll be on the wonder before moi, you'll definitely HAVE to give me details...please? Thanks!

 

[ozziewags]

Ok, anyone notice anything? Finally!

 

[jgates]

TAG TAG TAG!!!!!!!!!! Thank you!!!! 2 tags!!!!!!

I should have slept in front of the PC last nite...............

Word of warning on the Hollywood baths!!!! If your child(ren) have a significant other make sure you know where the regular public restrooms are! They will lock themselves in the restroom to use the phone in private and you will be forced to run for the elevator and the restrooms near the business center!!!!! (Duh- I didn't realize there was one in Club lounge till later - at least I think there is-theres a door in the back corner!). That sink out there doesn't help much with necessary evils!

My Hollywood bath came with no hunks either....At least when we stayed at the courtyard a couple of years ago, the Mears guy asked me out on a date......(no, I didn't go!)

Gilligan - I have a hard time asking for stuff too. I feel guilty even asking for what I am entitled too..... Example - we have stayed at Comfort Inn last October & on NYE. In October I was too scared to even ask for a room upgrade. Boy a mini-fridge would have been nice on that trip too! I did get gutsy enough to ask on NYE and we went from a double queen to a king w/sofa sleeper and fridge/micro. I really like that room type better! So I am getting gutsier in the future. (Our Comfort card has room upgrade if available at check-in). I'm going to be gutsy when I check into the Hyatt in Chicago on the 7th - I'm asking for an upgrade. (Convention so I doubt they will have anything available but you never know).

We always had turn-down service on Club level. Except for the chcolate , I'm not sure I really liked people coming in my room a 2nd time. A few nights I just threw the DND on the door and a couple times DS just got the chocolate from her and said No, thanks to the turn-down! Plus I felt guilty later cause I never thought to tip the turn down service.

On our ressie I tried to get a specific room assignment ahead of time. The agent I emailed wasn't very responsive but we had a great view at check in. We were in 1262, which actually has its main view of the parking area (ha, ha) but has full view of back of boardwalk, plus you can see ToT, Ears watertower & fantasia area. So I was VERY happy. Course I didn't know we were Club till we got there either!!!!

As a note we did attempt late September in 1988 I believe (or 89?). It was record highs that week - 90's or so. It was horrible! Plus the love-bugs..................................

 

[KelliR]

I'm thrilled! Just booked 3 nights at the Dolphin in June for myself and my DD5. Used DreamRes with that great rate. It will be our special little get-away like we did last year in April. We had a corner King room with a balcony and we absolutley loved it!!! It may be our last little trip like that since she will be starting full day kindergarten in September.

My DH will stay home with our DD13 ... she will be doing her final exams that week since it is her last week of school.

We can't wait!!!

 

[Fantasia Sam]

Originally posted by dreamflight99

Sam...which of the WONDER cruises are you taking? Are you staying at the Swan after or before your cruise? Last summer we took the 7-night Western before checking into the Dolphin. Oh, the Disney Magic was amazing! Now...we are hopping aboard the Wonder for the Eastern Bahama 4-day romp this summer (in the midst of our Dolphin Stay). Mostly, I just wanted to get BACK on the Disney Cruise lines, and also want to SEE ATLANTIS! LOL. Since you'll be on the wonder before moi, you'll definitely HAVE to give me details...please? Thanks!

We're doing the 4-day Wonder (day at Freeport not at sea) which includes Castaway Cay and Nassau then stay at the Swan for our last night. We are staying at the YC before the cruise. I can't wait to see the Atlantis so I'll tell you all about it. I'm also looking forward to my DBF staying at the Swan for the first time - I think he's going to be pleasantly surprised

 

[brockinsc]

Hello all, I am new to the boards. I have a S&D question. If I book my reservations on the spg website, can I still receive the govt rate ? Thanks for any help.

 

[jaygatz]

You can book the gov't rate on the SPG website; however, in my experience, the website will often, but not always, state that the rate is unavailable for certain dates when it really is. I have had the best luck booking the gov't rate through a travel agent. We prefer Your magical Journeys at www.yourmagicaljourneys.com They do not charge you anything extra, and they do remove all of the hassles and headaches of booking your stay. HTH



DF99--thanks for the encouraging words I do intend on getting my bonus points. I wonder why companies make offers and then attempt to repudiate them through slow action If I wasn't afraid of the board flaming me for litigiousness, I would suggest a class action. lol I guess we attorneys are like zebras and can never truly change our stripes

 

[csmommy]

I asked this in the restaurant section, but figured you guys would know. I thought I had read somewhere that if you eat at one of the restaurants at The Swan, Camp Swan was free while you were dining. Does anyone know if this is true? Is it only a certain restarant, & if so which one?

TIA

 

[KelliR]

It is Shula's restaurant at the Dolphin and it comes with 2 free hours at Camp Dolphin. My DD4 loved it! And DH, DD12, and I really enjoyed Shula's.