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

[jillz]

Thanks betty for the info...
I tried also and i can get the last two nites thru them but not first six
I thought about reserving just the last two nites but am wondering if they will make change rooms because it is a diff res...not sure what to do yet but thanks for your reply

 

[dreamflight99]

jillz....they will NOT make you change rooms, even with a different reservation. In fact, you could literally "stay" in the same room...even without any reservation, and they would have to charge you for the extra two eves at the same rate you currently have reserved. It's the Florida State Law. We were actually at the YC some years back, and DD became ill when we were scheduled to leave (too ill to leave). I called the front desk, and explained the situation. I informed them we would NEED to "extend" our stay by an additional two eves. She called me back, saying the resort was booked full, but there would be no problem with this request. I asked her "how" this could be done so easily? She informed me of the state law, as well as the little-known fact a resort is NEVER completely sold-out. I'm sure something will open up for you. Keep calling, and explain the situation to a front-desk manager if necessary. They certainly would not put you out of the resort, once you have arrived. Good luck. Thanks for the understanding with regards to my nightmarish stay at the NON-DISNEY resort. I toughed-it-out, and am currently planning my return this summer!

 

[jaygatz]

Jillz,

I would encourage you to keep searching as well...the space is bound to open up In any case, (forgive me DF99, no slight intended ) don't bank on staying beyond your departure date as a matter of law. I was enthused by DF99's post as I thought the law might be a tool to extend a stay someday. However, after a short Lexis search, the law actually states that a person refusing to vacate on the date of the prearranged departure, once given oral or written notice, is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor and is subject to arrest to facillitate her/his eviction. Fla. Stat. ch. 509.141 (1999). No offense intended to anyone--I just wanted to clarify the law.

 

[happytrails2u]

Originally posted by dreamflight99
BHappyTrails...AMAZING PICS of the TURRET! Makes me YEARN for this view/balcony for my forthcoming visit. Thanks for the MEMORIES! (Mac says "HI" aka: WOOF )

Thanks Dreamflight. We never would have known about these rooms had it not been for your help, resources and willingness to share same.

P.S. Hi back at ya MAC!!! WOOF WOOF.

 

[happytrails2u]

FYI: I'm not sure if this has been posted here recently, but the SPG site is offering their Cash & Points promotion. The good news is that the Swan & Dolphin are listed as eligible resorts. The S/D, classified as a category four (4) resort, would run you $60 and 4,000 points per night up to five consecutive nights. This might be worth a look into for those that have been saving their Sarpoints for a rainy day. Sorry if this is old news.

 

[sweet7696]

Hi everyone! After reading a few pages of this thread (I'm not sure I can read all 121 pages in one day! ) and doing a bit of research, I am convinced the Swan or the Dolphin is the way to go! I've got a few questions though.
First, this will be our honeymoon. Which resort would be better for us?? I notice a lot of you seem to prefer the Dolphin. Any particular reason??? Also, will the Dolphin be finished with renovations by December of this year??
Second, how likely is it that we will get an upgrade if we wear our wedding ears?? I know a lot of the Disney resorts will upgrade you if you wear them, so I'm wondering if it works the same here...
Third, does anyone know if the second week of December is crowded at the Swan & Dolphin?? Do they usually offer discounted rates for that time of the year???
Thanks for all the great tips and reviews!!! You guys are the best!
Jess

 

[jillz]

Dreamflight,
Thanks for the info...i'm sure if i start crying at the front desk they'll have no choice but extend my trip
But seriously, it is very scary when children become very ill on vacation...myself and dd went to new york at xmas one year,,,she became deathly ill with food poisoning...talk about scary ...we were at the Waldorf and they were marvelous...sent a doctor to the room and let us stay till the next evening at 700pm no charge until i was able to get her to the train station for the return trip home...hope everything worked out fine for you as well...when they are sick it's better to be home

I'm sure the dolphin will open up i will keep trying ...thanks again

jaygatz ty to you too for your post i will keep trying and hopefully a room will become available

 

[jillz]

ps dreamflight...
dd did not contract her food poisoning from the waldorf Astoria...didn't want to start any vicious rumors!

 

[dreamflight99]

WOW...Jay! Just goes to prove you can't believe everything you "hear" (Expecially from a Disney Resort Associate). Thanks so much for doing the leg-work and clearing this matter. I'm glad I received prior approval from the resort (YC), as the Boys in Blue would have had to break the doors down to get us to vacate with a sick youngster! This would have escalated the situation to a FELONY...knowing my luck! LOL. Thanks again.

Now, here in Ca. it is a different story entirely. While at the Westin St. Francis one year, someone was occupying the PARLOR portion of my penthouse suite (mistake by reservation dept). I occupied the deluxe BR portion, and they comped the first eve. The person was supposed to C-O by 11:00 am, but no such luck. The manager called my room, and said housekeeping was NOT permitted to enter the room of remove any of his belongings or baggage until he decided to leave. He FINALLY returned, and checked-out at 5:00 pm. Subsequently, he was charged another FULL night for this incident. I was comped ANOTHER eve, and my stay was extended by two eves. It was a true oddity, but Law or no Law, they are TOO afraid of a "Lawsuit" on behalf of the guest to PUSH IT here!

HappyTrails...Glad to be of assistance! Thanks for the wonderfully kind comments, you MADE my DAY.
Hello Molly! (From MAC)
*ALSO...THANKS for the GREAT UPDATE on the SPG CASH & POINTS current promo! No one has posted this info, and you're thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated! $60...nearly FREE for these accomodations!

Hello & Welcome, JESS...Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials! The Dolphin is more child-friendly and whimsical (IMOHO), the Swan is more refined and subtle. Yet, the DOLPHIN has the CORNER KING w/TURRET BALCONY rooms available...perfect for HONEYMOONERS! no one is quite sure as to "when" the renovations will be completed. As for the EARS...I'd wear them for sure! I had no idea about the "Disney resorts" upgrading guests wearing Wedding EARS...I ALWAYS WEAR MINE, ever since the Wedding (as they are IMPOSSIBLE to remove, and would make HEARING more difficult) and have NEVER received any upgrades! LOL. But, by all means...give it a try. Since I've never been to the Dolphin in December....(I'd LOVE to sometime), I'll leave this final question to the HOLIDAY EXPERTS!

 

[sweet7696]

Thanks for the quick response!
I should've seen that "ears" comment coming from a mile away!! LOL!!!
I guess what it will come down to is whether the renovations are done or not.. I would love to stay at the Dolphin, but I really want to find out what these Heavenly Beds are all about! I've heard they are fabulous.. Do you think they would let me take the bed home, as a wedding gift???
Jess

 

[Mouseteacher]

sweet7696 ~ Welcome to the DIS. I went to Disney over the holidays - 12/26 thru 1/1 a few years ago - stayed POFQ. It was extremely crowded. I believe that Dec.1st til the Christmas crowd about Dec. 18th? (not sure) is not quite as heavy. You might be fine the second week of December.

I agree with DF about the difference between the Swan / Dolphin. I still prefer the Dolphin because you don't have to exit the building to get to Tubbi's, the Fountain, the laundry. The Dolphin is larger than the Swan and most say the Swan is more adult oriented but I find the Dolphin equally excellent for adults. That turret balcony king room sounds delightful for a honeymoon or any time for that matter.

 

[sweet7696]

Thanks Mouseteacher!!!
I have heard the first two weeks are okay, not so crowded.. I just hope we beat the rush!
Okay, you guys are realllllly making me want one of these rooms with a turret balcony... Any idea how much those would cost?? I guess I could just ask for an upgrade to one, but what's the likelihood of that? Also, are these rooms already renovated? Are they at club level?? Sorry for so many questions!
Jess

 

[Mouseteacher]

sweet ~ put those wedding mouseears on and smile nicely and with some pixie dust coming your way ********************************************************************************************************
I hope you get that room!

 

[sweet7696]

Aww! Thanks for the pixie dust!!! I hope it works its magic!
Jess

 

[anne60]

did you get your bonus points??? I signed up for the AMEX at the end of February, used it for the first time on 3/3/03. Called last weekend and asked for a supervisor (Amex), and asked when my bonus points would show up. They said 6 to 8 weeks from first purchase. I also called starwood at the same time and asked that I be upgraded to gold, since I have a Starwood Amex. I just checked my account on spg.com and it says welcome Gold Preferred Guest member and they (the bonus points) are there!!! I hope you have the same luck!!

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by sweet7696

I would love to stay at the Dolphin, but I really want to find out what these Heavenly Beds are all about! I've heard they are fabulous.. Do you think they would let me take the bed home, as a wedding gift???
Jess

YES...as they actually SELL these through the WESTIN chain. These are MADE by SERTA, and not too expensive, either. Infact, everything on the bed is available for puchase, from the sheets to the Duvet. The DOLPHIN will have it's OWN version of the HEAVENLY BED, called the "Sweet Sleeper", (Also made by Serta). It's very similar in design, and just as wonderful to sleep on (I've tried both). Either way, as long as you were to be in a renovated room...you could not lose~!

 

[Beader7]

Anne60

I am so happy for you, and maybe there is hope!!! I will try and call again tonight. I did send a note to AMEX, so I am waiting. We will most certainly call Starwood and ask to be upgraded to Gold Status. I hope and hope we get our points. We are LEAVING in one week from tommarrow. All we reallywant is to be upgraded to CL priveliges. We have never had an AMEX before, and I am not so sure that we will be wanting to keep it after all of this. We have had some Visa company that are much more helpful than AMEX has been. Wish us luck!!! I cant WAIT to get to Disney!!!!!!! Its been quite a few years since we have been to the park in Florida and it IS my favorite place in the ENTIRE world to Vacation!!!

Sandy

 

[Beader7]

Hello all!! Just an update!!!
Called Starwood - asked for "Gold" and they were so helpful!
So we are now Gold members!! Yeah!!


called AMEX - again 5th call - at LEAST 5th email- asked to speak to a supervisor - right off the bat - She was kind, helpful, and found the promotion, and promised the points would be in our account by the end of the week!! (and this is Thursday!!)
Gave my husband her name and direct phone number to call back on Tuesday if they are not there. She promised they would be!!!Yeah!!! Thanks SO SO SO much you guys!!! This is the BEST board ever!!! I am so glad I found it!!!

kisssess to all!!!

Sandy

 

[ozziewags]

Hey, Beader.......way to go! Everything always depends on WHO you talk to! Keep us posted.

 

[pewing]

Way to go Beader7!

I just fired off a very heated email to AMEX myself. I said that if they coudn't award my bonus Starpoints immediately...that I wanted to proceed with closing my account

I hate to get ugly about this, but it really makes me feel not very 'magical'