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

[dreamflight99]

HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME WiscMomof2!"

jgates...if I'm correct, I believe the Corporate Level of SPG membership is ONE ABOVE the Platinum (on the spectrum). The benefits are certainly better in most of the cases (2 points for EVERY $, plat= 1.5) w/exception to the CL benefits. I would email and ask them exactly (please request they be SPECIFIC) the difference between a Platinum and Corporate SPG level of benefits. It surely sounds GOOD to me!

I have a little bit of "news" which is directly correlated to the Dolphin and one of our own special frequent posters. She is NOT aware I have received this information from a fellow DISer, as she always prefers to remain annonymous with any philanthropic ventures. I will be emailing those of you with open email, and forwarding the letter.

Please take a moment to read when you receive the mail...thank you:

 

[Troyfus]

Jgates,
How many shares of stock do you have to own before being upgraded to Corporate?

DF,
I thought Preferred earns 2 SP, and Gold & Platinum earn 3 SP for each $ spent. I am so confused....... Did you ever get that special pin I told you about? Alas....I have yet another question. I'm on a limited budget and I'm HOPING to save my SPs up for a future vacation. I managed to upgrade to Gold status with my Platinum AE card. Now, in your vastness of knowledge, what would be my best chances for getting an upgrade? Spend my points or just pray there is a room available. With 5 & 9 year olds, should I go for CL, a view, or both? Staying at the Dolphin (gov rate) will be an upgrade in itself, since our budget is more in the lines of the All Stars.

 

[dreamflight99]

LOL...Troyfus...you are indeed correct! I apologize for any confusion (I was thinking of Delta Skymiles..). Being Platinum SPG means the answer is always "YES", as you are the priority.

Plat. SPG receives 3 Starpoints for every eligible U.S. dollar spent-a 50% bonus over other members.

Plat. SPG receives a 5,000 miles/points bonus when you transfer 20,000 Starpoints to any airline.

Plat. SPG has NO BLACKOUT dates for free nights redemption. It typically takes just three stays for a free weekend night. Redemption is hassle-free. For any upgrades and instant awards, ask the front desk agent when you check-in. In this program, redemption is DEFINITELY Different!

Instant rewards...right here/right now. Redeem your Starpoints for on the spot indulgences at the Hotel, from a massage to Dinner and more!

Plat. SPG receives personalized check-in service, customized to your specific travel needs, with online billing and account inquiries, real-time statements, free newspaper, coffee and 4 p.m. late check-out.

Upon check-in, SPG Plat. receives the BEST room available (including suites where applicable/available. Not all Suites are eligible).

Plat. SPG offers a room GUARANTEED, just by making the reservations within 72 hours of your intended arrival.

Plat. SPG offers a Special Service Desk and Concierge service offering award planning to special requests with just one call.

As for the upgrade...I would take a chance and try at the desk (Especially with a GOLD SPG membership). A few posts back I wrote about a fellow DISer whom sent me a candid and Magical email. She was upgraded, and she had never even stayed with Starwood, (and only had the preferred membership)! You can ALWAYS redeem your points when you arrive for upgrades like CL. But, the view may be gifted to you simply upon request. If not, you may select to use points for this as well. Remember, these things can all be negotiated at the front desk (use the SPG desk if open). If it isn't all that critical, I would personally wait until you arrive. Especially when traveling on a budget. Your points can be redeemed upon check-in for $25 dining certificates to be used in the restaurants, etc. I would DEFINITELY fax the resort and use your reservation confirmation number. Kindly request the "best, most magical view/room" availble for your FIRST STAY at the WDW Dolphin! When are you traveling? Hope this helps you make a decision. You will LOVE the Dolphin!!

 

[NancyIL]

...because my hubby and I fly to Europe tomorrow! I'll be back late on Nov. 2nd - so look for me here around election time!

 

[ozziewags]

HAVE A WONDERFUL TRIP!!!! We are all jealous!!!
Post when you get back.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

My favorite vacation picture, and it's of the Dolphin! Here it is:

Having problems with the site the photo is stored on - possibly too many people viewing them...

The full size image looks awesome (it is much smaller in this photo). Can't wait to stay at the Dolphin (once renovations are complete).

 

[Meeko1]

We're staying at the Swan for Xmas and was wondering if any of the restaurants will have a traditional Xmas dinner or buffet with ham and turkey and all the trimmings. I love this board! Thanks for all the help!

 

[disnurse]

never heard of double upgrade using points. Planning on upgrading to CL for 750pts per night what would I get for 1500 points per nigth if I book a standard room?

 

[dreamflight99]

"HAVE A FABULOUS TIME, NANCY!" SEE YOU BACK HERE SAFE & SOUND AFTER THE JOURNEY.

WOW..CALI! That's a GREAT Picture of the Dolphin. I may have to print and paste that one!! Makes me WISH I were there...like the calgon commercial. LOL.

Meeko1...This is the second inquiry of this type, I'm ALMOST positive the Swan/Dolphin have appropriate meals/food selections for these Holidays. If not, you can ALWAYS head over to the Liberty Tree Tavern, where the Ham and Turkey, Stuffing, Gravy and fixings flow freely (ALL STOUFFER'S!)...YUMMY!

Disnurse...I know you can upgrade to certain "suites" using the points. I've really never heard of the "double upgrade" either. I'll have to look into this one.

ENJOY the WEEKEND! TTFN....

 

[lvinay]

Hi all,
I thought I read a while back that you don't have to stay on the club floor to get club privileges if you upgrade with points. I ask because I called SPG today to upgrade for our upcoming stay at the Swan (10/25 - 11/4), and the wonderful man told me I had to stay on the club floor to do this. I really wanted a renovated room (so far only the third floor is done), so I didn't want to stay on 7. Anyway, I still put my points to good use requesting an upgrade to a studio if available on the third, but I would have liked to have met Mama T and used the club (I guess we'll just have to go to the supermarket ; ) ). The reservationist said I could ask at the desk and see what they say, since I have a ton of points, so we'll see. Those of you who have been there recently, if you had to choose one of the three options, which would you choose (I am travelling with my husband, 5 year old and 7 year old):
A standard renovated room with club privileges
A studio on the club floor with club privileges
A renovated studio without club
Any feedback or suggestions others might have would help.
Thanks, as always for all of your feedback,
Linda Vinay

 

[Ithastobe]

I don' t think I'm supose to do this here.. but just wanted to pop in and say 'thanks', dreamflight99 for all the info regarding the SWAN. (and to others who have posted questions, and ansas). I've learned a lot!

Leaving early tomorrow - angels sleeping, DH working, and Moi going through my lists, packing, washing etc.! Ready for vacation, I'll say!

Looks like we're in for some rain, but it certainly won't 'rain on our parade'.

Thanks again! (looking forward to the Grand Suite that we have too)!!

 

[dreamflight99]

"HAVE A MAGICAL TIME, ITHASTOBE!" ENJOY THE GRAND SUITE AND ALL OF THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF DISNEY!
*And remember to call and request the ROBES in the ROOM!
Please have a safe journey, and return to us with all the details of your mystical stay!

Ivinay...I would take the renovated studio w/CL privs! I HAVE done this on many occasions at Starwood resorts. Just ASK at the desk upon arrival. Believe me...it CAN be done! I have stayed at the DOLPHIN, and desired the far East wing w/balcony more than the CL rooms. SO...I would book the balcony room, and simply ASK for CL privs. (somtimes using pts.~before I was Plat) from my preferred Balcony room. It is feasible, so just request it upon check-in.

 

[RobMax]

Have fun Ithastobe - and please report back when you return.

 

[jgates]

Troyfus - I only have a few shares so evidently there is not a minimum. I bought mine through Sharebuilder to be honest. I love that little site. (Course everything I buy is losing $$$ but that goes for the whole market. )

I will read thru the info when it comes - it was supposed to take a few weeks for new card/info. Doesn't matter - It will be at least 2 years before I get there again - darn.

I was hoping for Club level upgrade with the stockholders program too but I'll take what I can get!

 

[Fantasia Sam]

Hi I'm new on this thread Please can you help me on the following:

I'm staying at the Swan in Dec and I was wondering if there were better rooms that I could fax the hotel before arrival to request - is that the best way to do it?

I am a SPG but I only have temporary card (I don't think they send the card to the UK...anyone know any different) I have a preferred convention rate (staying for DISCon)...will I get upgraded? Ihave already requested a King Room but I would like to have a view facing EPCOT if possible - would you suggest this.

I also heard that some rooms have been re-furbished at teh Swan but these are on the lower levels does anyone knos?

There's a lot of ramble here - Bottom line ......I just want to stay in a good room with a good view....what do you suggest.

 

[livsea2]

I called the front desk because all SPG specialty room upgrades are different at different hotels. A level 1 upgrade (750 star points) gets you a balcony room at Dolphin. A level 2 upgrade (1250 points) is required for a club level upgrade. So build those points before you go!

 

[Debbie7452]

Sorry, but this is not correct info. Club upgrade (which is what I did last summer) is 750/night. The balcony/view room upgrade is 1250 pts. I think the associate you spoke with just got a little mixed up. If you need more confirmation I would call SPG customer service. They are the absolute best source for SPG information.

I've never heard the term "double upgrade" before. I always just thought of them as "different" upgrades. Balconies/Views are limited so cost more. CL privileges can be given wherever you stay, thus are not limited by number.

 

[RAV]

Fantasia Sam,

We recently stayed on the CLub Level at the Swan. The front desk apologized that we didn't have a view of Illuminations. Actually, we could see the ball glide across the lake and saw all of Illuminations. The view was actually better than many rooms we have had at the Yacht Club because when you are on the 5th floor of the Yacht Club, you can only see the fireworks in the sky. We faced the front of the Swan, could see the waterway leading to MGM and also saw downtown Disney in the distance.

 

[Nsj31]

Hey All! Quick question?! Is the 750 points for an upgrade for the whole stay or per night? And if you accumulate points by only using your credit card does your status change as far as being a Gold or Platinum? Thanks, Nancy

 

[livsea2]

You will find at the spg web site the level 1 upgrade 750 star points. Level 2 upgrade 1250 star points. Based on the reservations portion of the web site what the front desk clerk told me makes sense. ( She put me on hold twice to check to make sure) Balcony room are less expensive and on lower floors than the club level rooms, so it stands to reason the club level rooms are a higher level upgrade. PLEASE do not believe me or anyone on these boards without CHECKING yourself! CALL yourself and check it out! The only reason I am posting this is so that you will check before you go and not be disappointed at arrival. I checked and what I was told makes sense to me. A Club room is more expensive than a balcony room so it requires more points to upgrade to one.