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

[livsea2]

Please call or email SPG.com yourself but in my experience the points required for an upgrade are per night. That said, also in my experience, your membership may get you a room upgrade (usually does) for your entire stay without any points. Although you may not get a club room. Just a better view or better location.

 

[dreamflight99]

I believe DEBBIE is correct, dear. 750 pts (per eve) will get you CLUB LEVEL. The view/balcony upgrade is sometimes offered as a FREEBIE upgrade upon check-in, but a FREEBIE CL upgrade is a real rarity.

The posters on this thread are DOLPHIN/SWAN lovers, and many have traveled and stayed there numerous times. They are SPG members, and have used points for upgrades. No one is trying to offer erroneous information. Everyone is trying to assist one another.

Please, call SPG and ask about the upgrade points. You may also call the WDW Dolphin directly. The answer will be the same as printed above, which Debbie reiterated.

Nsj31...No. You SPG status is not based upon your SPG american express account. Although, a PLAT.card through this company can get you a complimentary upgrade to Gold.


RAV...your view sounds great! Could you see the fireworks over MK? Did you view Dan Murphy's pictures?

jgates...please let me know also!! I may pick up a few $$ worth of Starwood for the fun of it! Thanks for all the info.

Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend! TTFN...

 

[Nsj31]

Let me ask, what exactly is a Club Room?

 

[jgates]

DF, as I responded to Troyfus, I only purchased a few thru Sharebuilder.

Their symbol is: HOT (STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS CL B)

Looks like price on Friday was 23.46 per share. I like Sharebuilder because I can buy 1, 2, 5 whatever. I tell it the amount and they buy x.xx shares so I have a lot of partial shares.

But I will definitely post if there is any other info other than what I copied from the email the other nite. I have a feeling Club Level is for you top of the line guys only. But after having that this summer I am HOOKED big time. (Its also good being able to get food QUICKLY with my diabetes if I need to in the morning). No potential long waits at restaurants when your blood sugar is crashing. Also getting one of those cookies at supper time to eat part of for my bedtime snak is fantastic.

 

[dreamflight99]

Nsj31...Club level permits access to the Concierge CLUB LOUNGE. Inside the lounge is a concierge desk (with one/two or more associates ready to assist your every need), relaxing seating, televisions, newspapers and magazines, food-food-food & beverages, an astounding view over the WORLD, and MORE!

I know why you are HOOKED jgates! I too am addicted to CL, and insist upon this level of service every where I travel (where applicable). It's like first class air travel...once you travel this fashion--you NEVER want to fly coach. I wish I could...as the $$$ would be so much less, but the service and comfort (especially from West/East Coast travel) is too much to compromise! LOL!

 

[Debbie7452]

DF,

I have never flown first class but it is a dream of mine to do this! DH and I have been saving air miles for years now. Some day, when the flight is worthy (say to Hawaii) we will go first class...aaahhh. Dh is 6'4'' so I think he will appreciate it even more than I. Our last coach trip to Hawaii was awful for him. The guy in front kept his seat fully reclined for the entire trip. Poor hubby, his very long legs were sticking out way into the aisle.

Yes Club is worth any amount of wrangling you must do to get it! We have never paid for this privilege (except w/ SPG points) but have managed to get it complimentary many times. For me, it makes me feel pampered, relaxed and really on vacation. It is worth the 750 points per night. I consider that a real bargain that Starwood offers!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Ooh, flying First Class is one of my favorite things to do! Unfortunetly, I rarely fly first class. With my local airport, a round trip ticket to Orlando is 8 times the price in first than it is in coach.

BTW, df, I sent you a PM.

 

[dreamflight99]

Hey you guys...I ALWAYS fly first class, because of ALL the SPG points I accumulate thanks to the WDW DOLPHIN! Our marathon stays only assist us in "making our dreams come true" and permitting this class of service. LAX charges about $3200 RT to Orlando FC. I pay only 1/3 of this using Skymiles. I transfer my SPG to my skymiles account, and receive a bonus 5,000 for every 20,000 transferred. We build MUCHO miles each year. It costs 20,000 skymiles to upgrade to FC for a RT fare. Since coach tickets are $665.00 (currently), I feel the extra $350.00 (approx)each is a veritable bargain!

Debbie...poor DH...coach is NOT roomy enough for someone with that stature! I felt disheartened just reading your post. Have you considered banking some SPG into your mileage account? With the Plat. level of SPG...I do not have to use the pts. as I did previously. Now...they are mostly for AIR FARE!

Thanks Cali...I'll PM you asap. First class is a treat...like CL. It is the "pampered" feeling which is worth the extra for me. The "little" things (besides the seasoned flight attendants--LOL) which make the difference. My DD absolutely adores FC...and I worry she'll never want to travel coach! She is accustomed to suites, CL, FC...but is also very conscientious of the extra costs/effort necessary for these privs. Our flight to Orlando is SUCH a big part of the trip for me. It sets everything in motion, and begins the journey in style. BUT...if you recall, I flew FC on NWA to NY this summer (for my parents 50th), and it was TERRIBLE! Nothing like Delta! So..make sure the carrier offers TRUE FC service. I still get riled thinking of it...and wish I would have flown coach...or another carrier. Live & Learn!

 

[Nsj31]

I thought that's what it was, but just wanted to be sure. We were at the Dolphin last year for 8 nights shortly after 9/11. Everything was empty. I had a room reserved for the $99.00 teacher rate, and the room was way too small for the 5 of us. They put us in a Parlor Suite, which was great! We're planning on going back sometime this year, and we'd like a suite on the CL, or two adjoining rooms. What do you think is the better way to go? And will this take a ton of my points? I have a ton, so I don't mind using them... Thanks, Nancy

 

[dreamflight99]

Nancy..are you telling us they "upgraded" you to a Jr. Suite w/Club Level for $99.00 per eve?! GREAT! (if so). Now, it will be difficult to return to the regular rooms, (our trouble, too!) LOL.
You are spoiled by the Jr. Suite and the CL (me too!).

The best way to take care of this all depends on "when" you are traveling and the impending capacity of the resort. Check to see if any conventions or "special" events surround the days you wish to travel. The fall can be the busiest time for the resorts.

What level of SPG do you hold?

 

[disnurse]

I'm planning on upgrading to clublevel for our april trip using points. Do I have to wait until 5 days out to do this thru SPG??? Also what type of room will that be? I realize its upper floor but what about view. We always get better view upgrade at check in will we still get this or are all CL good views

 

[RobMax]

Speaking of sickness - how many of you start counting the days early and how early? I almost have to check back twice a day now -- just to see my counter. I have now purchased all the books and eaten them. Now - how do you folks make it through the last 30 days of "Disney STIR CRAZINESS"

Here' s a question for you Jr. suiter's. I have two rooms on my trip and they are telling me it looks good for at least one Jr. Suite. I was also told all the Jr Suites have great views. Is this true? I guess the questions is where are the Jr's relative to the best views (Side and Floor). BTW -- we are in the dolphin. Also the web site says the following...

Bright, whimsical décor <--- going away?
One bedroom with king size bed
One spacious parlor area with sofa, chairs and tables
Sico (pull-down) bed < --- what size it this sucker?
Mini-bar
In-room safe
Color/cable TV with remote control
Two 2-line telephones with voice mail messaging plus computer data port
Individual climate controls
Sensational views <--- are we wure about this - I would hate a sensational view of the parking lot as a platinum member
Iron/ironing board
Full bath in each room <--- does this mean 2?
Hair dryers
Coffee maker

Is there anything they aren't listing that you get excited about? Can any of you remember if the Jr suites could be adjioned to another room?

While we are playing 20 questions - what excactly does Dolphin normally serve for breakfast/snack/etc and is a cash bar available up there (What floor).

Has anyone done the Thanskgiving buffet at the Dolphin and where the heck is it held?

Starting next Fall I will be in Tuscaloosa, AL for those who are wondering. Much better climate than the Sooner state!!!

BTW - after staying this year at the GrandCal in Disneyland (Which has its own enterance into the Cali Adventure) and Now our first stay at the dolphin - do you think we will be spoiled by location?

 

[BEAV]

Forgive me if there's already been previous discussion on this, but we got a heck of a deal at the Swan by booking with Priceline. We are staying next week for 7 nights and paid $75 per night. The website we learned about successful bidding at Priceline is biddingfortravel.com. Of course when you bid w/Priceline you don't bid for a specific hotel, but rather a grade level. At any rate, the Swan & Dolphin are coming up quite regularly at $75 for dates in October, November & December. In fact, a number of people have reported successful bids at $75 for the week between Christmas & New Years and have been assigned the Swan/Dolphin. For those insistant upon staying at the Swan or Dolphin, Priceline is not for you. When you bid resort level for WDW at Priceline, you have to be content to be assigned either the Swan, Dolphin, Hilton, Wyndham, Marriott World Center or Gaylord Palms.

Hopefully others can benefit from this as much as we have!

 

[Nsj31]

Dreamflight99,
We were on the 8th floor. We didn't get a CL level suite, but got spoiled enough by the suite that we had, that we'd like to upgrade to the CL in a Jr Suite. We just really loved that Dolphin, and couldn't imagine staying anywhere else.
We are a Gold Member, but we also own stock too, from a long time ago, and never thought twice about it, so I'm going to call SPG tomorrow, and see what's up with that.
The info from this board is great! I haven't been on in a while, because we weren't planning on returing to Disney anytime soon, but I think that even if you have a thought about going, you need to keep checking here to find the best deals, and the ins and outs! Thanks, Nancy

 

[dreamflight99]

Disnurse...Almost all CL rooms are good views. Of course, please REQUEST a Great View upon check-in. Also, Check-in as EARLY as possible...and let the desk know you are flexible to "wait" for the BEST view room to be prepared by HK. We try to arrive early at Resorts, then meander about...shop...eat...and then check-in to the BEST ROOM available. When people are insistent upon checking-in ASAP/immediately...the rooms are sometimes ltd (as many persons have late check-out, 4pm at Swan/Dolphin!) Please, do not panic about the room or upgrades. The 5-day out period for upgrades is no problem. I've never read where anyone was "denied" an upgrade request w/points, irregardless of the time they called (even at the time of Check-in).

RobMax! I've been counting for 15 years! LOL...I count every day, and almost LIVE in the memory of VACATIONLAND! I can relate!

Bright, whimsical décor <--- going away?

Yes..but slowly. I am saddened by this...but change happens.

Sico (pull-down) bed <

Most are all King size Murphy beds...very comfy!

Sensational views <--- are we wure about this - I would hate a sensational view of the parking lot as a platinum member

Not a chance...Platinum members are treated like royalty. You'll get the BEST of the BEST available. This is why I work so hard to maintain Platinum status!

Full bath in each room <--- does this mean 2?

YUP! 2 Full Baths...Happy~Happy~Joy~Joy!

Is there anything they aren't listing that you get excited about? Can any of you remember if the Jr suites could be adjioned to another room?

THE BATH ROBES! Call and request the # needed to be delivered to your room upon arrival!
Also, YES..some are adjoined to make a 2-bedroom Jr. Suite.

Has anyone done the Thanskgiving buffet at the Dolphin and where the heck is it held?

In the CORAL CAFE..supposed to be astoundingly delectible...you MUST let me know! D

BTW - after staying this year at the GrandCal in Disneyland (Which has its own enterance into the Cali Adventure) and Now our first stay at the dolphin - do you think we will be spoiled by location?

ABSOLUTELY! No doubt about it!!Affirmative!!!

BEAV...This is the first I've read about this offer/value...and I thank you for informing us. Please, do me a favor. Contact Mary @ www.mousesavers.com (using her email) and inform her of this rate and link. Thanks!

Such kind words, Nancy! Thank you. I think the amount of info shared on this thread is "invaluable!" Gold SPG is GREAT...and may get you many benefits upon check-in, just by asking. ALSO...contact SPG about your stock folio...perhaps they will upgrade you to PLAT. as a benefit. It NEVER hurts to ASK!

 

[RobMax]

Anyone else up to the challenge of answering these questions.

DF - send me that private message again please.

Thanks - Glenn

 

[murphy t]

I currently have a ressie for the Boardwalk Inn, 2nd week in Dec. for my husbands birthday, but after seeing the picture of the renovated Swan room, I am thinking of switching. I could get the discounted nurses rate, and also have several thousand Starwood points.
Is it possible to upgrade to a studio AND to club level, and if so does anyone know how many points it would take? We stayed at the Dolphin, club level, last summer and it was wonderful. The Boardwalk is my husband's favorite resort, but the pictures of the Swan look fantastic!
Thanks in advance-Murphy

 

[Mouseteacher]

Hello to everyone. This is the first time I am able to post. I was having technical difficulties getting up and running.

I want everyone to know how grateful I am for all the information I found on this site. My family and I went to Disney at the end of August and stayed at the Dolphin for the first time with the teacher rate. After following all the advice, joining Starwood Preferred Guest and receiving the Starwood Amex card, I politely e mailed the Dolphin about 2 weeks before the trip regarding any complimentary upgrade (I was now a gold member). I received a polite e mail back stating that I should check on availability upon check in. A week before the trip, I was checking my reservation status on the spg site and saw I was upgraded to Club Level!

Our week at the Dolphin was awesome! Club Level was the highlight of our vacation. Location was the best, pool the greatest! I am a Disney World veteran with over 16 trips, but never considered the Dolphin. I'm glad I did with the wonderful teacher rate. Will stay at the Swan or the Dolphin again.

Thanks for the wonderful information. Our August stay was magical.

Mouseteacher

 

[RobMax]

Where can I find that photo of the upgraded room.

And no DF ... I'm not just posting to look at my counter - LOL

 

[dreamflight99]

AND...BTW~Those books are pretty difficult to digest, especially Birnbaum's (Thick coupons in the back...terrible!). LOL. I'll look for the link to the pic.

About the TURKEY DINNER & Fixings...The event is held in the GRAND BALLROOM of the Dolphin (Buffet style). Folks come from FAR & WIDE all gussied up to attend this event--so it must be AMAZING!

Murphy...I believe it's about 1250 for the double upgrade. Please call Starwood for the exact amount. The nurses rate is FAB! I would use the starpoints and stay at the Swan (Over the BW). Remember...you are also MAKING points for each eve of your stay!

Mouseteacher~ What a bright and cheery post! Thank you for the Big Smile and extra pixie dust. CL is magical in itself...such a TREAT! Hope you are able to return to the magic soon.

***NEWS FLASH***

Dolphin/Swan have just released the NEW "HOLIDAY" rate special for the days between November 24-30! The first room reserved is $179...the second room=$100! 2-Rooms, $279.00! Great rates for the Holidays. Just ask for the "HOLIDAY RATE" and give the dates. Enjoy!