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

[Mouseteacher]

DF99 Thanks for your reply. We are planning on returning August 2003 if all goes well. I'm racking up those Starwood points! I hope to figure out how to use them - the best way. I'd like CL again.

Also, DB, DS-I-L, DN and DN were on this last trip to the Dolphin and reaped the benefit of my teacher rate and the upgrade on their room to CL, too. We were one happy family! Of course, just thrilled to be back in the magic... we are all hardened Disneyphiles... and the Dolphin CL.

One issue that I didn't push was the resort fee. When I asked if it could be waived, I was told not with the teacher rate. I was very cautious and did not want to make waves so I didn't insist. It didn't make sense since we had coffee and newspapers in the club room. Oh, well, I was just pleased to receive the complimentary upgrade.

 

[Shercara]

HI there EXPERTS !

We are getting close to our 11/3-11/8 pre-cruise stay at the Dolphin. I followed all your advise - SPG card / SPG Amex, and now I am SPG "GOLD" I know SPG states complimentary upgrade "if available" and just checked with the Dolphin and was told they are all booked up during our stay!

What do you think our chances are for an upgrade? We only have 2497 points. When I called, did mention our Gold statis, and that it was our first stay at the Dolphin, and would love a room with a view. Do you think e-mailing them would "better our chances?" If so, what would that e-mail address be?

Hey - it's worth a try!!


Thanks
Sher

 

[Mouseteacher]

Sher - Go to swandolphin.com and you will e mail section or go to spg.com. I used the swandolphin site to send my e mail. I was there 8/23 - 8/28. It was relatively quiet although 2 conventions did come in. Yet, we were upgraded to CL. It might happen for you, too.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Sher - Go to swandolphin.com and you will e mail section or go to spg.com. I used the swandolphin site to send my e mail. I was there 8/23 - 8/28. It was relatively quiet although 2 conventions did come in. Yet, we were upgraded to CL. It might happen for you, too.

 

[Mouseteacher]

oops... sorry for the duplicate post.

 

[dreamflight99]

Oh, Mouseteacher...I wish you would have been a bit insistent. The resort fee CAN be waived, and anyone with CL should not be paying the resort fee! Please, forward (via fax) a copy of your folio with the resort fee waived to the attention of the accounting department at the WDW Dolphin. Explain you "requested" it be removed upon check-in, especially since you have the amenities in Club Level. The $$$ will be promptly refunded to you. You may also send it, using the address for the resort. Make sure to mark the envelope or fax to the ATTENTION of the ACCOUNTING department. Hey, 8$ per day truly adds up!

We are definite "Disneyphiles" too! We've been traveling annually to the world for 14 years now. We've always had annual passes (prems), and have always set-up house on property for a month or more each visit. We LIVE in DISney!

Sher...definitely EMAIL the resort with your "wishes!" Being fully booked to capacity does NOT mean there are no "upgrades" available. It only means they have filled the # of rooms for those dates ( a hotel is NEVER truly full or sold-out). Many of these travelers are there for "business" and could care less about CL, views, locations or balconies! They will be content in a Standard room overlooking the parking lot/AC units...whereas you will not! I've written this numerous times on this thread...IT NEVER HURTS TO ASK`So email!

 

[adisneyfan2]

First, does anybody know if SPG points expire? We had tons of points as shareholders, then our finance guy sold Starwood -- so would we start over? Any advice, ideas, experience here appreciated.

We heard that Dolphin offers similar "automatic" upgrades for AP holders.... Is this true? We got a great teacher/nurse deal, so are thrilled with what we have already, but just curious.

Also, we just booked balcony/resort view rooms because DS is autistic, & only way to see fireworks, etc. is from a DISTANCE. (I let the CM know that when we made the ressie that we would be willing to PAY for a park view because of DS -- she said she would "make a note of it" -- whatever that means! ) Would a CL room be better? Also, we currently have requested adjoining rooms, since there will be five of us. Do CL rooms accomodate five? What are the chances of getting adjoining CL rooms?

Finally, again, this is our first stay @ Dolphin. We've stayed on-site many times before, & always have to request a frig for medications. Although we are always told "there may be a charge" for the frig, it's always been complementary. Any experience with this at Dolphin? If we gotta pay, that's okay too -- we need it regardless.

Thanks for all the help!!

 

[jgates]

DF - I can't stand it any longer. I think i may have to book a room for summer 2004. (No $$ for summer 2003 - unless someone needs to buy a 1955 Packard Caribbean Convertible - that would help my trip funding!).

I keep sitting here nite after nite posting and I just can't stand it any longer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[disnurse]

Thanks DF- early check-in should be no problem, we are flying in at 11pm the night before and staying near the airport- comfort inn suites for 59/night. Alls we need to do is get our car in the am and head for the dolphin. We are getting in easter week but this will be our third trip at this time and have great rooms as early as 10am available.

 

[Mouseteacher]

DF99 - thanks for the suggestion. I didn't think of that possibility. I know I was being cautious upon check-in and was still incredulous about the upgrade to CL. I didn't want to come off as too pushy. I'm still learning through this thread and appreciate all the advise. When time permits, I will follow your suggestion and fax the Dolphin. Many thanks, again.
mouseteacher

 

[dreamflight99]

adisneyfan2...NO, the SPG points never expire. I'm a bit confused by your query. If you had "tons of points" as shareholders, on an SPG account...they should still be there. Now, if they were separate from an SPG account, and ONLY associated with the stocks--I understand. Call Starwood and give them your full name/address and have them "Research" your account. Even if it is inactive...the points should still be in there. Ask them to issue you some replacement cards and you're on your way!

There are no "automatic" upgrades for AP holders (If there are...I'm truly Losing-out!). The only discounts associated with the AP is the 50% off the room rate. The other rates you mention surpass the 50% room rate. So, stick with the teacher/nurse deal.

As for the CL rooms, (as opposed to the Balcony/view room), it's strictly a matter of choice. CL comes with CL privs (Use of the Concierge lounge for Breakfast, afternoon, and evening fireworks shows). Yes, the Club level jr. suite (as well as the reg. Jr. Suite) will comfortably accomodate 5 persons. There are connecting rooms on CL as well as throughout the property. Your DS will be pleased from either location. My DD works w/children at the CFA (Center for Autism) in our area. What a "gift" your DS truly is, a blessing. She enjoys her time there, and reaps the rewards of these amazing children.

As for the fridge, if your son needs any medication (which needs refridgeration) the Dolphin almost always waives the fee. Please call guest services and arrange/request this in advance for this specific need. Otherwise, they do assess a fee with rental of the refridgerator. Hope this helps!

jgates!! LOL..(unless someone needs to buy a 1955 Packard Caribbean Convertible) You are too much! I too (doesn't everyone?!?) have acquired a LOT of stuff...which could "move-on" if I could assuredly receive some compensation of the monetary form! I seem to have MORE coming in...than Going out! LOL. MAKE THE RESSIES! You'll feel wonderful...and it will be a nice LONG venture and planning "journey" ahead for you! LIFE'S IN THE JOURNEY...not JUST the destination! I'm already making my plane ressies...and then I'll just work the inner days like a Puzzle! Last summer...I cancelled and changed our FC return ticks "4" times...EXTENDING our stay! I'm going to try NOT to do that this summer. I'll try to color INSIDE the LINES! LOL!

Disnurse...sounds "wonderful" (the eve prior, etc.!) You know from experience about the rooms/availability. Do not stress...just relax, think positive things...and GOOD things will come of it. I've NEVER had a problem at ANY resort which was not amended to my satisfaction w/little or NO STRESS/TROUBLE! ENJOY the PLANNING, share ideas and thoughts with all of us (whom are ALSO awaiting a trip to the WDW DOLPHIN!)

Mouseteacher...glad you are going to attempt to ameliorate the overcharge. Do not worry about appearing "pushy"~you are concerned about your finances. You were double-charged, and it should be remunerated to you asap. Please, let me know how it transpires. Thanks...TTFN!

 

[Troyfus]

DF,
I managed to get "Florida Fun in the Sun" tickets for our trip in January. It states we have to go to a park ticket booth with an ID to get our passes. Since the pass is similar to an annual pass in nature (one month vs one year), I figured you would know the best method of redemption. Where do you go to activate your AP? Can you do it at the Dolphin?

Photo op:
Where is your very favorite spot to take photos of the Dolphin from?

 

[dreamflight99]

Hi Tryofus!

Did you read all about this on Mary's Mousesavers.com? What a heck of a DEAL! Much less than the AP, and definitely less than the LOS pass (Length of stay) offered at the resorts.

As to activation. None of the passes may be activated at ANY resort. They may be "purchased" at all the resorts, including the Dolphin (We bought our PAP's at the Dolphin this summer). Activation is a BREEZE, and can be done at either MGM/Epcot. Take the boat to either location and travel to the turn-stile. You should be able to activate it "on the spot" (do you need to use biometrics (finger-squeeze) with this pass?) simply by passing the ticket through the machine. If not, simply walk to the guest services window and amend the problem. I do not anticipate ANY trouble with this matter. Ours were EASILY activated by simply placing the pass in the machine slot, and placing our fingers in the biometrics reader.

I am so pleased with this "new" option (Finally!) being offered by Disney. It's geared towards guests whom traditionally stay longer than average, but do not wish to buy the AP. I'm confident it will do very well. Have you received the passes yet? What do they look like? I'm curious...as the LOGO (FLORIDA FUN IN THE SUN) conjures up images of Disney and Sunshine! Enjoy.

 

[RAV]

I read on Mousesavers that there was a problem with the Fun In the Sun passes and they were only to be made available to visitors from outside of the U.S.

 

[Troyfus]

Yes, we got them a month ago from Paramount. They are exchange vouchers, and from my understanding they will use the biometrics scan. Their size is a little shy of 9" x 12".
They also came with a limited choice breakfast voucher with each. Fortunately, the Grand Floridian Cafe was one of the choices. Once my DW saw their menu, she said that was our choice. My choice is whatever makes her happy at the start of the day makes me happy.

Oh yeah! Do you have a favorite photo spot for the Dolphin? We won't have the time to test every angle when we are there for six days. I was hoping your experience might help me narrow down the possibilities. DW rarely splurges on anything for just herself (hobby wise). For the trip she let me buy her a new camera (which till now she would not let me justify the purchase of). I figure some really good photos on this trip would act as her pixie dust.

Anyone:
Has anyone here ever checked in at the Dolphin around the midnight time frame? We'll be arriving NYE night. Being a busy night, there might not be many leftover rooms to be upgraded to. Will they switch you to a better room the next day if asked?

 

[adisneyfan2]

First of all, YES, DS is a blessing! Thanks for recognizing that!

Also, thanks for the info -- I will call Starwood tomorrow & post what I find out just FYI.

One more question -- are there any balcony/resort view rooms that are on lower floors that might have views blocked by trees, etc? In other words, for the purpose of letting DS watch fireworks, etc., is there a "minimum" floor level I should be asking for? I'm still intriqued by the CL possibility though, but in case that doesn't work out...

Thanks again!

 

[jgates]

I know we promised to keep this on topic but I need some quick help (and yes - this will help me on my next Dis trip too!!!! so it's only off-topic slightly!)

I need to book flights tomorrow and the boss wants the cheaper flights which means we book the flight with 2 change-overs (yuch) and go thru Travelocity since our agent can't match it. Funny, Madison WI to Birmingham, AL is not a real popular tourist flight!

I have no familiarity with online ticket purchasing. Do you print the confirmation page or do they email you a 'e-ticket' or what exactly do you take with you to the airport. Anything?

Help! (And rest assured moderator - I will use this for my next trip to Disney!)

 

[gschmerl]

jgates,
I've only booked on line with USAirways. They send you a confirmation and then send you a link to visit to print out your itinerary and "receipt". If you check in at the main check in counter, you don't even need that. You will be in their computer. The only time you would need the receipt is if you were not checking any luggage and wanted to check in at the gate. Then you would need the receipt to get past security.

 

[disnurse]

gschmerl

- regarding online bookings: each company does things a bit different. You will get an email confirmation that may say print this and take with you to airport. Delta mailed us an eticket for this trip. We always book online with etickets and have never encountered any problems

 

[adisneyfan2]

We've booked on-line with American, ATA & Southwest. All send an e-mail with a confirmation or booking number that you can print. We've noticed that some (many?) airlines actually charge a fee now for paper tickets. We always use curbside check-in. We give the agent our flight number, our names are in the computer & away we go.

Good luck!