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

[dreamflight99]

[Mainebound~Whew, I'm glad too! You are ALL SET to go...now, it's all about the DREAMING and PLANNING for your journey.

WOW..hookedup~you are almost up to my regular stays at the Dolphin (14 days..WHEW!) I truly do not think the crowds are WORSE in April than July. In July the parks contend with Summer vacationers and LA TOURSIMO groups from South America. Also, many more folks from Europe and around the world seem to travel in the summer. I would not worry about this at all. I also would not change from the Dolphin to the Swan, unless you REALLY want to stay in the newly renovated room. I still enjoy the decor of the Dolphin (I'll miss it...truly), and would not change if my plans were already set/reserved. You'll get settled in, and enjoy the LENGTH of your stay most of ALL! CONGRATS on the upgrade to GOLD also. GOLD will help you obtain some upgrades (most of the time) and other amenities upon check-in.

GREAT ADVICE, Mouseteacher. Also, very nice to read your perspective on the Dolphin Resort. I hope you are able to plan/reserve your stay for August 2003. It's always such a SPECIAL SURRISE to receive something like a CL upgrade as a TREAT! I'll bet you were just thrilled when you saw the "CL" on the reservation screen. It's that "feeling"...the "MAGIC" of it all~which keeps us coming back year after year.

 

[Shercara]

Hi folks,

I asked this question over on the resturant board, but no answers yet....

Have any of you eaten at Kimonos? We are sushi fans *DH, DS's 13 & 8* and I tried to make PS, but was told this is a "lounge."

Please give me your opinions of this resturant. Is it ok to bring the boys? We wanted to go on our first night in the MAGIC, Sunday 11/3.

Thanks for all your tips and help!
Sher

P.S. I've called and e-mailed the Dolphin,and am thinking POSITIVE about an upgrade!!

 

[happytrails2u]

Howdy boys and girls, ladies and gents,

Just dropped in to say a quick hello AND to demand renovated room numbers from our inside sources!

Our mini stay at the S/D is fast approaching (Turkey Day Week), so I guess it's time to call our resident "A" (for Angel) and find out where those Heavenly Beds are hiding!!!

DF, glad to see the thread still thriving. We sent you an email (via the MM laptop address) from LV with a special photo attached. Hope you received it. It was a guess where we are? (photo) - - LOL. If you did not receive it, let us know and we'll send a few pics along with a cc to Jen, if she's still amongst the DIS living.

Great to see so many newcomers on board!

Cheers to all!

 

[adisneyfan2]

I want to get an American Express card to participate in the SPG program, so I went to the SPG website & the AmEx site. There are so many choices, & it looks like more than one way to collect points to use. Does anybody understand the differences? (I mean differences in terms of WDW stays -- I see that more expensive cards offer more reward options, etc. but mostly I'm interested in WDW benefits, at least for now.)

Specifically, does anyone know if the SPG Platinum card "counts" the same as a regular AmEx card for AmEx specials at the Swan/Dolphin & at other Disney hotels?

Also, I read threads that talk about upgrading cards to Gold (from Green or Blue?)... Is that a different type of card? (Because it looks like Platinum is "higher" than gold, and the SPG AmEx credit card is Platinum.)

All the cards have different annual fees (from $0 to $395!) Are there better hotel benefits for having a regular AmEx Rewards charge card, as opposed to a SPG AmEx credit card?

Lastly (for now) does anyone know how long it takes to get a card? (Our trip isn't until the end of December, but still want to be sure we have it ahead of time.)

Thanks for helping out with these questions!!

 

[hookedup]

I cannot tell you what Amex card is best for you personally, but if you are specifically interested in the SPG program then you probably want the SPG amex card. They waive the first year fee of $35.00 per year. It is an American Express card and accepted anywhere you can use AMEX.
You are not eligible for the Amex "Member Rewards" program as you are already getting a reward program through the SPG benefits.
You get all of the basic Amex card benefits otherwise (car rental DLW, purchase protection, etc).

If you go the the SPG site and click on the Amex link then it takes you right to the page that explains the program and you can apply right on line by clicking the apply now button.

 

[Fantasia Sam]

Thanks for posting the piccy of the room Penny

Thanks for the tips DF - I think I'd prefer an upper floor.

Another question..... I keep reading that people are emailing the Dolphin or Swan with the room/upgrade requests:

If I do not have any points yet on my spg do I still qualify for asking for an upgrade? I have been able to see my reservation details on the spg site.

If that is the case where do I send the email to and what do I say in it - I'm really rubbish at these sorts of things.

Thanks in advance for your confidence building tips LOL

 

[Mazzy]

Dreamflight - well, what do you know??? I can't believe that the PA gave me the wrong information, as looking at the photo I can see it IS a higher floor, or maybe it is a CL room?

Who knows??? Well I would have loved a Heavenly Bed but now we have been upgraded to Resort View at the Dolphin, I guess I will leave it at that, and put a request in by email 2 weeks before our stay requesting a renovated room - it's worth a try I guess!

 

[adisneyfan2]

Thanks for the info hookedup! BTW, the site does say they waive the fee the first year, but then it's only $30 a year. Sounds like a pretty good deal, even for just one night a year! Also, I assume then that there are no special additional benefits with SPG for having a regular card, right? Thanks again!!

 

[WolfpackFan]

I have reserved a room at the Dolphin for next June at the Gov't rate. From reading in this thread I learned about the SPG and applied and got a number. I then called back to Dolphin and had my SPG number recorded on my ressie. Then reading more I learned about the SPG AmEx card, so have applied for that card to build up points. My question is, how many points do I need before I could expect any kind of free upgrade on my ressie for next June? We're going on a cruise in January, so thought I'd use the card to pay for the cruise.

 

[dreamflight99]

HOWDY-DOODY HAPPYTRAILS!
Where the heck have you guys Been? (LOL) I'll check the Emails again for the secret pic, and LYK. Jen has not stopped by for a while...I do EM her once in a blue moon. Miss her terribly. So good to READ you on this thread, and appreciate the request for the "T" too! As soon as these are screened, I'll ship one to you...LOL. (Not a bad idea though, as if I become a TA...that'll be the name of my Agency! Dreamflight Travel...not bad, eh?) Let me know how the "A" call goes...I just spoke with mine last week as well...) ), and she made ALL my DREAMS come true (same suite for all my requested days...okay, months!LOL). Give my best (kisses) to Ms. McGiggles. Mac sends his wigglies and kisses too. TTFN...DF99

Sher...(Hold onto those positive thoughts!), Kimono's is AWESOME! Take it from another Sushi-lover, it's some of the FRESHEST, most delectible sushi I've ever had. ALSO, please try atop the CR...at the California Grill (Yummy Sushi too). As for the atmosphere of the restaurant...it's WONDERFUL for your boys. They frequently have "Kareoke" in the lounge, and it's for people of ALL ages. It's DEFINITELY a FAMILY place, very casual and low-key. You will be VERY pleased.

Adisneyfan2...AS hookedup properly addressed nearly all your queries, I'll fill in the rest of the blanks.

Specifically, does anyone know if the SPG Platinum card "counts" the same as a regular AmEx card for AmEx specials at the Swan/Dolphin & at other Disney hotels?

YES. It is a certified AMEX card. If you use this card to pay for a stay on a Disney Cruise, Disney resort, or White Glove Treatment vacation...you will receive the same benefits of any AMEX card used for these purchases.

Also, I read threads that talk about upgrading cards to Gold (from Green or Blue?)... Is that a different type of card? (Because it looks like Platinum is "higher" than gold, and the SPG AmEx credit card is Platinum.)

These threads/posts are referring specifically to the "SPG" membership program. There are different levels of membership achieved through various means (stays at Starwood resorts, proof of gold/plat membership in OTHER travel programs, etc. These Gold/Plat cards are NOT associated with the AMEX card.

All the cards have different annual fees (from $0 to $395!) Are there better hotel benefits for having a regular AmEx Rewards charge card, as opposed to a SPG AmEx credit card?

I currently possess one of every card AMEX offers (my DH has separate accounts as well). The AMEX SPG card is the BEST for the Starwood Hotel benefits. The other cards are specific to the programs they offer, ie: Delta Skymiles, AMEX BLUE, etc.

Lastly (for now) does anyone know how long it takes to get a card? (Our trip isn't until the end of December, but still want to be sure we have it ahead of time.)

One week. Go online and apply...it will be approved in seconds. The card and info will ship immediately, and arrive within a week. Enjoy!!

Fantasia Sam...look back a couple of pages and you'll see/read the link to the email for requests. There is also a FAX where you may send this information. These requests are ALL taken seriously, as I have said in the past. The SWAN/DOLPHIN are business resorts and cater mostly to the CONVENTION folks. These patrons are usually NOT interested in the LOCATION, VIEW, FLOOR, etc. of their ROOM. This leaves US. WE ARE interested in the LOCATION, VIEW, FLOOR, etc. of our ROOM! Therefore...a simple request goes a LONG WAY! Good luck. Please add all PERTINENT details in your request (ie: floor, area, view, CL, etc.).

Mazzy...LOL. I thought you would get a charge out of this~ SEEING IS BELIEVING! Hey...request a renovated room & Club Level. Remember..."nothing to lose, everything to gain." Bon Chance!

Wolfpackfan...Great idea~using the AMEX SPG to pay for the cruise. Truthfully...many posters and patrons to the Swan/Dolphin obtain upgrades merely by "requesting" nicely in advance, and sometimes upon check-in. This is NEVER guaranteed, and based upon availablilty and reception (of the associate ). If you are "counting" on an upgrade, you'll need to make the plans using the points in advance. Are you aware the card also comes with a 50% off voucher, which can be used for an eve at the Dolphin/Swan? The points are different for various rewards/upgrades. It's 750 pts per eve for CL privs. Views and balcony rooms are different. Yet, in my experience, these upgrades are more readily offered (as Free upgrades) than Club Level. But, lately, many posters have been reporting CL upgrades free of points/charge. Again, it all depends on your desires. You could ALWAYS "request" these upgrades, then use points, etc. upon check-in for the desired features not offered to you prior to your arrival. Does any of this make sense? Sorry if this seems confusing (it can be!). Please, feel free to ask any questions necessary to clarify this material a bit more (for you).

***Boy, am I delighted with the NEW ENTERTAINMENT COUPON ORLANDO 2003 BOOK I received yesterday! It has the usual (Arthur's 27, All star cafe, Trattoria del porto, etc)...BUT now has the ORIGINAL OUTBACK RESTAURANT located in the WYNDHAM PALACE RESORT (just down the street from the Disney Market place!). Coupon value is $34.00. This place has been one of my FAVS forever. Request Rashid or Damien as waitpersons (both have been there for about 15 years), and request Table #38 (private enclave table w/view of the lake). The steaks and seafood just can not be topped. The Gator apps and chowder are the BEST. They sell 5-lb. Lobsters (for a LOT less than Shula's), and some of the best Key Lime Pie in the state. There is an astounding picturesque waterfall & koi pond INSIDE the restaurant. A little bridge crosses over the pond into the dining room. Valet parking available. It's a WINNER...all the way. (visit www.entertainment.com for info on purchasing your own Orlando copy-and for a sample look at the menu).

 

[Mainebound]

Thanks once again DF99 for all the great info. I always learn so much reading your posts.

I do have one small comment about your last post : you mention that the SPG Amex comes with a 50% off certificate which can be used for a night at any Starwood propery, including the S/D. Very true, but people should also be aware that it may expire prior to their trip. This is what happened with us -- our trip is in March but the coupon expires at the end of this year. Guess we'll just have to take an extra trip! LOL!!!

 

[dreamflight99]

Thanks for the added info Mainebound. This coupon is activated upon "membership" into the AMEX SPG Credit card program. Persons activating their membership prior to travel will be able to use the certificate (it's good for 12 months).

Mainebound...Fax/Call Amex and request a new coupon. I have done this in the past-and explained the circumstances, and received a replacement voucher from AMEX (even for airline travel). They are usually superior with customer service requests (as opposed to most companies), and may fulfill your request. You NEVER know unless you ask...so CALL!

 

[adisneyfan2]

As Mainebound said, your posts are always educational! Thanks for the info. I applied on-line & were tentatively approved within less than 60 seconds. We got a message that said we would get a call within 7-10 days to confirm the info in our application, then we would get our card! It was pretty quick & painless. Thanks again!!

 

[Mouseteacher]

df99

My excitement when I saw CL and description of the services on the spg site was enormous. At first I couldn't believe what I saw! Then, I was shouting with joy to my family about what wonderful magic had happened for us ! This all happened for us because of all I learned on these Boards.

However, even if the upgrade hadn't happened, we were just as happy knowing we were "GOING TO DISNEY!"

 

[dreamflight99]

"You made my day."

Thanks for the HAPPY thought!

 

[Tracy M]

Has anyone got upgraded staying on award points?? I'm staying next week on cash & points, and I called to see if I could upgrade and they said "not allowed on award stays". I'm wondering if this is really the case. I stayed in August on cash & points and got a really terrible room on the 3rd floor. I'm hoping to avoid that again.

 

[dreamflight99]

It can be done. JEN accomplished this even "prior" to her stay with CASH & POINTS, and she received a Corner King w/CL. I am sorry you stayed in

"August on cash & points and got a really terrible room on the 3rd floor."

I wish you would have called the FD and requested a room change. Did you request any "upgrades" at the time of check-in? What level SPG are you currently? Even w/award travel I am always upgraded as a Platinum SPG member, so I KNOW the information you received is incorrect. Please, fax/email your requests for this stay. Inform the resort of your displeasure with your August stay, and be specific about your desired upgrades. I wish you luck with this venture, and hope you keep us apprised of the outcome.

 

[MOM POPPINS]

We were upgraded to a Jr. suite with Club level using the cash and points promotion. We are platinum Starwood members. So an upgrade should not automatically ruled out just because your room is booked under this promotion. Good Luck!

 

[RobMax]

Have any of yall used the towncar service from the airport. If so can you provide a link. We are considering Cartier due to a free grocery stop and child seats.

Thanks for the consult! - Glenn

 

[RobMax]

And if you own SPG stock, how do you join the corporate plan?