NEW...DOLPHIN/SWAN..."questions and answers"...tips and hints!
- Thread starter dreamflight99
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MOM POPPINS
<font color=red>I keep getting SOUVENIRS (wink) wh
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RobMax: We have used yourride 3 times and we appreciate their great service. They were always there to meet us on time, friendly and don't forget to ask for the free grocery stop 
Have a great trip!
Have a great trip! Hi all,
First I want to thank everyone here for all of the information and help I received. We really had a terrific time. I'll detail here our room situation. I am a SPG Gold member.
I reserved 3 standard rooms at the teachers rate ($129) a night. Our reservation was a bit complicated, as each party was arriving and checking out on different days.
Five days before I requested through Starwood an upgrade (using points) for my room only to club level. I also asked about upgrading to a studio. Finally, I requested that all three rooms be renovated rooms.
We arrived 10/25 and John checked us in. Unfortunately, there were no renovated studios available, and the Starwood upgrade to club was never noted. However, he gave us a renovated balcony room (two queens) on the fourth floor #418, with a complimentary upgrade to club privies. He also waived $5.00 a night of the resort fee (as we didn't need the coffee and newspaper). My SIL arrived 10/26 and Rosalina began her checkin. Since we had CL comped, I asked to use my points to upgrade my SIL to CL. Rosalina insisted this would cost 1250 pts a night (but I am quite sure it is 750). Anyway, my SIL was given room #421, balcony with CL. Both of these rooms have a "garden view" (the lake, Dolphin, the boat dock and some of Boardwalk). My BIL and his family arrived 10/27. Unfortunately there were no rooms on the fourth floor that night, so they had to stay on the 6th in an old room the first night. Hector was on the desk that night and he was so patient and terrific with us. He was able to move them to #415 the next night for the following 8 nights. He also sorted out each parties' payments (as I had reserved all three, but was not paying for all three, and both my BIL and SIL had vouchers for their first nights from Delta). He got a crib for my nephew, and made sure everyone was happy. The resort fee was also reduced by $5.00 a night for my SIL and BIL.
The Swan Club was fabulous. Mama T was on vacation during our entire stay, but Denise and Emily were very attentive and pleasant. My kids loved Denise! The food selections were great for a family with kids (although my BIL had a craving for eggs, which we satisfied with a Princess Breakfast in Norway later in the week). The best part about the club was we could start up or wind down our day in a peaceful setting without worrying about restaurant patrons being annoyed by our kids, or stressing that they were picking at their food, etc. They are currently putting up doors to cut any noise down that might bother guests on the 12th floor.
The renovated rooms are beautiful (see Trekker's pictures on 10/30, my room was far too messy to post our pictures). The beds are so comfortable, my 4 yo wanted to take her's home.
One caution for families with young children, the mattress cover is not waterproof. We put a piece of plastic under the cover for our youngest, as she was so tired each day I was afraid she might not wake up to go to the bathroom. Only once did she have an accident, so the plastic was a good idea.
The beds are big, so the room does seem smaller than the old rooms, but there was plenty of room for everything. I do wish there was an airvent/fan in the bathroom for steam, along with an extra towel rack, but that is being picky. Also, the TV is not enclosed in a cabinet, so the kids tended to turn it on all of the time (I can recite the Zip Didee Doo Dah Tips for the Day by heart now). The new AC system turns itself down when you leave the room or open a balcony door, which was great.
I did sneak a peak at a renovated King standard. It had a larger closet and a sofa (but I don't think it folded out). And behind the Hollywood sink was another vanity area.
Finally, the service at Swan was fabulous (even better than last year). They have a new program of customer service, and everyone worked hard to fulfill our every wish. We'll be back.
Linda Vinay
First I want to thank everyone here for all of the information and help I received. We really had a terrific time. I'll detail here our room situation. I am a SPG Gold member.
I reserved 3 standard rooms at the teachers rate ($129) a night. Our reservation was a bit complicated, as each party was arriving and checking out on different days.
Five days before I requested through Starwood an upgrade (using points) for my room only to club level. I also asked about upgrading to a studio. Finally, I requested that all three rooms be renovated rooms.
We arrived 10/25 and John checked us in. Unfortunately, there were no renovated studios available, and the Starwood upgrade to club was never noted. However, he gave us a renovated balcony room (two queens) on the fourth floor #418, with a complimentary upgrade to club privies. He also waived $5.00 a night of the resort fee (as we didn't need the coffee and newspaper). My SIL arrived 10/26 and Rosalina began her checkin. Since we had CL comped, I asked to use my points to upgrade my SIL to CL. Rosalina insisted this would cost 1250 pts a night (but I am quite sure it is 750). Anyway, my SIL was given room #421, balcony with CL. Both of these rooms have a "garden view" (the lake, Dolphin, the boat dock and some of Boardwalk). My BIL and his family arrived 10/27. Unfortunately there were no rooms on the fourth floor that night, so they had to stay on the 6th in an old room the first night. Hector was on the desk that night and he was so patient and terrific with us. He was able to move them to #415 the next night for the following 8 nights. He also sorted out each parties' payments (as I had reserved all three, but was not paying for all three, and both my BIL and SIL had vouchers for their first nights from Delta). He got a crib for my nephew, and made sure everyone was happy. The resort fee was also reduced by $5.00 a night for my SIL and BIL.
The Swan Club was fabulous. Mama T was on vacation during our entire stay, but Denise and Emily were very attentive and pleasant. My kids loved Denise! The food selections were great for a family with kids (although my BIL had a craving for eggs, which we satisfied with a Princess Breakfast in Norway later in the week). The best part about the club was we could start up or wind down our day in a peaceful setting without worrying about restaurant patrons being annoyed by our kids, or stressing that they were picking at their food, etc. They are currently putting up doors to cut any noise down that might bother guests on the 12th floor.
The renovated rooms are beautiful (see Trekker's pictures on 10/30, my room was far too messy to post our pictures). The beds are so comfortable, my 4 yo wanted to take her's home.
One caution for families with young children, the mattress cover is not waterproof. We put a piece of plastic under the cover for our youngest, as she was so tired each day I was afraid she might not wake up to go to the bathroom. Only once did she have an accident, so the plastic was a good idea.
The beds are big, so the room does seem smaller than the old rooms, but there was plenty of room for everything. I do wish there was an airvent/fan in the bathroom for steam, along with an extra towel rack, but that is being picky. Also, the TV is not enclosed in a cabinet, so the kids tended to turn it on all of the time (I can recite the Zip Didee Doo Dah Tips for the Day by heart now). The new AC system turns itself down when you leave the room or open a balcony door, which was great.
I did sneak a peak at a renovated King standard. It had a larger closet and a sofa (but I don't think it folded out). And behind the Hollywood sink was another vanity area.
Finally, the service at Swan was fabulous (even better than last year). They have a new program of customer service, and everyone worked hard to fulfill our every wish. We'll be back.
Linda Vinay
dreamflight99
<font color=deeppink>Princess of THIS Castle!<br><
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I HAVE to AGREE! Denise was at the Dolphin this past summer for most of our stay, until she "JUMPED SHIP" to work with MAMA T! Oh, how I missed her...she's just FABULOUS! I'll make sure to stop by this next summer and see the two of them. Had to laugh at the "Zippity Doo Dah" reference...too funny. Your post was just wonderful, Linda. Thanks for all the details and info. I'm so pleased everyone and everything was taken care of to your satisfaction. It sounds like you had a MAGICAL stay. When are you planning to return?
MOM POPPINS
<font color=red>I keep getting SOUVENIRS (wink) wh
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Hi all, I know this is off topic, but I wanted to share my news.... WERE PREGNANT! Baby #5 is on its way and I could not be more happy 
lol! We thought our Baby Sarah was our last little Smith, but we are being blessed with another precious bundle. As most of you know I have 4 girls already! Baby is due the last of June.... sonogram soon will give us an exact date... Keep us in your thoughts and prayers as our family expands and we begin on adding on 1 more room! 
lol! We thought our Baby Sarah was our last little Smith, but we are being blessed with another precious bundle. As most of you know I have 4 girls already! Baby is due the last of June.... sonogram soon will give us an exact date... Keep us in your thoughts and prayers as our family expands and we begin on adding on 1 more room! Congratulations!! Your Disney magic thru the eyes of little ones gets to continue for even longer. I have two girls and one boy. Boys are so special I wish you good luck, I'm sure it will be a boy this time.
dreamflight99
<font color=deeppink>Princess of THIS Castle!<br><
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"IS THIS A LITTLE SOUVENIER?" From your most recent trip to WDW/DOLPHIN? I'm SOoooooo Excited for you!! I just wish for you to have a HEALTHY BABY, and a HAPPY PREGNANCY (boy/girl)! I'll bet the GIRLS are all EXCITED about this. Just awesome, wonderful news! Thanks so much for sharing this with us. Please...tell us the DUE date (after the sonogram). Thanks again. What a BLESSING! The more the MERRIER...especially for us DISers. Happy Day!
The more the MERRIER...especially for us DISers. Happy Day!
MOM POPPINS
<font color=red>I keep getting SOUVENIRS (wink) wh
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Our Baby Sarah is our "WDW SOUVENIER" from our trip in September 2000 I love to tell people she is my "SOUVENIER" from Walt Disney World, the very best souvenier! This baby is probably not a souvenier but its close! Will keep you posted
I love to tell people she is my "SOUVENIER" from Walt Disney World, the very best souvenier! This baby is probably not a souvenier but its close! Will keep you posted 
adisneyfan2
<font color=red>No one can make you feel magical u
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- Jul 8, 2002
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Mouseteacher,
Just want to clarify.... WHO did you call to change to gold status? Did you just say you had the cc and wanted to upgrade? I called SPG and was told twice that there is no upgrade just for having AmEx SPG platinum cc. Upgrade is only for 10 or more stays.... Should I keep trying?
Also, if we went with the $129 vs. $174 rate, could we still upgrade to CL with points/Gold status? Or would the higher rate help us get the upgrade with the view we want?
Finally, anybody have an opinion on king vs. two doubles when staying with children? I saw that they charge $25 per rollaway... Is there a daybed in any of the rooms? Our little ones really are little, so could easily share even a twin. DH & I would definitely be happier in a king, so now we are wondering...
Thanks!
Just want to clarify.... WHO did you call to change to gold status? Did you just say you had the cc and wanted to upgrade? I called SPG and was told twice that there is no upgrade just for having AmEx SPG platinum cc. Upgrade is only for 10 or more stays.... Should I keep trying?
Also, if we went with the $129 vs. $174 rate, could we still upgrade to CL with points/Gold status? Or would the higher rate help us get the upgrade with the view we want?
Finally, anybody have an opinion on king vs. two doubles when staying with children? I saw that they charge $25 per rollaway... Is there a daybed in any of the rooms? Our little ones really are little, so could easily share even a twin. DH & I would definitely be happier in a king, so now we are wondering...
Thanks!
Mouseteacher
<font color=9999FF>Being tagged makes you feel war
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- Oct 20, 2002
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adisneyfan2 - Yes, I did call starwood (I followed the advice of these Boards I was reading in July) and politely asked if I could receive a gold status since I now hold an Amex Starwood plat.cc. I received a yes on my first ask and was given a new spg gold #. Whereupon, I then called the Dolphin to have them attach my new spg gold # to my ressie.
I don't know why starwood is not responding positively to you. It was my understanding that once you have a Starwood AMEX cc, starwood would give a gold status.
I suppose it wouldn't hurt to keep trying. According to df99, polite persistence does pay off.
I don't know why starwood is not responding positively to you. It was my understanding that once you have a Starwood AMEX cc, starwood would give a gold status.
I suppose it wouldn't hurt to keep trying. According to df99, polite persistence does pay off.
Where does everyone book for Swan/Dolphin. Dreams, own travel agent, S/D web site, call hotel directly?
I'm planning on the nurses rate with an upgrade using SPG points (1250 for balcony view). Want to make sure I can do this with Dreams. Any help is appreciated.
I'm planning on the nurses rate with an upgrade using SPG points (1250 for balcony view). Want to make sure I can do this with Dreams. Any help is appreciated.
dreamflight99
<font color=deeppink>Princess of THIS Castle!<br><
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adisneyfan2...PLEASE, call or EMAIL CUSTOMER SERVICE & let them know you would like to be upgraded to the GOLD LEVEL of SPG membership.
wld...you may reserve the nurses rate through Dreams...or call the resort directly. Good luck with your reservation. Please, Call as soon as you plan/know the dates, as only a "set" number of rooms are reserved for this special discounted rate (and they FLY off the books!).
wld...you may reserve the nurses rate through Dreams...or call the resort directly. Good luck with your reservation. Please, Call as soon as you plan/know the dates, as only a "set" number of rooms are reserved for this special discounted rate (and they FLY off the books!).
lovingthemouse
magic is in the heart of the beholder...
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Finally took the phone and made that call today to the Dolphin to reserve for next Feb vacation. Had the nicest young woman who asked the right questions, and we are now set using the teacher's discount! She even noted that we have stayed in the same room a number of times, and asked if we would like to request the same room again- which we definitely do!!! Asked her about whether we could use the CLub level services on the 11th floor room and she said, of course. ... so i will contact the SPG line and ask to be upgraded to CL using SPG points. I am continually amazed at the new things i learn reading these postings.
BTW DF - thanks for your response the other day. Caroline
BTW DF - thanks for your response the other day. Caroline
hookedup
<font color=navy>radsmom <font color=blue>(Mom to
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adisneyfan2 - I too had some frustration in getting upgraded to Gold but persistence paid off - the first time I called the SPG agent told me I had to call AMEX and that Amex would issue me a new number for SPG - then another agent told me that it wasn't possible - geez what a lot of confusion.
I finally got an SPG that was great and said yes and took my AMEX cc# and then said "okay you're Gold!" And that I would receive a new card in a couple of weeks.
I signed into the SPG website about a couple mins later and it said "Gold" under my name! They kept my exsisting number and just changed the status to gold.
So moral of the story is be persistant and even if you have to call several times get an agent who can help you with this as it is true and they will do it.
Good luck!
I finally got an SPG that was great and said yes and took my AMEX cc# and then said "okay you're Gold!" And that I would receive a new card in a couple of weeks.
I signed into the SPG website about a couple mins later and it said "Gold" under my name! They kept my exsisting number and just changed the status to gold.
So moral of the story is be persistant and even if you have to call several times get an agent who can help you with this as it is true and they will do it.
Good luck!
disneywith6kids
Mouseketeer
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CONGRATULATIONS MOM POPPINS!!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited for you and your Family
Most people give me a hard time because we have 6 and they all ask "are you done yet" I tell them it is up to God and that usually ends the questioning. I have 4 boys and 2 girls. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to have all girls???But then I remember how special each child is and I think--I wouldn't trade this for the world. I'm so glad I didn't have to make the decision LOL Take care of yourself and get lots of rest LOL It looks like you have a big helper. My oldest is 17 and when my 3 year old was born she was so good with the baby she could have been his mother. We'll be in DW for 3 1/2 weeks in Dec. If anyone wants to send some pixie dust my way so we can bring home one of those "souveniers" we'll be trully thankful. LOL
Now back on topic so we don't get in trouble here LOL
I have to ask one more question. Since we will be there so long we will have at least 10 suitcases. Does anyone know if I can store the empty suitcases somewhere besides our rooms so we don't use up valuable space??? We can't put them in the van either.
Most people give me a hard time because we have 6 and they all ask "are you done yet" I tell them it is up to God and that usually ends the questioning. I have 4 boys and 2 girls. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to have all girls???But then I remember how special each child is and I think--I wouldn't trade this for the world. I'm so glad I didn't have to make the decision LOL Take care of yourself and get lots of rest LOL It looks like you have a big helper. My oldest is 17 and when my 3 year old was born she was so good with the baby she could have been his mother. We'll be in DW for 3 1/2 weeks in Dec. If anyone wants to send some pixie dust my way so we can bring home one of those "souveniers" we'll be trully thankful. LOL Now back on topic so we don't get in trouble here LOL
I have to ask one more question. Since we will be there so long we will have at least 10 suitcases. Does anyone know if I can store the empty suitcases somewhere besides our rooms so we don't use up valuable space??? We can't put them in the van either.
dreamflight99
<font color=deeppink>Princess of THIS Castle!<br><
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disneywith6kids...I think you will find assistance with the front desk and Bell services. They should be able to keep your empty baggage in the bell closet area (it's VERY secure), and give you tag/receipts for each one. I have done this occasionally at different properties over the years, and they go OUT OF THEIR WAY to accomodate me. Just as they have safes at the front desk for storing valuables, they also have options for storing LARGE items or several empty pieces of luggage. Don't worry about this, they will assist you upon check-in.
jgates...YES, they can make ressies for you at Cindy's and the PRINCESS Breakfast in Epcot. Make sure you contact them as soon as you check-in.
lovingthemouse..(Caroline)...YES! You have made the ressies~Congrats! I had to SMILE When I read the part about the SAME ROOM part...as we are also "continuity" kings. We thoroughly enjoy staying in the same room...and LOVE the sense of comfort this brings. Some folks return to Disney for the CHANGE and EXCITEMENT, we return to Disney for the CONSTANT and COMFORT in the everyday sights. It's nice to know, some things will NEVER change. It lends a bit of hope to the future, and solace for the soul. After all, the MORE things change, the MORE they stay the same.
adisneyfan2...PLEASE, call again...and let us know the outcome. I apologize for all the hardship you are experiencing with this process. It seems only a FEW associates seem to know about this promo. Ask for a supervisor if the associate you are dealing with is unable to assist you properly. I have confidence you will succeed.
I commend you (both!) for having the strength, energy, patience and love to keep up with 5/6 kids! I would NEVER think to say the things you posted (folks say to you!) to anyone with several offspring. Children are GIFTS FROM GOD, period! There were Four siblings in my family, and five in DH's. We have only one, but she is the blessing of is 4-5 combined~LOL. She was very ill shortly after birth, spending two weeks in NNICU. She is fine now, but it was a bit unsettling back then. We are STILL OPEN to the possibility of ANOTHER blessing. Most persons think we are crazy, with DD being 15...but I see nothing wrong with this prospect. After all, who cares what others think, it's OUR family...and the choice is between US & GOD! (P.S. If I were to obtain this souvenier @ the Dolphin...I could name the baby "Dolphina" (Girl~nickname "Doll") or "Dolph" (Boy)!
jgates...YES, they can make ressies for you at Cindy's and the PRINCESS Breakfast in Epcot. Make sure you contact them as soon as you check-in.
lovingthemouse..(Caroline)...YES! You have made the ressies~Congrats! I had to SMILE
When I read the part about the SAME ROOM part...as we are also "continuity" kings. We thoroughly enjoy staying in the same room...and LOVE the sense of comfort this brings. Some folks return to Disney for the CHANGE and EXCITEMENT, we return to Disney for the CONSTANT and COMFORT in the everyday sights. It's nice to know, some things will NEVER change. It lends a bit of hope to the future, and solace for the soul. After all, the MORE things change, the MORE they stay the same. adisneyfan2...PLEASE, call again...and let us know the outcome. I apologize for all the hardship you are experiencing with this process. It seems only a FEW associates seem to know about this promo. Ask for a supervisor if the associate you are dealing with is unable to assist you properly. I have confidence you will succeed.
I commend you (both!) for having the strength, energy, patience and love to keep up with 5/6 kids! I would NEVER think to say the things you posted (folks say to you!) to anyone with several offspring. Children are GIFTS FROM GOD, period! There were Four siblings in my family, and five in DH's. We have only one, but she is the blessing of is 4-5 combined~LOL. She was very ill shortly after birth, spending two weeks in NNICU. She is fine now, but it was a bit unsettling back then. We are STILL OPEN to the possibility of ANOTHER blessing. Most persons think we are crazy, with DD being 15...but I see nothing wrong with this prospect. After all, who cares what others think, it's OUR family...and the choice is between US & GOD!
(P.S. If I were to obtain this souvenier @ the Dolphin...I could name the baby "Dolphina" (Girl~nickname "Doll") or "Dolph" (Boy)! dreamflight99
<font color=deeppink>Princess of THIS Castle!<br><
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I'm a happy camper! My SF trip (4 eves) in December is elegible for the TRIPLE SPG points promo through SPG! If interested...go to www.spg.com and check out the "current promotions" listed.
Also...is anyone aware they have "HEAVENLY CRIBS" available at the SWAN for the BABIES?! Just thought I'd add this, since we're kind of on a "Baby" theme/post! These are AWESOME, and just as wonderful as the Heavenly bed. Maybe the Baby will snooze a bit longer...and more peaceful, on the clouds of this Special Bedding.
Enjoy!
Also...is anyone aware they have "HEAVENLY CRIBS" available at the SWAN for the BABIES?! Just thought I'd add this, since we're kind of on a "Baby" theme/post! These are AWESOME, and just as wonderful as the Heavenly bed. Maybe the Baby will snooze a bit longer...and more peaceful, on the clouds of this Special Bedding.
Enjoy!
hookedup
<font color=navy>radsmom <font color=blue>(Mom to
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Hi DF! Hope your ear is better by the way
Hey I was curious where in the SPG site you are finding the info regarding the triple points promo you mentioned - is it ONLY for Platinum SPG?
Thanks! C.J.
PS) MomPoppins - CONGRATS!!!
Hope your ear is better by the way Hey I was curious where in the SPG site you are finding the info regarding the triple points promo you mentioned - is it ONLY for Platinum SPG?
Thanks! C.J.
PS) MomPoppins - CONGRATS!!!
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