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

[KelliR]

I am finishing my Holiday decorations around here because I leave for the Swan on Wednesday morning! I wanted everything ready because our Christmas party is the weekend after I return. Time is flying so fast. I am looking forward to my first stay at the Swan ...

Then I will be flying to California for Christmas and New Years. DF99 ... I'll head out to your "hood" ... my DD5 would love to see that gingerbread house on the lawn. Who am I kidding, I would like to see that too! It is gettting me in the mood to see all of the WDW Christmas decorations

I'll post when I return ...the weather has to be better than it is here. Did anyone see the Bills/Dolphins game today? Lake effect snow storms. Ahhhh ... Buffalo!

 

[ozziewags]

Kelli Have a wonderful trip!!! Post upon your return if you can find the time! Isn't it amazing that we always find time to check in here?!
Let me know anything and everything about the Swan!

Carol

 

[zurgswife]

other than the Jr suite...does any body have experience with the size and "name" of the other suites at the Swan or Dolphin....

Did you like or not....

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by Mouseteacher
I decorate my kitchen because I spend more time in that room, too!!

"Moi Aussi"

 

[dreamflight99]

"HAVE A WONDERFUL TRIP TO THE SWAN" ...AND BE SURE TO GIVE US ALL THE "411" UPON YOUR RETURN (OR...FROM THE "MAGIC" IF YOU'RE BRINGING THE LAPTOP ). LOL...about the Gingerbread house, etc. ELABORATE is the "norm" around here. PG&E bills skyrocket, and it looks like Disney! They even give BUS tours, Limos, & wagon rides pulled by Holiday-dressed Mules through the HOOD! Too funny. We are used to it now, but the traffic is still difficult to maneuver through. DL is AWESOME...and we'll be stopping there in about 10 days. NIGHTMARE before CHRISTMAS at the HAUNTED MANSION, SMALL WORLD, and the SNOW on MAIN STREET are my FAVS! Weather here today...high 70's (Hey, it's Cali!). BTW...I have my faux tree up, and am in the process of "fluffing" the branches before decorating. I'm getting motivated, and should be completely finished by mid-week. Again...Have a great time. Look forward to reading your posts upon your safe return!

zurgswife...YES. Since trying it three years ago...we always stay in the "executive 2-BR suite" at the Dolphin, and LOVE it! The suite is HUGE, and offers the space we need for our extended stays. The parlor is open and well-appointed with two overstuffed chairs and a queen sleeper sofa. There is also a King Murphy bed (which may be pulled down from the wall). There is a full wet bar, huge sink outside of the bathroom, and one inside as well. Great big closet in the parlor room. One BR has a King bed, full bath, etc. The other has two double beds, and is actually larger in Sq. Footage than the normal "standard or deluxe" room. It's a marvelous suite, and offers all the amenities we desire. We also have a fridge and microwave in the wetbar area, which works very well accomodating our needs. It's sort of a "home away from home" feel (even live plants in the suite!).

 

[zurgswife]

Thanks dream...that's what I wanted to know....

 

[Troyfus]

Hey DF,
I really want to use that tip of yours of bringing a small gift to the front desk angels. They work so hard to please guests, deal with the problem ones, and rarely get thanked (I was a front desk clerk long ago).
Problem is, we are really dipping into our budget just to stay at the Dolphin on the gov rate instead of staying at the All Stars as originally planned. (we mail carriers only got a 1.5% raise this year whereas my health plan more than doubled ===>negative income )
How many work the front desk very late at night (say 11:30pm to 12:30am)? Being from Texas, would a giftbox of authentic Texas made salsa from Guitars & Cadillacs, chips, and some homemade cookies do the trick? Being New Years Eve (or New years Day depending upon our time of arrival) it would give them something to party on.

Two off topic questions real quick:
Is there anyone here who will be at the Magic Kingdom on New Years Day? I will be calling to cancel a Cindy's reservation late tomorrow. We decided to keep the one on the 5th instead (just in case we need to sleep in a little on the 1st after the late check in).

Also, anyone know how Disney works the height requirements for children? Do they measure at each ride, or do they measure once at the gate and hand out a wrist band?

 

[Muffy]

I decorate my kitchen too, complete with an artificial tree. We put up 3 trees, 2 artificial and 1 real. I love hearing about your decorations! They sound beautiful! I have many disney ornaments but not enough to decorate a whole tree. I always do one themed tree. The themed tree is all one color and this year it is PURPLE! I buy ornaments everyear on 12/26 and have a big collection! DD and I can't wait to see how this purple tree looks!

I just found out from Carol (ozzywags) that I should call the dolphin now about my Plat SPG and make request! I am so grateful that she posted with this info as I would of never dreamed to call this early. I always stay at a disney owned resort and just call a few days ahead. I did make the reservation at the Dolphin through Sheraton Central reservations. I hope the Dolphin has our information? I know sometimes CRO does not send out the info until the week before. Today I am going to call and politely ask for an upgrade! Happy planning to all fellow travelers!


Muffy

 

[Mouseteacher]

KelliR ~ we were glued to the Bills game yesterday! Thanks, Drew and company for helping the Pats tie for 1st place. We'll see the Bills next Sunday and I'm sure there will be warm welcome for Drew.

Enjoy your trip to the World and the Swan. Let us know your impressions of the resort.

 

[Muffy]

I just called the dolphin and they gave us a Jr. Suite! Thank you so much Carol (Ozzywags) for the great suggestion!

 

[adisneyfan2]

Troyfus, I think they measure at each ride. As for the Cindy's ressie, I've been trying to give one away for NY Eve breakfast for five, and haven't gotten a single response.

 

[dreamflight99]

Troyfus...How very thoughtful of you! Yes, the desk only has about 2-4 persons manning it in the late eve hours, and the salsa & chips & homemade cookies idea is FABULOUS! Just top them with some ribbon & bow, and you have a festive and delightful (not to mention scrumptious!) gift. They will be pleased you even took the time to remember them. I too, worked a front desk check-in long ago. It's a thankless job. God bless you for the thought and effort.

Wish I was going to be there (MK) on the 1st...I'd take the Cindy's ressie in a heartbeat. As for the measuring, they are doing this at each ride (presently). They have plans to use the "beam" (laser), and give the wristband later in 2003. It is being implemented at DL, and will move to WDW after the initial kinks are worked out!

Muffy...you too?! That's enough...I'm heading to Michaels and buy another faux tree for the kitchen! I never even thought of this until reading the posts from Mouseteacher and you! LOL. What a great idea. I would LOVE to see the purple tree!
You will LOVE the Jr. Suite! SPG is really good about "automatically" upgrading PLAT. members in the system (before all else), but I'm so glad you checked. Sometimes, even the best laid plans.... . Enjoy!

Missed the Bills game (too busy dwelling over ND loss to USC), but know N.E.'s on a roll. Drew is one hot ticket! DH & DD went to the 49er game on Sunday (a friend has season ticks and could not go...front row..too good to pass), and watched them beat the seahawks. Go 9ers! ...out of the slump!

Enjoy the week...Only 23 shopping days remain!

 

[lovingthemouse]

DF - are you a Notre Dame fan? We used to get to all their games - my dad was an alumni. Most awesome school!!
We tried the small gift at the front desk last April when we went - having checked in at 1 am, it was most welcome and we did find a nice upgrade- i am sure it had nothing to do with the treat!!
The lady that evening on the graveyard shift was so friendly, we had a chance to speak with her later in the week when she wrote us a nice thank you note, and we went to the lobby and chatted briefly.
In all honesty, who does not appreciate a nice gesture?
Troyfus, anything is appreciated, no matter the cost -it's the thought!!
Caroline

 

[dreamflight99]

It's always the "thought" which counts. Very important words, I say these over and over again to DD. Especially now, as she is buying "gifts" to exchange w/her friends. It's not "the amount of money" spent for the gift, but the "amount of thought and care" put into the selection! Whatever you bring, will be well-received and appreciated. Of course, there's no guarantee of any upgrade, but honey-butter always attracts the prettiest butter-flies and nicest bees! LOL.

YES..I'm a fan of the "Fighting Irish" (Go IRISH), have been for years. Friends of mine fly to see all the games, and are die-hard fans. My DD's High School (Garces Rams, Green/white and Green/Gold and IRISH!) won their central league championship last Friday! Football rules...and is so much fun to watch. The Raiders are up against the NY JETS this eve...and they're leading by 6, w/JETS driving hard!

We also received a Thank you note from the front desk associate whom received our "gift" upon check-in. It was so warm and well-written. Truly made us smile. (Jets are now leading, after a TD!).

To all of you Traveling to the DOLPHIN/SWAN now(Disneywith6kids)...I wish you all a safe and memorable journey...into the MAGIC!

 

[hookedup]

L'm Lurking as always.

Okay I have to chime in - but as a Trojan I had a GREAT weekend!
Sorry DF!

And to all of you getting ready to visit the Swan/Dolphin during the holidays - have a magical time and a safe trip!

 

[dreamflight99]

tough for me! I always ROOT for the Trojans over the Bruins...but when it comes to ND...Argh! Glad you enjoyed the game hookedup...( quit lurking & come out and play, we miss you around here!).

 

[Mouseteacher]

Thanks, Oakland!! You, too, help NE Patriots by beating the Jets. I live in a family of all males (except our dog which I insisted on a female since I was outnumbered LOL) so I have become a football and basketball fan.

I never thought of bringing a little something for the desk clerks. It certainly is a great idea since some have been so accomodating and gracious. Next time!

 

[jetsetter90]

Hi all,

Just came back from a wonderful 4 nite trip at the Swan. Everything went well but I would like to let them know about a rude front desk clerk. Does anyone have an email address I can write to.

Quick report is this. We arrived around 4pm and there was no wait in line. As she is checking us in I tell her that I had been upgraded to Gold member, Thanks to this wonderful board, and if possible I would like an upgrade. Now I understand that it might not be available but I asked, as mentioned here. First thing she says is "Your not gold." I explained that I had only been upgraded 2 days prior, btw it shows up on the website, and then she proceeded to say "You have a renovated anyway". Well maybe 1) I would have preferred an upgraded room over a renovated room, if available, 2) I could/would have used points if needed, but my understanding is gold level doesn't, wasn't even given the option. 3) I asked for late check out and was told "You'll have to check back on departure morning" .

The next morning I stopped by front desk and the gentleman there looked up on the computer and saw that I was gold and changed the reservation, but I guess to late for upgrade, and gave us 4pm with no problem. BTW the hotel wasn't sold out there were plenty of rooms available.

Then I had reserved two rooms under my number but the other room was for my 2 kids and niece (connecting rooms). My sister paid for the other room and therefor the clerk removed that room from my reservation. BTW the reservation had her name but my address and info. Now I'm not sure what the procedure is for this and maybe I should have paid for it and had her pay me back I thought this was wrong of the clerk. I didn't think about until I just checked the website and it showed only 1 room reserved instead of the orignal 2 it showed before we left. Please tell me if this is something I should mention in my email.


Overall our stay was wonderful and would definately stay again. The teacher rate was well worth it.

Sorry if this sounds bitter because "We didn't get an upgrade" that's not what I mean. It was more the attitude of the clerk who didn't seem very helpful at all. We checked in Thanksgiving Day and were very Thankfull for being at WDW.



TTFN

Jetsetter90

 

[Mouseteacher]

jetsetter90 ~
Please go onto www.swandolphin.com and you should find a place where can e mail directly to the resorts. I used this to e mail my request for a comp upgrade once I received gold status last August. I received a very prompt e mail back from them.

 

[dreamflight99]

Mouseteacher...I brought up the habit of always bringing something for the "front desk angels" on the first thread of this subject (link can be found on page 1). I have always done this, at nearly every property I visit. It is ALWAYS well-received, and makes me feel good (better to give than receive). As you stated, "anything" will do...and I try to be creative with the exterior as well! I'm glad you are going to follow-suit. Such a nice gesture for wonderful, hardworking people. (LOL...Oakland game a "nailbiter" to the end! I was rooting for the JETS!)

jetsetter90...BY ALL MEANS write the email as soon as possible! Also mention the fact the room ressie for the additional room was removed from your file by the clerk. You are now devoid of the additional "SPG" points this room would have netted you! You should have definitely had your sister pay you for the room, and left it in your name/address-paying for the entire sum (registered with your SPG Gold Number). You can correct this trouble as well, through www.spg.com. Please tell them you had another room under your name, but the information was removed by a front desk associate. Inform customer service @ SPG.com you made the original reservation, and intended to pay for it on your account. Ask them for a FAX number or address where you may mail a COPY of your sister's Check-out folio, reflecting the total amount expended on the second room. They will then process this and deposit the extra POINTS into your account as originally intended.

I am so sorry for the trouble you encountered upon check-in. None of this should have EVER occurred, and if the management staff is NOT made aware of this matter-it will probably continue to occur. You have the power to stifle this associate, and remind them of the proper procedures to follow when checking-in ANY guest, (let alone a GOLD SPG member!). I commend you for enjoying your stay in spite of the "bump" in the road. I only wish I were able to accompany each and everyone of you to the check-in desk (as sort of an ambassador of goodwill & check-in). I can assure you...this would NOT happen in my presence, or on my watch! LOL. Take care, and please let me know what happens with this matter. Thanks...DF99