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

[minniemmom]

I hope someone out there can help a very confused, SPG member, Platinum Amex holder! We have reservations for the Dolphin (1st timers). I am an SPG member, and have an SPG Platinum Amex card. I called the Dolphin 800 # to advise them of my SPG status (per instructions from my DU agent), but when I told them about the Amex she said just present it at check-in and pay for you hotel to get points. (I know that!) It was as if this meant nothing extra special to her! What is gold status? We are staying Club Level, which I'm paying for because that's what we want, but I'm so confused! I'm trying to go through all the pages on this thread but I can't find what I'm looking for. What exactly does having the Amex card do for me besides getting the points? If someone could set me straight I'd really appreciate it! I changed our resies to the Dolphin because of all your wonderful reviews and hints! Thanks so much for everything!

 

[ozziewags]

An SPG card is different than your AMEX Platinum credit card. The SPG card is a hotel card that accumulates points per stay and from your credit card. With certain numbers of points you can get rewards and upgrades, (like views or club level) as posted on the starwood site. Your platinum AMEX credit card is just like any credit card, but when you use it points are accumulated for starwood hotels. So basically, all it does is accumulate points! (as you said) Your SPG card can be upgraded to gold, then platinum, with more stays. Several people have obtained a gold SPG card, simply by calling Starwood when they received their AMEX platinum credit card. Also, Starwood will upgrade your SPG card if you can match another hotel card, like a Hilton Diamond card. Hope this better explains it.

 

[mom23guys2]

Thanks to this site I learned about the Teaccher discount and used it for a four day stay at Easter last year. We were given a balcony King room at the Swan. This year I have an 8 night stay booked at the Dolphin(with another room booked for 3 nights for my sons). I joined SPG last year as you suggested. That's probably why I received the balcony room. Anyway last year's King had a sofa in the room. This was terrific since I hate sitting on the bed to read etc. My back hurts after awhile. Anyway the only request I made this year was to have a sofa in the room. I was told that I could request it but nothing is guartanteed. My question, what are the chances of getting the sofa? Do most King rooms have them or are they only in the upgraded rooms?
Again, many, many thanks for all your help. We never would have stayed at the Swan if you hadn't helped so much. I know of four other families that I recommended the S/D to and all have loved it.

 

[minniemmom]

Thanks so much ozziewags! I guess I really did sound very confused (which I am!!!!!). I found the thread I was sort of looking for on page 19. I called SPG and used the same conversation as stated on that thread, and was upgraded to Gold status! We're staying at the Dolphin for the 1st time, which will be my first stay for points, however, the SPG rep I just talked to told me I may not get points because it was booked through a travel agent (DU). She wasn't really sure. Anyone know if resies made through DU get SPG points? I just checked the SPG website and it says I'm Gold status!!!! (Now what?)
Thanks for putting up with a "green" SPG! I'm so excited to be staying at the Dolphin for New Years!!!!!!!!! Thanks again, everyone, on this board!

:

 

[kindredspirit]

I have been reading this thread for some time (the old one too!) and I just think everyone is so wonderful! I would have never thought of staying at the Dolphin until I read all of the wonderful things about it. We will be staying Dec. 29th- Jan.4th and I can't wait. I originally tried booking the military rate since my husband is in the Marine Corps but they only had the 2nd & 3rd available so I had to book at the entertainment book rate for the other nights. I was dissapointed but determined to stay here. I then called the Shades of Green office and they had an overflow rate of $124.00 I was so excited!! I still can't believe we are actually going!! Now we just have to wait for the final approval on my husbands leave request! Thanks to everyone for all of your information on this resort, I cant wait!!!!!!!!!

 

[disneywith6kids]

Greetings from the HIFS!!!! Just a quick note to let you all know we arrived in the magic safely. Stayed at Newark Sheraton on the airport(WOW) CL for free last night thanks to spg points. Loved it! Fed my family of 8 for free thanks to CL.It was 20 degrees when we left this morning from Newark and 78 when we landed LOL The flight was great although I was a wreck Delta was great about getting our kids rearranged so we could sit together. The airline stewards were unbelievably friendly-a big help when you're frazzled! Your ride was GREAT! Mike was so nice and very patient about the rental van run around (long story)Got an upgrade on a 12 passenger van from Specialty Van(very clean van and new )HIFS is great! The staff is very helpful! Won Bingo tonight got free tokens for the game room. Tomorrow we see MICKEY!!!! My Dad can't stop saying WOW(I love it!!!) I never went to Disney until I was 36yrs old so I'm getting to take my Dad for the first time!! I still can't believe we are here -we never thoughtwe could ever afford to come back with such a large family- but with all the help from the boards, we were able to get some great rates! Gotta go so we can get up early for rope drop in MK-yes we do the commando style park touring. I'll save the relaxing part for Christmas when the parks get crowdedLOL

 

[dreamflight99]

HAPPY TIMES IN THE MAGIC FOR YOU DISNEYWITH6KIDS! THANKS FOR THE WONDERFUL UPDATE AND POST FROM "INSIDE THE MAGIC" W/YOUR FAMILY. ENJOY THE MK (LOL...COMMANDO-STYLE!), AND WRITE MORE LATER IF YOU HAVE A CHANCE! (*Have to agree w/you...we LOVE Delta too).

minniemmom...WELCOME! So glad to read Ozzie helped you with the questions about SPG. Now, you are GOLD SPG, you'll have some special amenities and perks. Go to the SPG page, and read all about the "fun" associated with GOLD membership! Enjoy!

mom23guys2...WELCOME (too)! What a warm and happy post! I love reading about the wonderful times experienced at these fine resorts. Yes, the KINGS all have sofas. Request a "CORNER KING" for the double balcony (w/turret), and a view of the parks/resorts. You may call/fax or email your request. Do this as soon as possible. Good luck!

kindredspirit...WELCOME (three!! ) What WONDERFUL NEWS! I'm thrilled for you...and what a FAB rate. You are officially IN the DOLPHIN. I'll keep my fingers crossed for your husbands leave to be granted w/o any problems! (I'm a NAVY Brat myself). Here's some pixie dust for ALL your DISNEY/DOLPHIN wishes to be realized! ****************************************************** TTFN....Dream

 

[happytrails2u]

Hi DF and fellow DISers,

Hope everybody enjoyed their Thanksgiving! We're here at the Swan and have a "corner" Jr. Suite on the fourth floor (renovated), with Club Level Benefits. Also met Mama T this morning - - what a peach. Hi Mama, and thanks for taking our picture near the tree! We also hope to meet our ressie angel tomorrow morning before our flight back.

The new rooms @ the Swan are real nice and I'm certain you will all love them - - especially the Heavenly Beds! I'll post some pics and a more detailed report over the weekend. BTW, floors three through seven are now complete.

We got in late tonight, as we went to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at the MK and had a blast. It ran from 7:00 to midnight and we were among the last to leave. I believe this is running periodically throughout the month. 'Twas a grand evening under the stars with Christmas lights and decorations ablaze along with a fantastic parade. Must get some sleep now (lol). More to follow...

-30-

 

[Muffy]

happytrails2u,
Your room sounds great! So happy to hear about the heavenly bed. We will be at the Dolphin in 26 days and I was very excited to read your post! I'm sure the dolphin will be great too! Have a great last day at WDW and a safe flight home!

 

[dreamflight99]

CIAO, HAPPY TRAILS! So nice to hear from you (inside the MAGIC!). The suite sounds SO nice. Are you disappointed you didn't take the Corner King @ the Dolphin?

Mama T is a doll, and the SWAN CLUB LEVEL is tremendously great due to HER efforts! I can hardly wait to see the PICS of the renovated room, (esp. suite). What's your view like from the corner?

I received the news letter about the Mickey's VMCP, and wish we were able to visit WDW for this treat. There were special parties and times available exclusively for Annual passholders as well.

Hope you had a memorable/enjoyable Thanksgiving with the family. Is Ms. Mcgiggles in a kennel? Hope you both have a fun (uneventful...no JUAN please!) & safe flight home (FC?), and a few laughs with your Ressie Angel this am. I look forward to the remaining details of your stay/adventure in the midst of the HOLIDAY MAGIC! Bon Voyage!

 

[dreamflight99]

CIAO, HAPPY TRAILS! So nice to hear from you (inside the MAGIC!). The suite sounds SO nice. Are you disappointed you didn't take the Corner King @ the Dolphin?

Mama T is a doll, and the SWAN CLUB LEVEL is tremendously great due to HER efforts! I can hardly wait to see the PICS of the renovated room, (esp. suite). What's your view like from the corner?

I received the news letter about the Mickey's VMCP, and wish we were able to visit WDW for this treat. There were special parties and times available exclusively for Annual passholders as well.

Hope you had a memorable/enjoyable Thanksgiving with the family. Is Ms. Mcgiggles in a kennel? Hope you both have a fun (uneventful...no JUAN please!) & safe flight home (FC?), and a few laughs with your Ressie Angel this am. I look forward to the remaining details of your stay/adventure in the midst of the HOLIDAY MAGIC! Bon Voyage!

 

[dreamflight99]

I'm watching the reports of the BIG SNOW STORM spreading throughout the East Coast. To all traveling to WDW during this time, I wish you a safe trip. The SNOW looks beautiful...but driving in it is something different entirely! Be careful.

 

[gschmerl]

The snow does look beautiful, but I just came in from shoveling and it lost a LOT of it's beauty. Thank goodness I'm a counselor in a public school system and our schools are closed. The roads are a total mess. If only the snow would just stick to grassy surfaces and stay off the roads!

 

[dreamflight99]

"If the roads were all "heated" underneath...it would remove all the problems! I recall the days of "shoveling" very well (like childbirth...these things NEVER leave the corners of your mind...LOL). It's one of the nicest facets of living in Cali...the worst thing we experience here is "fog" (and we actually have "fog delays" for all area schools!). But, I have to admit, I miss making the snow Angels in the yard. I have to drive North to experience this with my DD & DH...but treasure the memories of walking out the front door to plop down in the snow!

*Here's a little tidbit I picked up on the AMEX site:

New Feature!

Receive Complimentary Gold Preferred Membership in Starwood Preferred Guest SM

Starwood Preferred Guest is the award winning frequent guest program uniting the renowned brands of Westin Hotels & Resorts®, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts®, Four Points Hotels by Sheraton®, St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection® and W Hotels®.

Without having to meet any frequent stay minimums or requirements, Platinum Card® members can now receive complimentary Gold Preferred status in Starwood Preferred Guest.1

As a Gold Preferred Guest you will:

Earn a 50% bonus (a total of three StarpointsSM) for every eligible U.S. dollar you spend at any Starwood Preferred Guest hotel.
Receive a complimentary upgrade to a Preferred Room when available at check-in, and 4 p.m. late check-out.2

To enroll in the Starwood Preferred Guest program or if you are already a member and would like to request a complimentary upgrade to Gold Preferred level, please call 1-888-625-4988.


*Note: it makes no mention of the specifics of the "Platinum" card type. So, when you call (W/Delta Skymiles AMEX, or SPG Plat. AMEX) ...merely say "I have a platinum American Express Card and would like to take advantage of the complimentary GOLD SPG membership currently offered." AND...VOILA~You'll be as good as GOLD!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Boston snow is not due until late this afternoon into the night. Therefore, anyone leaving for WDW today from our area should be fine!

 

[ozziewags]

AHA! Mystery solved! Thanks DF....we have been wondering how everyone is getting gold all of a sudden with an amex card. Now we know.

 

[starsgleam]

Hi all. I'm new here and have recently made reservations for my parents and I to stay at the Dolphin during Christmas. We're all looking forward to it.

I am a college student so we reserved two adjoining rooms to make sure we have plenty of room. Any advice on which set up would work best - a Jr. Suite or stay with the adjoining rooms? Also, I believe I read somewhere in this thread that the hotel releases rooms on Friday mornings so that is a good time to try to make changes. Is this correct? If so, does anyone know what time rooms are typically released?

Thanks for all of your insight. I have learned quite a bit about planning our trip from this board.

 

[dreamflight99]

Thanks for the Update on the "Boston Snow" (sounds like a famous food dish!) conditions, Mouseteacher. It was coming down in PA and DC on the weather channel. Looks like a heavy storm system. Keep warm~Think FLORIDA & WDW Dolphin/Swan.

That's it, Ozziewags! I just thought I'd post it so the Phone # is on here for convenience.

Welcome, Starsgleam (love the name). Your Holiday plans sound wonderful. The accomodations are truly all a matter of "preference". If you are really close, and enjoy "sharing" basically the same common area, congregating in the family room by the T.V., etc....then the Jr. Suite would suit you very well. If you need your own Separate space, and time away from one another...for privacy, seclusion, peace & quiet, etc. The two adjoining rooms will give you the option. The Jr. Suite offers separate quarters as well, just with a different "feel" and floor plan. In the Jr. Suite, the common area is the "Parlor", and the adjoining room is the bedroom. Hope this helps a little. ^_^

As for the Freeing-up/releasing of rooms previously held...yes, typically ALL resorts and hotel properties do this on Friday morning in anticipation of the weekend patrons. The rooms vary in availability. If you wish to make a change, try calling the resort directly in the am. A Jr. Suite should be available this far in advance. I wish you luck in deciding and planning/reserving! How's college? I'm pleased to see you still enjoy vacation time with your family, and spending it at WDW (Dolphin) Too! You have made my day. TTFN...Dream

 

[happytrails2u]

Go figure - - 80's yesterday and blizzard today. Well at least we made it home safely before the white stuff arrived! I WAS JUANED TOO, DF! DW has finally had her revenge (LOL).

Welcome aboard Starsgleam. I do believe there is a link somewhere on these pages that illustrate the many configurations of suites at both resorts along with photos of the std. rooms. If you cannot locate it, try the Swan/Dolphin website and look around for it. Have a wonderful time at Christmas in the magic!

Muffy: Thank you, yes, we had a wonderful last day in Orlando with temps in the low 80's, short-sleeved shirts and windows open driving along the palm lined streets of Lake Buena Vista. A thought I'm holding dearly today in Boston - Lol. You'll love the Dolphin if you've never been and will surely get through these coming winter weeks with the ever-so exciting, anticipation of your fun-in-the-sun holiday. Enjoy!

Ciao, Volo di Sogno!

Hmmm...well, I found the Swan was nice and more intimate than the Dolphin, but I did miss the "corner king" and the majestic views from the higher floors. I'll most likely book the CK again next time around (or perhaps an exec. suite for the added space). Having experienced both resorts now, I really just think it's a matter of taste/personal preference. I missed the "largeness" of the Dolphin and the many more shops, restaurants and hidden nooks. I enjoy staying at a large resort where you can literally get lost if you choose to - lol. We did jaunt over to the Dolphin for a massage and a quick bite at the "Tubster's" (hehe) prior to Micky's VMCP.

The view from our corner suite was of the Dolphin and Boardwalk. I also liked the many windows in this suite along with the balcony (on the end). It will be hard to refuse that "Heavenly Bed" though, so we're praying to the almighty CARP (lol) that reigns masterfully upon her roof that the Dolphin will complete its renovations in the not-too-distant future.

MM, by the way, and her brother were fortunate enough to spend the week with friends at the "Woolworth" (Hutton) summer Estate. They want Mack to join them next time - Lol.

Room photos to come soon.

 

[happytrails2u]

Go figure - - 80's yesterday and blizzard today. Well at least we made it home safely before the white stuff arrived! I WAS JUANED TOO, DF! DW has finally had her revenge (LOL).

Welcome aboard Starsgleam. I do believe there is a link somewhere on these pages that illustrate the many configurations of suites at both resorts along with photos of the std. rooms. If you cannot locate it, try the Swan/Dolphin website and look around for it. Have a wonderful time at Christmas in the magic!

Muffy: Thank you, yes, we had a wonderful last day in Orlando with temps in the low 80's, short-sleeved shirts and windows open driving along the palm lined streets of Lake Buena Vista. A thought I'm holding dearly today in Boston - Lol. You'll love the Dolphin if you've never been and will surely get through these coming winter weeks with the ever-so exciting, anticipation of your fun-in-the-sun holiday. Enjoy!

Ciao, Volo di Sogno!

Hmmm...well, I found the Swan was nice and more intimate than the Dolphin, but I did miss the "corner king" and the majestic views from the higher floors. I'll most likely book the CK again next time around (or perhaps an exec. suite for the added space). Having experienced both resorts now, I really just think it's a matter of taste/personal preference. I missed the "largeness" of the Dolphin and the many more shops, restaurants and hidden nooks. I enjoy staying at a large resort where you can literally get lost if you choose to - lol. We did jaunt over to the Dolphin for a massage and a quick bite at the "Tubster's" (hehe) prior to Micky's VMCP.

The view from our corner suite was of the Dolphin and Boardwalk. I also liked the many windows in this suite along with the balcony (on the end). It will be hard to refuse that "Heavenly Bed" though, so we're praying to the almighty CARP (lol) that reigns masterfully upon her roof that the Dolphin will complete its renovations in the not-too-distant future.

MM, by the way, and her brother were fortunate enough to spend the week with friends at the "Woolworth" (Hutton) summer Estate. They want Mack to join them next time - Lol.

Room photos to come soon.