I am taking my 16- year daughter to the Swan next month for a week - we have never stayed there and she doesn't know we are staying there this time. Is there anything I can do for her there to further surprise her? Anything that I can ask the Swan to do?
NEW...DOLPHIN/SWAN..."questions and answers"...tips and hints!
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Mouseteacher
<font color=9999FF>Being tagged makes you feel war
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Blizzard headed this way - predicting up to 18 inches by Tuesday am!!!! mom23guys2~ I agree! Being on this board and talking about WDW and the S/D keeps the dream of warmth alive. I believe it was 82 in Orlando yesterday. I can "see" in my mind the grotto pool and its beautiful waterfall. I can "see" us sitting under an umbrella table at the snack bar near the lap pool. I can "see" us walking over to the Boardwalk to stroll leisurely through the shops...
I'd better stop!
Dead End Kid
Earning My Ears
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- Aug 22, 2001
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- 41
Hi All,
We just returned from 5 fantastic days at the Swan - got back to NJ just before this major snow storm hit! I certainly wouldn't want to have to worry about flying on a day like today.
Thanks to DreamsUnlimited we were able to get the great $129 night gov rate (I can never get that discount when I try the Starwood site or call the Swan directly). We upgraded to Club Level 5 days before our arrival using points - 1,000 per night.
We also had a free night, using 10,000 points - which I successfully booked on the Starwood site. Since our plane wasn't getting to Orlando until the afternoon and we were going to be at the parks in the evening, I didn't want to spend another 1,000 points to be on Club Level for the first day. However, I did call the Swan directly 3 days before we left and gave them my two reservation numbers (one for the free night, one for the 4 nights on Club Level). I asked if the reservations could be "tied" together so we wouldn't have to switch rooms.
I also checked my reservations on the Starwood site the day before we left - and noticed they had us down for 1 king bed (we had reserved and needed two queen beds because of our kids). A quick call to the Swan front desk had that changed, so I would recommend that any Swan/Dolphin guests do that before they leave to avoid any problems at check-in.
We arrived at the Swan at 2PM and found security in place at the parking lot for the first time. With all the "high" alert notices it was a bit of a comfort to know they were serious about checking guests. We also heard from the Club Level staff that their ID's were being checked and that delivery vans were not being allowed to pull up close to the building <sigh>. Such is the world we now live in!
Anyway, at 2PM our room was ready - 1260 - and we stayed there the entire trip. So we were "comped" to Club Level that first night, which was nice and we didn't have to change rooms which was a big plus. The room was in great condition - on the "standard" view side which meant we were looking at part of the parking lot, the fountain and flowers, the waterway to MGM and the Boardwalk. We could view Epcot and Fantasmic fireworks from the window. We were also 7 or 8 rooms away from the Club Lounge, which was nice.
This room DID NOT have heavenly beds. In fact, when I went to the front desk the following morning to check-out of the free room and check-in again for the rest of our stay I asked about the renovations. I was told that NONE of the rooms on 11 and 12 had been changed over because they would have to close the floors to make the changes. And the hotel had been very busy, so they were waiting for a slower time.
There were several conventions during our stay at both the Swan and Dolphin but it never bothered us or impacted our stay in any way, except for a crowded parking lot a few days.
Maid and turn-down service was very good - we asked for extra pillows and they arrived within 20 minutes. Club Level was a big hit and we enjoyed our breakfast each morning and the snacks in the evenings - when we were around. They still have the plastic bottles of water for guests to take (unlike many of the Disney hotels) but I did notice we didn't need as much water in Feb as we did in July.
One interesting note - the "free" night with points was indeed free. I thought we would have to pay tax or resort fee or something, but there was no charge at all. However, I was unsuccessful in getting the resort fee waived. I asked, was told it was standard for all guests, so I let the matter drop. I know it has been posted here that Club Level guests don't pay the resort fee, but the front desk person was very certain that they do pay that fee and I wasn't in the mood to get pushy.
I did have to get pushy with two other matters - extra charges on the room!!! When we returned to the room on our second day there was a yellow mini-bar charge slip on the nightstand. We had not even opened the bar, so I immediately brought it to the front desk. Turns out they had put my name and room number on someone else's bill. The charge was marked "disputed" and the amount taken off our bill. I also gave them back the mini-bar key to avoid any future problems.
The next day I told my kids to check the account on the TV and we found a $20 charge for in room movies!!! This time I called the front desk and again the charge was marked "disputed" and the amount taken off our bill.
This was our 3rd trip to the Swan and the first time we ever encountered any sort of problem. The hotel was very full, so perhaps that added to the confusion. But I would recommend that everyone take a careful look at their bill each day to check for any errors.
Overall, I would still say the Swan is one of my favorite hotels. The location is great, the decor is fun, the staff is very good and the atmosphere is pleasant and relaxing. We were certainly be back - maybe in a Jr. Suite to gain a little more space.
If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask.
Dead End Kid
We just returned from 5 fantastic days at the Swan - got back to NJ just before this major snow storm hit! I certainly wouldn't want to have to worry about flying on a day like today.
Thanks to DreamsUnlimited we were able to get the great $129 night gov rate (I can never get that discount when I try the Starwood site or call the Swan directly). We upgraded to Club Level 5 days before our arrival using points - 1,000 per night.
We also had a free night, using 10,000 points - which I successfully booked on the Starwood site. Since our plane wasn't getting to Orlando until the afternoon and we were going to be at the parks in the evening, I didn't want to spend another 1,000 points to be on Club Level for the first day. However, I did call the Swan directly 3 days before we left and gave them my two reservation numbers (one for the free night, one for the 4 nights on Club Level). I asked if the reservations could be "tied" together so we wouldn't have to switch rooms.
I also checked my reservations on the Starwood site the day before we left - and noticed they had us down for 1 king bed (we had reserved and needed two queen beds because of our kids). A quick call to the Swan front desk had that changed, so I would recommend that any Swan/Dolphin guests do that before they leave to avoid any problems at check-in.
We arrived at the Swan at 2PM and found security in place at the parking lot for the first time. With all the "high" alert notices it was a bit of a comfort to know they were serious about checking guests. We also heard from the Club Level staff that their ID's were being checked and that delivery vans were not being allowed to pull up close to the building <sigh>. Such is the world we now live in!
Anyway, at 2PM our room was ready - 1260 - and we stayed there the entire trip. So we were "comped" to Club Level that first night, which was nice and we didn't have to change rooms which was a big plus. The room was in great condition - on the "standard" view side which meant we were looking at part of the parking lot, the fountain and flowers, the waterway to MGM and the Boardwalk. We could view Epcot and Fantasmic fireworks from the window. We were also 7 or 8 rooms away from the Club Lounge, which was nice.
This room DID NOT have heavenly beds. In fact, when I went to the front desk the following morning to check-out of the free room and check-in again for the rest of our stay I asked about the renovations. I was told that NONE of the rooms on 11 and 12 had been changed over because they would have to close the floors to make the changes. And the hotel had been very busy, so they were waiting for a slower time.
There were several conventions during our stay at both the Swan and Dolphin but it never bothered us or impacted our stay in any way, except for a crowded parking lot a few days.
Maid and turn-down service was very good - we asked for extra pillows and they arrived within 20 minutes. Club Level was a big hit and we enjoyed our breakfast each morning and the snacks in the evenings - when we were around. They still have the plastic bottles of water for guests to take (unlike many of the Disney hotels) but I did notice we didn't need as much water in Feb as we did in July.
One interesting note - the "free" night with points was indeed free. I thought we would have to pay tax or resort fee or something, but there was no charge at all. However, I was unsuccessful in getting the resort fee waived. I asked, was told it was standard for all guests, so I let the matter drop. I know it has been posted here that Club Level guests don't pay the resort fee, but the front desk person was very certain that they do pay that fee and I wasn't in the mood to get pushy.
I did have to get pushy with two other matters - extra charges on the room!!! When we returned to the room on our second day there was a yellow mini-bar charge slip on the nightstand. We had not even opened the bar, so I immediately brought it to the front desk. Turns out they had put my name and room number on someone else's bill. The charge was marked "disputed" and the amount taken off our bill. I also gave them back the mini-bar key to avoid any future problems.
The next day I told my kids to check the account on the TV and we found a $20 charge for in room movies!!! This time I called the front desk and again the charge was marked "disputed" and the amount taken off our bill.
This was our 3rd trip to the Swan and the first time we ever encountered any sort of problem. The hotel was very full, so perhaps that added to the confusion. But I would recommend that everyone take a careful look at their bill each day to check for any errors.
Overall, I would still say the Swan is one of my favorite hotels. The location is great, the decor is fun, the staff is very good and the atmosphere is pleasant and relaxing. We were certainly be back - maybe in a Jr. Suite to gain a little more space.
If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask.
Dead End Kid
Samsma,
I'm glad you got the $147.50 rate, but I don't understand how using the ALLEARS code got you it, because it looked like the lowest ALLEARS rate was $162.50. But hey, whatever works... LOL!
I rechecked my steps for the aaa site, and can't figure out why the other poster can't get the Swan to come up. Maybe their dates were different than mine (10/1 to 10/10). Or, maybe they're not an aaa member??? I tried it again this morning, and it worked again (but again, not a room labeled "non-smoking").
BettyC
I'm glad you got the $147.50 rate, but I don't understand how using the ALLEARS code got you it, because it looked like the lowest ALLEARS rate was $162.50. But hey, whatever works... LOL!
I rechecked my steps for the aaa site, and can't figure out why the other poster can't get the Swan to come up. Maybe their dates were different than mine (10/1 to 10/10). Or, maybe they're not an aaa member??? I tried it again this morning, and it worked again (but again, not a room labeled "non-smoking").
BettyC
Howdy!
I've been away a short while, so I'm sure I missed some interesting posts. DF, sorry to hear about your family's loss. My spouse loss her father a couple of years ago, and her mother when she was only 12. I know the pain you felt while feeling your spouse's grief. My prayers go out to your family.
My family wants to take an unprecedented second vacation this year to Disney. We can go in July for about one week. Would any of you recommend Disneyland over Disneyworld? Keep in mind that for us the cheaper the better! Starwood has a hotel next to Disneyland, right?
What would the crowds, smog, and weather be like in DL during July?
We want to stay at the Dolphin again, but DL looks so much less expensive. Thanks for any advice.
I've been away a short while, so I'm sure I missed some interesting posts. DF, sorry to hear about your family's loss. My spouse loss her father a couple of years ago, and her mother when she was only 12. I know the pain you felt while feeling your spouse's grief. My prayers go out to your family.
My family wants to take an unprecedented second vacation this year to Disney. We can go in July for about one week. Would any of you recommend Disneyland over Disneyworld? Keep in mind that for us the cheaper the better! Starwood has a hotel next to Disneyland, right?
What would the crowds, smog, and weather be like in DL during July?
We want to stay at the Dolphin again, but DL looks so much less expensive. Thanks for any advice.
thanks for the trip report, DeadEndKid, enjoyed reading it and glad your trip was safe and enjoyable. I especially liked hearing about the Club Level (I will be staying in a room a few doors down from yours this Fall). I hope they get Heavenly beds in there by then!
I also liked the sound of the extra security -- that must have been a good feeling during these times. I was also encouraged to hear that despite the hotel being full with convention guests, you were not adversely affected.
And I'll be sure to carefully check my bell for odd charges after hearing of your experience! It sounds like the hotel handled it properly, though. Thanks for the post!
I also liked the sound of the extra security -- that must have been a good feeling during these times. I was also encouraged to hear that despite the hotel being full with convention guests, you were not adversely affected.
And I'll be sure to carefully check my bell for odd charges after hearing of your experience! It sounds like the hotel handled it properly, though. Thanks for the post!
Mouseteacher
<font color=9999FF>Being tagged makes you feel war
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- Oct 20, 2002
- Messages
- 3,839
Dead End Kid ~ Thanks for the Swan report. We stayed at the Dolphin last August and our room was 1262. We, too, were just a short walk to the Club Room and the elevators. We LOVE Club Level.
Troyfus~ glad to see you back and posting.
DF ~ unusual to not see you post / hope your DD is doing okay.
Boston is now in the height of the blizzard!
Troyfus~ glad to see you back and posting.
DF ~ unusual to not see you post / hope your DD is doing okay.
Boston is now in the height of the blizzard!
jgates
<font color=teal>Must vow NEVER to toggle the tags
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- Oct 12, 1999
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Mouseteacher - Guess what room the Gates family was in during July!!!! 1262!!!! We thought it was such a great location. So quick to the elevators and to the Club lounge.
It is driving me nuts that it will be another full year from this summer before I will get back there. I would love to book a room for this summer too, but one of my co-workers is donating part of a her liver to her brother (hepatitis) and will be off for a good chunk of the summer. About the time she gets back another goes on maternity leave. So we won't have any real exciting trips this year!
It is driving me nuts that it will be another full year from this summer before I will get back there. I would love to book a room for this summer too, but one of my co-workers is donating part of a her liver to her brother (hepatitis) and will be off for a good chunk of the summer. About the time she gets back another goes on maternity leave. So we won't have any real exciting trips this year!
Muffy
<font color=red>Oh how I wish I lived in Florida!<
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- Oct 3, 1999
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- 5,266
Can you say 22 inches of snow? I'm dreamin' of WDW and the Dolphin big time today! As I look out across our snow covered lawn and see more snow than I have ever seen before it is hard to believe spring is on it's way? The local weather men are closely watching another approaching storm too! Surely it will miss us? What a winter we are having in New England! Take care everyone!
Muffy
Muffy
ozziewags
Go Warriors!
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- Jun 5, 2000
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- 1,471
Thought about you guys alot yesterday. We were off school here in southern IL with 4 inches of snow! You only had about 20" more than we did! You will probably be out of school for a few more days.
We are all dreaming about 82' and the S/D and the MAGIC!
We are all dreaming about 82' and the S/D and the MAGIC!
Mouseteacher
<font color=9999FF>Being tagged makes you feel war
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jgates ~ What a coincidence on our room! My DBro and his family who traveled with us were in Room 1260. Like you, we are not planning a trip this summer although I hold out hopes that our circumstances may change. At this time last year, it looked like a trip to WDW wasn't in the cards. However, during a July 4th cookout, the plan for a late August trip was hatched due to the S/D teacher rate. 
We are digging out today! The snow banks and snow plow mark at the end of our driveway looks like a wall! However, the main roads are down to bare roads. We, New Englanders, are a hearty bunch! We are on school winter vacation week - so no snow day. So far, considering the tough winter we have had, we have no snow days. That is a good thing - I want to be out in mid June not late June!!!
What a coincidence on our room! My DBro and his family who traveled with us were in Room 1260. Like you, we are not planning a trip this summer although I hold out hopes that our circumstances may change. At this time last year, it looked like a trip to WDW wasn't in the cards. However, during a July 4th cookout, the plan for a late August trip was hatched due to the S/D teacher rate. We are digging out today! The snow banks and snow plow mark at the end of our driveway looks like a wall! However, the main roads are down to bare roads. We, New Englanders, are a hearty bunch! We are on school winter vacation week - so no snow day. So far, considering the tough winter we have had, we have no snow days. That is a good thing - I want to be out in mid June not late June!!!
MOM POPPINS
<font color=red>I keep getting SOUVENIRS (wink) wh
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I was finally able to make our reservations on line this morning. For 9 nights starting on February 29th, 2004. My Platinum will expire in Feb., but as long as I check in before it expires was told it would be honored the entire visit I also called reservations and was successful in getting the junior suite upgrade added to my reservation! So we are set! I love it when they do the upgrade ahead of time, otherwise I would need to book 2 rooms just in case the upgrade did not work out. Thanks again for all your wonderful tips and advise, looking foward to another great trip to WALT DISNEY WORLD!
DF where have you been the last few days, I have not read a post from you in awhile, I hope all is well with DD, sending prayers your way...
I also called reservations and was successful in getting the junior suite upgrade added to my reservation! So we are set! I love it when they do the upgrade ahead of time, otherwise I would need to book 2 rooms just in case the upgrade did not work out. Thanks again for all your wonderful tips and advise, looking foward to another great trip to WALT DISNEY WORLD! DF where have you been the last few days, I have not read a post from you in awhile, I hope all is well with DD, sending prayers your way...
WolfpackFan
Retired and loving every minute of it!!
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- Jul 24, 2000
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A question - when I recieved my SPG AmEx card, I was thinking there was a special deal of some kind that you received extra points the first time you used the card to stay at a Starwood resort. I just made some ressie to stay at the Sheraton at Myrtle Beach, first weekend of April and used my SPG AmEx card. In fact they are charging the deposit today on my card. Does anyone else remember anytype of special deal for the first time you use the card like this? I sure would like to get some extra points for my Dolphin stay in June since I am still about 1000 points short of being able to use points to upgrade to CL for all my nights.
Thanks - John
Thanks - John
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