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

[RobMax]

$69.00 at night - well my stars!

We had a record high and low on the same day here today. Dropped from 71 to 35 in one hour and 25 and dropping now to 19 with some ice. Oh, if I was just in Orlando!

 

[ddawg]

Hi disnurse,
I received an email from Starwood that stated stay 6 nights - get one night free, stay 12 nights - get 2 nights free. Is that what you mean?

 

[WDW2000]

Can anyone tell me how the view is of the "Illuminations" show at Epcot from the Club Level Lounge at the Dolphin?

1. Do they pipe in the music?

2. Is it an unobstructed view or partial view?

Any additional information from anyone who has experienced the show from the lounge would be so helpful in my planning.

 

[dreamflight99]

Thanks for the SwanDolphin "heads-up" on the special "promo" priceline offer, Nancy! I thought it was a FAB price too...these things NEVER last long, but sure are great when they are available.

disnurse...How funny, we have used the same computer systems! I enjoyed the Compaq, but LOVE the Dell. Yes, I did indeed receive some of the same promo offers for the free eves.

Glenn...STAY WARM!! It's sunny and beautiful here, with highs in the 70's!

WDW2000...The view is definitely "unobstructed" and absolutely "Amazing"! I can not recall if the music was piped-in, or not? It's a beautiful place to watch the show. I remember there was "music" in the lounge, I'm just unsure if it was the actual music from the Illuminations show. Anyone?

 

[Mouseteacher]

We are looking at getting a Dell, too! I really liked the kid in the ad - too bad he had to mess up his career with the arrest in NYC.

We are warmer in the Boston area - uh! warm to us now is 35 degrees! However it is rainy.

 

[CAP Aircrew]

Hello Folks,

I'm new to this site and just happened to come across it by accident. Man, am I glad I did. I had been looking into a WDW vacation for my family but never put the plans in motion. Well after reading all the helpful information on this website, We are now booked at the SWAN for 6 nights (6/27-7/3). Got the great Gov't/Military rate at $189 for the balcony view overlooking the resort. This will be my first time to Disney since 1986! It's been even longer for my wife! I haven't broken the news to my Son (8) and Daughter (7) yet but I plan to shortly. I can honestly say that I want them "bugging" me on a daily basis to ask "are we going yet?" I love the anticipation of the trip as much as the trip itself.

So it would appear that the east wing of the SWAN gets the best views of Epcot and Illuminations. I have already put in the request in for that side and was just wondering what the chances might be. I too would love the upgrade to the CL level but I really want that balcony. Are there specific rooms on that side that offer the better view? I realize the higher you go the better but I was curious as to specific numbers.

I am an SPG member as well but only have 404 points to date. I would really love the CL priveledges but the ability to keep a nice room on the East Wing would be my preference. Is that an odd request to make?

In any event, I am thrilled. I had been looking at the All Star resorts as well as Wilderness Resort. I realize that these two places are much different in category but what seemed to sell me on the Swan (other than price) was the proximity to Epcot and MGM.

I'm sure I will have multitudes of questions in the coming months and I take comfort in knowing that they will be answered here.

 

[disnurse]

ddwag thats the promo i mean, do you remember the specifics? There is no mention of it on their web site and I don't recall ever getting that particular promo. Thanks

 

[dreamflight99]

What a great POST! Hooray for your planning efforts, and for selecting the DELUXE catagory WDW Swan for the upcoming trip! Your family will absolutely LOVE the place, and want to stay longer. BTW...I'm ALSO leaving for my vacation on 6/27....but not returning until 8/18 (there's a LOT of adventure packed in there)!

No request, is considered an odd request...so ASK AWAY! If there is availability, you will receive the request. These resorts are wonderful with respect to requests, and do their best to fulfill the wishes of their guests. Have you ordered the FREE Walt Disney World Planning Video? You and the family would truly ENJOY viewing this together, especially since you have not been in the MAGIC for a long, long time! (Go to www.waltdisneyworld.com and click on the vacation planning materials to place the order for your free video!). This would be a GREAT way to tell the kids! Again, welcome to the DIS!

Disnurse...I believe there may possibly be two current promos running for the free eves, and one is for Plat. exlusively. I would suggest "calling" SPG services, and they will definitely be able to assist you with this matter. I received my notice through the mail.

 

[CAP Aircrew]

Dreamflight,

Thanks for the kind words. I actually have 3 of the videos and we watch them from time to time. It get's us in the mood!

With respect to flight options, I had two choices 7Am or 11:30am. I chose the latter because that way I would not have to wake my kids up the in the wee hours of the night to get them to the airport. We are a good hour from the airport. My flight arrives in MCO at 2:30pm. With respect to getting a room with a great view, should I have made the reservation on the earlier flight which got in at 10am? Just a thought!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Welcome, CAP Aircrew.

You will love the resort and its location. Your children are at a great age to really enjoy WDW. We always take that early flight (7:00) and are usually checked in and on our way to a park by 11:30. Most times, the room is ready at our early check in.

I have found that my children are so excited the night before we leave - that getting up at 4:00 am was no problem and they dozed on the plane. We had everything ready to go the night before and waiting at the door.

I must say I am just as bad... I could not contain myself for a later flight! I want every minute of every day I can get in the World. I don't know who is worse... me or my children!!! LOL

 

[karma_cameleon]

dreamfligth99....

thanks for all the info, very helpfull. I just booked a king room w/balcony and resort view. Do all the corner room numbers end in _015? If the corner room was not available, do you have any other room recommendations? Does it matter if the room number is odd or even?

That's enough questions for now. I'll probably think of more later.

 

[ddawg]

Simply register, then stay six nights at any Starwood hotel or resort from 1 March, 2003 until 31 May, 2003 to earn a free night. You can use your free night any time through 31 July, 2003. And if you stay another six nights, you’ll receive an additional night free.



Through 31 May, 2003, you’ll earn 500 bonus StarpointsSM* each time you book at www.spg.com, where you’ll always have access to exclusive offers.

You’ll receive an extra 1,000 bonus Starpoints per stay during the promotion period at any of 10 participating New York City hotels:

• Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers
• Sheraton Manhattan Hotel
• Sheraton Russell Hotel

• The Westin New York at Times Square

• Essex House, A Westin Hotel
• W New York

• W New York – Times Square

• W New York – The Tuscany

• W New York – Union Square

• W New York – The Court

 

[dreamflight99]

Cap Aircrew...LOL...we LOVE those videos too! As for the flights:
We always take the earliest flight, out of LAX to MCO. We leave at 7:00 am, and arrive about 3:30. It does not matter "when" we arrive, as our suite is reserved. Yet, for many, the earlier, the better! It is all based upon availability. BUT remember, check-in is "technically" around 3:00 pm. So---2:30 is GREAT! You should be fine.

Mouseteacher...THE SAME HERE! I could take a later flight...and arrive about 6:30 pm, but I am literally "foaming at the mouth" to get into the WORLD! LOL. "Excitement" is the KEY WORD the day of our travel.

karma_cameleon...Good for you! Hopefully, a CORNER KING will be available. I believe, the Rooms which are ODD numbered FACE EPCOT. The rooms which are even numbered FACE MGM. Not all the Corner Kings End in 15, but the numbers are close (16/17) on different floors. the reservation specialist will KNOW what the CORNER KING is, and the ones located on the FAR EAST WING facing EPCOT. Armed with this info, you will be a STEP AHEAD of the rest!

Thanks for the info on the FREE NIGHTS ddawg. They keep moving these dates up...to the SPRING as opposed to the summer. They used to run this promo twice per year, like clockwork...yet since 911~they changed it all. SPG does not accept points transferred from HHonors as of the end of February. I guess since this program already permits "double-dipping", they decided to clip it from their partner list. Darn...I should have transferred miles before the deadline. Now, I'm stuck with free eves or rentals. I use EVERY other travel program to transfer miles to SPG!! LOL.

 

[luckytso]

DF99,

I am one of the people who got the $69 priceline offer at Dolphin for 2 nights. I am a SPG Gold member (thanks to all of you), and I have an Amex Starwood Plat. card.

If I want to get one of these "corner king" rooms with club level privilige, what is the best strategy between using SPG points and comp upgrade? Should I ask for a comp. upgrade to the corner king and use my points for the club level or vice versa?

Thanks for any input you could provide.

 

[Samsma]

Would there be room for two adults two kids, 10 & 4 in a corner king w/ rollaway and the small couch? Just really liking the sound of those two balconies. Also, can you hear the Illuminations music from the balconies facing EPCOT at the Dolphin?

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by luckytso
DF99,

I am one of the people who got the $69 priceline offer at Dolphin for 2 nights. I am a SPG Gold member (thanks to all of you), and I have an Amex Starwood Plat. card.

If I want to get one of these "corner king" rooms with club level privilige, what is the best strategy between using SPG points and comp upgrade? Should I ask for a comp. upgrade to the corner king and use my points for the club level or vice versa?

Thanks for any input you could provide.

YES, precisely! First of all...CONGRATULATIONS on the FABULOUS price you have reserved (remember, if you wish to extend at that rate while there...call the front desk and ask). As for the upgrades, I would put in a special request for a "Corner King w/Epcot View" and use SPG points for CL (750 per eve). Do this as soon as possible, and always call and check to see the "notes/requests" are listed on your reservation. Good Luck....you seem to be off to a good start already ($69 per eve), have you bought a lottery ticket lately?

Samsa...YES, this CORNER KING will definitely accomodate your family (using the rollaway and the sofa). The music is easily heard, and is LOUD & CLEAR from the Balconies. It's such a magical way to take in the show...you have to see it at least once from this vantage point.

 

[kimmar067]

....poppin' into say: "Yeah, our school is getting out earlier due to the snow outside!!! Yippee!!! (forcast 3-5 in.)

BTW ~ Hope lovingthemouse is enjoying herself at WDW!!!!

 

[csmommy]

We never even made it to school today, & I've shoveled twice already!

Is this winter ever going to end?????

 

[Mitla96]

I hear you, CSmommy! I drove home from work (Labor and Delivery nurse) at midnight on Tuesday, I had to go 10mph the whole way. We got 6 inches, and the kids got out on Wednesday. Our Swan trip in Feb seems like a dream. I see buds on my lilac bushes, though-maybe they know something I don't know!

This is esp. true for Michigan:

First Day of Spring
First Spring Day
A Month between
These Two May Lay!

Later, Janet

 

[Mouseteacher]

We are in school and it is SNOWING!!!! All evening activities have been cancelled. Parents are coming in early to take their children home. It's quite busy!

Oh- when will the good weather ever get here?!!!!!