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

[RobMax]

DF and anyone who will listen,

Is it possible to get a greater discount on the renewal of an annual pass.

ACTUAL 2003 Cost
Annual Pass (Ages 10 and Over) $369.00
Annual Pass (Ages 3-9) $314.00


ANNUAL PASSPORT RENEWAL
Guests: 10 & over $350.39*
Guests: 3 to 9 $298.20*

*not much of a discount and (possibly) not worth a 7 night stay!!!

Ultimate Park Hopper® 7-Night Ticket
Ages 10 and Over $343.00
Guests: 3 to 9 $274.00

Ultimate Park Hopper® 8-Night Ticket**(I don't think it is a good idea to ever buy more than a 7 day pass!!)

Ages 10 and Over $369.00
Guests: 3 to 9 $295.00

Are their any other discounts to look for? Disney club? AAA? etc?

Thanks

 

[dreamflight99]

Tim E...Mouseteacher is indeed correct in her assertion/suggestion. Humble and polite requests are given great consideration at the Swan/Dolphin, and the associates seem to offer indulge the requests whenever possible. Good Luck!

RobMax...Yes, there are discounts offered for both the Disney Club and AAA. Have you considered the options listed on Mary's Site? Take a look...it may save you a few $$$:

www.mousesavers.com/tickets.html

Plus...take some time to check-out the rest of her site. It's truly AMAZING, with seemingly infinite information on DISCOUNTS for WDW & Everything associated with WDW~!!

 

[Pkdcoastrs]

Well we called again directly to the Dolphin reservations (I believe 1-407-934-4000). The rates were were given went down on both:


Jr Suite at the DOLPHIN =$ 292.50
Studio at the Swan = $202.50

Both these rates were quoted as $379.00!

It's good that the prices went down but I wish they were more consistent

I wish the prices were a little lower so that I could persuade my parents to pay the extra $$$ for the extra size, but at this point I don't think they believe it's worth it

I have no problem with a standard room though, lol, but it would be awesome to stay in something different for the first time ever. The biggest room we have stayed in is a Deluxe Pool View at the Portifino which is in the 475ft. range I believe. This was a normal room but was a lot longer and wider.

 

[RobMax]

Originally posted by dreamflight99
Yes, there are discounts offered for both the Disney Club and AAA. Have you considered the options listed on Mary's Site? Take a look...it may save you a few $$$:

www.mousesavers.com/tickets.html

She has a great site indeed. Visit quite often, but I didn't see anything on a "renewal" discounts above that of the actual fact that you don't have to buy a new pass. Am I missing something?

 

[disnurse]

Mouseteacher hows the new computer Out of curiosity did your complimentary upgrade show on spg site prior to your arrival?
We are going back and forth with hping for complimentary CL, cash in points 5 days prior or wait and upgrade with points at check-in.

To add to the confusion do you suppose 750 points is upgrade no view and 1000 points is with view???? I tried calling starwoods to ask about points exchange and the CM had absolutely no idea and never offered to try and get this info. He also stated that it had to be done at check-in so go figure.

 

[Emilysmome]

Well, over the past week I've spent countless hours reading about 80 pages on this thread! Little did I know when I kept clicking on the next page there would be yet MORE pages! I kind of got sucked in.

We were lucky enough to get in on the Priceline craze a few weeks back and score the Dolphin for $59/night (plus $10/night bonus money) for May 11-16. Now I have two questions:

First, we will be checking in on Sunday, EE day for MK. How early can we checkin? Even if we can't get a room that early in the morning, could we use our Dolphin EE privileges that morning?

Second, I don't have a SPG Amex (and don't think I could qualify for one), but I do have Amex BLue with about 16,000 points. I think I remember that i can transfer that to the SPG program at a 3:1 ratio, thereby giving me enough points for a CL upgrade for our 5 nights. My question is, would they allow someone on the deeply discounted PL rate to upgrade with points?

Thank you for any help!

Christine

 

[Mouseteacher]

disnurse~ our new computer is excellent. My school's technology tech built it for us. The cost was much less than Dell or Gateway with similar specs. Thanks for asking.

Yes, our upgrade did show up on the spg website about a week before our check-in. I discovered it quite accidentally! I hadn't been checking the site since we had no points; but one evening for the fun of it I logged on since I was getting exciting about our trip and just wanted to gaze at our reservation. LOL! Lo and behold, there it was -- I couldn't believe for a moment what I was seeing! I called out to DH so excitedly he thought something had happened to me! Then, I called DB since the upgrade was on his room, too. I booked both rooms with my teacher rate (DB and his family were traveling with us). It could have been on the wesite sooner than a week before. I just hadn't been checking since the response to my e mail request stated that comp upgrades would be addressed at check-in.

I believe that the 1000 points is the now amount you need to upgrade to CL - it has nothing to do with the view (we had a limited view). This is what I have read on the spg website.

Emilysmome~ We arrived at the Dolphin at 10:45 am and our rooms were ready. Even if the room is not ready, you are checked in and can access all areas and the EE with your park tickets.

 

[Mouseteacher]

disnurse ~ just another thank you for your kind advice when I sprained my ankle. I don't believe I ever thanked you (and DF, too!). It's nice to know we have experts here on this Board. My foot is much better - no swelling finally. Still have some tender spots on the top of my foot. I actually wore heels to work the other day.

 

[lovingthemouse]

Disnurse - we upgraded to Club 5 days prior to checking in - had a most wonderful view of Epcot, MGM from the 14th floor and they told me at the desk that 750 points was the amount per night - she even called Starwood to check and make sure we had enough points - have plenty. Caroline

 

[dreamflight99]

Pkdcoastrs...Yes, you have the correct rates for these accomodations. This is the 50% discounted rate for these suites. Please, do me a BIG favor. Email the Dolphin/Swan (Which ever you are reserved in...or decide to reserve in), and send them the following: "it would be awesome to stay in something different for the first time ever. The biggest room we have stayed in is a Deluxe Pool View at the Portifino which is in the 475ft. range I believe. This was a normal room but was a lot longer and wider" , Which you posted. My dear, add a few more prayers & details to this (If you need help...PM me)...and send it on the email request form. You just MAY be surprised! DREAMS come true, and MAGIC happens every DAY in WDW. No guarantees...but it's great to DREAM of MAGIC, just the same!
You are correct about the Deluxe Pool view at the Portofino...Currently at an Entertainment rate of $180 for the summer. It's a HUGE room, with plush accomodations. Loews is one of my FAV places to stay, and the Portofino is our #1. We are currently reserved in a Portofino Villa Suite with Parlor. It's More than 1500 Sq. feet. Not as large as the 3200+ Sq. ft. MGM suite...but just as Lavish!

RobMax...Renewal is a GREAT DEAL. Other than that, The 10-day pass is a pretty good discount, but then again...I'd get the Annual. This is how we use our annual passes (premium...because we use the water parks and Disney Quest). We buy them VERY LATE initially, say the End of July...beginning of August. We use them for 3-4 weeks during this time period. The following year, we visit the park much EARLIER, and use them until they Expire! Therefore...we use them twice for each purchase. I do not "renew" these passes. Instead, I merely purchase NEW passes...VERY LATE in the summer, and repeat the cycle! It $aves us a bundle...for sure. Of course, the passes cost more than $500 each.

disnurse...I too wondered about Mouseteacher's NEW Comp.!
Wow...that's a great point, in regards to the CL/View for the 1000 pts. I hope someone is able to shed some light on this one.

Christine...as others posted (so kindly ), YES...your room may indeed be prepared very early for check-in. Otherwise, you may leave your belongings with the Bellman, and head for the park! Congrats on the PRICE you reserved! Yes, you will be able to upgrade using points...no matter WHAT rate you have obtained. Glad to have you with us...even if it was by chance (each new page...finally sucked you in!).


Mouseteacher...the ONLY med expert is the Disnurse! I was concerned for your health and safety, (but in the dark about info/tips on healing...LOL), and am SO glad to read you are feeling better!

 

[RobMax]

Just trying to squeeze a few more dollars out of the Park.

I did find this out!

Adult AP renewal w/DC discount = $339.74
Adult PAP renewal w/DC discount = $451.56

Here is a tough question. Has anyone ...

*Stayed at the Swan,
*Had a Jr Suite,
and
*Had an upper floor east facing room (above Palio and overlooking Epcot and the Boardwalk?)?

If so .. Can you remember your room numbers?

 

[pbhunt]

I thought Disney Club was gone, my card expired in February. I have been receiving offers for the new Credit Card, did I miss something?

 

[RobMax]

It lasts until Dec 31, 2003. Check with them - if you renewed in 2002 you should still be a member!

http://disneyclub.disney.go.com/dyn...ub.disney.go.com/dynamic/MembersOnly/MainPage

 

[Muffy]

Hi Everyone,
I know alot of people are planning trips to S/D and wanted to mention that we were given a holding room until our suite was ready, at the Dolphin. I don't know if this is common practice at S/D or because we are Platinum SPG but it was a great perk. I haven't heard anyone mention this before and thought I would put it out there. The info may be of some help to someone! Plus i know we have alot of Plat SPG memebers on this thread.

I recently received a postcard from Starwood about paying taxes with your Am. Express. They are running a special where they are giving double points on the first 4000 if you use your card. Unforturnatly the "convienence fee" is a killer in our case, so we can't take advantage of it. DH has to mail his in. This may be an option for some folks though so please look into it.

DD's birthday is coming up and we just bought her a Dell! She is turning 13 and will be completely surprised about the Dell. DS ordered it over the internet for me and it is suppose to have alot of bells and whistles! Wish i were getting one too!

Believe it or not we received more snow here in CT, yesterday! DD had early dismissal at here school because the roads were slippery. I know spring is on it's way though. I heard the birds the other mroning when I was out on my run. Hope springs eternal when you hear spring birds in New England, after the kind of winter we had!

Happy planning to all folks going back to WDW!

Muffy

 

[Ashley's mom]

I go to the Dolphin March 15 - that TOMORROW! I can't believe it - but I am still fretting about my room. Does anyone know what the deal is about renovated rooms at the Dolphin? I've heard that "some" are done -

I currently have a balcony room set up - I am Starwood Gold so I don't know if I want to ask for Club level upgrade or just ask for club level privs and keep the balcony room - since I haven't heard the club level rooms are any nicer.

Can someone give me the current scoop on things down there. I am dying for a vacation and don't know when I'll be able to get my husband to consent to a Mouse vacation.....

I'm counting the hours! Answer quick! Please!

 

[kimmar067]

...so, my DC was paid for in March 2002 and was good until March 2003 (that's what it says on my card). Will I have to renew to be current to the end of Dec 2003, or are my priviledges extended to Dec 2003???

 

[RobMax]

Hi Kimmar,

Looks like that's a no. Did you sign upfor the Day 1 card? Sorry I wasn't a bit clearer.

At this time, we regret to announce that The Disney ClubSM will be closing on December 31, 2003. We would like to assure you however, that we will continue to offer full benefits to all of our Members throughout the upcoming year. This means you will still be able to enjoy exclusive savings on Disney vacations, special offers and other Members-only privileges through the expiration date listed on your Membership Card or December 31, 2003, whichever comes first. We will continue accepting renewals and new memberships through December 12, 2002.

I'm still waiting to receive an explaination about the Day 1 card benefits. Hopefully there will be a carryover and not just smoke and mirrors like the old value? travel packages!

Special Disney Bonus Offers.
In your statement and online, you'll get special bonus offers that let you earn double, triple or more Disney Dream Reward DollarsSM on selected Disney purchases or get more with your reward dollars when you redeem them. As a Cardmember, you'll also receive special bonus offers, such as special deals on vacation packages or merchandise when you use your Disney's Visa® Card. For example, you'll receive a $50 onboard credit when you or your travel agent book a Disney Cruise Line® vacation with your Disney's Visa Credit Card. The offer is good for sailings through 12/31/03.3

 

[CRB#33]

Mouseteacher--Would you please tell me how far ahead of your stay you e-mailed your upgrade request, and can you give me an idea of what you said in it?

Thanks.

We're staying at the Dolphin for the first time the week before Easter. I received the teachers rate for a standard room for all but my first night. We stayed at the Swan last year. This is the first trip for me and my two children. We usually go with friends, but this is the first "family only" trip for me. Just the three of us!!!

My children never get the week before Easter off from school, but for some reason our district changed this year! I'm a sub. teacher, so I can make my schedule for that week!

 

[KelliR]

Ashley's Mom ... that is strictly a personal preference. I LOVE the balcony. I use it 3 or 4 times a day. I get CL privileges and keep the balcony.

But you may like to be on the floor with the CL. So it is up to you. I didn't mind going from my room the CL. You just need to figure out how much you would use the balcony. Hope this helps...

 

[Ashley's mom]

ok, well I had paid for a balcony room at the Dolphin - had to pay extra for that mind you - and we had asked specifically for a view of Illuminations - well.....I called today and we are upgraded to CLUB level - which is nice - but club level has no real view and certainly no view of Illuminations, right? ok - well, now all the balconies are gone - and certainly all the king balconies like I paid for are "gone" - since the club level rooms and balcony rooms are apparently the same - I figured with GOLD starwood status it would be a better deal to stay in the BALCONY room and just get club privs....but now I don't seem to have the option of the room I paid for....is that standard procedure at the DOLPHIN? I don't want to be a hag or anything, but while I appreciate the upgrade, I also like being able to make that choice on my own - what's up with that? Is there a "pounding my head against the wall" smilie out there? Cuz that's what I'm doing right now.....I sooooooo need this vacation....fighting with dh, daughter (almost 6) clamouring how many HOURS now until Disney....of course since she's just 5 she has to keep asking ME over and over how many hours until we get there....how many hours until we leave...etc. Geesh...she's so excited. Love that baby to pieces....can't wait to see her face when we get there....