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

[Mouseteacher]

Mrs. A ~ Horror and GASP - staying at a nonDisney resort! A resort that when you look out a window, you see Epcot, MGM, Friendship launches cruising to YC/BC and Boardwalk and so many more Disney scenes. I just don't understand. (or maybe I do )

 

[happytrails2u]

Shhhhhhhh...

 

[Disbug]

Mouseteacher, Piper, df99, Bob, and anyone else who is so obviously knowledgable about the SWAN, I hope you can help with my questions...
We are a family of 5; myself, DH, DD14, DD9, and DD2. Our youngest (Phoebe) is undiagnosed but we're pretty sure she has cerebral palsy. I only mention this because it adds to the mix when we're trying to get ready, put the baby down to sleep, takes longer to feed, etc... I am a member of the SPG pts program also and have some points left (after getting the great $60 + 4,000 pts rate!) I am thinking of upgrading our room to a jr. suite for more space. But on my room request I wanted to request a balcony. (Tell me if I'm dreaming, here!) Being close to an elevator may be a good thing, too, if I have to constantly come back to the room with her. (We are going the last week of July.) Also, do you think I should pay for Club Level? A lot of people seem to think it's worth it, and I suppose if we could eliminate breakfast that way, maybe it would. Sorry, so long... but any room location suggestions (and all suggestions, actually) would be appreciated from you experts!

 

[Muffy]

Disbug,
I think the Jr. Suite would give your family more room and be more comfortable. The Jr. Suite do not have balconies though. Club level is great and if you have the points try to upgrade! You could possible get a comp upgrade if you get a starwood am express. That way you can get your SPG membership upgraded to Gold for some extra perks! Hope this helps!

Muffy

 

[Disbug]

I appreciate your response, Muffy! I love your tags (esp. the I wish I lived in FL!) I do have the Starwood Am Express card. (That's one of the ways I built up my points.) I didn't know that they would upgrade for that! HMMM!

Was it the Dolphin that has the Jr. Suites on the 3rd floor and not the SWAN? I read that in an earlier post... I am trying (like everyone else out there!) to make this a nice vacation; they are just too few and far between these days! Esp. since my DH has to be "dragged" along! LOL! *He doesn't get it yet! But since the rest of my family is coming, he was able to be persuaded!

 

[happytrails2u]

Disbug, to the best of my knowledge, there are Jr, Suites located on each floor of both hotels. What I had mentioned on an earlier post, was that there are Jr. Suites at the Swan (on varying floors with the EXCEPTION of the club level floor) that DO have balconies.

Now, something else to consider the junior suites at the Dolphin and Swan are two separate animals. The jr's at the Dolphin are actually two separate rooms w/ connecting door where the jr.'s at the Swan are actually one expanded room, L-shaped. However, as Muffy explained, the jr's at the Dolphin do not have balconies AND your getting more square footage with the Dolphin's jr. suite. Here are diagrams of both - first the Dolphin:

...and this is the Swan's version:

Hope that helps a bit. ENJOY!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Disbug ~ I suggest you use points if you have enough to upgrade to a jr. suite for the extra space (I'd forgo a balcony for the space in the room with 3 children and one with which you feel has special needs). A standard room can be tight with 5 people. Then, I would e mail a request (a humble and polite one ) to the Swan requesting a comp upgrade to CL - explain your DD (2) issues and needs. I bet your wish will be granted. Good luck. Here's some Pixie Dust for you ***************************

 

[Mouseteacher]

Just read happytrails2you's post and saw the lay out. Go for the Dolphin, disbug! Dolphin has more rooms than Swan. More rooms (and hopefully that includes jr. suites) in the resort may mean chances for a comp upgrade increase.

 

[Disbug]

Hello, HappyTrails! What a great post. Thanks for showing me the obvious difference. (No wonder people rave about the Dolphin!) I am going to be staying at the SWAN this trip (will definitely have to try Dolphin next time!)

So in order not to be asking for the moon, because the poor room assigners probably get assaulted with a lot of requests... I should go ahead and
1) change my reservations to a jr. suite
2) use my points to upgrade to CL privledges and finally
3) request from the room assigner to have a balcony?
* I understand from other posters that you can have CL privledges on your room key, thereby not having to stay on the Club level floor...? I have never stayed Concierge and don't "think"? I need this. I already have PS's for dining, etc...

Thank you all for taking the time to answer my questions!

 

[happytrails2u]

Your very welcome...

I just sent you an email with additional info that might be helpful. Good luck!

 

[dreamflight99]

Schematics...and all! I'm impressed (as always).

Yes, the Dolphin has two separate rooms. This is my interpretation of a genuine "suite", of any type. The Single-room configuration of the Swan is more of a "Large Studio", than a suite. I have MANY friends whom rent in large cities...and the "one-room" is always called a STUDIO! LOL. Of course, the SWAN has the all-important "Conference" table, at which to "CONFER"! LOL. It's also suitable for "dining", if one prefers.

Disbug...(WELCOME ) I hope you have attained enough info here to make a decision. I would definitely vote for the 2-room Dolphin suite, perhaps on CL. Please, remember, none of the Jr. suites at the Dolphin have balconies. Yet, the windows are nearly to the floor, offering a spectacular view of the WORLD.
I also hold-out hope for your DH, as there are MANY who "get it" (mine included). It may just take him a little more time. Be patient. Perhaps all the PIXIE DUST and upgrades at the Dolphin will help to change his perspective! I'm pulling for you...

TTFN...HAPPY "EARLY" MOTHER'S DAY!

 

[Disbug]

df99 and Happy T,
Thank you for your incredible kindness to a complete stranger (I'm feeling the Love here! ) Just got off the phone with Katherine (what a great CM, I left a message on her boss' answering machine telling what a great help she had been!) I am now upgraded to the Club floor (no balcony but, what a great upgrade!) I tried for a Jr. Suite at both the Dolphin and Swan and none were available for the last week of July. . So, she gave me the choice of Club privledges or a balcony; apparently you cannot access the Club level unless you are staying on that floor. I am going to try, try, try to save my points and see if I pay for another room, before it's time to go. I also can get the GOV rate. That way I'll have an extra room/bathroom for the girls!

What do you think? So far so good?
(I think that pixie dust did it!)

 

[dreamflight99]

The "LOVE" is free-flowing on this thread! I'm thrilled for you, and think you made the correct choice in light of the circumstances (no Jr. Suites available). Please, insure you "ASK" upon arrival/check-in, if there are ANY Jr. SUITES available?! It never hurts to inquire, and you may be pleasantly surprised, as folks cancel within 48 hours of arrival.

How courteous of you to commend Katherine to her superior. I try to do these things as often as possible, as a compliment never voiced benefits no one. Have you ever stayed Concierge/Club Level before? Your "DH" will be hard-pressed to stifle his enthusiasm when he experiences this level of service at the Dolphin. It is truly a treat...and luxury. GOOD for YOU! You deserve a pat on the back, and more PIXIE DUST!

**************************************************

ENJOY!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Disbug ~ when I gave my advice for the Dolphin, I had forgotten you already had a ressie at the Swan. I think you have a terrific plan in place. You will love CL. We had it for the very first time ever on our last trip. We all felt like royalty. I particularly enjoyed the breakfast. I am an early riser (up before the rest of my family) and it was a wonderful place to go for a relaxing breakfast not far from our room while waiting for my lazy-bone DSs to get up. Dh usually arrived at the Club Room shortly after me - he is SOLD on CL access. Perhaps this will help your DH "get it".

 

[disnurse]

Hi everyone, had a few very busy days and have been missing you all.
I agree once you go with CL you are sold. It is such a great convience first thing in the morning. We stopped by a few evenings as well to hold us over till dinner.
Gee dreamflight, i can't even believe the numbers on you timer, it seems like you were just at the dolphin a month or so ago and you are leaving in 47 days, lucky you.

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by disnurse

Gee dreamflight, i can't even believe the numbers on you timer, it seems like you were just at the dolphin a month or so ago and you are leaving in 47 days, lucky you.

I've missed you too! Have we all been on the "merry~go~round" (our thread) this long? LOL. I awoke this am, and realized I better begin to get some more things in "Order"! A bit more than a month...and I'll be posting from INSIDE the MAGIC, once again!! Thanks for taking notice...and making me SMILE!

Oh, Mouseteacher...you hit the nail on the head. CL is the ultimate luxury...and so heavenly first thing in the morning.

 

[kimmar067]

...to wish all mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, fairy godmothers, and mothers-to-be a....
Happy Mother's Day!!

 

[jgates]

Originally posted by dreamflight99

**BTW...do not tell ANYONE of the great deal you received on your ressie, Mrs. A. You are correct in your presumption...after all, it's only a "secret"...until everyone knows about it!

As I have said at different times......If you knew how much I paid for room 1262 Club Level last year, I would have to kill you!!!!

Not meaning to ignore you guys. Had a meeting in Madison T&F. Howard Johnson Plaza was very acceptable hotel. Comfy beds, decent food, good location.

Tonite I have spent the evening loading auctions onto Ebay (nothing Disney related or I would load on our auctions) - mostly craft books I bought at garage sale. Hopefully some will go - if not I will relist and sell something else! This money is directly for Disney, so I feel committed to getting something up and running.

I so badly want to book a 4 for 7 deal......But I'm thinking just keep saving - next year I will have more to splurge with. Just frustrating because DS would go with this year & next year he won't because he is spending a week at the PGA tourney in Kohler.

THANK YOU TAG FAIRIES - YOU WERE SO SWEET TO SURPRISE ME WHEN I LOGGED ON TODAY! I promise not to mess with my tags, even though I have lost another pound............

 

[Disbug]

Good morning, all! (And a very happy Mother's Day to everyone!)
*Congratulations on the lb. JGATES! (I'm trying to drop 10 before Disney in July. NEED at least 30, but I'll take it 10 at a time!)
I am on my way to work and wanted to drop in to say hey! I have subscribed to this thread; full of energy and good things! Now that the trip planning is coming together a little better, I have a general feeling of, "THIS IS GOING TO BE A BLAST!" (HOT...BUT STILL A BLAST!)

I have just started using a digital camera the last few months and sent a few email photos to friends and relatives, I'm going to try to get GOOD (like DISNURSE)! If so, I will post pictures from our "view"!

Bye! (start whistling..."hei-ho, hei-ho... it's off to ...)

 

[Mouseteacher]

Hi, disnurse

Happy Mother's Day

DF ~ I can't wait for your posts from inside the magic - your posts are so descriptive and well-written. I agree with disnurse - it only seemed like yesterday we were reading about your daily Disney-doings and that was a year ago!