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

[zurgswife]

Luckytso....We will be staying at the Dolphin during your stay at the Swan...prior and after we will be switching back and forth to the BWV....When it gets closer us Christmas goers should pick a date to meet...

PS...I just got a flyer that said that in June/July for every dollar over $8000 that you spend on your Amex you will get double points....LOL.....Looks like that bar is a little high for my monthly expenses...

 

[madge]

Athena....I tried to tip Mama T more than once and she wouldn't hear of it. Instead, I wrote a glowing review on her behalf! This was 2 years ago, things might have changed....congrats on ALL your good news this week

jgates....I have to laugh at the pizza comment. Every afternoon we spent at the pool, I stopped at tubbi's on the way back to the room for a cheese pizza to have as a snack before we went back to the parks. At less than $10, it was a deal! Is the 20% Disney Club discount still available?

speaking of MamaT, is it possible to pop in and visit her? Assuming I am CL at the Dolphin, are we "allowed" to use the Swan CL? Once upon a time you could....I just love her, she would set us up with lemonade and cookies in the afternoon.

 

[luckytso]

zurgswife,

I would LOVE to stay at BWV. As much as I like Swan, there is something about BWV that I am attached to. I love to walk into the lobby and see the carosel display and just everything about it. However, when I sat down to calculate the point cost (rental value) and the cash I have to pay for the remaining nights (originally was 4 nights for 4 rooms at Swan plus 6/7 nights for 2 2-br at BWV), the cost at Swan was much less than the Swan/BWV total. (Swan gave me an excellant rate). Since I am picking up all the tabs, the difference can easily cover everyone's park passes, In addition, no one needs to move resorts, there are 13 of us, so it makes things much easier.

When are you checking in? How did you decide on Dolphin rather than Swan? The location? I would like to try Dolphin, but other people want the heavenly beds.

I have to look into the Amex thing, is it the monthly bill has to be over $8,000, or combined for the two months?

 

[ozziewags]

There is some discussion on the 'postcard' on the SPG thread. It seems that they sent out this large postcard that said DOUBLE POINTS on the front. When you read the fine print you have to spend either $2000, $4000 or $8000 each month to get the double points. Mine was $4000. Someone called and tried to get the $8000 lowered with no luck. Most of us don't spend that much on credit cards each month, so it won't help us!

mouseteacher.......yea for you! Looks like I might be able to get down there too this summer, for a short stay. This is my last day with kids and I am ready to find a beach or a lounge chair by the Grotto pool and plant myself for several days! Monday is our institute day.....then VACATION! Of course, I have some summer curriculum work to do.....but that will always be there! Have fun.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Thanks, ozzie. Our time at the Swan will be short but much needed. Our students are finished on the 13th. But I work until the end of June and take the month of July as my vacation.

What a way to end the month of July --- a trip to WDW and the Swan (can't wait to try the heavenly bed!).

 

[marymrg]

Mouseteacher - I knew you would go. It's impossible to pass up that cash and points deal! Beware though.....the fruit basket husband ordered to surprise me cost more than the room

Luckytso - If you stay at any other Starwood properties before your trip......you can add to your point total. I only stayed two Starwood nights on my recent trip (one at Sheraton Suites and one at Swan) and ended up with more bonus points!

Athena - waiting for your news?? Hmmmm..... Have a wonderful trip.

Loews Card - should I apply and then have them match my spg gold status? The PBH looks so grand. If we go, I think my son would want to stay at the HRH though........he's a classic rock fan.

DF - 28 days.........you must be getting so excited. Don't forget the dollar store ponchos! They came in very handy for us when we went to Fantasmic. It wasn't raining very hard but the seats were all wet and we were the smart ones who sat on our ponchos! I also used it on Splash Mountain. My dd was mortified.

My brother is supposed to speak at a conference at CSR in September. If he goes, I'm there. I just can't stay away.

 

[Disbug]

Looks like we'll be at the SWAN the same week. We're going to be on the CL floor from Sunday, July 27th until Wed, the 30th when we switch to BWV.

 

[Mouseteacher]

disbug ~ I am waiting to humbly request an upgrade - I am Gold preferred and hoping for CL.

I know-- I couldn't resist this deal! I even added on a night using the teacher rate.

I plan on wearing lime green ribbon on me somewhere!

marymg ~ Thanks for the kind words. I certainly won't ruin my frugal budget with a fruit basket!

 

[Disbug]

I'll have to remember that as well! I keep reading about this, so I am inferring that DIS members wear this color to identify themselves to other members.

 

[crc6]

Disbug and Mouseteacher - I do hope you all wear your ribbons, becuase I'll be looking for them! I will be at the Dolphin (my first visit - as I posted earlier, you all on this board have convinced me I simply must try it!) starting 7/30.

I know it sounds silly but I would love to spot you all so I can say "thanks" in person - just a wave and a wink, you know... I don't want everyone finding out about the undiscovered charms of the S/D!

(Naturally, given the size of WDW, the chances of a fellow Dis-member sighting are tiny, but what's that they say about it being a small world? )

I am really looking forward to my July trip, as I am certain you all are. Wanted to thank all posters again for this great information AND the friendliness on this board in particular.

DF- I am working on loweing that lopsided viewer-to-poster ratio you mentioned! I had previously been quite a "lurker" but I am finally beginning to "emerge" from my shell! (Thanks to the above-mentioned friendliness!!)

Athena - Best wishes on your announcement, whatever it is - especially if it is what I think it is !!

 

[happytrails2u]

Originally posted by ozziewags
Thanks for the beautiful pics. I will have to book a trip to PBH one day. Are you staying there the whole time and going back and forth from WDW to Universal?

Thank you Ozziewags! Yes, we deviated our plans somewhat after we received the upgrade to this suite, and decided to stay the entire week.

The drive to WDW only takes 15 minutes or so and it's been a breeze. Some of the WDW transportation might even take longer - LOL. PBH is incredibly gracious with their discount (AAA/Ent) and upgrade policies, as is the Swan and Dolphin. Plus, with the AP, we park for free at the WDW parks, so it's really been no problem.

It would be tough to beat the deal/upgrade we got here AND when you add this to the "front of the line access" (with your room key) at US/IOD/City Walk, it was the icing on the cake. If we were staying for several weeks, we'd most likely split between here and the Dolphin or another Deluxe resort at WDW.

Today's itinerary: Poolside
This afternoon/evening: Epcot/Palios/Illuminations

 

[Mouseteacher]

crc6 ~ We certainly are a great group of Dis people! I am certainly glad you decided to emerge from your shell and join in! I did the same thing as you last summer before our first stay at the Dolphin -- I was definitely a lurker. Upon return, I had to join in and thank everyone for their advice and tips b/c it made our stay magical. Hopefully, we all have done the same for you. At the very least, you have made "friends indeed"!

 

[Muffy]

Mouseteacher, Yipee! So happy to hear you are going back to WDW! I know you will enjoy the Swan! Maybe you will even meet DF99! I think she will be at the Dolphin at the same time you are at the Swan!

Ozzie, nice to hear that the school year is winding down for you! I know you have been very busy with field trips, etc. Hope you can fit in a trip to WDW too. Planning is half the fun!

My next trip is 12/27-1/12. We love visiting during the holidays. Right now we are planning a few short trips to Cape Cod this summer. Will be staying at a Starwood property in Eastham, MA. It will be great to visit while still Plat SPG and it can't hurt to bulid up those all important required stays!

Have a great weekend everyone and stay safe!

Muffy

 

[ww52]

What I've found interesting on this thread and the Starwood thread is how everyone thinks CL is wonderful, but few if any people actually pay for it (on these threads at least), and few if any people think it's worth the $50 - $70 difference (depending on your rate).

It seems upgrades for points or even a straight comp are common. So it seems that there are many CL rooms that would go empty otherwise. Which may mean they are overpriced; if the Swan reduced the price to about a $30 difference, they might fill up without having to give them as "comps" or even from point upgrades.


Side note: it was suggested that I use "Dreams" to get a rate about $20 cheaper; that sale is apparently over - their CL rate is about $5 less now than the teacher rate - still a savings, but not worth switching since I have some special requests that I'd risk losing.

Also - thanks again everyone for your comments and suggestions!

 

[The Pluto People]

Just an FYI: My DH and I stayed at the Eastham, Mass. Sheraton last summer and had a GREAT time...but our room, overlooking the indoor pool, had no natural light. However, the rooms on the outside of the hotel have no balconies. The balconies overlook the indoor pool and were, well, just ok. I just thought you might be able to use this info - also, this property is a Four Points and you may be able to get the $49 rate if you are going in the next month or so.

 

[Muffy]

The Pluto People, We stayed at the Eastham Sheraton last summer and had a view of the pool (outside pool) I did not find any deal on this Sheraton at all! The best I could find is 224.00 a night in July and that is with AAA. This property is very busy in the summer and way over priced but the location is GREAT. Gotta love Nauset Beach which is close by! They do have some suites and I am hoping for a comp since we are Plat SPG. Thanks for the tip about the indoor pool rooms!

 

[dreamflight99]

Took in a show last eve...THE PRODUCERS, (Pantages theater) the new MEL BROOKS (YES...HE WAS THERE!) musical, starring Jason Alexander and Martin Short. Hilariously funny and eventful. Great party after the show. Wonderful eve.

zurgswife...I can do the $8k w/o any trouble, as it's during the prime of our vacation travel (although mine said $2000)~LOL. I also received that notice. We always receive a bonus 10K skymiles on each of our plat. CC accounts, for spending at least $25k in a year. Nice way to rack up extra miles!

madge...YES! That 20% deal is still on, making the pizza about $8.16 for the large pie. WHAT A BARGAIN!

mouseteacher...WONDERFUL NEWS! Nothing like a "Last minute trip" to lift the spirits. You'll have a great time there...I'm sure. Just heavenly. I'll be OTLO for the ribbon.

marymrg..I ALWAYS wear the MM Ponchos on the water rides, and bring them to all the parks! HOW FUNNY...YOU TOO? My DD is ALWAYS mortified by my use of it on splash mountain. In the pictures you can review at the end of the ride, I'm the one covering my head completely with the poncho! Hilarious. It's sort of an "inside joke", (like the Disney Videos I request a family viewing of each day), and tradition!

crc6..Welcome to "Gregarious folks 101"! So glad you are finally using the keypad. We all enjoy one another...all the info and tips we share, and the lively bantor of our conversations. As mouseteacher attested...she has been an AVID MEMBER of our little group/thread for quite a while (we share so much LIFE...it seems we've known one another forever!). How long are you staying at the Dolphin?

happytrails...great pics! Can hardly wait to see more. YUP...that's our VIEW~! BTW..did you and "M" purchase the tics/5-day pass? Great deal and wonderful fun. Also, did you take a "look-see" at the DVC Villas in OKW? Let me know if you wish to squeeze in a drive to VERO, I'll pm the directions.

luckytso...glad the plans for the Vistana tour are SET! Happy to be of assistance.

ww52...Yes, it certainly seems that way. Yet, for some...the advantages of paying the diff., far outweigh the disadvantages. I have paid in the past...before I was Platinum SPG. We have always preferred to stay CL, whenever it is available. In fact, it was available at the PBH when it initially opened (we stayed on that level in a full butler villa suite). They have since closed the club level option, but do maintain the lounge (For concierge/villa suite guests). I'm glad to read the information was helpful for you. Your idea ($30 for CL upgrade) would be wonderful, and probably very beneficial to the resort. (ARE you listening SwanDolphin?)

The Pluto People...thanks for the info. $49 rate is AMAZING for a sheraton. I LOVE the Starwood summer promo rates. Delta sent me an email this am....luring us to Grand Cayman with a RT promo fare of $400 from LAX. VERY tempting...as we LOVED visiting Grand Cayman last summer. We may even take a quick hop at the end of the Dolphin stay in August. We are undecided...yet FLEXIBLE!

Enjoy your FRIDAY! Drive safely...take time to SMELL THE FLOWERS! Summer is about to BEGIN...

 

[disnurse]

Hey mouseteacher so happy for you, I know you've been thinking about this for a while now. Did you finally find a good flight? We always fly out of boston, better rates and more flights to pick from.
Dreamflight how lucky for yu that you are able to sleep in on vacation- not me i still get up by 7 and off we go. I always envy those that can just sleep in on weekends and vacations.
happytrails2u you are so lucky, I wish i was there we are planning on pbh for a bit and the dolphin the rest.
Plutopeople let me know what you think of the sherton eastam, I've heard some mixed things about it and have been leary to try it. We are staying at the westin woburn after a trip to water country and then either the sherton prudential which is awesome or we may try the weston copley.

 

[luckytso]

DF99, you said that you would slip them tips to get goodies. How do you do that and what can you request?

When we were there last week, one time I gave Mama T a tip for her helping me to change a PS. That night, we recieved milk and cookies in our room. There were so good that my hubby and my 5yr old finished them before I got back to the hotel. Afterwards, I tipped again and did not get anything, however, I did not ask for anything either time.

I am still feel kind of awkard as to how to do the tipping with them and how to ask for stuff? Are you saying you can ask them to leave stuff for you in the room if you can't make it back by 9:30pm? Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[The Pluto People]

Disnurse... We really enjoyed our stay at the Sheraton Eastham! We were there the end of June/beginning of July last year and, as I recall, we used a free Friday, free Saturday. points and a day or two paid with $$$. The hotel was nice, we didn't use the pools, but they looked nice. That hotel seemed to be the best in the area unless you wanted to pay considerably more $$$ for a real resort type of place. This was our first trip to Cape Cod and we literally fell in love with the place...the location of the Sheraton was great to explore all the Cape has to offer! We loved sitting on the beach nearby and watching the SEALS swim by the people in the ocean! My only complaint about the Sheraton was the lack of natural light in the rooms overlooking the indoor pool - it bothered my DH a lot. The Eastham Sheraton is a far cry from the S/D but for the very little $$$ we paid for our room we were more than satisfied!