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

[paras4ri]

Originally posted by dreamflight99

With regards to hoppers and AP's~Since we only buy a PAP once every two years, (and use it twice), DD also changed from a child to an adult during one summer. On our next visit, I went to guest services to "upgrade" her pass to an "adult" version...and pay the difference. She informed me it was "not necessary," and permitted us to maintain the child ticket since it was purchased for one year at the TIME she was a child! We experienced NO trouble using it...and it saved me some $$$.

That's stil the policy. We have 2 unused PHP days for DS and when we were at DTD in November we confirmed it at Guest Services. As long as he was a kid when they were issued he can still use them...for no extra cost!

I'm re-thinking my original plan to upgrade our PHP's because we purchased them for a discount at TDS. If I upgrade at the gate I'll pay the difference between the 4-day price I paid (discounted) and the 5-day gate price (and I'll lose my savings)
Oh well!

 

[jgates]

I thought paramount international used to have annual passes, but I don't see them now. Must not have had the call for them. I don't see them on ticketmania either.

Purchased airfare Friday night - Midwest Airlines from LaCrosse to Milwaukee to Orlando (and back!). $527 for 2 of us. It went up $8 per from Thursday night to Friday night so I figured I better just give up and buy. I hadn't checked much with MW b4, because the flight is at 6:05 a.m. but it's only 65 minutes from home, rather than 2 hours plus - so this is it!

 

[dreamflight99]

Hello Everyone!~Happy Saturday eve (& first day of SPRING). We have enjoyed a wonderful day in the sunshine ~ And fortunately got quite a few things accomplished! We swam together, and played vollyball, dined on local fresh sushi...and basically enjoyed a typical So. Cali Springtime afternoon.

At present...DD & DH are at a late-showing of the "B" horror flick "Dawn of the Dead" (remake of the old one!). They enjoy the vampy/goofy side of these films. Not me...I do not like the "gore"...even when it's staged/fake. Uck!

mouseteacher~Mmmm...I LOVE beef stew! Especially in the fall...or a cool Boston Spring day! I can almost "smell" the delicious mixture from here. Just add some fresh bread...and I'm HAPPY!

Lovingthemouse~Hello Caroline! SO Glad to have you back home, safe and sound. : You were on my mind frequently, as I thought of all the JOY you were experiencing with your kids. I'll bet they had the time of their LIVES with you!! You are a special person, and certainly deserve some recognition for your humanitarian efforts. Those students will NEVER forget you, or the kindness you extended during such a venture. One of those "immortal" aspects of teaching.

What a sweetheart you are, for asking about my father. My DF has not set a date as of yet...and is still looking at options. I'll be sure to let you know as soon as his situation progresses. I know he needs the surgery, and will be relieved of all the pain associated with this condition after the procedure is completed.
Thank you, again, for asking. Your kind consideration means a lot to me.

I hope your friend has the BEST time at the Dolphin! I'm sure with you helping, everything is in tip-top order...and she'll be relaxing in complete comfort in NO TIME! Take care. XO

hellokitty~You're welcome! When (in July) will you be there? That is when we are leaving on our sojourn as well. The time will be here before we know it!

muffy~I'm beginning to think the same. Darn...It was always nice saving $20 per pass (with the DC). It wasn't much...($60 for the three of us), but better than a sharp stick in the eye!
LOL...

paras4ri~That's good info for everyone to know! Thanks for posting that, as it's been a while since we used the policy with DD. Ugh...upgrade and lose the discount! You just "can't win for losing!"

jgates~I recall paramount used to have these as well, but can not recall the price. I'll have to check mousesavers site, and see if there are any discounts she (Mary) knows about. She is the consummate QUEEN of savings!!

*Ouch...airfare $$$. My best friend just purchased three non-stop RT flights from LAX to MCO on SONG airlines for a total price of $648.00. She was intending to use her delta skymiles for one of the tickets, but decided to save the miles when she saw how low the fare was (@$216 each) priced. She is estactic, needless to say! I still have trouble recalling when airfare was priced so low. I recall my college days, when I could fly to NY from Cali for $189 RT, and considered that a GREAT deal! Prices are a lot lower than I recall in years past. That's a good price you have for the two of you. GREAT JOB!! There's no turning back now! YOU'RE IN...and GOING TO DISNEYWORLD!

TTFN...DF99

 

[Muffy]

DF, Paramount doesn't sell AP's. As far as I know you can only get AP's and PAP's from Disney. Paramount does sell the 30 day fun in the sun pass for $310 ea plus 15.00 shipping (total). We bought 3 of these passes for our last trip for a total of $945. They were great and we were very happy with them! You get 30 days of unlimited park hopping, 30 days of WDW waterparks, 30 days of DQ, 30 days of PI, Kennedy Space Center and several other FL museums. You also get one free breakfest voucher with ea pass. You do have to call Paramount to get this ticket. Ticketmaster did have the 30 day fun in the sun ticket until recently. They are temporarly out right now. Ticketmaster is cheaper than Paramount as they sell the 30 day ticket for $300 ea with free shipping. Also Paramount may have increased their prices slightly since we bought ours. Of course, if you want to get two visits out of your passes you still have to get the AP's. I just thought I would pass on this info about these great tickets. They did save our family alot of $$$ over the AP's.

The 10 day world pass is great too but slightly more expensive than the 30 day fun in the sun pass.

Muffy

 

[#1hockeymom]

Good morning everyone! I am reading all of the ticket information since I still need to purchase DH's tickets for Easter. He's currently moaning that we should be going to Universal since they play "cheap trick" there. HA! *yes, we both know its just a commercial LOL* I keep telling him, "next year! I have APs this year!" I am getting a lot of visits out of my AP! I still have to reserve my Swan/Dolphin stay! Waiting to return from our Easter trip and see how much damage we do to our bank account.

VKL are Vacation Kingdom Vouchers and get you one appetizer, one entree, one dessert and one drink at many of the sit down restaurants during lunch hours. We used one at Brown Derby and another at Marrekesh (sp?). For us they were a great deal!

Off to game three of a local hockey tournament! GO JACKALS!
Debbie

 

[Dismom63]

Good Morning all and Happy First Sunday of Spring !

Busy day today starting of with religion classes, mass, then off to groceries and have to work in my room at school!
Somewhere in there I must make beef stew though! Mouseteacher, yours sounded so yummy and comforting I decided it was just what we needed

Got the suitcases out and assigned yesterday ( step 1 of packing for me)

So here's a minor question...As a strwoods member with no particular status, is it worth it or important at all for me to check in at the starwoods counter at the Dolphin? If it matters, I am using my teacher discount this time.

have a good one - talk more later!
Dismom63

 

[madge]

Originally posted by Muffy
DF, Paramount doesn't sell AP's. As far as I know you can only get AP's and PAP's from Disney.

There is one other place to buy Annual Passes. If you are eligible, Shades of Green sells them at a discount. The last time I priced them (Sept 2003), the prices were $362 (adult) and $308 (child), with no sales tax.

Other than a few odds and ends, I am offically PACKED

 

[marymrg]

Madge (and DF) ..........other than SOG, I haven't found any discount. If you order any tickets on-line from Disney, you pay a shipping fee. If you get them from the Disney store, you don't (obviously). I'm a DVC memeber and I wish they gave discounts for AP's. (only UPH's get one) I can get some restaurant discounts with the DVC card and also RFC has their club card. And don't forget, in the sleeve of your PAP, you might also find restaurant discounts. I won't get my new sleeve until I activate my voucher in less than 2 weeks but I can list them when I get back.

I'll say hi to the S/D for all of you. My daughter will spend one night there visiting a friend and her mom. Since it's snowing again here and I have a bad cold (wahhhh), I can't wait!

 

[Dismom63]

Only have a sec...but we were in the middle of the SECOND PAGE!

TTFN
Dismom

 

[kctinkerbell]

Does anyone know the make and brand of the heavenly beds? I need new sheets, etc and I would be interested in knowing the brand of the bedding.

thank-you,
kctinkerbell

 

[thirdtrip]

I saw this thread and moved my question here

Hi folks,

We are using the "4 nights using Starwood points - 5th night free" option for a "free 5 nights" at the Swan on July 7-12. The room description states "limited view". Can anyone let us know what this view consists of? If possible, we would like to upgrade to a balcony or a better view . Will this cost us more points or would we be eligible for a potential comp upgrade when we check in. I have a SW Preferred card and my wife has a Gold.

Just looking to see if anyone else has had success upgrading when using a promotion like this where we are getting all 5 nights free with SW points.

Thanks for help.

 

[dreamflight99]

*Where do I buy the VKL vouchers?

* PAP's at SOG? Seriously?!

* Muffy...do you have the # for Paramount? Is there someone (name) to speak with regarding the summer pass? My girlfriend would LOVE this pass! TIA.

kctinkerbell ~Sealy makes the bedding, etc. for these special beds. The info is on the website of SPG, or available directly through the Swan/Dolphin.

marymrg~no discounts for DVC members? I recall when the DVC was NEW...they even gave passes for a number of years (to the members) as part of the perks associated with the purchase. Do you recall this?

Dismom63~Have a FUN & BUSY Sunday!! YES! Check-in at the SPG counter...it can NEVER hurt!

thirdtrip~Yes, you are eligible for upgrades when using points or SPG free nights. The limited view is of the Parking lot, other. Wait until check-in, and request a "preferred" view of the water/parks, etc. Be sure to use the SPG desk at the Dolphin, and your wife's GOLD SPG card. Gold members are usually entitled to a "free upgrade" to a preferred view. The Balcony room is considered another upgrade above the view, so be sure to ASK for this at check-in. You may just receive BOTH. You never know until you ask! Good Luck...and enjoy the benefits of SPG.

TTFN....DF99

 

[Muffy]

Originally posted by dreamflight99
* Muffy...do you have the # for Paramount? Is there someone (name) to speak with regarding the summer pass? My girlfriend would LOVE this pass! TIA.
-in at the SPG counter...it can NEVER hurt!
[/B]

Paramounts # is 1 888 281 6699. Ask for Rosa.

I purchased VKL vouchers from Hotwire savings club. Go to www.hotwire.com click on customer care (left). Then click on Hotwire Savings Club. The first month is free but you have to remember to cancel or your CC will be charged. Good luck!

Muffy

 

[madge]

* PAP's at SOG? Seriously?!

I'm not sure about the PAP's....you can call and check. (407) 824-1014 is the number listed on the ticket pricing sheet I have.

there's a thread on the top of the budget page--everything you wanted to know about vouchers. it should tell you, well...everything you want to know, LOL

I think I got some pixie dust regarding my rates/reservation....I need to call and confirm in the AM, but I think I'm in good shape!

 

[mhelsley]

If i'm not a nurse/teacher how can i get a good rate at the S/D? I'm an AP holder do they always offer lower rates or do i have to wait like with the Disney codes(my trips are in Oct. and Dec.)? Which would be better Ap or Entertainment card. Thanks to anyone that can help as i'm having a hard time getting answers to the above.

 

[DolphinBoy]

Hi Everybody!
I just returned from a visit to WDW. The renovations at the Dolphin are great! I slept in one of those Heavenly Beds and it was excellent!. I was in room 6119 and it had a GREAT view with the balcony. I posted a picture from the balcony below. Also, they appear to be getting pretty strict about CL access. Even though I had SPG gold, I was unable to get CL access after multiple attempts. I just barely got a late checkout. Let me know if you have any questions about the trip/stay.

 

[Disbug]

Hello and welcome! I would venture to say that an AP rate is always going to be better than the Entertainment rate (in my experience, anyway!) Another rate is the Birthday rate of $99 good for the date of your birthday (they are still doing that, I think?) If you are a Florida resident I've seen specials offered. Other than that... AAA maybe? Best bet is to join the Starwood Preferred Guest program. Check online at SPG.com. They offer specials periodically to their members.

Good luck and I'm sure more people will chime in to offer their help!

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by Muffy
Paramounts # is 1 888 281 6699. Ask for Rosa.

I purchased VKL vouchers from Hotwire savings club. Go to www.hotwire.com click on customer care (left). Then click on Hotwire Savings Club. The first month is free but you have to remember to cancel or your CC will be charged. Good luck!

Muffy

THANKS!~Great INFO! : I'm going to get a couple vouchers for our upcoming trip. I have never used these, but LOVE the rainforest, and would love to enjoy a savings at lunch (other than the AP discount!).

DolphinBoy~WOW...GREAT PIC! Thanks for the vista. Yes, they are becoming more stringent with regards to CL, and access. They used to grant CL to GOLD SPG, but a couple years ago they transitioned this to the PLAT level only. Nice to know you enjoyed a wonderful BALCONY room with a spectacular VIEW! Is that the TOT in the distance? Could you hear the SCREAMS of the guests riding the elevators into oblivion? What fun it is just to be there! Glad you had a great time.

mhelsley~Ditto, what Disbug posted. The ENT. rate is fab, and sometimes comes out a little better than others (even though they are ALL supposed to be 50% off the rack rates. There are so many different specials happening at different times, it's hard to keep up! Be sure to sign-up for emails on the www.swandolphin.com website, the RECIPE CLUB is still on there!

Enjoy!

TTFN...DF99

 

[marymrg]

Disbug........I tried to get the birthday rate last May but when I talked directly to the Swan, they said it was discontinued. I haven't "heard"/read that anyone has received it recently. Of course, I lurk often around the DIS but don't know everything..........Ssshhhhh, don't tell my kids that

DF - do you get the Mousesavers newsletter? There are some good links that can only be used by newsletter members and aren't allowed to be shared to the general public. Your friend should sign up........I believe the newsletter arrives via email on the 15th of the Month.

DVC - free passes ended well before my DVC time, unfortunately. My aunt and uncle were original OKW members and did have them though.

As far as the SOG, (Madge - correct me if I'm wrong) you need to be active mililtary or retired military. My dad is a WWII and Korean War Navy Vet. but not retired military. I keep telling him to have one of his reunions at Disney but so far he hasn't obliged! Maybe he'll change his mind after the great time we will show him in the next few weeks.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Good evening, all! I had a lot of catching up to do tonight. I spent the day working on my Convention responsibilities. It is coming up pretty quickly - April 12. I'll be sleeping in a Sheraton Sweet Sleeper that week!

lovingthemouse~ So glad you and your students had a great trip and that all went well - no problems. You certainly are a very special teacher.

Dolphin Boy~ I was zeroing in on "my" lounge chair at the quiet pool (far right first row near the pool under the palm tree) that I didn't even see the TOT and the hat in the background. Great photo!


Dismom63~ My beef stew was delicious. I served it with a crusty Parisian baguette loaf. Our temps were a tad warmer today - 42 degrees.

thirdtrip~ I have been very lucky on receiving comp upgrades using special rates/promotions. I am Gold spg. Just ask at check in...I have found the CMs to be very willing to do what they can to accomodate.

Back to work tomorrow!! But April spring vacation week for me is just around the corner!