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

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by #1hockeymom
LOL I think the crystal studded sunglasses would be perfect! We can look like movie starlets and jet setters- confident, yet aloof... much better than that look we give the kids in the hallway when they're sliding down after running! LMAO

What if some of us already ARE movie starlets and/or Jet Setters?What if we already own some of these sunglasses...oddles of them? Then what's left for us? I don't have any of those huge black "wraparound" kind I see all the elderly folks in Florida wearing. Perhaps a special pair of those?!?~

Muffy~Sorry, dear sis. Did not intend to hurt you with the little bear clippie! Muffy is famous around here...and the one in the picture is retailing for $200. She's not just any ole bear....she's a very special bear (or VSB), like you!! Hope you find one (Clippie) you like. Muffy looks like one of mouseteachers students in that get-up (almost like a catholic-school uniform!).

*You "Teachers" are too precious! The LOOK...and the EYES in the back of your head...ETC. I'll bet LOU could even find pics to go with these "images", (Are you listening LOU?).

paras4ri~Disbug is correct...there is a balcony (Secret) room on CL. There is also a Suite with a balcony (gasp) overlooking the POOL area, also little known. I've stayed in both of these. The Dolphin will indeed permit you to have CL privs from another area, especially one with a balcony. Gold SPG used to have a LOT more latitude at the Dolphin. But, recently some changes have been implemented, and thing have tightened a bit. Hmmm. How to do this. I suggest you either call and ask, or simply write a special request to the Resort using the web form.

Ask for a "complimentary upgrade to a preferred view with a balcony, (preferably the far East Wing~if you wish to see illuminations over the park). I can even PM you with some room #'s if you like, so you could actually be specific in your request. If this is granted, you should then opt to "use points" for CL use/privs at the time of check-in. When/if they balk, explain to them you do NOT wish to sacrifice the balcony room and preferred view, but wish to use the CL services. Be firm in your assertion. They will almost certainly grant your wishes. If not, there will be a specific reason, and they will probably offer you a CL room, etc. Just be sure to NOT leave the desk until you are completely satisfied. After all, it's your vacation...and your $$$! SMILE, be patient and kind. There is MAGIC at the Dolpin and Swan. It happens every day. :

Hello to all the other sisters/brothers out there!

TTFN...DF99

 

[jmcross]

Hello everyone,

I'm baaaaaack! So glad that you liked the pictures and I managed to post them without DH's help, too.

We had a magical vacation and I can't believe it's over. We loved the Swan! Great service, location, beds, etc. It was everything that you mentioned and more!! The weather did not really cooperate with us. It was mostly in the low to mid 60's. I never used suncreen once the entire week and no sign of a tan or burn.

I don't want to clog up this thread describing AKL too much so I'll just say that we were disappointed with the service and wanted to move back to the Swan. My DH actually called and they had no availability. While I was impressed with the beauty of AKL and the animals were amazing, I actually wished that we had just stopped in for a visit rather than staying. The Swan was much more magical for us!!

Back to school tomorrow.....

Joanne

 

[madge]

Originally posted by Disbug
Well, paras4i~ You could book a CL room upgrade, or a balcony room upgrade. I personally like the CL but would only use points or ask for a complimentary upgrade. Most times CL upgrade is not available at check-in. (Please correct me if others find it readily available when they have checked in.)

After having had a balcony, it is pretty much a must for me, too! LOL! I just love the company and delicious treats offered for breakfast at the CL!

Those are my 2 cents!

I was able to book my CL upgrade at check-in, I used points I was charged 1000 points per night, and was able to keep my renovated, balcony room and have CL access. This was in late September 2003, and the resort was sold out a few nights during our stay. I was originally booked in a balcony room/resort view, and when I asked about the upgrade, I offered to move to the CL floor if it was going to be a problem, and I was assured I could keep my room. I am SPG Gold.

I am well aware that others have had much different experiences since then. I truly believe, that a lot of the time, it is a matter of being in the right place at the right time....with the perfect front desk person at check in

We are CL this trip, so I won't be able to share any upgrade experiences.....

 

[Disbug]

msteddom~ It's a piece of cake and you don't need a cab to do it! The morning you are checking out... call Bell Services and tell them you are transferring to the AKL. They will send someone up to tag and take your bags. Be sure you agree with the total number of luggage pieces on the receipt.

Then just walk out the door and go play at Disney World as per usual, but when you return... take the bus over to AKL and check in. Once you've checked in, bell services will bring the luggage directly to your room! There is no charge other than tips for the bell men!

WELCOME to the thread and thanks for posting... hope your stay is a Magical one!

 

[Loubon]

jgates ~ Regarding the change fee from the airlines....I think they do charge it when it is just a credit but you usually have to haggle on that one. But even then it is for a future credit not for the same day. The same day is a change and they can be a pain on that. You should know however, that if the airline changes the schedule forcing you to change your flight then they don't charge this. This happens from time to time and they even have a rule that allows you to switch to a different airport (100 miles?) if that suits you better.

As for the fares there are two things but both have risk. First you are still pretty early and they may take a dip one more time. Last year we traveled 8/9-8/17. The fares went from $240-$160-$230-$160 week to week. You're just a few weeks earlier than that trip was so you may want to gamble and wait another week or two. (I checked and I booked first week of March as we were watching in this same time frame last year). It is not likely they will go higher than the current in that time frame. Secondly, you can get your tickets and then fly standby. This means as long as you have a ticket for that day you can show up for any flight earlier and try your luck that there are seats. This is hit or miss. (also if your flight is full you can go later and they will give you a voucher for future flights).

Hope this makes sense.

BTW, for my trip this August they are sitting at $266. I'm waiting because I know they will come down.

 

[Disbug]

Originally posted by dreamflight99
What if some of us already ARE movie starlets and/or Jet Setters?What if we already own some of these sunglasses...oddles of them? Then what's left for us? I don't have any of those huge black "wraparound" kind I see all the elderly folks in Florida wearing. Perhaps a special pair of those?!?~

Oh, Dreamflight... you already ARE a movie star to US!! Maybe it's not too late to get you a pair of these if you already have the rhinestone studded cat glasses!

 

[paras4ri]

[QUOTEparas4ri~Disbug is correct...there is a balcony (Secret) room on CL. There is also a Suite with a balcony (gasp) overlooking the POOL area, also little known. I've stayed in both of these. The Dolphin will indeed permit you to have CL privs from another area, especially one with a balcony. Gold SPG used to have a LOT more latitude at the Dolphin. But, recently some changes have been implemented, and thing have tightened a bit. Hmmm. How to do this. I suggest you either call and ask, or simply write a special request to the Resort using the web form.
[/B][/QUOTE]
Thanks!!!
I'm reading on other posts that folks are not getting responses to their requests made on the resort webform so I think a call would be best. Do I call the SPG Gold service number or the hotel directly? Also, how far in advance would be best to make my request?

 

[msteddom]

Originally posted by Disbug
msteddom~ It's a piece of cake and you don't need a cab to do it!

Wow thanks Disbug! I just assumed since the S/D weren's Disney that I would have to lug my bags myself. What service they offer! This trip is shaping up better and better. I'm sure I can parlay that $10.00 I won't be spending in cab fare in to a margarita over in the Mexican pavillion! Thanks!



Melissa

 

[Disbug]

Melissa, You are welcome! Write back and let us know how you enjoyed your stay and if everything went like clockwork!

Gail~ I'm not sure if there is supposed to be any response to the Webform? Maybe I just assume they note the information directly onto your reservation... but, it would be nice to have some feedback! I would try the hotel first if you are going to call.

Making burgers and then off to deliver Girl Scout cookies with DD9!

 

[#1hockeymom]

The movie stars/jet setters get to be the teachers and teach us a thing or two! *or three, or four, or five!* NO to the wrap arounds! We just can't have a sorority sister going amuck in those!

paras4ri>> I called the hotel directly a few days before we left, as I wanted to make sure that I had a balcony room, NOT on club level, but still with the paid for club level access. I know through that call that my room location changed slightly to an even better location!

sorority wave to all!
Debbie

 

[Mouseteacher]

Dismom~ I, too, have given"the look" to many at malls, restaurants, movie theaters and even at WDW. Unfortunately or luckily depending on your point of view, it made no difference. LOL

Re: airfare. I am waiting to book my airfare until May or June. I did this last summer and had no problem getting the early morning non-stop flight and the price was $150 r/t per person - SWA out of Manchester, NH. With the arrival of Jetblue to Boston, I assume there will be competitive prices from Song, Jetblue and SWA for summer travel to FLA.

So, does it look like comp upgrades at the Dolphin for Gold spg members will be a thing of the past? Unfortunately, I used up many of my points on the cash and points Swan stay last summer. I really want a balcony room for our stay in July as we had it last summer and really enjoyed this - even more than CL. I might have to wait for check-in and see if we can upgrade by paying or using the points I accrue with my Sheraton Boston stay this April.

Re: S/D web response - you get a "canned" response that simply says your request was received but there are no guarantees it can be granted. Sometimes it takes weeks to get that e mail.

Disbug~ Please deliver some of those GS cookies to my house while you are out, please.

 

[Mouseteacher]

bumping up to page 1

 

[madge]

I might have to wait for check-in and see if we can upgrade by paying or using the points I accrue with my Sheraton

Mouseteacher,

do you have AAA? you can accrue 1000 points per stay for your first 3 stays


www.spg.com/aaa

 

[jgates]

Thank you for the airfare advice. I just get so nervous flying out of Mpls/StPaul. NWA pretty much has a stranglehold up there and can literally charge whatever they want and everyone else follows suit. It had been as low as $232 but has climbed steadily. $20/$10/$10 and now I am just in fear of where it will end up. That one flight I wanted is now a full $100 above the original $232.

But I may just wait until March and take Loubons suggestion. I heard that Wed or Thur were supposed to be good booking days but so far no deals for me.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Thanks, madge - I booked my Sheraton Boston stay on the AAA rate. I tried clicking on your link and the page won't show. Do I need to do anything with my Sheraton stay to insure that I get the 1000 points?

 

[zurgswife]

HI everybody....

Still nothing on topic to add...but just had to say HI....

I'm wishing that I'm able to go in July but things aren't looking good....but I'm not totally convinced yet....


I started budgeting specific parts of my Dec 2004....got to make sure I get at least one trip in this year.....I'm having terrrible withdrawls....and my life really sucks right now and it is making it worse....I want to be in WDW RIGHT NOW!!


I'm dreaming of my 2 bdrm Exec suite.....and a view of Epcot Fireworks from my window.....YIPPEE!!! and maybe even a quick swim in the Grotto pool......but I'm such a wimp it might be a quick dip in the hot tub...

 

[madge]

Originally posted by Mouseteacher
Thanks, madge - I booked my Sheraton Boston stay on the AAA rate. I tried clicking on your link and the page won't show. Do I need to do anything with my Sheraton stay to insure that I get the 1000 points?

oops. try this link

http://www.starwood.com/promotions/promo_landing.html?category=AAA

hugs to you, zurgwife. I hope things look up soon!

 

[BambiTamby]

Originally posted by zurgswife
HI everybody....

Still nothing on topic to add...but just had to say HI....

I'm wishing that I'm able to go in July but things aren't looking good....but I'm not totally convinced yet....


I started budgeting specific parts of my Dec 2004....got to make sure I get at least one trip in this year.....I'm having terrrible withdrawls....and my life really sucks right now and it is making it worse....I want to be in WDW RIGHT NOW!!

<font color=red>
I'm dreaming of my 2 bdrm Exec suite.....and a view of Epcot Fireworks from my window.....YIPPEE!!! and maybe even a quick swim in the Grotto pool......but I'm such a wimp it might be a quick dip in the hot tub...</font>

maybe a quick swim in the grotto?
LOL!
I spend the whole day at the grotto and come back for the hot tubbie for the evening!<a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/1065.gif' alt='Hot Tub' border=0></a>

Just an FYI.....but, the S/D offers the best pool-side food and drink service in all of WDW!

 

[jgates]

ZW - that budget will be fine if you 'slum' it like me in a normal double queen (although still club level).

Just take a look at the kids- your life will seem better then. Tell them you need a hug or two or three - it works wonders. No one can tell me that hugs don't have some major healing power!!!

 

[MOM POPPINS]

ZW ~ Hugs to you, I hope things look up for you soon.

Jgates ~ I love the new clippie, the cheerleader is so cute I want to steal her away...

The bags are all packed and the countdown has begin... "4 more sleeps until we go" Thanks for all the help in planning our trip. I called the Dolphin and they said renovations are up to the 9th floor. It looks like we won't have a renovated suite on club level, but hey it gives us something to look foward to next time.

Waving to the room