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

[Mouseteacher]

CRSNSDSNY~You can book up to 3 rooms with your teacher discount. I booked 2 rooms two years ago with the teacher rate and earned a good amount of spg points in addition.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by Mouseteacher
CRSNSDSNY~You can book up to 3 rooms with your teacher discount. I booked 2 rooms two years ago with the teacher rate and earned a good amount of spg points in addition.

That's great! I love spg points...I have the AMEX spg, too....in fact, I am cashing in for a free night pre-cruise this December. They really do come in handy, don't they?!

 

[Babsy]

Hello! I have been trying to read the posts, but I made it to page seven and found that I need to go soon so I wanted to ask for your expert advise on a number of matters.

First,
I stayed in the Dolphin with my son and daughter about three years ago and loved it there. We had a wonderful room with a great view of Epcot. My son especially loved the Epcot area. Now I am returning with my Mom, son, and soon to be future daughter in law. I have two rooms booked for the four of us with the nurse/teacher discount with balconies and resort views. Son tells me that he plans to propose from the balcony at the Dolphin during Illuminations. (Mom and I plan to be elsewhere during that time - probably watching Illuminations from inside Epcot.)

I have several questions:

1. I have requested a daybed when making the reservation because Mom often has trouble sleeping and may want a room to herself frequently. Is this likely to be a problem? I don't know how we will manage if we do not receive one. We need three beds if three of us are to be in one room, as, for a number of reasons, we cannot accommodate more than one person per bed.

2. I am a SPG but have only used the membership that one time that I stayed at the Dolphin before. Does the infrequency of use present a problem? Do the points expire?

3. When I check in to the Dolphin, it will be in the wee hours of the morning. Should I wait at the SPG counter for service? The last time that we arrived it was late as well and there was no one at the SPG counter. I expect that there will not be anyone there this time either. However, I was hoping to request coupon books, possible access to CL, etc.

4. What is the most likely means of receiving a good room with a view for son's proposal? We are arriving late, so I am afraid that we will end up on the ground floor with a view of another wing of the Dolphin. What should I do? I can't mention the occasion at the desk, because it is to be a surprise and everyone (including future DIL) will be there

5. Which restaurant would you recommend as the most romantic for a dinner to celebrate in afterwards? Do they serve dinner after Illuminations is over? Or is that too late?

6. We booked two nights at the Dolphin, but were unable to book the third night that we wanted. I have called so often that the reservationists no longer need to ask for my name and reservation number when I call. I finally booked the Animal Kingdom Lodge for the third night, but tomorrow is five days from arrival and I soon won't be able to canccel the AKL resservation without losing the deposit. Any ideas for a last ditch effort to get the third night at the Dolphin?

THis has been quite stressful getting everything booked for this trip as son only told me of plans about a month ago. It is difficult to book flights, dining and hotel reservations on such limited notice. i may need a vacation by the time this is all over in order to recuperate!

Thanks,
Babsy

 

[dreamflight99]

We just returned from a fun & festive Carnival @ Christ the King Catholic church, where DD's Steel Drum Band provided the entertainment for 4 hours! It was a lot of fun, and the music the BEST.

I'm watching the TRAVEL CHANNEL and the FOOD AROUND the WORLD OF DISNEY is on! It's transporting me to my other HOME!
Turkey Legs, 50's PT, Sci~Fi, Epcot...etc. I noticed some fabulous food available at the AK park. I will have to try the salmon and spiced rice in the Tusker house, and the other Flame Tree BBQ, the Chicken & Ribs (where the Spice Rub is a secret...but the Chef WILL divulge the recipe if ASKED!). I'm HUNGRY now!

We had a whole Honeybaked Ham for Easter, and now I'm using their delicious Bean & veggie mix to make soup (w/Cranberry cornbread). ^_^ Mmmm...it smells delicious.

marymrg & Disbug...~Hard to believe you two were SO close...and missed each other! I often wonder how many DISers I have passed in the parks, etc. over the years.

Babsy~Hello! I will try to offer some advice. I hope you find it helpful. I could have "cried" when I read your DS will propose from the Balcony of the Dolphin during the illuminations show over Epcot. What a treat for you, to be a part (knowing the place, etc.) of such a very special occasion. Please, be sure to "secretly" inform someone "special" at the Dolphin (Such as "JAMES" whom has been there about 14 years) after you have checked~in. Perhaps they could send something special to the room on the eve of/after the EVENT!

1. I'm sure the rollaway will not be any problem. If, for some reason, (say perhaps she is not comfortable on the soft surface of the heavenly beds...and some folks "prefer" a more firm surface,) she is unable to sleep on the beds, the resort will WAIVE the FEE for the daybed. You must specif/convey the problem to the desk at the time you check-in (or in advance).

2.SPG points are not supposed to expire. Infrequent use does not pose any specific problems.

3. Checking in during the wee hours, I would suggest bypassing the SPG desk for the counter. You may feel free to introduce yourself to the associate as an SPG member, and ask for any coupons or complimentary upgrades they may be able to provide. It would be a good idea if you visited the desk "alone" while the rest of the party waited by the fountain (relaxing on the chairs/sofas). Take this time to inform the associate of the very special "plans" your son intends to fulfill during his stay. ANY upgrades will be memorable, and greatly appreciated (making the stay THAT much more special!). Inform the associate of all the stress/planning you have experienced in having to put together this impromptu visit. Emphasize the fact that ANYTHING the resort can do "over & above" the norm is MORE than appreciated!

4. As I suggested above, there is really no need for FOUR ADULTS to check-in at the same time (standing next to one another). Since you MADE most all the plans, just escort them to the nice & comfy sofas near the fountain. Then, inform them it will just be a moment. Proceed to the desk and let loose of the details! Ask for an "upper floor" with an "unobstructed view of EPCOT. The BEST ROOM for such a proposal...would most DEFINITELY be a room they call the "CORNER KING with a TURRET BALCONY." It actually has two balconies. You could obtain the room next door...and have a wonderful time!

5. We have actually dined in Epcot AFTER illuminations has ended. But...this takes a LOT of doing (near act of GOD). It would be better, if you joined up with them again at the Dolphin, and then went to the BLUE ZOO, Palio's, Shula's steakhouse, or the like. These restaurants are open later, and very conveniently located in the Swan/Dolphin. Be sure to inform the Restaurant manager of the "occasion" and details of the event. They will INSURE dinner is memorable and SPECIAL.

6. Call the Dolphin Again, Directly, DURING the Eastern hours of 8-2 pm. If, after speaking with an associate they are unable to find a room, ask for a reservation supervisor. Explain the PLANS for your visit (proposal), and ask if there is ANY WAY they could find to extend your stay for the one additional eve. I'm sure they can work something out with regards to this small glitch.

I'm sure...once you are THERE, all will be wonderful! I'm so excited and happy for you! Congratulations, Babsy...on your upcoming Celebration and new family addition (Daughter!). If you need additional help, please do not hesitate to ask.

simonmunro~


Today, marks one week since MAC left us.

TTFN...DF99

 

[KIS]

Hello folks,

It's been a while since I've referred to this thread. I thought I'd try to catch up a little bit. I know things can change.

I'll be a newbie in WDW in a week! These boards have helped me with plans extensively. I've got a "virtual knowledge" of WDW and I can't wait until this Saturday to actually travel there.

I will be staying at the Dolphin, at the teacher rate. I learned about this option on these very boards! My husband's a high school teacher and I work as a chaplain at a state psychiatric facility. This rate is such a boon to my family.

I hope we'll love the Dolphin. I'm really looking forward to staying there and even more to the magic I hear is contagious in the World.

I want to thank you all for your help over the past nine months I've been planning this trip. (At this point, it's my baby -- hah, hah)

I'm still nervous about this upgrade thing.

My husband and I have been using the AMEX card exclusively since August. We've racked up points. Still, calling SPG and the Dolphin on Thursday to check out the points and possibilities, the amount needed per night for a room varied "based on the actual hotel site/location". The Dolphin would not give out any indication of how likely upgrades for views will be next weekend on for eight nights, 4/24 - 5/2.

Trying to catch up here, tonight, I discover more things to wonder about:

Is there really more than one check-in area? What's this about a SPG check-in area? How do you decide whether to skip that area or not in favor of the regular check-in?

I know the upgrades are given away based on availability and are first come, first serve. I have no realistic sense of how likely they are in our case.

We'll be arriving at the Dolphin from the Orlando airport, with a stopover for groceries (ordered via Fax) at Albertson's en route. I have no idea about the estimated time of arrival 4 - 4:30 pm? Does anyone care to venture an educated guess?

Given my new discovery about different check-in desks, I think it might help to go through the procedures involved in check in at this resort. What is the process? I know to bring a check stub/ certificate of my own and my husband's as well as our SPG card and pay by AMEX (for future trips) and that there's a place for my daughter to check in as a child. Am I correct? Now, what's this extra check-in desk about?

What's the procedure of check-in most likely to result in some luck for an upgrade for a fireworks view on a teacher's discount of a SPG, Gold Preferred with about 18,000 points accrued?

At one point, it seemed that the best procedure was to fax SPG first, follow up with a request at check-in. May be that's no longer effective.

Can anyone with recent success in obtaining the SPG upgrade on a teacher's rate share the process which worked with me?

Also, does anyone know how many and how big the conventions are at the Dolphin 4/24 - 5/2?

That's a mouthful. Thanks for reading all this and I would appreciate whatever help any of you can offer.

KIS

 

[Disbug]

Welcome KIS! Congratulations on racking up so many SPG points!

1) Yes, there is a separate check-in for SPG. It is sometimes a separate desk, or at the check-in desk on one side or the other. There should be a sign sitting on the desk... you can't miss it!

2) Good luck for an upgrade! I've just always asked very nicely if an upgrade was available. If it is... then voila! More people will post on this I'm sure!

Sorority ~ Please read your email, your PM's and the sorority thread! I need you to call the Swan or Dolphin (or whatever hotel you are staying in) and link your reservations to the Grand Gatherings ID# I've sent you so we can start making reservations of some of the Magical Experiences! Thank you so much!

Have a happy everyone!

 

[madge]

link your reservations to the Grand Gatherings ID# I've sent you so we can start making reservations of some of the Magical Experiences! Thank you so much!

my reservation already says that I am a grand gatherings guest(from the Dolphin)....is that all I have to do?

 

[Mouseteacher]

KIS~ I have received complimentary upgrades each time I have stayed at the S/D on my teacher rate. The most recent was last summer at the Swan. I very nicely asked at check-in if it was possible to receive a balcony room (I am spg Gold) and VOILA - not only a balcony room but it was a Jr. Suite! Previously (2 years ago), I received a comp upgrade to CL (which I now understand they are not doing).

Just ask humbly and nicely, and if available you will receive an upgrade. I always use the spg check-in desk. Although when I checked-in at the Swan, no one was serving the spg part of the counter so I went to the regular check-in and still received that terrific upgrade!

 

[KIS]

Disbug and Mouseteacher:

Thanks for the information.

Just to clarify 2 things --

1)Early on, folks on the boards were recommending a FAXed request for upgrades. It seemed to become a controversial approach a few months back.

Has the practice of the 5 days out fax gone by the wayside?

You folks have never done that, huh?

My thinking is that it can't hurt. Please let me know, Dolphinites, what you think.

The truth is, I've already got a good deal -- a deluxe hotel for the price of a moderate, near two parks and the Boardwalk.
(Not that I know what that actually means yet, but it sure sounds good to my "virtual" experienced WDW mind. If you'll remember I mentioned I've never even been to WDW yet.)

If I don't have luck getting the view, I guess it will still be better than what we would have had without the teacher's discount.

2) So, there is more than one check-in des. If the SPG check-in desk is open, I go there first and if it's not manned, I plan to go to the main check-in desk. That sounds simple enough. Thank you.


And, really thanks for helping me with the planning. I'll have to let everyone know what happens and what my first trip is like, you know, give back to all of you who've helped me.

KIS

 

[madge]

Originally posted by KIS
Disbug and Mouseteacher:

Thanks for the information.

Just to clarify 2 things --

1)Early on, folks on the boards were recommending a FAXed request for upgrades. It seemed to become a controversial approach a few months back.

Has the practice of the 5 days out fax gone by the wayside?

You folks have never done that, huh?

My thinking is that it can't hurt. Please let me know, Dolphinites, what you think.

The truth is, I've already got a good deal -- a deluxe hotel for the price of a moderate, near two parks and the Boardwalk.
(Not that I know what that actually means yet, but it sure sounds good to my "virtual" experienced WDW mind. If you'll remember I mentioned I've never even been to WDW yet.)

If I don't have luck getting the view, I guess it will still be better than what we would have had without the teacher's discount.

2) So, there is more than one check-in des. If the SPG check-in desk is open, I go there first and if it's not manned, I plan to go to the main check-in desk. That sounds simple enough. Thank you.


And, really thanks for helping me with the planning. I'll have to let everyone know what happens and what my first trip is like, you know, give back to all of you who've helped me.

KIS

KIS--I have never faxed an upgrade request ahead of time. I spoke to SPG the other day on the phone and was told to call 5 days prior to check-in for upgrades with points. I have never upgraded that early, I always wait until check-in to see what type of room I actually end up in. That said, it has never been that critical to me to have a balcony or CL. If I get them fine, if not, that's ok. There is a separate check-in desk for Starwoood members, but I've only used it once. I'm going back to read your other post in just a minute to see if I can add anything else

 

[Disbug]

Even though your reservation says Grand Gatherings, it has to have the ID# associated with it. So I think you have to call them and get the actual number put on your reservation. That is what they told me... and believe me I was so distressed that when I set up the account months ago that this was not told to me! So since our 90 day window has arrived, I need to have at least 8 people linked to this number... Even though I thought I did this already. Otherwise, I would never have been assigned a Grand Gatherings ID number in the first place.

Thank you, Mouseteacher, Madge and everyone else for your help on this!

Zurgswife... you're still coming' right? (Hope so... I have a new little alien buddy for you! LOL!)

 

[Mouseteacher]

KIS~ I, too, am happy with a deluxe resort at the great teacher rate. If I get an upgrade - fine and if not it's okay. I haven't used points to upgrade to a balcony, CL or view to date. I used my points last summer for the "cash and points" promotion. I recently stayed at the Sheraton Boston and received a comp upgrade to a corner room with great views - I received this without asking. It was already in the computer when I checked in.

You will love the location! You are so close to excellent restaurants, easy access to Epcot and the Studios, uncrowded pools, nighttime entertainment on the Boardwalk, excellent service and amenities, the Dolphin Fountain (a fav of mine for great ice cream) and so much more.

How exciting for you! ...going to WDW for the first time. I remember my first Disney experience which was at Disneyland. The goosebumps and emotions didn't subside for many days. I was hooked big time! My first trip to WDW elicited the same emotions and... after too many trips to count, I am still a Disney fanatic and a huge fan! May the pixie dust and magic be with you always.

Disbug~ I am all set - I called and the # was already on my ressie.

 

[KIS]

Mouseteacher:

Thanks for your kind words. And for the pixie dust.

I am excited already, imagining kidlike fun for an entire week. When I was a kid, my folks really were not into such vacations. That's part of the joy of adulthood, you can afford to treat the kid in you.

It's so nice to hear you speak so well of other SPG hotels. If they are so gracious about accomodations when they can be, that's special.

We aim to try the Dolphin Fountain. I have a note ready for my daughter to show the front desk from her kindergarten teacher for a free ice cream. Even though the class doesn't have a grading system, the note attests to her outstanding track record "well-deserving of an ice cream cone". So, we have a built-in imperative to go to the Dolphin Fountain.

It seems like there so much for a child to revel in at the Dolphin. I can't wait to check out that Grotto and waterfall/slide with my 5 y.o. daughter. We're bringing the shovel and pail for the sandbox/seal fountain, too.

There seems to be so much to do between the parks, special events, and recreation that I wonder why we didn't squeeze more funds out of nowhere for a two week stay.

Anyway, I'll be in touch about our trip.

Best regards,

KIS

ps. I sent ahead a fax. Then, I forgot to include the SPG #, so I refaxed it with " **" next to the SPG #. Oh well...

 

[jgates]

DENISE - ANOTHER REMINDER ON THIS THREAD - CLEAN OUT YOUR PM'S!!! You're gonna be as bad as Lisa's PM box pretty soon!!!

Good Luck KIS!!!

 

[paras4ri]

Have a great trip KIS!
I'm looking forward to hear how you make out with your room since I'm also wondering where we'll end up in July.

 

[Disbug]

I did! The boards just keep on getting slow and then being disconnected. You should be able to get through now!

 

[madge]

Originally posted by jgates
DENISE - ANOTHER REMINDER ON THIS THREAD - CLEAN OUT YOUR PM'S!!! You're gonna be as bad as Lisa's PM box pretty soon!!!

Good Luck KIS!!!

I was going to post the same thing, JGates, LOL....

I'll call the S/D tomorrow and give them my number.

 

[KIS]

Thanks!

KIS

 

[TinkOhio]

We're finally back from our first stay at the Swan and I want to thank all of you for all the tips and advice you've shared. It paid off as we were given a better room than we could have dreamed of! We stayed on the 7th floor facing Epcot. Spaceship Earth was perfectly framed in our balcony doors! We watched Illuminations from there several times. Looking to our right, we saw the Dolphin and the bridge to the Boardwalk. The boats to MGM floated almost under our balcony. What a view!!

You all were right...the beds really were heavenly!

And reguarding the A/C units--we had no problem. It was in the upper 80's our first few days, and the A/C alwas kept us cool. We even had to turn the heat UP when a cold-front passed through later that week!

DF~ so sorry about your loss.

Mom Poppins~ glad that Baby Kirk is back home. Hope he is doing well!

To all--thanks again for your help, and have a great week!

Tink

 

[dreamflight99]

The SUN is shining, and the birds are singing...the world is moving forward. It's been tough the past month, but I am feeling more energetic and upbeat with each passing day.

TinkOhio~SO happy to read about your wonderful visit to the WDW SWAN resort! I hope you made a lot of memories, took lots of pictures...and enjoyed every single moment of your stay. Thanks for your sentiments on my loss. It's great to have you back.

Jgates...~ Is my PM box full again? Here's a confession sure to make you Laugh. I just dismantled my "fully decorated" formal Christmas Tree this am! This is the LATEST I've ever left it up past Christmas. Spring FEVER finally made me do it! Better that...than a REAL FEVER!

KIS~ Hope you enjoy a MAGICAL time on your adventure to WDW. My folks were "into" summer vacations, and the time shared together with them on our trips are some of my fondest family memories. I'm so glad you are providing such treasures for your DD/family as well. I'm confident you will have a fabulous time on your trip. It's always exciting visiting for the first time. Yet, every year we travel...and arrive at WDW, it truly FEELS like the first time.

*I had a dream we took another cruise this summer! It was impromptu...and we merely showed up at the dock and they permitted us to board! When I mentioned this to DD & DH last eve, they both laughed at me! Part of the reason behind their humorous take, is they both wish to skip this year. We all agreed to take another 7-eve (or 14 eve back-to-back) Disney cruise NEXT summer, and I already paid and reserved a suite on one of the ships. Of course, it's easy to cancel up until 2 months prior to sailing, as plans may change.

*DD took her first SAT I last month and received her scores (1396). She is scheduled for another one on June 5. She also took the ACT, but has yet to receive her scores. She was so nervous...and did not list ANY colleges on either exam (to forward her scores). Since it was her FIRST try...I did not push her. Her score is pretty acceptable, and she is pleased. She is studying her Kaplan program, and hoping to improve with the next test. She also made monsignor's HHR list again! These are the blessings which keep me upbeat and hopeful.

Mouseteacher~Please, be sure to give Reilly (SP?) a BIG hug & kiss for me today!! Thanks....

TTFN...DF99