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

[lovingthemouse]

Have been checking for the teacher discounts but none seem to be offered this year. We have always gotten a rate of $129 and then last year $149. Are they outpricing us now? We love the Dolphin but I will not pay the
$249. they are now quoting. What is happening to the teacher discounts?
Caroline

 

[pbhunt]

We did not see the government rates available this year at either Swan or Dolphin. We kept checking up until the end of October, for our planned trip in April 05. At that point we all decided to meet up in Las Vegas for the week.

Maybe next year, if they don't price themselves out of our range.

 

[kimmar067]

....we stayed at the Dolphin for $99!!!

Caroline ~
I checked with AKL concirege but they don't have any Illumination cruises available! Drat! However, Don at AKL said that he'd place me on a 'waiting list' in case of a cancellation.....

 

[dreamflight99]

sherry8253~Don't panic..as far as I know, you are still able to upgrade to CL using points, while reserved under any of the resorts "special/promo" rates. The only time this is not permitted, (under corporate changes enacted last Jan), is when you reserve through a "third" party company (ie: priceline, etc). Please, use the form on the Swan/Dolphin website to email the reservation dept. and alert them of your preference/desire to be on CLUB LEVEL using your SPG points. I'm sure it will not be a problem. Or, simply phone the resort and ask to speak with "JAMES" at the front desk (a manager). He's been there forever (since it opened), and is extremely helpful with respect to such issues. Hope this helps.

lovingthemouse~ Happy New Year, Caroline...I surely hope the rate you were quoted is not the TEACHER'S rate, as that is a bit too steep! Please, call again, and ask for a reservation supervisor. This should result in a much better quote, etc. Please post your findings. Thanks!

pbhunt~WOW! Usually the Gov't rates are available during the entire year. Perhaps the section they reserved for this promo was sold-out, leaving only the regular rates, etc. I know they go FAST! Hope you are able to reserve at this special rate for your next stay. GOOD LUCK!

kimmar067~ Hi Kim!! $99...astounding!!! I hope you extended your stay at that phenomenal rate! I also hope someone cancels an illuminations cruise so you are able to enjoy this wonderful treat! I still have yet to stay at the AKL concierge *(the only way to go!). I'm in the midst of my planning for this summer...and have the Dolphin secured (Whew). I just reserved two weeks at Disney's VERO BEACH resort...and have the auto rentals, and the PBH to go! Take care...always great to see you on here.

TTFN...DF99

 

[Rhonda922]

Is it okay to use Dreams Unlimited to book the Swan? I've never used DU before. I know they're a sponsor but I'm sometimes a bit skeptical to give money to someone outside of the hotel directly or to AAA. I'm really thinking about DU because they have such a great rate for the dates that we want to be at The World.

thanks!

 

[ww52]

Rhonda -
Yes - by all means I recommend using Dreams Unlimited to book your Swan or Dolphin room. The biggest advantage is that they constantly check for newer (better) rates and then update your reservation accordingly. We saved hundreds of dollars on our recent stay over Christmas when the rates went down. I didn't even know about the promotion until Bob of DU called me to tell me. Since we had three rooms total, our savings overall was over $1,000!

We did have some trouble with that rate on one of the rooms when we checked in, but a call to DU got it resolved easily.

I am sold on Dreams Unlimited, and highly recommend them.

 

[zagafi]

I need a little help. I'm wondering if we'd be better using the teacher rate or ap rate for December. Is it still the case that the ap rate gives late checkout and a one category bump?

 

[lovingthemouse]

Ok, as I have been told , the teacher discount only is available for 3 days in February - the 2nd -4th - when none of us are on vacation, of course. The rate for those three nights is $169. In April, there are 4 dates with the discount - at the very beginning and on the 28th, 29th. I was told that the $149 rate is only available in the summer. So, we will no longer be staying at the Dolphin - after all these years of enjoyment, they have surely priced us out! I am very disappointed!!

Kimmar- i tried for the Illuminations cruise- have had no success either. We will get together for sure!!!

Have a great Thursday. Looks like a big snowstorm here tomorrow!! I was just getting to enjoy this bare ground!!! Caroline

 

[Kapp]

there has been the rumor/feeling going on for the last few years that the Teacher/Nurse discount could go away at anytime. I think they orginally used it to keep the hotels full and offer a nice service (and GREATLY appreciated by this family!) to those that usally go unrecognized. But with attendance at WDW up, business and convention travel up, etc. this may be a way for them to discontiue it while not really. Again, I REALLY hate to hear this!

Kapp

 

[magicaddict]

I just made ressies for June and while on the phone inquired about the govt rate. She said there were none available for that time. I then asked if they weren't available or hadn't yet been released. She said that there probably would be rates released as we get closer to summer. HTH

 

[alwaysrunning]

I just made a reservation for the Dolphin in June. The best rate they could give me was 209 (233 after tax etc.) per night(ENT or AAA). That was for a standard room. I really don't want to pay much more than 200 per night, so I booked this standard room. My question is should I request anything -- assuming no discounts come out and I need to stick with the standard?

 

[dreamflight99]

Rhonda922~DU is a fabulous & reputable agency. You should not experience any problems reserving the Swan through them.
As ww52 posted, Bob is extremely proficient and astute. You can not go wrong with this travel company!

lovingthemouse~Oh, Caroline! I do not like to hear this!! Perhaps a better promotional rate will come up between now and then. Please, do not GIVE UP on these resorts!!

*Perhaps you, KAPP and others affected by these changes will write a letter directly to the resort and the RESERVATION GURU (AKA: sideshowbob). He has posted here a few times,(look back a few pages for his pm link) and reads these threads occasionally. I would even suggest you pm him for some assistance, etc. He is a MAGIC-MAKER! (Not to mention fiercely LOYAL to all the Swan/Dolphin DISers).

magicaddict~Thanks for the "Heads-Up" on the Gov't rate! At least there is hope with this discount/promo...especially for the summer!

alwaysrunning~Are you a member of the Starwood Preferred guest program? If not, please go to www.spg.com and sign-up asap! If you are...the by all means, request an upgrade. These are offered when available, according to occupancy, etc. What type of "upgrade" are you most interested in obtaining? A preferred view? A Balcony? The associates of these properties do their best to fulfill requests, and make the MAGIC happen. They are the BEST in the business. If something is available, you'll be sure to receive it (IF you request such). It's the old "ASK and YE SHALL RECEIVE" adage. As good as these associates are...they are not "mind-readers" (although it never hurts). So, if you fail to make your intentions clear, they can not assist you!

Also, if another (better) rate is offered, you are free to call the reservation department and see if it is applicable to your stay. At least you have a room secured, and can rest assured you will have a wonderful time at this incredible resort! HAPPY PLANNING!

TTFN...DF99

 

[paras4ri]

*Perhaps you, KAPP and others affected by these changes will write a letter directly to the resort and the RESERVATION GURU (AKA: sideshowbob). He has posted here a few times,(look back a few pages for his pm link) and reads these threads occasionally. I would even suggest you pm him for some assistance, etc. He is a MAGIC-MAKER! (Not to mention fiercely LOYAL to all the Swan/Dolphin DISers).

While keeping on topic, of course, I wanted to add a note to this wonderful suggestion. Our S&D source, SideshowBob, had back surgery just yesterday and has said he'll be recovering for the next month. He is indeed a great friend to all of us S&D faithful. I'm mentioning just in case some PM's are sent and he doesn't respond for a while.

 

[mariethecat]

We also had a hospitality room for our trip from Dec 26-Jan 2nd. The room was large and as we were on the west elevator(7th floor) we had a short trip to Tubby's and the Fountain. I did not see any free water,hot chocolate,etc for early morning. We went to MGM on the boat early but walked to Epcot for the 7 o'clock openings. I slept on the Murphy bed and had no problem falling asleep as I was usually very tired. Each of my daughters had a roll away bed and we spread them out in the room as it was so large. WE loved the location of the Dolphin and found the transportation to be great.

 

[lovingthemouse]

Moving us back where we belong - the S/D thread rates front page coverage for today!! For anyone on their way back to the S/D - have a safe, wonderful trip!!! Caroline

 

[Majestic]

Just wanted to pop in and say hello. I guess I wanted to show off my countdown timer too.

See yas all in a week or so.

Fred

 

[Mouseteacher]

Hi, Fred! I suggest you "pop" in at the sorority house over on the CB!

Btw, your counter looks good!

 

[dreamflight99]

Just wanted to pop in and say hello. I guess I wanted to show off my countdown timer too.

See yas all in a week or so.

Fred

Hi FRED!!! Have a MAGICAL TIME in the WORLD, and stop by with some NEWS upon your return!! Also, please stop in and visit us on the CB too (as mouseteacher requested). Mi Casa, et SU CASA!!

TTFN...DF99

 

[paras4ri]

Hoping someone who's visited the Dolphin recently can give a status of the spa that's supposed to open on the lobby level. I believe it's taking the space of a jewelry store.

 

[sarahsmom73]

Yes! I too would love to know more about the spa! Anyone?