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

[Scoob]

Ok it's been a while that I've been away from the boards - however, another cool Swan visit is being planned for me and the sig other's 5 yr anniversary :thewave:

Soooo... my question to all those Swan/Dolphin devotees is if I can use SPG points to gain Club Level access on a non-club level floor.

I seem to remember that last year the Swan had decided to stop doing this - I hope I'm wrong tho Love the Breakfast munchies in the Club!

Scoob

 

[kimmar067]

...for a quick "Howdy"!! (gotta 'vent', but I'll spare ya and do it later.... !)

 

[safetymom]

Just a reminder of the posting guidelines:

4. NO PERSONAL MESSAGES: These boards are not for exchanging personal messages with friends. For that, we suggest you use email or our Private Message system. If you have a personal comment for that person, please direct it to them via email or PM. If the use of the boards for personal messages continues, those messages will be deleted. Remember, if the message is not intended for EVERYONE, it does not belong on the boards!


Thank you everyone for following the rules. If you would like to refresh your memory regarding the guidelines you can find them here

http://www.disboards.com/faq.php?faq=vb_faq#faq_vb_read_and_post

 

[ww52]

Scoob -
We were at the Swan in late Decemebr and did just what you are asking - we used our SPG points to upgrade our rooms (three of them) to CL privileges. We even ended up on the 10th floor, so our view was almost the same as it would have been on the CL floors (11&12 in the Swan). I assume the same is true of the Dolphin.

By the way, we were told when he called to do the upgrade that it was at the hotel's discretion. In general, they don't want to "flood" the lounge making it an uncomfortble experience. The hotel was completely booked during our stay and the Club Floors were filled (which is why we couldn't get rooms on the actual Club floor) but the lounge was never over-crowded (we always did breakfast and did the evening session 4 of six days).

And Mama T and Thabo were, as usual, wonderful hosts.

 

[dreamflight99]

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.

It's taking the SPACE of COPA BANANA (or Cabana) the old BAR/CLUB near the lobby and East Elevators (and the lounge, pool tables, etc). I believe it's under construction...and should take a while before opening.

*The old Jewelry store, will become a BOOKSTORE and COFFEE SHOP!!!!

safetymom~Is it permitted to directly (or indirectly as in using the quote feature-such as above, or as I have done by using your name in this post)"answer" someone's post by first using their name (as a courtesy or properly polite manner)? The information which follows such a post will benefit EVERYONE (therefore, this should be acceptable, correct?). Your professional insight is welcome. I do not wish to violate any of the rules and regulations for posting. I also apologize for replying to FRED'S Post, and wishing him a good trip. I'll be sure to review the guidelines again thoroughly, and ask for assistance from you for interpretation purposes (when necessary). TIA.

TTFN...DF99

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Just a quick question! From reading the FAQ it looks like there are three views at the Swan.... standard, resort, and water. Is that right? Which is best? Thanks!

 

[Twigs]

I know this has been asked before, but I did a search and couldn't find it. We will be staying at the Swan for the first time and plan to bring the lap top, here at home we have a wireless remote for our cable internet. What do I need to bring to hook up to the internet in our room? I am not that computer savvy so please explain so I will understand. TIA

 

[Kathyandtyler]

I just booked 2 nights at the Swan using SPG points. Can I upgrade my rooms using additional points at check in??

Thanks for the info. I haven't been to the Swan/Dolphin since they were updated and I can't wait!!!

 

[TLinden16]

Dreamflight, responding to a person with a question about the Swan Dolphin is certainly fine! In fact, I personally think it's a great thing to do when you are responding to multiple questions in one post.

Since another thread for all of the Swan/Dolphin sorority members has been set up over on the Community Board, we are trying to keep the chitchat off this thread so folks who are really looking for answers to questions can find them without reading through pages of threads without information on the Swan/Dolphin.

Thank you for responding with great answers on the thread. It is appreciated.

Karen

 

[ww52]

Let me try to answer some of the questions -
regarding views; I don't thin k I can help much; the two times we stayed at the Swan, we had a high floor with what I think was a "standard" view; though it faced the parking lot, bieng that high up we saw MGM very well, especially TOT, and could see much of the effects from Fantasmic.

Regarding upgrading using points after using points to book the room - yes, that can be done, and I believe it can be done ahead of check in as well (I think it's 2 or three days before - help me out, Sigma Delta sisters). A call to the front desk should answer this.

Now, the internet connection I know about. Wireless will not work in the rooms - only in the common areas like the lobby and I'm sure outside in places (didn't get a chance to try that out though). The room supplies an Ethernet cord to be plugged into the Ethernet port in your computer (that port looks like a standard phone jack, but it's a bit wider.) So you don't need to bring anything except the computer (and power cord to keep it charged). After you connect the cord to your computer, all you have to do is start up whatever browser you use (Internet Exlporer or Netscape or Mozilla or whatever) and a Swan/Dolphin connection page should load. From there, just follow the prompts - I seem to remember you just had to click in one box to get connected, which then took you to the S/D home page. You can use the internet jsut like at home from that point.

I had trouble because I used my work computer, which was setup a bit different. So I could not get the page to load. I'm very computer-savy, but I was on vacation and had no interest in hacking around to get it to work. So I called the help number they provided (and this was relatively late at night). The person who answered was extremely helpful and knowledgeable (it isn't a Swan/Dolphin employee - I assume they contract out the help desk - but I think he knew I was calling from the Swan.) Anyway, he first asked if it was a computer issued from my job - which he realized would have different settings - he quickly talked me through what to do (less than five minutes) and I was on.

My point is - if it doesn't just work right away, call the number they provide (I think it's right on the device that holds the ethernet cord) and you'll be set up very quickly. High speed internet connection in the hotel for me was worth the $10 resort fee by itself. It was a necessity to keep in touch at work (unfortunately, but it was that or cancel the vacation); it was also interesting to see the weather back home (it was bitterly cold back in Chicago while we were at WDW in December). And the kids enjoyed using IM to stay in touch with their friends over the holidays.

This was a bit longer than I intended - hope it gave you what you needed.

 

[Twigs]

ww52, Thank you so much for the help, I think we can do that!

 

[dreamflight99]

Dreamflight, responding to a person with a question about the Swan Dolphin is certainly fine! In fact, I personally think it's a great thing to do when you are responding to multiple questions in one post.

Since another thread for all of the Swan/Dolphin sorority members has been set up over on the Community Board, we are trying to keep the chitchat off this thread so folks who are really looking for answers to questions can find them without reading through pages of threads without information on the Swan/Dolphin.

Thank you for responding with great answers on the thread. It is appreciated.

Karen

Karen~I fully understand the importance of maintaining such order, and appreciate your personal response. I just wished to be clear as to the proper "protocol" for replying to a poster/posters in general, (as there are no specifics mentioned on the FAQ page).

I am relieved by your response, and will continue to address individuals using their member name. With so many rules being enforced here lately, I did not wish to "over-step" the boundaries or commit any transgressions!

Without appearing facetious, is it permitted to use a smilie wave, or say "hello" to the poster when responding to a particular query? It just seems so impersonal, cold and sterile (antithesis of Walt's philosophy) to respond sans any emotion, when most of us on this forum are familiar with one another. I sincerely apologize, for any misconstrued messages or inconvenience my past posts may have caused.

Your assistance, understanding and consideration is sincerely appreciated. Thank you.

DF99

 

[safetymom]

Dreamflight, I posted the guidelines as a reminder to everyone. This thread is to be used to answer questions about the Swan and Dolphin.

http://www.disboards.com/faq.php?

If you have a need to have a conversation about the Swan/Dolphin those conversations are best posted on the Community Board. If you need to give one person more details I suggest a PM. I suggest that everyone read the complete guidelines.

If you have any more concerns I suggest you contact a moderator directly and keep it off the Resort boards. Thank you everyone for your understanding.

 

[dreamflight99]

Sorry...safetymom
I understand completely. I did not intend for you to feel/become defensive, as I was in no way insinuating your post was directed at me or my contribution to this thread. Again, I apologize for offending anyone with my post/inquiry. The last thing I wish to do, is cause problems or jeopardize the security of such a wonderful and informational thread. It continues to provide so many DISers, with seemingly infinite invaluable information.

I also sincerely apologize for posting as opposed to PM-ing a mod. I have NO IDEA how to use the new PM feature, and am only able to pm persons whom have already pm'd me! I used to see a bar on the bottom of each post, with a PM option, but that has disappeared. Please, pm me with the details of the new feature. Thank you, in advance, for your continued consideration, understanding and assistance.

DF99

 

[safetymom]

I didn't feel defensive but wanted to remind everyone of the guidelines.

To send a PM just click on the posters name on the left hand side and you will see the choice to send a PM.

 

[dreamflight99]

Thanks...I found it!!

"Have a happy day."

DF99

 

[nwdisgal]

Okay for all you S/D experts...How do I ask for non-feather pillows at the Swan? Do I list them as hypoallergenic or foam on my special requests?

Also, for anyone who has been there recently, do they still charge a fee for clearning out the mini-bar to use as a refrigerator?

Thanks for your help!

 

[ddawg]

Are any of the restaurants in the Swan or Dolphin accepting the DDE card?

 

[TLinden16]

You can find a list of resturants that accept the DDE cardhere. There are no Swan and Dolphin restaurants on the list.

Karen

 

[KelliR]

I am not speaking for ddawg, but I too wondered if any of the Swan/Dolphin restaurants were accepting the DDE card. I know about the list, as a member of DDE I have a acopy of the list. But SOMETIMES, something could be left off, or a restaurant may be a member and not publicized, etc. To me, this would be the place to go to question that.