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

[Kenswing]

Hi Everyone.

We are staying at the Dolphin for the first time for 10 nights in December (We've stayed at all the other Disney Epcot resorts).
It's just DW and myself going for our 10th anniversary. We have already booked a King Balcony w/Resort view room. Would this include the corner double balcony rooms mentioned above? That would be so cool since this is the first time we have gone for this long, and the first time during the Christmas holidays. We plan on doing alot of relaxing.
Do I need to call and beg? Should I call the hotel directly or request it through the website?

Thanks,
Ken

 

[dreamflight99]

Hi Everyone.

We are staying at the Dolphin for the first time for 10 nights in December (We've stayed at all the other Disney Epcot resorts).
It's just DW and myself going for our 10th anniversary. We have already booked a King Balcony w/Resort view room. Would this include the corner double balcony rooms mentioned above? That would be so cool since this is the first time we have gone for this long, and the first time during the Christmas holidays. We plan on doing alot of relaxing.
Do I need to call and beg? Should I call the hotel directly or request it through the website?

Thanks,
Ken

Hello, Ken. These rooms would suit you and your DW PERFECTLY during your 10-night stay! I would definitely request it using the form on the website (w/reservation confirmation #, as well as your length of stay, reason for visiting, etc).

Also, I would strongly advise you to please call the resort DIRECTLY...I've PM'd you with more information/names.

I know you'll enjoy your stay!

DF99

 

[Kenswing]

Thanks for the great advice DFlight.

How far in advance do you think I should make my request?

Thanks Again,
Ken

 

[Fargoman2]

Dolphin is booked to the max during our July 21-30 stay this summer. How do I enhance my odds of upgrading to CL using Starpoints? WE have done this
the last three summers, so it would be a major league bummer to be denied CL privileges.

What can you tell me?

Thanks!

 

[whitneyv]

I called the resort and requested a fridge in my room for $12/night - after reading some of this thread I think I should call and cancel and just take stuff out of the mini-bar to make room. Is this okay?

Thanks for your help...

Only 62 days to go til

 

[#1hockeymom]

Fargoman>> Wish I had some tips for you since we're having to do the same thing, but the 29th July through the 3rd. Let me know if you come up with any tips! We're wanting to add cl priviledges to a two bedroom suite, using starpoints.

WhitneyV>> I honestly would cancel the fridge and just empty the minibar out for the space you need. So you don't get charged for anything by the minibar police *family joke* just write down on a piece of paper where you put the items so they can easily find them. Put the note on top of the fridge and you'll be set!

Hope everyone has a magical vacation!
Debbie

 

[nursemelis374]

I have read many of these pages and can not find my answer. Here are my questions:

Do Swan/Dolphin guests still have access to EMH?
Is there a parking charge if you self-park?
Would it be better to do POFQ for 129 or Swan for 99? I am just trying to figure out what Disney priveledges I would lose.

Thanks!

 

[MSC]

Do Swan/Dolphin guests still have access to EMH?

YES.

Is there a parking charge if you self-park?

YES. $7/day

Would it be better to do POFQ for 129 or Swan for 99? I am just trying to figure out what Disney priveledges I would lose.

You don't lose any Disney privileges, but you don't get Mickey wake-up calls.

There's even a character meal at the Swan!

Just remember, if the base rate is $99, you have to add $10.00 for the resort fee (pays for "free" broadband internet service and health club), and $7 for parking (an outrage). So your rate is really $116.

But for all the other reasons you've probably read here, the Swan is still an easy choice over POFQ. If for no other reason than the Heavenly Bed, which is approximately 1,000,000 times more comfortable than the Disney beds (but that's just a ballpark figure ).

I personally think the most compelling reason to stay there (aside from the beds) is the location. A quick boat ride (or walk, frankly) from both Epcot and MGM, not to mention the Boardwalk.

One caveat - the Dolphin has the more family friendly amenities, if you are going with kids.

By the way, mind telling me how you got a $99 rate at the Swan?

 

[nursemelis374]

I am a nurse and they have a special promo going on right now.

 

[MSC]

Oh. Duh. I guess I could have looked at your screen name. I heard they often have great teacher/nurse rates. That's even better than the gov't rate, which at $149 is awesome! I'd KILL for a $99 rate!

One other thing you may or may not have read - Swan/Dolphin does not participate in Magical Express.

 

[autumnblue]

I know I should call and ask...but does anyone know if college faculty qualify for the teacher's rate?

Thanks

Autumn

 

[CarolynNC]

I know I should call and ask...but does anyone know if college faculty qualify for the teacher's rate?

Thanks

Autumn

I booked thru DIS (DreamsUnlimited) and this is what was stated about the education discount when I clicked the link "Do you qualify for these discounts?"

Teacher and Education Support Staff Discount
All teachers and educational facility administrative personnel (includes colleges and universities) can take advantage of the TEACHER discounts. If you are a teacher with a certified teaching certificate, or you are employed in a school as an educational facility administrator you can take advantage of the TEACHER discounts.This would include teachers aides, substitute teachers, and administrative staff. These job types will require a Work ID or letter from supervisor on company letterhead stating employment or a recent Pay Stub.

I work for a University and plan to take my id and pay stub.

 

[Deweysgirl]

Hello All! We have returned from The Swan and I just wanted to thank all of you for your helpful tips and advice. We had a wonderful stay and were upgraded form a lakeview room to a junior suite (room 1270) and had full access to the Royal Beach Club for drinks and snacks. It was so wonderful!

The original room they gave us at check-in was not what we had requested.
After getting in our room (which had a beautiful view btw-546E) we discovered it was non-smoking so they tried to move us to another room with a not so great view. I said we'd just take the original room even though it wasn't smoking. Michelle (who was handling this) said please move to the junior suite, we are sorry for the inconvenience. How awesome was that!

The Swan was magical in every way. The pools are beautiful. The water temp. was perfect. The beds were soooo comfy! We had a great time and would return in a minute.

 

[lovingthemouse]

Hi Everyone - wanted to bring our great Swan/Dolphin page back to the front where many people can get so much valuable information.
To anyone traveling to either resort this summer, could you please check back in and let us know about any new or exciting features offered? Thanks.

Caroline

 

[DisneyFans4]

I will be there in 2 weeks so I'll let you know. I'm hoping the new spa will be open when we arrive.

 

[paras4ri]

I will be there in 2 weeks so I'll let you know. I'm hoping the new spa will be open when we arrive.

We will be too - exactly 2 weeks from now we'll be at the Swan!

Seems like more folks have been able to obtain Club level access from other floors in recent trips. We're hoping to be able to upgrade using points but keep our balcony room.

 

[DisneyFans4]

I had a beautiful view of Epcot last year and had a balcony and also stayed club level. It was absolutely wonderful!! I hope I can get it again this year.

 

[#1hockeymom]

I had a beautiful view of Epcot last year and had a balcony and also stayed club level. It was absolutely wonderful!! I hope I can get it again this year.

I'll be checking in the 29th into a two bedroom suite at the Dolphin. We're also hoping for CL access "bought" with points! I have also heard a rumor about dive in movies. I hope both come true this trip! I'll let you know what happens!

 

[DisneyFans4]

I had the grand suite at the Swan and it was wonderful!!
I can't wait!!!!
Enjoy your trip!!!

 

[#1hockeymom]

The suite with the piano? I bet that was fantastic! I'll save you a spot at the S/D and tell Thabo you're coming! You'll be arriving right as we leave!