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

[dreamflight99]

Jen...~LOL...what was I thinking, even on a EMH morning, 7:00 am may be a bit EARLY to head over to MGM to catch a bus! Please, sleep-in and grab a cab.

QueenOfCelts~Check your platinum amenity book (shipped with your card and gift tags), for specifics on certain instant awards. They range from dining certs to spa (massage) treatments, and most certainly a wide range of others as well. CL is always comped for PLAT members, and most all other fees (ie: resort fees, etc) as well. With the requirements for Plat status, I'd expect no less.

YES, the toiletries are definitely different for VIP Plat members, suites. The standard rooms, or for standard/gold SPG guests, the toiletries remain the same (not bad...oatmeal & glycerine soaps, etc). BUT, recently there was a change and upgrade of these amenities for VIP/Plat level guests. My bathrooms were refreshed on a daily basis with Crabtree and Evelyn boxed soaps, (yummy), bottled lotion, body gel, shampoo and conditioner and a mini bottle of scope mouthwash. Since I did not use each one fully on a daily basis...my sink/basket corner accumulated an array of selections! Sometimes, the housekeeping staff would arrange them in a very "artistic" manner across my sink! I have some photos of these amenities, and will send them to you via email if you would like. Just pm me with your email.

Nope...we do not use any points for our stay, unfortunately...we pay like everyone else. I can forward a copy of our folio...if you are interested in paying the tab! LOL. No special deals either (I've never thought to even ask), other than perhaps AP/Entertainment rate when applicable. I also reserve early...to be on the safe side. We are already booked for next summer. It's funny, as some days the rates are available...and some days they are not (depending on hotel capacity...etc). We are actually at other locations for more than three weeks PRIOR to our arrival at the Dolphin, (so we are in Florida more than 2 months). We just enjoy extended summer vacations. We literally began this summer with the WC 7-night Disney Cruise on June 4, so we are past the 2 month mark. We are heading home this week.

AUTUMN SUN~ Welcome to the DIS! As my good sorority sister and Lounge Lizard pal DENISE already pointed out...you should DEFINITELY try to extend your stay at the Swan. The beds are QUEEN sized, as opposed to oversized Double/Full at the Dolphin. Both have exterior vanity areas, with the Swan's being a true HOLLYWOOD vanity, (sink included). The Swan is much less-imposing than the Dolphin, but the Dolphin is more whimsical in design/lobby, etc. Both, are phenomenal properties, offering world class restaurants and service. Having stayed at every other resort, including all the other DIS Epcot resorts on several occasions, I would STILL opt to stay at the Dolphin. The HEAVENLY BEDS just can't be topped (IMHO).

Also, please kindly inform the front desk staff upon arrival of your excitement over your "FIRST STAY" at the Swan. Ask if there is ANY CHANCE you could possibly receive a preferred VIEW room, etc. If there is one available...you just may receive it! MAGIC happens on a daily basis in these two resorts. I am sending you some PIXIE DUST to increase your chances!

I've personally never dined in Gullivers, and have heard "mixed" reviews on the fare served in this place. YET, all the other restaurants ARE FAB! I know Denise LOVES the Blue Zoo...and me too. We have dined there twice during this stay, and loved every bite. Same goes for SHULA'S! Did you know you receive FREE BABYSITTING with these restaurants? Yep! Say you wish to have some tremendously delicious Italian food at Palios...and wish to leave your little ones in CAMP DOLPHIN? Well, two hours of sitting is ON THE HOUSE!! When DD was younger, we used this perk a few times. It's a win-win situation, as CAMP DOLPHIN is a lot of fun, and so is adult-only dining!! LOL. There are so many other conveniences offered at these two resorts, just another reason we opt to take-up residence each summer.

CJBaby~How very true...(Denise again!), you may very well opt to keep your balcony King room..and have CL privs. Although the resorts frown upon this type of thing (capacity of CL lounge, etc), it is seldom requested. Therefore, if it is what you prefer...please be sure to send a note using the form located on the resort website *(www.dolphinswan.com).


Hope this helps you with your decisions. Enjoy your planning!! As this vacation winds-down, I must begin planning another...LOL.

TTFN...DF99

 

[CJBaby]

Dreamflight99: Thank you so much. I greatly appreciate your help!

 

[dtuleya]

My family and I are considering a stay at one of these resorts next summer. My DH and DSs are tall so I'm torn. It's hard for us to sleep in double beds together so I was leaning towards the Swan, but I'd really think we'd like the atmosphere of the Dolphin better. Is there any way that there would be enough room on the floor for an air mattress so that my youngest could sleep there?

My kids aren't so sure about staying here. The youngest wants to stay at the AKL, but I'm not wild about being so far away from EPCOT (our favorite park!) and having only busses as transportation. What are some great selling points? Are there any sites that have great pictures of the resorts on them?

TIA!

 

[QueenOfCelts]

QueenOfCelts~Check your platinum amenity book (shipped with your card and gift tags), for specifics on certain instant awards. They range from dining certs to spa (massage) treatments, and most certainly a wide range of others as well. CL is always comped for PLAT members, and most all other fees (ie: resort fees, etc) as well. With the requirements for Plat status, I'd expect no less.

I called and ordered a replacement card and asked for the booklet since I have no clue where the one is that I originally rec'd. I doubt I will get it before out our upcoming trip...but maybe.

YES, the toiletries are definitely different for VIP Plat members, suites. The standard rooms, or for standard/gold SPG guests, the toiletries remain the same (not bad...oatmeal & glycerine soaps, etc). BUT, recently there was a change and upgrade of these amenities for VIP/Plat level guests. My bathrooms were refreshed on a daily basis with Crabtree and Evelyn boxed soaps, (yummy), bottled lotion, body gel, shampoo and conditioner and a mini bottle of scope mouthwash. Since I did not use each one fully on a daily basis...my sink/basket corner accumulated an array of selections! Sometimes, the housekeeping staff would arrange them in a very "artistic" manner across my sink! I have some photos of these amenities, and will send them to you via email if you would like. Just pm me with your email.

I have PM'd you my email....Thanks.

Nope...we do not use any points for our stay, unfortunately...we pay like everyone else. I can forward a copy of our folio...if you are interested in paying the tab! LOL. No special deals either (I've never thought to even ask), other than perhaps AP/Entertainment rate when applicable. I also reserve early...to be on the safe side. We are already booked for next summer. It's funny, as some days the rates are available...and some days they are not (depending on hotel capacity...etc). We are actually at other locations for more than three weeks PRIOR to our arrival at the Dolphin, (so we are in Florida more than 2 months). We just enjoy extended summer vacations. We literally began this summer with the WC 7-night Disney Cruise on June 4, so we are past the 2 month mark. We are heading home this week.

LOL Silly Dreamflight. I don't think DH would be very appreciative of me paying for other people's vacations. I don't want your portfolio, I was wondering what you do with all the points you must rack up being a guest for so long every year. You must have tons of points. Even at only 30 days. Being Platinum yourself, most of the point spending opportunities are already given to you and you said you don't use them towards your hotel stay. Being as helpful and experienced as you are, I was curious as to what you do use them for.

Thanks again for all the info.

 

[paras4ri]

My family and I are considering a stay at one of these resorts next summer. My DH and DSs are tall so I'm torn. It's hard for us to sleep in double beds together so I was leaning towards the Swan, but I'd really think we'd like the atmosphere of the Dolphin better. Is there any way that there would be enough room on the floor for an air mattress so that my youngest could sleep there?

My kids aren't so sure about staying here. The youngest wants to stay at the AKL, but I'm not wild about being so far away from EPCOT (our favorite park!) and having only busses as transportation. What are some great selling points? Are there any sites that have great pictures of the resorts on them?

TIA!

Here's a quickie answer to one of your questions. We just returned from the Swan and used a twin-size Areo bed with no problems. My DS & DD took turns between the Heavenly bed and the Aero, and during the day we stood up the mattress against the wall. We have also stayed at the Dolphin and in either hotel an air mattress is a great solution.

 

[howtrace]

Have a regular room booked for November -
Looking for suggestions on which floors and location on floor offer the best
views and convienence for getting to/from room quickly.

Also - are there any floors that have not been renovated?
Appreciate the help.

 

[kathi]

2 Questions Please -

1) Do university professors count for the teacher discount?

2) I'm looking at 10/14 - 10/17. They are fully booked (for standard rooms) at the moment due to conventions. What are the chances that rooms will open up closer to the date? (I assume there are blocks of rooms on hold right now that could open up later?)

Thanks!

kathi

 

[bubbaloo311]

My husband and I are going down to Disney Oct 27 - 30th for my friend's Disney Wedding. (We were married in Disney on November 14th, 2003 - so this could also be considered our 2nd anniversary trip).

My friend has a room block available with decent discounts.

The Grand Floridian is $308 including tax.

The Port Orleans is $141 including tax.

We don't want to stay in AS Moives - which is around $100.

I woud love to stay at the Grand - but since we just got our first house this year, and are still getting used to the mortage, I really can't justify the expense.

That leaves us with POR or perhaps a AAA rate at another cheaper resort (maybe AKL or WL if available.

Or we could stay at the Dolphin or Swan.

I love the BW area - our wedding reception was at the Boardwalk and we stayed there during out wedding week. We love Jelly Rolls and the close proximity to MGM and Epcot - which the S/D would provide.

With the GF - we would get Magical Express transfers, and be on the monorail - so we wouldn't need to incur the expenses of a rental car or taxi transfer from the airport.

We have never stayed at the Swan or Dolphin and I am not sure what to expect. The location is super appealing though - and I love the idea of the Heavenly Beds.

The best rate I have found for our dates is $169.50 per night - or $189 with tax. I would really appreciate it if anyone could suggest a source for an even better rate. The more I would save the better I would feel.

I have worked on a budget for the weekend including our flights, spending money, wedding gift, food, park passes, and transportation.

I estimate that for us to stay at the GF without renting a car or paying for taxis, we would spend for everying around $2050.

I estimate that for us to stay at the Swan or Dolphin, spending about $100 on airport transfers (or possibly more to rent a car), we would spend about $1800.

So I figure the savings with the current rate I have would be about $250.

I would much rather stay at the S/D than POR - so that is no question.

Would you bite the bullet and stay at the Grand - which is where the bride and groom are staying? Or do you think I should save the money and enjoy a stay at the S/D?

I think I would be totally sure about the Swan if we were saving even a bit more money.

Decisions, decisions .....

I am confused and need advice.

Thanks so much,
__________________
Ann & Michael
Disney Fairy Tale Wedding
November 14, 2003

 

[june12]

hi everyone, this is my first post so please bear with me!

i have booked to stay in the Dolphin hotel next year and i am wondering if any of you can answer my daft question? when i check in will i need a credit card deposit or can i give a cash deposit? i don't have a credit card and i am now starting to panic

thank you for taking the time to read my post

andrea x

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Ok.. I will give this a try

howtrace ~ The view depends on what you want to see. The high floors on the east wing look towards Epcot. The west wing looks upon the grotto pool area and MGM. The rooms in the middle look across at the Swan and Boardwalk area. I believe all floors have been renovated.

bubbaloo311 ~ Do you qualify for the nurse, governent or teacher rate? Location at these resorts as you know is wonderful!!! Staying at the GF where the bride and groom are for only 200+ plus more is more appealing if it were me. I would go for the GF if you cannot get a better rate at the Swan/Dolphin.

june12 ~ Welcome to the dis-boards! We used cash for our deposit on our last visit. They did require me to pay for our stay on arrival. I also put some cash down for incidentals. You will have no problems at all. Enjoy your stay!

Waving to the room!

 

[Shelly]

Hello all , we are planning out trip for next year..Is there a way to book the swan/dolphin and make payments..I'm not sure how there reservation system works.
I will probably be getting AP's when should I start calling on a discount for next July. and which # is best to call for this. thanks Shelly

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Hello all , we are planning out trip for next year..Is there a way to book the swan/dolphin and make payments..I'm not sure how there reservation system works.
I will probably be getting AP's when should I start calling on a discount for next July. and which # is best to call for this. thanks Shelly

Shelly ~ You can pay on your reservation ahead of time. I have done this before ... Call the reservation department at the Swan/Dolphin to find out the address to mail payment. I cannot help you out on the AP rates.. Anyone?

 

[Shelly]

Also, if I were to book now. and get an AP later when it became available.
Would I be able to switch everything?

 

[Foladar]

I tried to read all 49 pages, honest, but it was so hard to.
Does anyone know about Entertainment rates here?
Online, it says 50% off rack rate, or 10% off promo rate .. I'm guessing rack rate would be $300 +?

 

[Disbug]

Shelley! You most certainly should be able to apply any discounts to an existing reservation. The exception would be if there were a deadline to make a reservation at a published discount. (RE: There was a recent promotion to book the Swan and Dolphin for $99/night for nurses, teachers, and Govt workers. This rate was good through October XX, 2005. However, you had to book it by August XX...) Something along those lines.

Foladar! I would say the rack rates are in the neighborhood of $340. I have a 50% off coupon and when I called to make a reservation using this, I was quoted $169/night. This of course could vary based on seaon and does not include any taxes or fees (parking, high speed internet, etc...).

Helloooo, Robin! How are all the kiddos? I know you must be excited about your upcoming trip!

I'm sure Dreamflight will give more detailed info when she checks in! Have a great night everyone!

 

[ascardino]

2 Questions Please -

1) Do university professors count for the teacher discount?

2) I'm looking at 10/14 - 10/17. They are fully booked (for standard rooms) at the moment due to conventions. What are the chances that rooms will open up closer to the date? (I assume there are blocks of rooms on hold right now that could open up later?)

Thanks!

kathi

Kathi,

Our family booked a room for Labor Day weekend with the teacher's discount based on my husband being a professor at a local college. I called twice and spoke with someone at the hotel and each time confirmed that with proper id, it was acceptable to be a college teacher to qualify for the discount.

I will not be too happy if there is a conflict when we go to check in next Thursday! Maybe I will call one more time to confirm.

Not too sure about the answer to your second question. Although when my husband called a week before I did, the discounted rooms were not available for the weekend dates, and then when I called they were. So, I guess it pays to keep trying.

 

[opal]

In response to the question about applying a discount to an exising ressie....it may depend on availabilty. I tried to apply my spg points for a free night to an existing ressie. Since they would have had to cancel one of the nights on the existing ressie and then book that night again as a separate ressie using my points they wouldn't do it because there was no room availabilty for any of my original ressie nights. Apparently they can't just change it in the system, they have to start over.

 

[Keara'sMom]

Hi everyone,
We're considering staying at the S/D this january (1-5, I think--DD's b-day is 1/2). What are the chances of the Teacher discount being extended to include that period? Has anyone had good luck with early January rates?

thanks!!
Leslie

 

[cindyfan]

Need some help here.....
I was just looking at what was available at the Dolphin for our stay in June 06. I pulled then up on the Starwood web site.
It came up with 6 choices....but I can't really figure out what the differences are!
I see 2 for standard rooms, but one says "Internet Only Rates - Fully Prepaid, Cancel Rules Apply, No Changes Allowed".... with a rate of $249 /night.
The other says.... "Best Available Rate" .... also with a rate of $249 /night.

The "Best Available Rate" gives a cancellation of 5 days prior & no penalty.

Can someone explain the "Best Available Rate" promotion for Swan/Dolphin?

What is typical of the Dolphin for the cancellation policy??

Thanks!!

 

[Elysiannn]

It was interesting. They are really working hard on the Spa. I got a lovely room in the East wing with a view of the Boardwalk and Epcot. 6th floor.

Just wanted to let others know that the balcony's are nice but you can't see alot of Illuminations if that is the reasoning you want an East Wing balcony room.

I was able to use my points and get Club Level priveleges (1500 pts a night) but they closed the Club Level saying an emergency on their part. I went down for a refund of my remaining points and ate at the Fresh Market restaurant who told me that they closed the Club Level because they were inbetween major conferences and there wasn't enough people to validate it staying open. Which really rankled some people I met who asked for Club Level just for that.

Oh well.

Dolphin is pretty spread out and next time if I stay there I'm planning on asking for West Wing by the elevators since the hub of activity tends to be in the West part of the resort.

Does anyone have a great room number in the west wing they'd like to share??

And how does one get on the turret rooms??

Thanks in advance for the answers. Ely