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

[dreamflight99]

DVC discount is 20% at Tubbi's

Thanks for the clarification Mary, since I don't use this one (or therefore pay much attention to the % discounted). I simply knew they offered the discount for this membership. Yet, when I inquired about "other" discounts at the register this past summer, the associate told me it was 10% for the DVC card (obviously she had it confused with another).

ddawg~No. They would not accept the DDC for any discount at the Dolphin. AAA has always been available at the Dolphin for as long as I recall, and at the additional restaurants mentioned in the resort. 20% is the standard discount. I guess they only accept the American version of the card. We did not book our reservation through AAA, or use it for anything else while at the resort or WDW. The actual company (AAA) is the sponsor of the discount/program. Perhaps the Canadian office does not participate in this program (at the Dolphin, WDW).

You can actually produce a paper card (as long as it has a membership number/your name), which is the temporary card they send through the mail before you sign up and receive the plastic one. Our friends used this with no problem, as they were leaving for the resort before their permanent card would be received. Sorry for the problems you experienced. Stop by your local office (CAA), and inquire about this discount, etc. If they can confirm, and possibly type something on letterhead, you will be entitled to the 20% off while visiting the Dolphin. It's worth a try.

TTFN...DF99

 

[ddawg]

Hi Dreamflight99. Thanks for your reply. I just called Tubbies and asked again if they accepted the CAA card and they said they accept AAA but not CAA. I doubt our CAA office would know anything about it here, but as you say its worth a try. I'll call them and see whats up.

 

[florida sun]

Glad you enjoy this thread, it's chocked FULL of information sure to assist you during your Dolphin visit.

*Far EAST END facing North-East overlooks Epcot, BWI, BC/YC. Far WEST END Facing South-East overlooks the pool, and MGM. The wings in between these two ends all have "different" views, depending on whether you face NORTH or SOUTH. There are also Corner King rooms with Turrets, which offer a little bit of both views. These are all known by the hotel and noted as "preferred views."

The "Standard" views are all the rooms across from the wings, facing the opposite direction (parking area, bus depot, and convention area). Some of these rooms/views to the north are not too bad, with views of the Yacht club and distant horizon (CSR).

You may specifically request a "preferred" view by filling out the form on the website in advance of arrival, or at the time of check-in. If available, and depending upon your reservation type, you may receive an upgrade.

Thank you Dreamflight

Thats exactly what I wanted to know, thank you very much

 

[poohbear7]

The DVC discount is 20% at most Swan and Dolphin restaurants. Including Palios and Shulas we used the card for our Dec. trip.

 

[NancyIL]

Thanks for the AAA discount info, dreamflight! I'll give it a try at Tubbi's and the Dolphin Fountain when I'm back in March.

 

[TwingleMum]

How sweet - how old are your DS?? My DD loved the ride at age 4 but her brother was a few years older before he enjoyed it - now we spend most of our MGM time between TOT and RNR.

Here's the view we had from the 8th floor of the West wing in 2004

My oldest DS is 5 yrs old and my twins boys are almost 3 yrs old. 5 yr old did TOT in December and the younger two think he hung the moon so they look to him as the "authority" on all things Disney. And pretend they are 5 and can go on the TOT also. Of course oldest son eats all this hero worship up.

 

[dreamflight99]

[ddawg]~Hello~! I'm interested to know what the CAA office has to say about this? It does seem odd they accept one, but not the other (due to demographics/border). LOL.

florida sun~You're welcome~! Glad to be of assistance.

poohbear7~Well...knock me over!! We have dined numerous times at Shula's (our favorite steakhouse in WDW), and have never known them to accept ANY discount. In fact, I asked during our most recent visit this past summer (we dined there on three occasions, and ordered full take-out on another), and the manager informed me they do not offer any discounts. Hmmmm.. I sure would LOVE to net 20% off while dining there, as the discount on the total of our four visits would have made for a GREAT SAVINGS!

NancyIL~Great~! Hope you have a wonderful time, and enjoy the added savings too.

TwingleMum~What a precious group! I love hearing such stories, and can actually picture the scenes and conversation between these three. Thanks for sharing. These bits and pieces are priceless treasures, to be recorded and remembered for your "later" years.

TTFN...DF99

 

[luvdmouse]

Hi. Is AAA discount available at all the S/D restaurants? As it gets warmer, does anyone know if they show those flick and float movies by the pool? We are going during spring break and we read about these last summer. Finally, I had read in a post awhile ago about having the kids bring their report cards at check in and that starwood club rewards them in some way for good grades. Has anyone experienced this or know what I think I'm talking about?

Thanks for all of your help!
Lisa

 

[paras4ri]

Hi. Is AAA discount available at all the S/D restaurants? As it gets warmer, does anyone know if they show those flick and float movies by the pool? We are going during spring break and we read about these last summer. Finally, I had read in a post awhile ago about having the kids bring their report cards at check in and that starwood club rewards them in some way for good grades. Has anyone experienced this or know what I think I'm talking about?

Thanks for all of your help!
Lisa

I can't help with the movie question but I can with the Straight A club (it doesn't really have to be all A's) Your kids will get a hat and a certificate for free ice cream.

 

[ddawg]

Hi Dreamflight. I just spoke to someone at the Dolphin and they said that they will accept the CAA card from now on at Tubbies and the Fountain. Yippy

 

[ddawg]

Hi Dreamflight. I just spoke to someone at the Dolphin and they said that they will accept the CAA card at Tubbies and the Fountain.

 

[dreamflight99]

Hi Dreamflight. I just spoke to someone at the Dolphin and they said that they will accept the CAA card at Tubbies and the Fountain.

YES!!!! Proves my old theory..."It never hurts to ASK!"
I hope you obtained their name, just for reference. I'm so glad you pursued this matter, it could amount to considerable savings for you and your family. 20% is nothing to take lightly! I'm so happy to hear the good news!! YEA!!

luvdmouse~No, AAA is not available at ALL the restaurants in the Dolphin. Some are privately owned and sponsored (Shula's, Blue Zoo, Fresh). Although, I still recall using it on one morning at Fresh (but may be mistaken). It is definitely accepted at Tubbi's and Fountain, and has been for as long as I've been visiting the resort.

Yes, the flick & float films are a BIG HIT! We enjoyed them tremendously during our visit last summer. Call the Dolphin directly using the 800 number I listed previously (about 2 pages back), and inquire as to the exact date of "start-up" or proposed schedule for this perk. Your kids (and yourself) will LOVE this feature! We also enjoyed this at Disney's VERO beach resort, as well as the Universal Studio Orlando properties. It's nice to watch movies, the sunset and fireworks...all from the luxurious relaxation of the WARM pool water. Ahhh...something to dream about.

Gail is correct about the "A" club for kids. As long as they bring a report card of some kind to the desk, they will receive a baseball cap and card for a free ice cream at the fountain!! It's really cool, and the people at the desk offer genuine glowing admiration and praise for your child's efforts. DD always enjoyed this annual ritual as a youngster.

Both the WDW Sheraton Dolphin and WDW Westin Swan (managed by Starwood) offer all types of perks at their respective properties some people may not even be aware of. Perks such as "safety" child-proofing kits for babies and toddlers (which include an array of bandages, electrical outlet covers, identification bracelets and a list of local emergency numbers, etc). Just inquire with housekeeping or the front desk if you are ever in need of anything such as this amenity.

At check-in, your young children can receive a sports bottle or sippy cup that is filled with a complimentary beverage at mealtime, coloring books and foam bath toys. Kids can also hear a bedtime story by dialing a four-digit number on the room phone (or tuning the television to a particular channel as well). Other items that are available include jogging strollers, high chairs and cribs. Please inquire while making your reservation, or at check-in for the use of these items.

My daughter has enjoyed all of these perks over the years, and still has the sports bottles and sippy cups in her closet (souvenirs now...lol), from her visits. It's what makes these properties such wonderful child-friendly locations to visit.

The list is nearly endless. Call housekeeping if you forget "anything" from home, before you panic and run-out to purchase another. You would be surprised at what they have in their inventory, and what they are able to provide upon request/inquiry. It never ceases to amaze and impress me (not an easy task!).

TTFN...DF99

 

[Dan Murphy]

Can anyone help???? We stayed at the SWAN last year and would like to do so again. We stayed in room # 1059 but, I can't remember if it was the EAST or WEST wing. We could see both EPCOT & TOT along with the friendship boats. It was an awesome view and I would like to request the same room. Please help!!!

Anybody here to help Raquel??

 

[momom]

We are staying at the Swan in July. I keep reading about the mold problem and am really worried. Do all of the rooms have this problem? Do you think it would be proper to request not to be put in a room with a mold problem? Any thoughts and advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Dan Murphy]

In all my stays at the Swan, I have never noticed any.

 

[TwingleMum]

I think maybe I shouldn't have an MGM view after all. My three son love to play Disney I told you all about them playing TOT in my shower stall. My sister got the twins one of those Little Tykes Roller Coasters (plastic ramp with a little plastic roller coaster car) Its set up in my living room. Well that of course is RNR. Tonight I heard the oldest (5yr old) yell "All right Lights! Motor! Action!!!" and "WAHOOOO!!!" I went in the room he removed the last piece of track so they launch into the air. Of course they're hysterical laughing and I'm picturing ER bills. My DH told me leave them alone boys will be boys.

 

[luvdmouse]

Thanks dreamflight for all your great answers. One more quick question for now...Do you just ask for the sports bottle, coloring book or foam bath toys, or is it with some special promotion?

 

[hookedup]

We are staying at the Swan in July. I keep reading about the mold problem and am really worried. Do all of the rooms have this problem? Do you think it would be proper to request not to be put in a room with a mold problem? Any thoughts and advice would be greatly appreciated.

In our summer trip in 2004 we were upgraded to a club level beautiful room that had the worst mildew stench I have ever smelled in my life. I think it was the 12th floor if I remember correctly. Anyway, I called down and said it was not acceptable and nicely insisted that we get moved to another room which they did. I hate having to complain but it was nasty smelling in there - no signs of any mold or mildew anywhere (room & bathroom was spotless) but the smell was horrible. Our new room was perfect and not a trace of mildew smell.

 

[heidiboo]

Does anyone know if the standard rooms at the Swan have balconies?

Thanks for your help!

 

[paras4ri]

Does anyone know if the standard rooms at the Swan have balconies?

Thanks for your help!

I'd have to say no - all the balcony rooms on in the wings - and those rooms are all resort view. Sorry.