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

[annegal]

Is the resort fee mandatory at the Dolphin?

I've never heard of this. How much is the Resort fee? Is it per room or per person?

 

[Blondie]

The "resort fee" was done away with a while ago.

 

[Dan Murphy]

The daily resort fee was eliminated last year, replaced with separate daily fees, per room, for Internet use, health club use, parking lot, local telephone use.

 

[Blondie]

The fees only apply if you use them.

If you don't have a car rental or your own vehicle, ofcourse there'd be no charge to park. If you don't use the health club, you're not charged, etc.

 

[NancyIL]

Nancy...we are currently traveling in Europe (helped DD move out for the summer), and will be visiting WDW a bit later than usual (as DD "is" home for the entire summer break). We are also hopping another 7~night Western Caribbean Dis Cruise (couldn't pass on it). LOL. Next summer, we are reserved on the Dis CL Med journey, which includes a wonderful itinerary. Since we'll already be in Europe--we are just hopping over to the port of call, and taking off for 11 nights of bliss in a suite onboard. We became addicted to the cruise line shortly after taking the initial Western cruise aboard the Magic. If some of you are "contemplating" a Disney Cruise----GO FOR IT!! It's incredible, amazing beyond words.

Wow - how great to be spending your summer in Europe! I briefly had the DCL Mediterranean cruise booked for next summer, but I had really been looking forward to an Alaskan cruise for 2007 (which I subsequently booked). I'm hoping we can go on a Mediterranean cruise in 2008, but it would be in the fall, NOT during the hot and crowded summer season. I still haven't been on a Disney cruise, and cancelled the 3-day solo cruise I had reserved for the week after Thanksgiving this year. I'm hoping my DH can join me for a few days at WDW during that week instead.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Thought folks here might enjoy this read...........

http://www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=ww060726ws

 

[NancyIL]

Thought folks here might enjoy this read...........

http://www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=ww060726ws

Thanks, Dan. I LOVE the Swan and Dolphin!

 

[Keokagal]

Thought folks here might enjoy this read...........

http://www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=ww060726ws

Thanks for that info Dan. We will be at the Dolphin in Aug. SOON!

 

[dreamflight99]

Wow - how great to be spending your summer in Europe! I briefly had the DCL Mediterranean cruise booked for next summer, but I had really been looking forward to an Alaskan cruise for 2007 (which I subsequently booked). I'm hoping we can go on a Mediterranean cruise in 2008, but it would be in the fall, NOT during the hot and crowded summer season. I still haven't been on a Disney cruise, and cancelled the 3-day solo cruise I had reserved for the week after Thanksgiving this year. I'm hoping my DH can join me for a few days at WDW during that week instead.

Yes---this European summer fun is just a perk associated with DD attending uni full~time abroad. It's turning out to be better than I ever dreamed.

Oh Nancy, you will love the Disney Cruise (especially in the fall...ahh)! We booked the summer one due to convenience. We are also thinking of hopping the Orient Express afterward, as this would also be convenient (locale), and heading southward. We have always wanted to see the ******* penguins up close and personal! The QM2 is also on the list of 2-do things while DD is a resident of the UK! LOL...that list is expanding by the day.

Is your DH going to accompany you on that one (cruise)? I'm all for the post-thanksgiving trip to WDW with your DH instead of the solo 3~day cruise. I recall one of the last trips you took to WDW was with your mom (if I'm not mistaken), and she loved the Swan, etc. How's the rest of the family?

Which Alaska cruise have you selected, and what's the duration and itinerary? We have them leaving daily from LA, and even thought of hopping one late this Sept---as DD does not return to UNI until Oct. The rates from Cali are so inexpensive...they nearly give them away. Just like the flights to Vegas ($35 each way) and Hawaii ($250 RT -- for first class no less) How can you turn down such offers?! I suspect they offer similar fares to Nassau from Fla, etc.

All of our friends have taken these Alaska cruises, and LOVE them. Some returned before we departed in early June, and shipped some hand-carved totem poles at astounding prices! They were phenomenal, and look great around their pool, fire pit and yard. The scenery is breathtaking, and the wildlife incredible.

I've watched the reports about the hot scorching weather across the US lately. If it's any consolation---Europe has had the hottest summer on recent record. The world is melting...lol. Thank goodness for pools and AC. We have a house-sitter, to watch the animals and home, etc., while away. She's reported how HOT it's been back at home as well. It must be hot across the planet. Northern Cal is hotter than Southern Cal.

Stay cool...and drink loads of H2O!

DF99

 

[ztam3]

I am very thrilled to say that we will be taking our first trip to the Dolphin in December. We have considered the Dolphin on several occasions, however, it hasn't panned out until now. I am a SPG member and have a 50% off coupon for the stay. I am trying to decide which view to request. We enjoy having a balcony, but in the pictures, it doesn't seem the balcony is at all private, is this correct? Also, what view would you suggest that we request? Is it typically difficult to secure the free upgrade for being an SPG member? The card states that I can possibly get an upgrade to a "preferred room." Anyone know what that specifically translates into? I have lots of questions. Any information is greatly appreciated.

Thanks and have a wonderful day!
Tabitha

 

[annegal]

I am a SPG member and have a 50% off coupon for the stay. :

Curious-what is a SPG member?

I'm leaning towards the Swan for next Spring for the Epcot Flower Festival. It will be our first stay at a non-Disney owned park, but the location & price are what interest me.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Curious-what is a SPG member?....

The Starwood hotel chain's frequent guest program www.starwoodhotels.com, lots of good benefits.

 

[nuke]

I'm also going to have my first stay at the Dolphin in December. I'm very excited to stay there!

 

[ztam3]

Any of you Dolphin vets who can shine any light on my questions?
I am trying to decide which view to request. We enjoy having a balcony, but in the pictures, it doesn't seem the balcony is at all private, is this correct? Also, what view would you suggest that we request? Is it typically difficult to secure the free upgrade for being an SPG member? The card states that I can possibly get an upgrade to a "preferred room." Anyone know what that specifically translates into? I have lots of questions. Any information is greatly appreciated.
THANKS,
Tabitha

 

[Dan Murphy]

Any of you Dolphin vets who can shine any light on my questions?
I am trying to decide which view to request. We enjoy having a balcony, but in the pictures, it doesn't seem the balcony is at all private, is this correct? Also, what view would you suggest that we request? Is it typically difficult to secure the free upgrade for being an SPG member? The card states that I can possibly get an upgrade to a "preferred room." Anyone know what that specifically translates into? I have lots of questions. Any information is greatly appreciated.
THANKS,
Tabitha

I think I can answer some of the questions.

IMO, the balconies are small, and I would say not very private. If you are out on yours and others are on theirs, y'all are neighbors, LOL. I personally like the view (I don't know what it is called) facing the Boardwalk/Epcot. If you need a AMEX card, I would suggest getting a Starwood AMEX, good points, and upgrades.

 

[mrsswat]

OK, how do you send the room request once you've typed in the message on the swandolphin website? Am I missing something

 

[Mouseteacher]

On our last stay at the Dolphin we received a comp upgrade (I am a Starwood member and have a Starwood AMEX card) to the farthest east wing (the last wing closest to the YC). We were on the 8th floor, balcony room with a dead center view of Epcot / Spaceship Earth /Boardwalk / BC/YC. It was a spectacular view!! We never seemed to be out on our balcony at the same time as a neighbor. However, as Dan said, it is not private.

One thing with the far east wing - it is a long walk to the elevators. But, to me, it was worth having that wonderful view.

 

[anitad]

OK, how do you send the room request once you've typed in the message on the swandolphin website? Am I missing something

I had the same issue the past 2 weeks. I don't have the site pulled up, but I think if you go in to the frequently asked questions section, the email response form comes up at the bottom. There is a submit button on that form.

I submitted twice, requesting a balcony room and after the second request, the change was noted on my spg reservation. I was thrilled. This is our 10th visit to the Swandolphin and we really enjoy having a balcony.

anitad

 

[disneywithfive]

Do anyone have any pictures of the Swan and/or Dolphin at Christmas time? We're staying at the Swan the weekend before Christmas and I'm hoping they are decorated as beautifully as the other resorts in the area. Thanks!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

disneywithfive, check the links in my signature, there are a LOT of S/D pictures mixed in there.