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

[Princess Mindy]

I have a question about the government rate the S/D offers. How much is it usually during Value season? Is it only applicable to federal government or can state gov employees get it too.
Since we're on the subject...can you get the education rate if you work for a school but don't actually teach?
Thanks!

 

[Disbug]

I have a question about the government rate the S/D offers. How much is it usually during Value season? Is it only applicable to federal government or can state gov employees get it too.
Since we're on the subject...can you get the education rate if you work for a school but don't actually teach?
Thanks!

Hi, Princess Mindy! The Gov rate is for Fed, State, and City Govt employees. The teacher rate requires certification to prove you are a teacher at any level (including university prof, school principals etc...). If you work for a school as an administrator, but have a current teaching certificate.... you are fine. If you are a secretary, etc... I don't think it applies. You can alway call Starwood and get the final word!

I have seen teacher, nurse, gov rates for $99 and $129. Hope this answers some of your questions!

 

[lizcro326]

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

I got fantastic rates affiliated with this site. try http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com

They give an option for a AP discount with a free room upgrade and late 2 pm check out. The price was almost half of other rates I got.

 

[lizcro326]

Hello! New to this thread. Does anyone know if the Swan or Dolphin will gaurentee connecting rooms? I am considering one of these resorts for next August with the teacher discount.

Thanks!

Harmabe : If you click on the links to the hotels at the top of these forums, then go to FAQ's. There is a link for Special room requests. You give them your ressie name and make your request. They will confirm it by email within 72 hours. Once they confirm it is a done deal.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

A few questions for the experts.

At the Swan, where are the Standard View rooms? Are they just facing the front entrance (and MGM/BW)?

And, the Swan Lake View, where are these located? What is the difference between the Lake View and the Resort View?

Do these rooms start on the 2nd floor? Do they all have the floor-to-ceiling windows, or do any have smaller windows? Where are the non-smoking rooms located, or where are the smoking rooms located at?

Thank you!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

anyone have an answer for my questions?

 

[Dimk]

Maybe call the Swan and see if they can help you. They have been very helpful in answering my questions. Good luck!

 

[WiscMomof2]

Just back from a short stay at the Swan and I wanted to say that we had a very pleasant experience and would definitely stay there again. The CL upgrade was 1500 points per night and since I had already used most of my points for the stay, I only had enough left over to upgrade for one night which was no problem, they just noted in on our reservation. In the lounge I met Thabo, who I read about on the boards prior to going and he was as nice as people say. We had a lake view room and were on the 4th floor facing the courtyard and the Dolphin.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Welcome back! Was your room in one of the wings, or was it in the "main" building? Any tips you could give me? Thanks!

 

[DisneyFans4]

Glad to hear you had a great time. Thabo is great isn't he? He is so nice and runs things very well in the lounge. Was Mike working with him also? How about Maria?

 

[WiscMomof2]

California Dreaming

We were in the main building. The elevators that we used were right by the Disney ticket desk and Concierge. I was hoping for an Epcot view but it was fun to watch the boats coming and going from our balcony too.




DisneyFans4

Yes Thabo was really very nice. Went out of his way to talk to us and make us feel welcome. The other person working with him was a woman, so it could have been Maria but I can't say for sure. They both did an excellent job making sure things were well stocked and that everyone was happy.

 

[DisneyFans4]

I remember when we were there in August a new girl had started so it may or may not have been Maria.


Thabo makes sure he speaks to every guest which I think is great. He is great!! I miss those guys already. Can't wait until August to see them again.

 

[dreamflight99]

Madge-
I apologize, I misunderstood. Your right...pre-trip concierge service I have never had either but then I've never tried. I wonder if this service is available.
Have a great trip next week.

Yes, this can actually be accomplished. Yet, since they are a much smaller department/staff than other Disney resorts, you will have to initiate the contact. I have enjoyed the services and preparation (planning) on numerous occasions.

Disbug~What GREAT rates those are! $99 for the Swan/Dolphin is like ROBBERY (LOL). The accommodations and amenities are just so wonderful. It remains my favorite WDW resort.

Thabo, Marie, MamaT, and many others are instrumental in making the Club level lounge in both resorts enjoyable and memorable. I truly prefer being able to "phone" the lounge from the comfort of my suite, to find-out what type of hot appetizer is being offered. The answer would help decide whether I visited the lounge or not. Coconut Chicken skewers and shrimp are two of my favorites...and definitely items I would ALWAYS trek to the lounge to enjoy!

Glad to see this thread is still alive and well! Hope everyone is enjoying visits to the Dolphin/Swan, and continuing to discover the splendor these two incredible properties represent.

TTFN...DF99

 

[marymrg]

I have a question about the government rate the S/D offers. How much is it usually during Value season? Is it only applicable to federal government or can state gov employees get it too.
Since we're on the subject...can you get the education rate if you work for a school but don't actually teach?
Thanks!

Hi Mindy - I am not a certified teacher but I have stayed at the Swan with the discount because I fit into the description of 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. "
(this is quoted from the Dreams Unlimited section of the DIS)

You can't beat the heavenly beds. And, if you do decide to go, don't forget to join SPG (starwood preferred guest) so you can rack up the points!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

California Dreaming

We were in the main building. The elevators that we used were right by the Disney ticket desk and Concierge. I was hoping for an Epcot view but it was fun to watch the boats coming and going from our balcony too.

Thanks! Do many of the lake view rooms have balconies? I thought you had to get a resort view for one. Thanks again.

 

[adisneynut]

Do they apply to Jr. Suites? Not curently working but am a nurse. Will my nursing license and driver license work as proof? Also need room for 5(2 adults and 3 chidlren) however one is a boy age 14 and needs a bed to himself(or sofa sleeper).

We stayed at the Swan 1 New Years Eve a few years back and every since then my neice wants to go back so we are planning for next New Years Eve.

Thanks for any help.

 

[zalansky]

We had ressies at the Swan last weekend for Friday - Sunday. When we got there I asked if I could use points to upgrade to CL. They didn't have any rooms on CL but would give us access, so I said ok. Also, being a Gold SPG member (thanks to these boards!) I asked for a room with a view of Epcot so we could see fireworks from our room, and they moved us over to the Dolphin room 7002 - it was FABULOUS! There are no other words to describe it. Since our room was on the end, we had a little extra sitting area and space.

I think I am finally getting DH to change his mind about the S/D - he always thought they didn't have the magic that Disney resorts do but after watching Illuminations from our heavenly beds two nights in a row he is coming around!!!

 

[DisneyFans4]

I have always said that unless you've stayed at the Swan/Dolphin don't say they have no Disney feel because during our stays I've had an Epcot view and watched Illuminations from our balcony on those nights I wasn't in Epcot and sitting in the Club lounge you have a perfect view of the Tower of Terror. I think the views are beautiful and I truly feel I am in Disney.

 

[NancyIL]

I got back almost a week ago from a quickie 4-night stay at the Dolphin. It was wonderful, as always. I hadn't planned on returning to WDW so soon after spending 8 nights at the Swan in October, but I absolutely love WDW at holiday time! I'll be at the Swan for a week in March, and I'm thinking about spending 4 or 5 nights at the Swan next year after Thanksgiving, before my annual pass expires.

By the way, I had a wonderful view of the Boardwalk/Epcot from my room, and also watched Illuminations from the comfort of my bed and the warmth of my room...cuz it was COLD out on the balcony!

 

[Goofyish]

Is it OK to use the "Mousekeeping Envelopes" to leave a tip for the maids at the Dolphin?

Are they still called 'Mousekeeping' or something else because it's not a Disney owned hotel?

Thanks