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

[QueenOfCelts]

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.

I am not sure if Jr. Suites are included in the Nurses promotion. We were told they wanted a paycheck stub or a letter from the employer on company letterhead. Your best bet would be to call the hotel directly and write down the name of whom you speak with.

 

[NancyIL]

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

I just leave cash in a conspicuous spot for "housekeeping"...no envelopes for me. But I'm sure they'd get a kick out of "Mousekeeping" envelopes. Have a great trip, Tim!

 

[2disneycruzrs]

If anyone has specific Dolphin room numbers you recommend to be able to see IllumiNations, that would be great. I have 7002 as posted by Loretta (thanks!).

We leave in less than a week! Thanks!

 

[NancyIL]

If anyone has specific Dolphin room numbers you recommend to be able to see IllumiNations, that would be great. I have 7002 as posted by Loretta (thanks!).

We leave in less than a week! Thanks!

I was in #9023 2 weeks ago.

 

[groomtb]

anyone know if they can change the shower head to the wand type for you? who can we call prior to check-in to arrage that?

do they let you take extra food out of the breakfast lounge area?

and when do they do the turn down service, don't want them knockin at the wrong hrs lol.

will be staying there for the first time in few months..not sure what to expect

 

[WebmasterBob]

Hi groomtb, I would give the hotel a call on the shower head. They would be the best person to say if it can be changed.

Most restaurants frown on food being taken out of the buffet restaurant. To be sure though checking with your server is going to be the best answer for you.

As far as turn down service, I would hang the do not disturb sign on the door if you do not want to be interrupted.

You will have a great time at the hotel.

 

[paras4ri]

I can help with the food question. We were at the Swan this past summer and were Club level. Some days my DD would sleep in so DH would stay with her and DS & I went to the lounge. We asked if we could take something back for her and it was never a problem. They knew we had 4 people registered for Club privileges.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Has anyone ever requested a late checkout at either the Swan or Dolphin? Is this still a Starwood perk?

 

[WebmasterBob]

Hi CRSNDSNY, The hotel advises that on the day of departure in the morning to ask the front desk for the late check-out. I also advise checking with the front desk on the day of arrival to see what the current policy of the hotel is regarding the late check-out.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Has anyone ever requested a late checkout at either the Swan or Dolphin? Is this still a Starwood perk?

Yes, I often do. I am gold, and get 4 PM if I need to.

 

[opal]

I, too, am SPG Gold. I have never been able to secure late check-out beyond 2 p.m. Once I was told I would have to pay for it even when I reminded them I was Gold and that it was my understanding that late check-out was one of the bennies I know that it is subject to availability but if it is available for a fee, then it should be available for Gold members.

They will not tell you if it is available until the morning of checkout, so have an alternate plan if they refuse.

The time I was asked to pay, I refused and contacted Starwood upon my return. They apologized and gave me extra points.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Interesting...even 1pm would be helpful. We're staying at the Dolphin the night before we check into the VWL and I'd love to not have to rush the next morning and afternoon.

I'll ask when we check in. THANKS AGAIN!!!

 

[WebmasterBob]

You must have been lucky Dan on that 4 pm check-out. I have heard of stretching it out to 2 pm upon availability at the hotel for the following night but never on a regular basis have I seen 4 pm. Asking at the desk is the right way to go when you get there.

The other thing to do is store the luggage in the morning and have a day bag if you want to go sit out by the pool or visit a park for the day.

 

[Dan Murphy]

LOL, okay, Bob, a few times. I think I have had the 4 PM 3 times, 2 PM maybe 3 other times (though I was not asking for 4 then) and was turned down once (stored luggage in luggage room on first floor). I most often have a 7:30 PM flight back home out of MCO and try to spend the day at the parks or wherever, come back to the room to change and that for the trip home. I do call the night before just to have them note I will be calling the following morning for a late check out.

OT here. I sure do like your photos on the wdwinfo site, Bob.

 

[PooohBear]

Does anyone know if there is something going on the first week of February ?? I decided that I would like to stay at the Swan or Dolphin and there are no rooms available !!

 

[WebmasterBob]

Hi PooohBear, Looking at the availability at both hotels I see that the Swan hotel is sold out Feb 3 -7 and the Dolphin is sold out Feb 5 - 8. At this time of year it is most likely a convention that has the hotels sold out.

Check back later tomorrow to saee if there are any changes. I expect an updated list to get to me later tomorrow. You can check availability on the Dreams site tomorrow evening. Here is the link to check.

http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/dreamsres/sd.cfm

Dan Thanks for the praise for the photos. Check out the Rose Garden photos I took in 2005. We have them up getting ready for 2006.

 

[wonderlandaddict]

Has anyone been able to obtain a discount (such as nurse, teacher...) for New Year's Eve? I am working on next years trip.

 

[WebmasterBob]

Hi wonderlandaddict, Looking at discounts for 2006 There are no discounts at all available for that night. The best rate at this time is $229.00 plus tax at both hotels. To check all discount dates available I posted a thread that you will find at the top of the first page on this board. I have gone ahead and listed all dates that each discount is available for the whole year.

Just a note I am expecting a new updated listing in the next few days and normally you will find discount dates updated. I expect that some dates for the next two months to be taken away, so if you see a discount date don't wait to lock it in. You can book by following the link below.

http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/dreamsres/sd.cfm

 

[luvdmouse]

My whole family is staying at the Dolphin in March...trying to find some answers before we get there. My DH just agreed to upgrade from standard to balcony (the shock has not worn off yet) with the hopes of watching fireworks from it. Does anyone know if a balcony guarantees you fireworks view or do I need to still request it? Do they still show movies at the pool in warmer weather? And do kids eat free in the hotel with AAA and/or starwood membership? I thought I had read about this somewhere on the boards. Finally, we are taking my two handicapped brothers with. They are getting a handicapped accessible room which I know are located near the elevators. Does anyone know if there are any decent views from these rooms. My DB will be stuck in his room most pms and I would love for him to see some fireworks. Also, does the S/D ever waive the fees for parking and fridge for medical reasons? Sorry this is so long, but I greatly appreciate any help. Lisa

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Just a note I am expecting a new updated listing in the next few days and normally you will find discount dates updated. I expect that some dates for the next two months to be taken away, so if you see a discount date don't wait to lock it in. You can book by following the link below.

http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/dreamsres/sd.cfm

Good to know because I thought the rate of $169 for teachers on May 6th next year was a little steep. I'm hoping to get a lower rate before we leave next year. I'll keep checking this out.

THANKS!