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

[MOM POPPINS]

Thanks! Good to know about the crib. We were contemplating bringing our pack-n-play, but she's not used to napping in it.

We had a special online form for the convention reservation, so I did make those requests, but was not able to request view, and of course, I had to leave the Starwood number blank. I used your link to join Starwood. Here is the message I just sent to group reservations:
"Dear Dolphin Group Reservations, I am a Starwood Preferred Guest, member # xxxxxxx. Please make note of this in the reservation below. Also, since this is our first trip to the Dolphin Resort I would love to get a corner King room with Epcot view. A king is important to us so that we can have room for our little one's crib. Thank you!"

Also, I will definitely be calling housekeeping.
Re: cribs, is there room to move around if you have one of those in a double room? I'm wondering worst case since the resort will be so busy and we might not get the king.

You can move the crib around somewhat. We usually put the crib in front of the window at night. During the day sometimes we put it by the bathroom area or by the entry door.

There is no way to be on the dining plan while staying at the Swan or the Dolphin it is NOT a disney owned resort.

I don't know of anyway currently to get upgraded to Gold Starwood. If anyone else does please "chime" in.

 

[BlueFairy]

Ok what about freezing ice packs - I'd like to freeze the small blue ice gel packs to carry DD's baby food and bottles with us in a small cooler. Does the mini-fridge have a freezer section?
And regarding the crib - we're really debating because DD doesn't sleep much in her pack-n-play but it's from home and the crib wouldn't be. SO I thought we could just fly our PnP with us and if we don't need it then store it folded in the closet. Is there enough room to do that? We'll also have a stroller, carseat, and the crib in the room if we use it.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I am a Starwood member but I don't know if I am a Gold member. Can I upgrade to Gold?? What are the perks???...........

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/benefits/index.html

 

[Muffy]

I have a question about the SWAN! We will be staying there Feb.17-Feb.24. Originally when I made the reservation I was told we were getting a 2 BR suite. I called yesterday to check on everything and was told my reservation has been changed to a 1 BR suite. Oh well, not the best news. My question is, has anyone received a 1 BR suite with a bed in the parlor at the SWAN? I know the parlor of the DOLPHIN suite has a murphy bed. The SWAN parlor does not but some of the parlors do have a bed. All of the parlors have a queen fold out couch. We are traveling with 2 teens and they will get the bedroom to share. DH and I will get the parlor I'm not feeling good about the queen fold out for DH and I at all! Does anyone have any info on these suites? I'm very disappointed. Thanks in advance!

Muffy

 

[Disbug]

I have a question about the SWAN! We will be staying there Feb.17-Feb.24. Originally when I made the reservation I was told we were getting a 2 BR suite. I called yesterday to check on everything and was told my reservation has been changed to a 1 BR suite. Oh well, not the best news. My question is, has anyone received a 1 BR suite with a bed in the parlor at the SWAN? I know the parlor of the DOLPHIN suite has a murphy bed. The SWAN parlor does not but some of the parlors do have a bed. All of the parlors have a queen fold out couch. We are traveling with 2 teens and they will get the bedroom to share. DH and I will get the parlor I'm not feeling good about the queen fold out for DH and I at all! Does anyone have any info on these suites? I'm very disappointed. Thanks in advance!

Muffy

Hi, Muffy! Eek! You are giving the TEENAGERS the comfortable bed? You are such a GOOD mom! I don't know how comfy you and your DH are going to be on a fold out couch; especially for a week. I would give the teens with the younger backs, the foldout couch! That is too bad... I know you have always had such great luck with upgrades in the past. I'm guessing they are getting pretty booked if you have been bumped to a 1 BDRM?

 

[Disbug]

Ok what about freezing ice packs - I'd like to freeze the small blue ice gel packs to carry DD's baby food and bottles with us in a small cooler. Does the mini-fridge have a freezer section?
And regarding the crib - we're really debating because DD doesn't sleep much in her pack-n-play but it's from home and the crib wouldn't be. SO I thought we could just fly our PnP with us and if we don't need it then store it folded in the closet. Is there enough room to do that? We'll also have a stroller, carseat, and the crib in the room if we use it.

BlueFairy! I honestly wouldn't bother with the PNP.. The Heavenly Cribs at the S/D resorts are wonderfully comfortable and clean with beautiful white bedding and blankets. The mini-fridge does not have a freezer section unless my memory is getting dim, or they have changed the type they are using. These are all things you can call the Resort directly and inquire ahead of time, just to be sure. I would also call and make a note about the crib on your reservation ahead of time.

In order to upgrade to STARWOOD GOLD, other than having the minimum number of qualified stays, you can obtain a PLATINUM AMERICAN EXPRESS card from Starwood and that would get you GOLD status...

Waving HI! to MOMPOPPINS!

 

[NancyIL]

In order to upgrade to STARWOOD GOLD, other than having the minimum number of qualified stays, you can obtain a PLATINUM AMERICAN EXPRESS card from Starwood and that would get you GOLD status...

We have the Platinum Starwood AMEX - and my DH wasn't upgraded to gold status.

 

[madge]

We have the Platinum Starwood AMEX - and my DH wasn't upgraded to gold status.

You might call & double check on that-- I had no problem at all getting SPG gold status with the Starwood Amex.

a side note... I stayed at CSR this weekend, and totally missed the Swan!

 

[Disbug]

You might call & double check on that-- I had no problem at all getting SPG gold status with the Starwood Amex.

a side note... I stayed at CSR this weekend, and totally missed the Swan!

Yes, NancyIL, madge is right! You have to call SPG and let them know you have the Starwood AMEX card and you will be sent your GOLD Preferred Guest card. I imagine you could do this over the website as well, but I called directly.

madge! I feel your pain! When you love a resort so much, it's hard to stay somewhere else... CSR is nice but so much more spread out. Also, it is a moderate and the SWAN is deluxe. We've been spoiled, haven't we?

 

[Muffy]

Hi, Muffy! Eek! You are giving the TEENAGERS the comfortable bed? You are such a GOOD mom! I don't know how comfy you and your DH are going to be on a fold out couch; especially for a week. I would give the teens with the younger backs, the foldout couch! That is too bad... I know you have always had such great luck with upgrades in the past. I'm guessing they are getting pretty booked if you have been bumped to a 1 BDRM?

I think it is time for plan B, Disbug! Some of the parlors do actually have a heavenly bed. I will have to wait and see.

 

[ead79]

Hmmm, when I signed up for the SPG Amex, my preferred SPG card was upgraded to “preferred plus,” not gold. I’ll have to call and inquire about that.

For those of you that prefer either the Swan or Dolphin over the other, please tell me why. We’re possibly leaning towards the Dolphin, but I’m open to opinions.

 

[Disbug]

Hmmm, when I signed up for the SPG Amex, my preferred SPG card was upgraded to “preferred plus,” not gold. I’ll have to call and inquire about that.

For those of you that prefer either the Swan or Dolphin over the other, please tell me why. We’re possibly leaning towards the Dolphin, but I’m open to opinions.

Hi, Elisabeth!
Double check that you have the Platinum Starwood AMEX card... not sure if they have another level of card or not. But that may be why some are not upgraded to Gold Preferred level... (guessing here!)

I personally have always preferred the DOLPHIN! It is bigger, grander, more fun IMHO! My DD11 prefers the SWAN because it is smaller, quieter, easier to find your room and quicker access to the CLUB Lounge. This was back in the days when MAMA T and THABO could always be found over at the SWAN CL. Now that there have been such distinct changes in the level of service over at the DOLPHIN, I may revert back to my love of the SWAN. We have not been content with the level of service on our last 3 visits. We've also heard the rumor that management is contemplating "doing away" with the CLUB lounge altogether.... I don't know what to think about that!

 

[madge]

madge! I feel your pain! When you love a resort so much, it's hard to stay somewhere else... CSR is nice but so much more spread out. Also, it is a moderate and the SWAN is deluxe. We've been spoiled, haven't we?

we were not fans of CSR at all... I don't like southwest decor, so I didn't find the theming attractive at all. The large lake in the center of the resort is spectacular, though. There was a full moon on Saturday night and it was so clear and the water was so still. it was lovely. too bad it was too cold to enjoy the view!!

as an annual WDW guest, I know that we did not have a typical disney resort experience this trip. There were several little issues that just shouldn't have happened.

We'll be back at the Swan later this year

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Does anyone know if the doors at the Dolphin are magnetic? I want to make a door sign like we did for our cruise last year, but then I wondered if it would "stick". Thanks much!

 

[dreamflight99]

I personally have always preferred the DOLPHIN! It is bigger, grander, more fun IMHO! My DD11 prefers the SWAN because it is smaller, quieter, easier to find your room and quicker access to the CLUB Lounge. This was back in the days when MAMA T and THABO could always be found over at the SWAN CL.

Now that there have been such distinct changes in the level of service over at the DOLPHIN, I may revert back to my love of the SWAN. We have not been content with the level of service on our last 3 visits. We've also heard the rumor that management is contemplating "doing away" with the CLUB lounge altogether.... I don't know what to think about that!

Ditto...what Denise said/wrote! We may actually change our summer ressie altogether, if the management removes the CLL. We will be staying in a cottage at the BWI, the GF RPC, the CR 14th floor...and then perhaps a week at the POLY CL. We'll have to see how things "pan-out" before we change our current hold. I have a substantial BLOCK on hold, and would hate to lose it...if the CLL were to re-open, or even REMAIN open. I am going to have to call the manager this week and inquire. I'll be sure to post any/all news regarding this subject.

Hello Elisabeth!

Disneycrazymom~What a nice idea! I've seen so many decorated doors while cruising on the Disney Ships...and noticed many this past June (while traveling down the Mexican Riviera on the Magic for another week!). I believe they truly ARE metal, but would strongly suggest you phone the desk personally for confirmation.

Hello Nancy!~Good to see you on here! I too would suggest you call to receive the upgrade to the Gold SPG membership. I know they are getting more strict with upgrades, but have still heard of it being done. I'm still PLATINUM, and enjoy all the perks which accompany this level of membership.

Muffy~ouch! I know they are busy, and am sorry to read about your bump from the 2BR to the 1BR suite. Perhaps the 2BR is available on a couple nights during your stay? I would definitely ask at the desk upon check-in. Did you by chance PRINT a copy of the reservation reflecting the 2BR? You can bring this with you upon check-in, and perhaps something else could be located to better accommodate your party. Are you platinum SPG too?

BlueFairy~The standard Mini fridge the resort offers for use (for things such as keeping medicine cold) has a tiny freezer shelf (silver) at the top of the unit. It's not very large, and will only hold a couple of small bottles of water, or three ice creams, etc. I believe it may just be large enough to hold the blue packs you are describing. There should be NO charge for this fridge during your stay.

The proper reservation term for the specific room you desire is:

CORNER KING With TURRET (as in turret balcony).

It's a lovely room, with two balconies on some...and plenty of room for the babie's things! It used to be known as an "executive" room, back in the SHERATON day (before Starwood bought-out Sheraton corp/Westin, and so many others!). I hope you get this room, as it would suit your needs perfectly. I would also phone, and stress the importance of this request. Speak with someone in reservations, perhaps even a supervisor, and have them make another note regarding this matter on your ressie.

If you search further back (wayyy back) in this thread, there are some posts reflecting exact room numbers of the Corner Kings located on the far EAST wing. I posted these, and they are all wonderful (quiet rooms)...with unobstructed VIEWS of the main bay (which the BWI/YC and BC surround), Epcot and Illuminations.

The numbers are as follows:

5015
6015 These are the best "upper" floors for views. I would not go below
7015 ---- the fourth floor. All these rooms face Epcot. The Corner Kings
8015 directly across from these face the Swan/MGM and are the "16"
9015 series. Although acceptible, they are not as nice as the "15's"
(IMHO)

You would LOVE this view...especially from an upper Corner King w/turret. The ninth floor is the top (on the wings), and one of the BEST on the corner king turret rooms (for a view, etc).

Mom Poppins~Hi Robin! I wish the Dolphin/Swan were included in the DDP...as we would have truly enjoyed the savings this past summer. ^_^

Nice to see this thread still here, and thriving.

TTFN...DF99

 

[ead79]

Yep, it’s the Platinum Starwood Amex. Oh well, it doesn’t bother me too much. It did say on the packet that I received the “preferred plus” SPG card in that it gives me a room category upgrade, so that’s nice.

DF, Hello! Thanks to you and Disbug both for your reviews. I was already leaning toward the Dolphin, and I think you two just sealed the deal. Count me in as being shocked that they are considering getting rid of the club level lounge. With all the business travel the S/D gets, I’m surprised there isn’t enough interest. Plus, WDW’s resorts club concierge levels are always pretty full. Odd, to say the least. I wonder if there’s really something else going on.

 

[madge]

Is there somewhere to send comments regarding the possible closure of the CLL? I am so sad to read about this possibility... my family has such fond memories of Mama T & Thabo, I cna't even imagine staying at the Swan with no lounge! Is this a Starwood trend, or S/D only decision?

 

[Dan Murphy]

.....Now that there have been such distinct changes in the level of service over at the DOLPHIN, I may revert back to my love of the SWAN......

What changes????

 

[lynz421]

I have put a hold on the swan @ 155/nite. Should I cahnge it to the dolphin? sound like the S in a dive compared to D.
Tell me more

 

[BlueFairy]

Disbug - Thanks! That so puts my mind at ease about the quality of the crib. We could just use her sheets from home for the at-home smell and feel. My only concern - it is a very busy time there. Any chance we WON'T get a crib?
I requested one in our reservation (special group sales form) and it was noted in the "online concierge desk" link that group reservations e-mailed us. Also, I mentioned the need in the email I sent them later reqarding room location. BTW - we received no response to that email.

Dreamflight - I remember reading your post re: those room numbers. What great information! Thanks! Did you read the e-mail I sent to them regarding a "corner king with EPCOT view" (a few pages back)? As I mentioned above, we requested these things and they were noted, but no response was made to our e-mailed request where I added our (new) SPG#. Do you think that e-mail was sufficient, or should I call? Here is the text from the "concierge desk" (we are paying a standard room convention rate, none other was available):

Room Request Specifications:

Note: although we cannot guarantee them, we will make
every effort to accommodate your specific room requests of:
Standard View
Baby Crib
Higher Floor
King Bed Requested
Non-Smoking Room
Express Check-In

At this time you will be staying in the Dolphin wing.


Finally, just to clarify Dreamflight, the min-fridge you are referring to is the one in the room, and we should just move the contents with a note, right? Or is this a rental fridge and you're suggesting the fee should be waived?

You all are so helpful! Thank you!!