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

[disneywithfive]

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

Dan - your pictures are soooooo beautiful!!! Makes we want to go right now!!!! Thanks!

 

[mtblujeans]

All the good codes expire before I arrive for my October trip. Great rates, but we are sticking with the Free Food! The rates all end before my Food and Wine trip. Thanks for your help.

We are also going to Orlando in October as DH wants to go to USO. He wants to spend one day at Epcot and we have the tickets already. I was hoping to find a bargain price for one night in a resort near Epcot and, as I read this thread, Dolphin is looking pretty good. I'll be watching the rates....!

 

[maleficent_man]

Hi folks

Just booked a 3 night resort view stay at Dolphin from 27 Dec....can't wait.

 

[ztam3]

Woohoo! The hubby has agreed and we get to stay at the Dolphin for our first time the week after Thanksgiving! I am ecstatic about the location and the hotel. I have a couple questions if any one can answer them.
I know that you can not charge things from the parks to your room key while staying at the Dolphin. Do they put the Disney tickets on your room key as they do at the Disney resorts, or do you have separate tickets and a room key? Also, in several of the pictures of the Dolphin rooms, there is a sofa in the room. Is this in all king bed rooms, or only certain ones? If only certain ones, which ones? We would really like having the extra seating space. I am an SPG preferred plus member so I am hoping to score an upgrade with my membership. For those of you have experience with acquiring these upgrades, what do they typically offer? Is it the next step up in room, or view, or concierge, or just whatever is available? Any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated.
Have a wonderful day!
Tabitha

 

[Disneycrazymom]

There are rooms with 2 beds plus a sofa/loveset really. I believe they are called jr suites. We stayed in one last Jan and it was a very nice room. Our room # was 17103. We also had club access but sadly that is gone now. It might be possible to be upgraded, it never hurts to ask. I would not count on it though. If you need the extra sleeping space I would book it, if it would "just be nice" then ask at check in. The Dolphin is our favorite Disney hotel, I am sure you will enjoy it!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Hi,ztam3!

Disney park tickets are not on your room key. You have that separate. The sofa (sofa bed) is in the King rooms or junior suites.

We have received many different types of upgrades from our spg membership:
Club level
Junior Suite
Balcony room with resort/Epcot view

I believe upgrades are based on occupancy rate of the resort at the time you are checking in.

There no longer is Club Level at the S/D.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Maybe good to stick a link to this thread here too.....................

http://130.94.75.33/showthread.php?t=1178844

 

[ztam3]

Thank you all for your responses. We are thrilled to be staying at the Dolphin for the first time.
Have a wonderful day!
Tabitha

 

[mtblujeans]

I called the 888 number and asked about the special rate for the 2 rooms and, sadly, that special ends October 2 and we will be there October 21. (SUCH A GOOD DEAL). But, I did go to Deb's site and sign up to get the email specials so maybe there will be a discount code we can use in the next newsletter.

 

[Elysiannn]

Where are these located? And will they take any Starwood points towards it? Are they hard to reserve? Please advise or point me to the link. Thanks! Ely

 

[FeeFeeWhite]

Are there any Jr. Suites at the Swan with 2 Queen Beds?

 

[Nysie]

I've never inquired about getting an upgrade at check-in. I guess I'm too chicken.We joined the Starwood program.What exactly do you say to the agent? Do you ask what the extra cost would be or just ask if there is a complimentary upgrade? I have to be coached!Thank s!

 

[Mouseteacher]

I was chicken, too, and didn't think I would have the nerve to ask. But, I mustered the nerve and asked very nicely and politely if there was any possibility of a complimentary upgrade...I am an spg and an AMEX starwood holder. It worked every time I booked into the S/D. They were very accomodating. Go for it and don't be chicken!!

I must admit I still am very nervous when sputtering my "ask" out to the check-in CM.

 

[friarfan]

As four adults staying at the dolphin 9/28-10/04 I was offered two king rooms at he time of making the reservation. The dolphin had a special price for those dates, evidently this is not a busy time for this hotel. Do you think I would have a good chance of being upgraded?

Are the king rooms located in various sections throughout the hotel and are there any ground floor rooms at the dolphin with walkout patios?

 

[paras4ri]

Hi friarfan,

Wish I could help more but I do have an answer for one of your questions - yes, there are ground floor rooms at the Dolphin with walk-out patios. They're in the "wings" of the building.

We'll be at the Dolphin just before you are, 9/21 - 9/25 and there are Friar fans in our family too - Providence College Friars that is.

 

[FeeFeeWhite]

Are there any Jr. Suites at the Swan with 2 Queen Beds?

?????????????????

 

[Mouseteacher]

?????????????????

I'm not really sure there is - we stayed in a jr. suite w/ balcony room at the Swan - it was King bed / sofa bed / dining area with table and 4 chairs.

I hope someone else can answer definitely for you or give the hotel a call.

 

[Disneytrip]

I have two questions....first, does Dolphin now have refillable mugs available at Picabu's? Second, is it true that you can get 20% off dining at Swan/Dolphin restaurants when you present your AAA card and if so, which restaurants participate? Thanks!

 

[Mouseteacher]

There are AAA discounts. I believe it is not available at Shula's and the Blue Zoo. Perhaps someone else knows for sure.

I don't know about the mugs but I have read somewhere on the DIS that there are refillable mugs.

 

[mtblujeans]

I just got an email from The Swan/Dolphin with a special rate:

"Connecting with family and friends at the Walt Disney World® Resort is an unforgettable experience. At the end of the day, you'll love coming home to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort where you'll enjoy your own room for as low as $159* and up per night while your kids share the connecting room for as low as $89* per night.

For even more space for the family to stay connected, reserve a suite starting at only $300*.

Call 1-888-828-8850 and ask for rate code SDSUM

*Rate is good for stays Aug. 1 - Oct. 7, 2006 in a standard room. Rate is per room, per night based on rate schedule availability. Connecting rooms start at $89 and up based on availabilty when purchased together. Does not include applicable taxes or gratuities. Not valid with any other special offers, promotions, or for groups. Must be booked by Sept. 30, 2006.

Call 1-888-828-8850 and ask for rate code: SDSUM"