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

[dreamflight99]

I wouldn't worry about the popularity of the S/D resorts. It's a poll from people of this website, not an official Disney Magazine poll, Conde Nast or other publication. The end result really holds no water for me.

DITTO~!!

Also, love your festive and seasonal signiture clippies!! I received mine in a PM from Kimmar! Thanks for brightening~up the place with your decorative uplifting art/posts.

**ztam3~Hello Tabitha,
Although I've never used the cert at this property, but have used it at others. It's a great feature, and depending on "when and where" you stay, can save you a bundle as well. It's good for up to five eves, so be sure to take this into account. I believe you would be able to use it as you mentioned without ANY problems, if you simply make two separate reservations.

Unlike airline promos and many others, there is no minimum amount necessary (on Amex) to utilize this certificate. The only inconvenience with splitting the stay in this manner, is the fact you will need to go to the desk and "check-in" again on the sixth day. It's never a problem---and you will not need to change rooms, etc. It's only to formally change the billing, and receive a new key (which is a good idea after five days to a week anyway, as they often times need to be updated according to my personal experience).

Just remember, the 50% is based upon the resort's "rack rate" for the room. Sometimes, promotional offers and special rates are BETTER than this deal. Be sure to ask about every offer being currently used to assess the best rate/deal for your budget. Hope this helps!

Call the accounting department at the resort directly, and inquire about this matter. I have a toll-free number available if you do not have one. Simply pm me if you need/want it.

 

[ztam3]

I really appreciate your reply. I know that I have read this previously, but the search engine does not always work well with me. I know the Dolphin rooms have hair dryers. Are they pretty powerful? Some hotel hair dryers have no power and it takes forever to get my hair dry. Any help would be greatly appreciated. We leave in only two days!
THANKS!
Tabitha

 

[ztam3]

BUMP!

 

[Dan Murphy]

.....but the search engine does not always work well with me......

I know nobody that it works well for, you are not alone.

As far as I recall the blow dryers work fine, pretty much a regular dryer.

 

[ztam3]

Thanks so much for you reply. I appreciate your help!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Tabitha

 

[Blondie]

The hair dryers are the same you'd see in any hotel. They're are the white ones, if you're familiar. It'll do in a pinch, I've used them plenty of times. I prefer to bring my own, but don't always just to save a little space in the suitcase.

 

[RachelTori]

We've stayed at the Dolphin twice - both times in a room on 7th or 8th floor with a great view of Epcot, no balcony.

Now I'm trying to book a stay online and am seeing 2 "resort view" rooms: a Traditional Resort View and a Deluxe Resort View with Balcony. (there's only $20/night difference in the rate - Teacher Discount.)

Are the rooms the same size/view - the "Deluxe" being the Balcony? TIA!!

 

[dreamflight99]

We've stayed at the Dolphin twice - both times in a room on 7th or 8th floor with a great view of Epcot, no balcony.

Now I'm trying to book a stay online and am seeing 2 "resort view" rooms: a Traditional Resort View and a Deluxe Resort View with Balcony. (there's only $20/night difference in the rate - Teacher Discount.)

Are the rooms the same size/view - the "Deluxe" being the Balcony? TIA!!

Yes~both rooms are the same square footage, but the balcony offers the illusion of more space. Many prefer the balcony because of this aspect. It's definitely worth the $20 more per night (IMHO). Yet, based upon availability, they may actuallly be able to "upgrade" you to a balcony room at no additional charge.

If you absolutely want the balcony, (and are traveling during a peak/busy time) I would strongly advise booking/reserving it in advance. These rooms are the most desirable/coveted, and since they are not in ample supply---go quickly. The "traditional" resort room usally faces the parking lot, etc. The DELUXE preferred view w/balcony faces Epcot/MGM/Swan. The additional $20 is a GREAT deal for this room (over the standard).

 

[valleygirl]

Hi everyone,

I'm getting ready to book a room for next August and would love some advice from all you experts. I plan to book a deluxe balcony room for myself, hubby and 12 yo daughter. Am I correct in assuming that I should request a room with an Epcot view on the 8th floor of the far east wing as I would really like an illuminations view? Also, do the sofas in the king rooms have a pull out bed as we would prefer a king room? After reading many of these posts, I've joined SPG program. Anything else I should do? Thanks for your help.

Maura

 

[Mouseteacher]

Maura~ The far east wing, 8th floor is what we had and the view of Illuminations was wonderful! We had a balcony which made it even more wonderful. We had 2 double beds because we had our DS (then 19) with us. We knew he would be more comfortable in a bed than on a pull out sofa.

I do believe the King rooms with the sofa is a pull-out bed. Perhaps someone else can confirm it. We had a King room (junior suite) at the Swan with a sofa bed when we stayed a few years ago.

 

[fizz13]

Hi everybody
Just joining this thread as I have just booked a 6 night stay for next August 22nd to 28th at the Dolphin, using the great AP rate, which i still have to get, but seeing as I have another trip planned for jan 08 this will be very viable.
I hvae booked a standard view, can you tell me what I am likely to get view wise? I put theme park view on my requests but it sounds like these are for a higher catagory room. Should I upgrade for the sake of the view?
Also if I am getting a towncar transport, and need to change my AP voucher for the ticket before I check in, how should I do this? Can the Dolphin hold my luggage before check in while I walk to Epcot to get the AP or can my driver pull up next to International Gateway and wait for me?
Any advice gratefully received,

 

[Dan Murphy]

No help here on the views, but the the hotel will hold bags before checkin. Driver can not really get near International Gateway. Also, hotel should recognize your voucher for checkin purposes.

 

[RachelTori]

Hi everybody
Just joining this thread as I have just booked a 6 night stay for next August 22nd to 28th at the Dolphin, using the great AP rate, which i still have to get, but seeing as I have another trip planned for jan 08 this will be very viable.
I hvae booked a standard view, can you tell me what I am likely to get view wise? I put theme park view on my requests but it sounds like these are for a higher catagory room. Should I upgrade for the sake of the view?
Also if I am getting a towncar transport, and need to change my AP voucher for the ticket before I check in, how should I do this? Can the Dolphin hold my luggage before check in while I walk to Epcot to get the AP or can my driver pull up next to International Gateway and wait for me?
Any advice gratefully received,

If you haven't done so already, join the Starwood program (spg.com). You'll earn points toward free stays for each stay at a Starwood property (such as Swan & Dolphin). Have your Starwood # added to your res. When you check in, you're automatically upgraded just because you're a Starwood Preferred Guest! We always book and pay for a standard, yet have never had anything less than an awesome view of Epcot!!

 

[fizz13]

Thanks for the great tip

 

[NancyIL]

Just back on the 4th from 9 nights at the Swan. Weather was a LOT warmer then the past 2 years at about the same time, although the day I left (Monday) the high was supposed to be only 70. One can never be at WDW too long, but I was away from home for 13 days (DH and DS were at home) - so I'll probably limit future trips to a week.

Dan - sorry you weren't able to be there this year for MouseFest.

 

[luvdmouse]

Does anyone know the approximate size of the Dolphin rooms? Also is concierge gone at the Dolphin? We were there last year and thoroughtly enjoyed it. I know it was closing right after we left, but on the swandolphin website I noticed they still mentioned it.

 

[Blondie]

There's a concierge desk to help with dining reservations and such, but no concierge (club) level lounge anymore.

 

[LoveMyBoys]

We are leaving for our first stay at the Dolphin in just 8 days, and I just had some last minute questions:
1. If I buy something at Downtown Disney, can my packages be sent to Dolphin?
2. Can I empty out the mini bar to use it for our stuff, or do I need to ask housekeeping to do it, or am I not allowed to do it at all? Is there a charge to use it for our things?
3. Does Dolphin have bed rails that we could request for our kids?
4. Is it possible to request a hand held shower to use?
5. What kind of toiletries does Dolphin have, is it the same as other Sheraton's?

I appreciate everyone's help. Thanks

 

[Dan Murphy]

Enjoy your trip, you'll love it.

1. Yes, Disney will send purchases at the Swan/Dolphin

2. I always empty it myself, along with a phone call to housekeeping so they make note I took things out but am not using the items.

3/4. Not sure, but I would think they might have. Someone here will know.

5. The usual shampoo, conditioner (maybe that is a combined one), hand lotion, soap. Can't recall what else.

Thanks for your thoughts, Nancy, I wish I was there too.

 

[Blondie]

5. What kind of toiletries does Dolphin have, is it the same as other Sheraton's?

I appreciate everyone's help. Thanks

We love the oatmal bath soap the S/D provide! The scent is wonderful and has little flakes of oatmeal in the bar. It's great stuff!

The facial soap is a glycerine type. Much better than the soaps the WDW resorts supply except for maybe the Grand Floridian.

Enjoy!