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

[Minnie&Nana]

Bummer! Although, it is hard to feel too sorry for you knowing you'll be at WDW for the Christmas festivities.

'Ain't' it the truth!!!!

 

[grammy520]

I have a question about tickets to park. I am going 9/10 since it is hurrican season should I by the no experation tickets Thanks .Such a wonderful site for first timmer

 

[RachelTori]

I have a question about tickets to park. I am going 9/10 since it is hurrican season should I by the no experation tickets Thanks .Such a wonderful site for first timmer

We need more info first:
How many days are you planning to visit the parks?
What type of ticket were you planning to buy - base, park hopper, water parks & more? How many days?
Have you priced the tickets yet?

 

[SingingMom]

We need more info first:
How many days are you planning to visit the parks?
What type of ticket were you planning to buy - base, park hopper, water parks & more? How many days?
Have you priced the tickets yet?

I am a big advocate of the "non-expiration" option. I'm always worried that "something might happen" and we lose the tickets if we have to cancel or rearrange our plans. Sometimes, even the "best laid plans" change, and it's nice to know the tickets will still be good! Just my 2 cents...

 

[m_kasch]

I have a question for people with AAA. I was already an SPG member, so I had my regular SPG card. Then, when I signed up for the AMEX card, I got this Preferred Guest Plus card.

Is the AAA Gold card different than the Preferred Guest Plus card? I tried to call and have it changed, and they told me I already had that because I have the AMEX card. Thanks for you help in advance!!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

We have an AARP Preferred Plus spg card, but was told that our AAA Gold Card is better because a gold card is more likely for a better upgrade, but do not know for sure.

read on the DIS somewhere, that with a AAA Gold a member can call 5 days ahead of check-in to request an upgrade. I thought the poster meant another card level, but confirmed it was the AAA Gold spg card.

Maybe AMEX is the same as the AAA Gold?

 

[BlueFairy]

I have a question about tickets to park. I am going 9/10 since it is hurrican season should I by the no experation tickets Thanks .Such a wonderful site for first timmer

Even without the no expiration option your tickets will NEVER EXPIRE until you use a day off of them. So if you have the tickets and cancel your trip before it begins, you will not lose the tickets. If you begin your trip and must leave early, there is a simple fix. You can go to guest services at any park and upgrade by adding the no expiration option then, as long as it is within 14 days of the first time you used your tickets and there are unused days left.
Most hurricanes will give you enough notice (days, usually) when they are headed for Florida. If you get nervous you'll have plenty of time before the weather changes to make the changes to your tickets. Hurricanes don't just pop up from nowhere. In fact, if you watch the tropical forecasts you will know a week or more before you arrive if there is anything forming in the Atlantic that may cause concern later on.

 

[grammy520]

We need more info first:
How many days are you planning to visit the parks?
What type of ticket were you planning to buy - base, park hopper, water parks & more? How many days?
Have you priced the tickets yet?

I am planning 5 days park hopper Thanks for helping me

 

[Mouseteacher]

Here's my $.02 worth...

I agree on the no expiration tickets.

I have the SPG Amex card and each time I use it I get points. I am not sure that the AAA card gets you spg points. I have been saving my points for free nights for our next trip.

Also, I have always received wonderful comp upgrades by being an AMEX spg card member. Generally, I send an email about a week before arrival through the S/D website humbly requesting a comp upgrade of any type. I give my spg number as well letting them know I have the spg AMEX card on the e mail. I then call about 3 days before arrival. Two of our stays we knew of our upgrade before arrival. On other stays we were given it at check-in. I believe it depends on the busy-ness of the resort.

I remember our first stay (2002) the upgrade showed up on the website where you check your reservation. It showed for many weeks the standard room, teacher rate, etc. Then, one day about a week before check-in, I saw the change...it said Club Level!!! I couldn't believe my eyes! We had never stayed on club level - what a magical surprise! It was a great treat to receive that upgrade.

 

[RachelTori]

I am planning 5 days park hopper Thanks for helping me

Adding no expiration to a 5 day hopper adds about $60 to the total cost of the ticket. As Blue Fairy said, the ticket doesn't expire until 14 days after the first day used. But if it gives you peace of mind and you don't mind spending the extra money, then I think you should go with the 'no expiration'. Even without hurricanes, there might be a day or 2 that are rainy enough to keep you from the parks -- you can use those days on a future visit!

Wishing you a wonderful vacation!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Remember, you can always add items like hopper, no expire, while there, even after using your ticket, just make sure to do so before 14 days after first use. You might not need the upgrades, so wait till there to see if you do need them.

 

[anbouk]

off subject, but I have just reviewed the Dolphin Floor plan off of Allears and they include a Hair Salon within the hotel. Does anyone know is this current? I do not recall seeing one It supposedly is situated by Health Club, laundry area Thanks! Almost there! Whew!

 

[kimmar067]

.....boy, am I excited!!! I just booked the Dolphin for 12/22 to 12/28 for the Teachers' Rate of $189/nite!! WOOHOO!!

 

[RachelTori]

.....boy, am I excited!!! I just booked the Dolphin for 12/22 to 12/28 for the Teachers' Rate of $189/nite!! WOOHOO!!

YAY for you Kimmar! Make sure you watch for "specials". Last December, Swan and Dolphin had a special $139/night (don't remember the exact dates but it was around Christmas time!). You may not be able to get it for all of your nights, but if they offer a special rate, call the 1-888 # and they will apply the rate to any of your eligible nights! (every little bit helps!)

 

[grammy520]

Looking for the perfect gift for hubby Got room and tickets now i need your help with a gift. I will be staying at the dolphin has anyone gone on a illuminations cruise or had a massage at the spa they both sound do great. I need your help again and thanks so much. Suprise 35th anniversary trip he has no idea. my kids are loving this and so am I. Thanks again

 

[Mouseteacher]

Grammy~ Ahhh... great choices...cruise or spa? spa or cruise? Hmmmm...I'd go for the Illuminations cruise. Romantic!

 

[jeankeri]

I also second the cruise. My family loved it- did it for an 'unofficial' grand gathering. We saw some of the other boats decked out for special occasions. The captains are all about making the experience extra special. Good luck getting a reservation; be sure to check in every day for a cancellation if you end up having to do this- they do happen.

 

[DISshopkeeper]

Remember, you can always add items like hopper, no expire, while there, even after using your ticket, just make sure to do so before 14 days after first use. You might not need the upgrades, so wait till there to see if you do need them.

Hi Dan! I didn't know that! So I can just make any remaining days on a ticket "no Expire" before I leave?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Dorothy!!

Not quite. You can upgrade any time, or within 14 days of first use, BUT, the upgrade will be for the TOTAL number of days on the original ticket, not only those remaining.

You have a 10 day, use 5, when you upgrade to let's say a non-expire, you will pay for a non expire 10 day. But, you do not have to buy ahead of time, and maybe see if in fact you actually need to have the upgrade.

http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/ticket.htm#credpass

Deb probably makes it clearer here, as she always does, LOL.


And grammy, make sure to follow the suggestions on getting a cruise, if you do that (I recommend also) that are in a sticky at top of Theme park board. Thie are tough to get.

 

[kimmar067]

YAY for you Kimmar! Make sure you watch for "specials". Last December, Swan and Dolphin had a special $139/night (don't remember the exact dates but it was around Christmas time!). You may not be able to get it for all of your nights, but if they offer a special rate, call the 1-888 # and they will apply the rate to any of your eligible nights! (every little bit helps!)

..... uhhhhhhh, you weren't s'posed to see ME here......





















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