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

[paras4ri]

Don't give up Mary!!! Convention rooms probably wouldn't open up this early, people change their minds almost up to the last minute. Keep trying!!

 

[dreamflight99]

I second the motion for holding-out hope. The convention "holds" on the room remain until about a month out, when they must be confirmed (the # and deposits). At this time, the rest are released into the system. Of course, this can also happen earlier...if the company holding the convention calls to release them. I'll think good thoughts, and hope for the rooms to open-up in time for your visit!

 

[opal]

Does anyone know if you can still book govt/teacher/nurse rate at the SPG site? Every date if enter come back unavailable. Is this something that now has to be done on the telephone?

 

[DisneyFans4]

I've never stayed in the Dolphin but I can tell you I absolutely loved the Swan and am going again this year. We had a beautiful suite with an Epcot view and it was beautiful! We also watched Illuminations from our balcony with views of the Boardwalk. I also loved eating breakfast in the Club lounge because they have a tremendous view of the Tower of Terror.
I do know that the Swan offers double queen beds whereas the Dolphin only has double beds. I have 2 teenagers so I need the bigger bed.
Yes, the Dolphin has more restaurants and alot of quick food places but it's only a short walk from the Swan.
The only downside for me with the Swan is that it doesn't have a laundry room and the Dolphin does so you have to walk but again, it's not that bad because the laundry room is on the first floor.

 

[paras4ri]

This isn't good news if it's true
parking fees at the Swan & Dolphin???

 

[mar915]

Call the SPG to get discounts, you can't get them online or check out dreams unlimited and they have the discounts for it.

 

[maggiew]

We are looking to stay at the Swan/Dolphin for one night after our cruise. Unfortunately, that is July 1 - friday night of the 4th of July weekend. There are no discounts available (teacher, ENT, AAA, AllEars). Is this because they are all taken or because there aren't any available for the holiday weekend? I don't want to keep calling back checking for availabiility if there was never any to begin with!

Right now I have used 10,000 of my points to stay there for free. But I am thinking this isn't the greatest use of my points. Any other suggestions?

Also, I remember there being some travel magazine you can subscribe to to get Starwood points?? Does anyone know what that is?? Thanks.

Maggie

 

[maui2k5]

This September I will be going to Disney World with my girlfriend (Sept 23-Oct 1) and we will be staying at the Swan with a King Bed and a Lake View for $169 per night for the 1st 5 nights (Thanks All Ears!) I am wondering about using my StarWood points to upgrade to either Club Level or a Balcony Resort View room for the entire stay. Is it common to be able to get an upgrade using points? If so, which would you recommend trying to upgrade to? How would you recommend going about increasing our chances for an upgrade?

We have considered switching resorts for the days outside of the discounted nights, but the leaving location of the Swan and having to move hotels (such as WL or AKL) just does not seem to appealing...

Looking forward to your input!!! 7 months to go!

 

[DisneyFans4]

The best chance of getting an upgrade is at checkin when they know what is available.

 

[madge]

This September I will be going to Disney World with my girlfriend (Sept 23-Oct 1) and we will be staying at the Swan with a King Bed and a Lake View for $169 per night for the 1st 5 nights (Thanks All Ears!) I am wondering about using my StarWood points to upgrade to either Club Level or a Balcony Resort View room for the entire stay. Is it common to be able to get an upgrade using points? If so, which would you recommend trying to upgrade to? How would you recommend going about increasing our chances for an upgrade?

We have considered switching resorts for the days outside of the discounted nights, but the leaving location of the Swan and having to move hotels (such as WL or AKL) just does not seem to appealing...

Looking forward to your input!!! 7 months to go!

upgrades are based on availability. I think late September is a pretty empty time. Several large conventions start the first week of October :/

balcony vs. club level is a personal preference....whichever is more important to you

 

[DisneyFans4]

October is very busy with conventions as my DH goes every year. I'm not sure but he's leaving either the first or second week of Oct. so as far as getting an upgrade in Sept. I don't think there will be any problems.

 

[Goofy's Muse]

Hi S/D Fans! I'm looking for some advice/options/recommendations for a family of 5 whose never stayed at either hotel. Kids will be 14, 12 & 11. Would we be looking at one room or two and at which hotel? Are there shady areas at the Grotto pool and how well does the pool accommodate crowds? (This would be a late summer visit...) Are there age restrictions/height restrictions on use of those Swan paddle boats?

Thanks for any input you can share...

 

[Mouseteacher]

Goofy's Muse~You can book one room if you wish and have a rollaway bed for one of your children. I have traveled with my then teenage sons who preferred not to share a bed (both are pretty tall). A rollaway bed fits the bill! Or...on one trip my oldest DS said forget the rollaway he made up a "bed" on the floor and slept there - go figure!! LOL

There are many shady areas around the Grotto Pool. Most notably, is under the waterfall. It is as if you were in a cavern - shady and quite cool although a bit noisy because of the waterfall. I rarely find the Grotto pool overly crowded and all our stays have been in July and August. I have never had a problem finding a vacant chaise lounge.

 

[cbird]

Will be visiting in August. Any tips on how to get an upgrade. I am a Spg.

 

[dreamflight99]

Goofy's muse!

Just as MT pointed out...a rollaway would fit perfectly! They stand-up against the wall (if desired) when not in use, and work great! Ask housekeeping for a "heavenly feather duvet" to use one the rollaway (they will bring one upon request). It makes it just like the heavenly beds, and even more comfy, plush...special and inviting for the youngster lucky enough to score it!

The Grotto pool offers SO many shaded areas, especially around the waterfall/slide area. Take a peek...

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photos/swan-Dolphin/pages/Recreation_lap-pool_02b.htm

Scroll about three pics to the right (using the arrows) and you'll see the main pool with the shady area mentioned by MT.

As for the Paddleboats...I do not recall the restrictions on these. Check on the website (www.swandolphin.com) for further information regarding this matter. Here's some nice pics of these boats!

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photos/swan-Dolphin/pages/Recreation_paddle-boats_03.htm

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photos/swan-Dolphin/pages/Recreation_paddle-boats_04.htm

Enjoy!!

DF99

 

[Goofy's Muse]

Ahhh... thanks for the great info and photos, Mouseteacher and Dreamflight! That roll-away option sounds mighty appealing! I'm thinking I could really talk myself into this stay!

I think that under-the-waterfall locale would appeal to my entire clan... never realized just how expansive the S/D pool is! Are there major differences in "feel" between the Swan and Dolphin or is it just a matter of personal preference? Does one still have double beds or has that situation changed as the resorts have been renovated?

 

[dreamflight99]

Will be visiting in August. Any tips on how to get an upgrade. I am a Spg.

Welcome cbird! How are things across the pond? The best way to obtain an upgrade is to "request" one. August is a relatively good time for such a prospect, as the parks/resorts seem to wane during this month. Upgrades are based upon availability. Please, send a fax or email your request with your reservation number. Try to be as specific as possible, ie: preferred view, balcony, etc. Visit the website posted above to access the request form. Good luck, hope you enjoy your visit!

 

[dreamflight99]

Ahhh... thanks for the great info and photos, Mouseteacher and Dreamflight! That roll-away option sounds mighty appealing! I'm thinking I could really talk myself into this stay!

I think that under-the-waterfall locale would appeal to my entire clan... never realized just how expansive the S/D pool is! Are there major differences in "feel" between the Swan and Dolphin or is it just a matter of personal preference? Does one still have double beds or has that situation changed as the resorts have been renovated?

Glad you enjoyed the photos/info! The pics have a way of making me drift-away....

I still believe it's all a matter of preference. The Swan is much more refined and subdued (atmosphere) and the Dolphin more whimsical (lobby, common areas) and large!

The Dolphin still has the oversized FULL beds *(close to the Queen size), whereas the Swan has true Queens. You will have a GREAT time...and wish you would have visited sooner!! Great to see you here.

Enjoy the weekend. DF99

 

[maui2k5]

My trip to the Swan is not until Late September and wondered when the best time is to make a request on their web site? Also - anything specific to say on the request form? I am a SPG and have roughly 10k points in my account so far...

 

[cbird]

Welcome cbird! How are things across the pond? The best way to obtain an upgrade is to "request" one. August is a relatively good time for such a prospect, as the parks/resorts seem to wane during this month. Upgrades are based upon availability. Please, send a fax or email your request with your reservation number. Try to be as specific as possible, ie: preferred view, balcony, etc. Visit the website posted above to access the request form. Good luck, hope you enjoy your visit!

Thanks Dreamflight
Across the pond is very very cold. Thanks for the info about the Dolphin it is our favourite place to stay at WDW. Although the Swan is good too. We got an Entertainment rate for our stay so anything else is definately a bonus.
We had a lake view with balcony last time but cant remember which wing we were in. Memory not what is was.