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

[TwingleMum]

I posted this question on another thread but they confused me My DH is a Starbucks addict. Does Tubby's have Starbucks coffee?? Can you use a refillable mug? How much are they?? Thanks for the info.

 

[AndyMcV]

...Once again, I am actually pleased they are implementing this system, as it will cut-down on parking abuse from non-guests, and also improve the security of the hotel property (always a concern). I do not find $7 to be unreasonable....

I personally think that this is just a cash grab for the S/D. Shame on you S/D as you should be following the other Disney resorts. Don't get me wrong I'm not trying to dis the S/D as this is a great resort otherwise. However this has nothing to do with security. Instead of penalizing the good resort members who park there rightfully and charging them $7 per day, they should just have an automated machine that scans your hotel room key. If you stick in a valid room key voila you can have automatic parking. For those who park there "illegally" won't be able to anymore.

I guess it wouldn't bother me so much if we didn't have to pay for that idiotic $10 daily resort fee (with no option not to), especally when some/most(?) don't use the additional benefits.

Sorry for the semi-vent. I guess I just want to keep our little oasis in WDW. However if they keep tacking on these "extra" costs then they'll be coming close to staying at a "true" Disney resort. $169 + 10 + 7 = $186 per night is coming very close to a discounted rate at the BC / YC. Don't do it S/D, Doooonnnt Dooooo Iiiiiittttt.

Andy

 

[paras4ri]

I posted this question on another thread but they confused me My DH is a Starbucks addict. Does Tubby's have Starbucks coffee?? Can you use a refillable mug? How much are they?? Thanks for the info.

They sure do have Starbucks coffee and refillable mugs. They cost about 10.00 and you can use them for fountain drinks too. Tubbi's is open 24-hours and that's much more accessible than some of the other refillable mug offers.

They look like an insulated travel coffee cup rather than the mugs you see at the Disney resorts. I have a brand-new digital camera. I'll take a picture of our S/D cups and try to post it!

 

[Mouseteacher]

You have excellent points there, Andy. I am worrying that they keep increasing the teacher rate and then with the added fees...well, it could lead me right back to staying at a Disney Deluxe. I do love the S/D but if the rates are = to WDW Deluxes it would give me choices, sad to say.

 

[paras4ri]

Ta Dahhh....the refillable mugs!!!!!

 

[canes]

My family and I are planning on staying at the Dolphin this summer - we have always stayed at other Disney Deluxe resorts. This is our first non Disney hotel - trying to save money. Just wondering if it is worth it or should we try a moderate Disney property? Are you still treated the same as if you stayed at a Disney hotel?

 

[paras4ri]

My family and I are planning on staying at the Dolphin this summer - we have always stayed at other Disney Deluxe resorts. This is our first non Disney hotel - trying to save money. Just wondering if it is worth it or should we try a moderate Disney property? Are you still treated the same as if you stayed at a Disney hotel?

We've stayed at the Dolphin, POR and the Beach Club and the Dolphin is #1 on our list!!!!

 

[DisneyFans4]

Look at where I've been and see where I'm going back!!

 

[paras4ri]

Look at where I've been and see where I'm going back!!

By looking at our counters I think we'll be at the Swan at the same time!

 

[DisneyFans4]

That's right! What a small world.....

 

[dreamflight99]

I personally think that this is just a cash grab for the S/D. Shame on you S/D as you should be following the other Disney resorts. Don't get me wrong I'm not trying to dis the S/D as this is a great resort otherwise. However this has nothing to do with security. Instead of penalizing the good resort members who park there rightfully and charging them $7 per day, they should just have an automated machine that scans your hotel room key. If you stick in a valid room key voila you can have automatic parking. For those who park there "illegally" won't be able to anymore.

I guess it wouldn't bother me so much if we didn't have to pay for that idiotic $10 daily resort fee (with no option not to), especally when some/most(?) don't use the additional benefits.

Sorry for the semi-vent. I guess I just want to keep our little oasis in WDW. However if they keep tacking on these "extra" costs then they'll be coming close to staying at a "true" Disney resort. $169 + 10 + 7 = $186 per night is coming very close to a discounted rate at the BC / YC. Don't do it S/D, Doooonnnt Dooooo Iiiiiittttt.

Andy

Andy...aren't you FLYING in from Ontario? You should not need to worry about the resort parking fee, if you are not driving. We fly in from California, and rent a vehicle from time to time (about a week total while at the Dolphin property). This is why I'm not too concerned over the change. Also, as I posted earlier...after paying more than $55-60 for parking in Some City hotel properties, $7.00 is a breath of fresh air!

 

[Deweysgirl]

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

Not sure if your question was answered, but we are staying at the Swan on 7/1 with a discount that was offered on allearsnet.com I believe it was 159.00 a night with a free room upgrade. So we have Lakeview for $159.00 a night. I booked this a couple of months ago and at that time the Dolphin was already sold out for that weekend, that's why we are trying the Swan. Apparently there is a convention that weekend.

 

[TwingleMum]

Thanks Gail. My DH will be thrilled. The mugs look cool. We'll have to get one.

 

[Lewisc]

Andy...aren't you FLYING in from Ontario? You should not need to worry about the resort parking fee, if you are not driving. We fly in from California, and rent a vehicle from time to time (about a week total while at the Dolphin property). This is why I'm not too concerned over the change. Also, as I posted earlier...after paying more than $55-60 for parking in Some City hotel properties, $7.00 is a breath of fresh air!

Hotels in cities like NYC charge for parking, in many cases the parking garage isn't even owned by the hotel. You know parking isn't included in ANY hotel in that area.

The difference here is adjacent deluxe hotels aren't charging for parking. Sorry but the resort fee and parking fee is just a way to increase the room rates while keeping the posted rates lower. Gaylord Palms gives guests 2 bottle of water per day, 2 bottles of OJ per day, coffee, high speed internet access, a monitor, keyboard and mouse so you can access the interent without even bringing your computer. They make an effort to give you something for your resort fee. S/D is basically giving us amenities that many hotels either give all their guests or at least guests that belong to their frequent stay program.

I'd still stay in the S/D I find the theming somewhat of a nice break from the parks BUT I basically add $20 to the room rate when I compare it to the Disney deluxe hotels.

Really no reason they couldn't police the parking lot, possibly even towing cars, without charging guests for parking.

 

[dreamflight99]

Hotels in cities like NYC charge for parking, in many cases the parking garage isn't even owned by the hotel. You know parking isn't included in ANY hotel in that area.

The difference here is adjacent deluxe hotels aren't charging for parking. Sorry but the resort fee and parking fee is just a way to increase the room rates while keeping the posted rates lower. Gaylord Palms gives guests 2 bottle of water per day, 2 bottles of OJ per day, coffee, high speed internet access, a monitor, keyboard and mouse so you can access the interent without even bringing your computer. They make an effort to give you something for your resort fee. S/D is basically giving us amenities that many hotels either give all their guests or at least guests that belong to their frequent stay program.

I'd still stay in the S/D I find the theming somewhat of a nice break from the parks BUT I basically add $20 to the room rate when I compare it to the Disney deluxe hotels.

Really no reason they couldn't police the parking lot, possibly even towing cars, without charging guests for parking.

Lewis, you are correct with respect to City parking fees associated with other hotels. As for the GP, I am completely disinterested in staying in this hotel (off property), irregardless of what they offer as inclusive perks. I've heard from too many unhappy friends, whom have stayed at the Palms.

As for inclusive perks...the Disney properties do NOT offer Free internet, water or juice, etc. The Swan/Dolphin DO offer Web access, via the television using a wireless keyboard available in each room, at a fee of $9.95 per hour (or similar).

The resort fee charged for the SD covers a LOT more than you receive at any other Disney property hotel. In room Coffee, newspaper, phone and health club use (With bottled Spring water on tap) are well-worth the $10 additional charge (IMHO).

I'm sure, down the road, the parking policy at the Swan/Dolphin will effectively change according to the "feedback" from dissatisfied guests. For the time being, I do exactly as you posted, and simply ADD the additional costs into my planning. It would take a LOT more than this, ($7 parking fee) to change my mind about these two magnificent resorts!

 

[cbird]

I agree Dreamflight. The SD are lovely hotels but the big plus is location,location.location. I would stay here in preference to most Disney resorts just for that reason. Most Disney resorts are quite remote from anything. Whereas the SD has the advantage of being close to the Boardwalk where you can spend many an happy hour just chillin.

The parking fee? Well it happens. At the end of the day 'you pay your money and take your choice'

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

Does anyone know if 5 are able to stay at the Dolphin, 2 adults 3 children? Thanks.

 

[BraveMom3]

After going back and forth between WL, where we usually stay, and the Dolphin, I finally committed to the Dolphin for Thanksgiving. It's so hard for us to break out of our comfort zone. We'll be at VWL and BCV in June so we decided to take the plunge and go for the Dolphin for Thanksgiving. I requested a standard room, and when I received my confirmation, they had upgraded us to a Lake View room! I look forward to checking out this resort up close.

 

[paras4ri]

Does anyone know if 5 are able to stay at the Dolphin, 2 adults 3 children? Thanks.

They certainly can, we had 5 last summer but it was 3 adults and 2 kids. There was an additional charge for the 3rd adult but I think all 3 kids should be included in the room charge. When I asked I was told that fire codes allow 5 per room in the Dolphin but only 4 per room in the Swan.

Good job BraveMom3 - you'll have a wonderful time at the Dolphin!

 

[dreamflight99]

The parking fee? Well it happens. At the end of the day 'you pay your money and take your choice'

"Perfectly stated." There are MANY other resorts to consider/reserve, if the new fee is such a bother/stress~point.
Inflation...is simply a part of life.

BraveMom3~LAKE VIEW upgrade @ Thanksgiving = WONDERFUL! Have a wonderful TIME! Be sure to walk over and take a closer peek during your summer visit. Have you signed up for your SPG membership?