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

[Hieatt]

I was noticing the suite upgrade option using SPG points at 10,000, which is the same point value as for a room. Has anyone ever booked a room and used SPG points to upgrade to a suite?? If so, what kind of suite did you get, a Jr. Suite, 1 BR Executive or 2 BR Executive?? Thanks!

 

[Rhonda922]

Does anyone have recent pics from the Swan? I'm just looking for something to drool over for the next 3 1/2 weeks until we leave!

 

[dreamflight99]

I was noticing the suite upgrade option using SPG points at 10,000, which is the same point value as for a room. Has anyone ever booked a room and used SPG points to upgrade to a suite?? If so, what kind of suite did you get, a Jr. Suite, 1 BR Executive or 2 BR Executive?? Thanks!

I've never done this, but have read/heard of others whom have taken advantage of this offer. The designated suite is usually a "Jr. Suite"....BUT--I have heard of times (based upon varying factors: availability, front desk associate, your specific request upon check-in, etc.) when DISers have received the "Executive Suites" for points, etc. It does not happen very often, but it DOES happen.

I've written numerous times in the past (like a mantra), "IT NEVER HURTS TO ASK!" The worse thing which can happen, is they say "no" (and you're no worse off than before you asked!!). I would use the points, and specifically request an "executive suite" if one is available. PM me for specific room numbers (to request) if you plan to do this.

When in Paris with DD last December, I used 24,000 points for two eves at the St. Regis Prince De Galles luxury collection property. I paid the lowest rate available for the other two eves (which...due to the horribly WEAK american dollar amounted to an obscene amount). Being platinum, I was hoping for at least an upgrade to a deluxe room with a view. Of course...even for Platinum SPG...this is based solely upon availability. Upon arrival, the concierge came over to the starwood check-in desk to greet us, and wish us a wonderful stay.

The bellman accompanied us to our room, which was a grand and extremely elegant 2-bedroom ambassador suite on the top floor of the property overlooking Avenue George V and the Champs. It had a private garden piazza/balcony with retractable green canvas awnings, fresh flower boxes, patio trees and pristine plush patio furnishings. This suite also offered an amazing bathroom, with a DEEP jacuzzi tub, massive corner shower, and relaxing steamroom (all marble & tile) with the luxurious heated towel rack. The bedrooms were plush, with a fresh blue/white provincial decor. The suite boasted long decorated corridors leading to an incredible foyer. The place even had a DOORBELL!! We were thrilled, and immediately phoned the concierge to express our gratitude. During our stay, we received numerous amenities, including wine/cheese brought to our suite, boxes of signature chocolates, and breakfast in bed.

Therefore, STARWOOD resorts are extremely adept at making the MAGIC happen, and their associates GRANT WISHES on a daily basis around the globe. The WDW Swan/Dolphin are no different! Enjoy your planning!

TTFN...DF99

 

[Ergens2]

Do all Dolphin rooms have the heavenly beds now? That was the main reason I was looking at the Swan. But after reading what everyone else has said about the Dolphin I think we would like to stay there. What do yal think? Which is your fav. and why?

 

[Mouseteacher]

Yes, indeed, the Dolphin has the heavenly beds or as Sheraton calls then "Sweet Sleepers"!

Which to choose - Dolphin or Swan? Love them both!

 

[ozziewags]

I was noticing the suite upgrade option using SPG points at 10,000, which is the same point value as for a room. Has anyone ever booked a room and used SPG points to upgrade to a suite?? If so, what kind of suite did you get, a Jr. Suite, 1 BR Executive or 2 BR Executive?? Thanks!

I think 'zurgswife' has used 10,000 points to upgrade to an executive suite at the S/D. Maybe you could do a search and find her.

 

[dreamflight99]

CHICKEN PICATTA
(received today from the wonderful kitchens of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel)

Ingredients For The Chicken:
2 Boneless Chicken Breasts
1 Cup Flour
4 Eggs
¼ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 Tbsp. Chopped Parsley
Salt and Pepper (to taste)
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil

Ingredients For The Sauce:
2 Tbsp. Butter
½ Tbsp. Chopped Shallots
½ Tbsp. Chopped Garlic
2 Cups Sliced Mushrooms
¼ Cup Flour
1 Cup Chicken Stock
½ Cup Heavy Cream
¼ Tbsp. Lemon Juice
2 Tbsp. Capers
Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Method for the Chicken:
Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, season flour with salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, parmesan cheese and parsley together to form a thin batter. Dredge chicken breast in the flour and then in the batter. Sauté in olive oil until done.

Method for the Sauce:
In a saucepan melt the butter, add the shallots and garlic and sauté lightly. Add the mushrooms and cook until all liquid has been evaporated. Add flour and mix in. Add chicken stock and cook until thickened. Add lemon juice and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper.

Presentation:
When chicken is done, pour sauce over and garnish with capers and sliced lemons and limes.

Yield: 2 portions

CLICK HERE for recipe club archives! (& FABULOUS RECIPES from the DOLPHIN/SWAN):

http://www.swandolphin.com/recipeclub/archives.html

 

[Mouseteacher]

Thanks, DF! I received this recipe postcard,too, and printed it out to give it a try.

 

[#1hockeymom]

GMTA! I think it is one of their most "must try" recipes so far!

 

[paras4ri]

Thanks, DF! I received this recipe postcard,too, and printed it out to give it a try.

The recipe looks great, is it something served at Palio???
It looks so good it's making me re-think the location for my birthday dinner in August!

How do you get on a mailing list for these great recipes??

 

[DisneyFans4]

Just go to Swan's website and click the link for the postcards and when you register you can check off what types of e-mail notices you'd like to receive from them and you will start getting them.

 

[Rhonda922]

Does anyone know where the Dolphin's/Swan's restaurant menus are listed online?

 

[paras4ri]

Does anyone know where the Dolphin's/Swan's restaurant menus are listed online?

The menus for the Dolphin and Swan, along with all other resorts, are listed here!!!!

 

[DisneyFans4]

Gail-
I just noticed that your leaving a week before me!!!!

 

[paras4ri]

Gail-
I just noticed that your leaving a week before me!!!!

You're right!!! We'll be at the Swan from August 6-14.

 

[Rhonda922]

Thanks for the link!!

 

[dreamflight99]

So glad you all loved the photo and recipe (plus the links)! It looks HEAVENLY...and have actually ordered this item via ROOM SERVICE!! The Swan/Dolphin room service is some of the BEST I've ever enjoyed, and this dish looked even BETTER than this photo upon arrival/presentation in our suite (if that's possible~!).

Did any of you take a LOOK in the recipe archives?!? WOW...there are some incredible dishes to be found/saved!! MMMMmmm. Love these properties. Just one more *PERK* associated with these resorts. I've NEVER received a special RECIPE of the MONTH email from ANY DISNEY RESORT!! Perhaps they should take a HINT from the SWAN/DOLPHIN and SHARE some of their special recipes (from the WORLD SHOWCASE, etc). They could LEARN something here. Well, actually, they could learn a LOT of things from these resorts (IMHO), beginning with the bath amenities/toiletries and BEDS/BEDDING...etc. If they requested, I could easily make a LIST!!! Give them some place to START/BEGIN. After all...there's ALWAYS room for improvement!!

TTFN...always, DF99

 

[Rhonda922]

We received our confirmation letter from the Swan yesterday for our trip next month. I feel so official now! I still can't believe we're going to stay there -- It looks so beautiful. I wish we were leaving next week instead of next month.

 

[AndyMcV]

We received our confirmation letter from the Swan yesterday for our trip next month. I feel so official now! I still can't believe we're going to stay there -- It looks so beautiful. I wish we were leaving next week instead of next month.

Hi Rhonda

That's awesome. I totally know the feeling. You'll LOVE the Swan! The resort, location, pool it's all fantastic. We stayed there in 2003 and really enjoyed our stay with our DS5. My son (3 at the time) still talks about when we can go back to Mickey's House and the Swan. This May/June we're lucky enough to stay at the Dolphin with our DS5 and our new DD1. We can't wait either.

Hope you have an awesome trip!!!

Andy

 

[DisneyFans4]

Rhonda-
You will absolutely LOVE the Swan!!!! We tried it for the first time last year and as you can see, we're going back!!!!