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

[Dimk]

If I remember correctly, last July, I used Disney Dollars at the gift shop at the Dolphin. Double check by calling first.

 

[bjakmom]

Can anyone help me understand the spg amex card rewards - when I activated my card today the rep told me I will receive 1 pt for every $ charged - do those pts go into my preferred plus member account? I read somewhere that upgrades to club level can be gotten for 1,000 pts per night if available - so is that the same as I charge $1,000 to my card and get 1,000 pts and that enables me to upgrade a night? - seems like I'm getting this wrong as this would be a really great deal ?! - I'm thoroughly confused!

 

[Mouseteacher]

The Swan and Dolphin have Disney owned gift shops in their lobby. Disney dollars may be used these shops.

 

[paras4ri]

Can anyone help me understand the spg amex card rewards - when I activated my card today the rep told me I will receive 1 pt for every $ charged - do those pts go into my preferred plus member account? I read somewhere that upgrades to club level can be gotten for 1,000 pts per night if available - so is that the same as I charge $1,000 to my card and get 1,000 pts and that enables me to upgrade a night? - seems like I'm getting this wrong as this would be a really great deal ?! - I'm thoroughly confused!

That's exactly how it works with earning and crediting points!!! Some hotels charge more per night for an upgrade, 1000 points isn't a standard. The spg website gives specifics per property.

The Swan and Dolphin have Disney owned gift shops in their lobby. Disney dollars may be used these shops.

Mystery solved - thanks Karen! I thought I used Disney Dollars somewhere at the Dolphin but couldn't remember where. I got some DD's for Mother's Day and I can't wait to use them!

 

[gm]

couple of questions:

If you stay on award nights, do they still charge a resort fee?

and

Do they still charge $7.00 parking fee if you do not have a car?

thanks

 

[MSC]

couple of questions:

If you stay on award nights, do they still charge a resort fee?

I initially thought this was a stupid question. But then I looked at my reservation for this June, which is on points, and lo and behold:

"RESORT CHARGE 10.0 USD Per Room Per Night NOT In The Rate."

Though, I think I can handle $30.00 for a three night stay at the Dolphin!

Do they still charge $7.00 parking fee if you do not have a car?

Um, no.

 

[DisneyFans4]

We stayed at the Swan for the first time last year and we are going back again in just a couple of months and I can't wait!!
We stayed club level in a suite which was given to us as a 25th wedding anniversary surprise and we loved watching Illuminations every night from our balcony. It truly was the most magical vacation and we were treated so well by the staff. The views were fantastic!!!!
I've never stayed at the Dolphin and one day would like to try it but the Swan is a more quiet atmosphere which is what our family prefers.

 

[gm]

Hey respectbox,

Its better to know than not know and be surprised when you get the bill. Kinda ruins the vacation mood.

 

[MSC]

GM - I agree! I thought it was a stupid question because I thought to myself, "well of course the $10 fee is included in the free room!" But turns out I was the stupid one, because it isn't, and it never even occurred to me to ask the question!

Hope the fee doesn't deter you from staying there, because the Swan/Dolphin is a great complex. And the $10.00 isn't so bad - it pays for "free" wifi and the "free" workout facility.

Dolphin, here we come! 28 days!

- msc

 

[DisneyFans4]

The $10.00 resort fee also covers the internet access. You will not be charged the parking fee if you have no car.

 

[bjakmom]

paras4ri- thanks for clearing that up for me - I'll check for more specifics on the web site - looks like I'd better put some of this month's expenses on my spg card !

 

[AndyMcV]

Hi Gang

Sorry to double post this but we are SO stressed!!!

This is the first time I've really needed everyone's help. Our DD1 now has food allergies to milk, soy, wheat, eggs and peanut butter. We're trying to plan what to do about her daily eating at the Dolphin (and in the parks). She can basically eat meat, vegetables, rice bread/crackers, and any product that doesn't have the above products in them.

I've basically assumed that we'll have to bring our own food for her to eat. However this will be really limited as we'll be flying down to Florida. This being said I really need help. We are not familliar with the Disney/Florida area for grocery stores or health food stores that offer products for kids with allergies.

Here are some questions that we're wrestling with.

I'm really looking to the Dolphin staff to help us too. Do they offer any support for kids with food allergies?

We'll be staying club level can they bring in "special foods" like rice bread?

How can we get food for our DD at the Dolphin when we are not renting a car. Should we rent a car just to get her food?

Can to dolphin provide a toaster if we bring her own bread or waffles or should we pack one?

If we need to freeze food what can we do? Do the in room fridges have freezers or is there another option?

Please help. Any advice for us at all would help.

Thanks
Andy

 

[DisneyFans4]

Absolutely the Dolphin club level staff will help you!!
I've never stayed at the Dolphin but I've stayed club level at the Swan and they already have toasters in the lounge so there is no need for you to pack one unless you feel you will need it during the hours the lounge is not open. I too have a son with food allergies and we either just don't choose those items to eat or you can find what you need in the stores downstairs.
I would not worry about this at all, they deal with this daily.

 

[Piglette]

Andy,
We always use Florida Tours town car/van service, and they offer a complimentary 30 minute grocery stop. You have to have your grocery list ready to go to get in and out that quickly, but it's an easy stop. And not much more expensive than Mears or another shuttle service.
Good luck!

 

[Jim from Jersey]

Does anyone have a "connection" at the Dolphin.....someone that may be able to work a little magic? I already have ressies for 10/28 - 11/04 on the club level, but may need to be upgraded to a Jr. Suite - which I am willing to pay for. Their site shows no availability. I'm not looking for anything free, just someone who may be able to work a little magic and help me out. If anyone out there has a "friend" or someone who has helped them in the past that they would be willing to share, please - please - please- , send me a PM. Thanks..........Jim

 

[Disbug]

Does anyone have a "connection" at the Dolphin.....someone that may be able to work a little magic? I already have ressies for 10/28 - 11/04 on the club level, but may need to be upgraded to a Jr. Suite - which I am willing to pay for. Their site shows no availability. I'm not looking for anything free, just someone who may be able to work a little magic and help me out. If anyone out there has a "friend" or someone who has helped them in the past that they would be willing to share, please - please - please- , send me a PM. Thanks..........Jim

Hi, Jim! Have you tried calling the Dolphin directly? I am assuming you have already called Starwood's reservation line... I don't trust what the website says, because availability changes daily. October IS a big month for conventions, so it is entirely possible the hotel is sold out during that time. Call Starwood and if no luck, PM me and I will send you a name at the Dolphin you can try!

 

[Disbug]

GM - I agree! I thought it was a stupid question because I thought to myself, "well of course the $10 fee is included in the free room!" But turns out I was the stupid one, because it isn't, and it never even occurred to me to ask the question!

Hope the fee doesn't deter you from staying there, because the Swan/Dolphin is a great complex. And the $10.00 isn't so bad - it pays for "free" wifi and the "free" workout facility.

Dolphin, here we come! 28 days!

- msc

Another reason the $10 fee is not included in the rate is because then they would have to charge you the 12% bed tax on top of that... so, in a way~ they are trying to give their guests a "break"!

 

[Disbug]

Hi Gang

Sorry to double post this but we are SO stressed!!!

This is the first time I've really needed everyone's help. Our DD1 now has food allergies to milk, soy, wheat, eggs and peanut butter. We're trying to plan what to do about her daily eating at the Dolphin (and in the parks). She can basically eat meat, vegetables, rice bread/crackers, and any product that doesn't have the above products in them.

I've basically assumed that we'll have to bring our own food for her to eat. However this will be really limited as we'll be flying down to Florida. This being said I really need help. We are not familliar with the Disney/Florida area for grocery stores or health food stores that offer products for kids with allergies.

Here are some questions that we're wrestling with.

I'm really looking to the Dolphin staff to help us too. Do they offer any support for kids with food allergies?

We'll be staying club level can they bring in "special foods" like rice bread?

How can we get food for our DD at the Dolphin when we are not renting a car. Should we rent a car just to get her food?

Can to dolphin provide a toaster if we bring her own bread or waffles or should we pack one?

If we need to freeze food what can we do? Do the in room fridges have freezers or is there another option?

Please help. Any advice for us at all would help.

Thanks
Andy

Sorry, Andy I did not see this post in time to help you... but in the future maybe you could try http:\\www.netgrocer.com . I have always forwarded a package to the Dolphin with all of our formula, diapers, etc... and it was delivered on time, no problems.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Does anyone have a "connection" at the Dolphin.....someone that may be able to work a little magic? I already have ressies for 10/28 - 11/04 on the club level, but may need to be upgraded to a Jr. Suite - which I am willing to pay for. Their site shows no availability. I'm not looking for anything free, just someone who may be able to work a little magic and help me out. If anyone out there has a "friend" or someone who has helped them in the past that they would be willing to share, please - please - please- , send me a PM. Thanks..........Jim

I have a question about this question.... I have reservations at the Dolphin (first stay) for myself and 3 kids in August for a room on the club floor. I have 2 daughters and a teenage son, so I am planning on bringing an aero for him to sleep on. What is the layout of the Jr. Suite?? I thought that might be a better option for us as far as sleeping so no aero would be needed. I was told at the Swan front desk in May that the Jr. suite could just be requested at check-in and not reserved. What is the real way to get the Jr. Suite???

Also, is there anything I should request such as view, proximity to the lounge or elevators??? Any info would be great!

TIA,

Lives4Disney

 

[MOM POPPINS]

I have a question about this question.... I have reservations at the Dolphin (first stay) for myself and 3 kids in August for a room on the club floor. I have 2 daughters and a teenage son, so I am planning on bringing an aero for him to sleep on. What is the layout of the Jr. Suite?? I thought that might be a better option for us as far as sleeping so no aero would be needed. I was told at the Swan front desk in May that the Jr. suite could just be requested at check-in and not reserved. What is the real way to get the Jr. Suite???

Also, is there anything I should request such as view, proximity to the lounge or elevators??? Any info would be great!

TIA,

Lives4Disney

Your are going to love the Swan and Dolphin!!! The location is perfect !!! I
have always been able to reserve a Jr. Suite ahead of time. We have a Jr. Suite reserved for 10 nights in February. The view really depends on what you want to see If you want an Epcot view then request a high floor on the East wing. The Pool area as well as MGM is a West wing view. We have always stayed on Club floor they do NOT face directly East you have to look way to your left to see the fireworks. The best Epcot views are in the wings not the "triangle" and are not on the Club floor. You maybe able to stay off the club floor and still have access to the club lounge.


You might try www.allearsnet.com for more accomodation information. I looked over at the Swan and Dolphin website :
http://www.swandolphin.com/include/c_exp_rooms_suites_jr.html
The layout they have listed there is NOT the same layout we have had when we stayed last, but our last stay was during the renovations. So I guess this is the new layout for the Jr. Suite. Anyone know?