Question about extra fee at Dolphin and Swan

[amejr999]

IIRC, Starwood Preferred Guest Platinum members are exempt from the fee.

 

[Poohlovr]

While this may not matter to some (but is a biggie to me) the 10.00 resort fee also includes hi-speed internet access. The Disney hotels that do have wi-fi charge 9.95 for it, so I figure that's the same thing for me.
Only thing is, I can't bring myself to pay the room rates at the Disney hotels that have wi-fi.
So, I'll stick to the Swan/Dolphin.
And while I'm not real fond of the parking fee, the rates I get at the S/D still make it cheaper for me, even adding on the parking fee.

 

[sters]

Is there an additional "bed tax"? A friend was telling me that there is a $10 bed tax at all Florida hotels. I had not heard of it before and wondered if she got confused with this amenties fee.

There is a "resort tax" and it's a percentage, I think 10%, not a set dollar amount.

 

[Docsknotinn]

The tax is 11.5% on all resorts.

 

[AndyMcV]

Hi Gang

I just wanted to add my $0.02 regarding the Swan and Dolphin. First off I agree that the $10 resort fee and the new $7 parking fee is a glutonous. If money was not an option in our family I'd stay at the GF, Poly, CR Tower, or the YC/BC. However we do have to pay attention to budgeting and hotel costs (until I win the lottery).

Given that when you look at the overall picture the Swan / Dolphin is still a really good value compared to the other Disney deluxe hotels. I think that these hotels are very nice and with the 2003 renovation the rooms are beautiful. The Grotto pool is huge and a really great pool with a nice slide and waterfall. The location of the resort is fantastic.

Considering that in 2003 at the Swan we got club level for $179 a night and this June we have a lake view room at the Dolphin for $169 you can't beat the price. For me to do this with a Disney resort I'd have to spend $200-400 per night or go to a moderate resort. The moderate resorts are nice but if I have a choice I'd definitely take a deluxe. I'm sure some would say that I could easily get a wing room at the Contemporary for the same amount... hmm. maybe... but in my opinion (yes my opinion) I would take a room at the S/D way over a wing room at the CR. Of course CR Tower is a different story.

I think all Disney resorts (including the Swan/Dolphin) offer a unique experience when you stay there. I wouldn't knock the S/D for the added resort costs. The resort is beautiful and truely a pleasure to stay at. Leave it at that and have a fantastic time there.

Andy

 

[sheblen]

Andy, what you say makes sense! I have figured my total based on the 11.5% tax and adding the $10 fee and the total is still good, so I will put it in the budget and begin working on the rest of the planning.

Tell me, have any of you done the boat rentals (water mice especially) in the lake at the Dolphin? I was reading elsewhere and it was suggested that the lake was too small to be worth it.

Nancy

 

[AndyMcV]

Tell me, have any of you done the boat rentals (water mice especially) in the lake at the Dolphin? I was reading elsewhere and it was suggested that the lake was too small to be worth it.

Hi Nancy

When we went we didn't have enough time for the boat rentals. Too busy with other fun stuff. However we did see lots of people in the water with them having lots of fun.

Andy