Swan/Dolphin 2006 discounts and how to understand them updated 06/05/2006

[WebmasterBob]

Swan/Dolphin Discounts for 2006
Hi folks, I have been looking at discounts for 2006 for the Swan and Dolphin Hotels. Let me start by saying compared to 2005 discounts at this point, I am seeing a large increase in dates that have been made available to book. I also must stress to you that these rates could disappear quickly for some of the dates.

I want to call attention to any date available from January 1 through the end of May. Those discounts should be grabbed quickly, because those will disappear quickly. Other dates like those around the 4th of July will
also be fast moving dates to book early. Book next years holiday dates November - the end of the year now and take advantage of there being discounts out now for that time period.

The time is right to sit down and review the discounts and book now to lock in those available discounts dates.

These discounts can be booked through Dreams Unlimited Travel by following the URL link listed below.
http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/dreamsres/sd.cfm

What I want to do first is sort through all the discounts available for booking at these two hotels.

Discounts
AAA - Must be a AAA Club Member
Those eligible would be clients that have a valid on date of arrival AAA membership card.
Please note that proof of eligibility at check-in is required to receive any discount. Failure to produce such proof at check-in will result in the hotel charging the full, regular rate for that room.
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AARP - Must be a AARP Member
Those eligible would be clients that have a valid on date of arrival AARP membership card.
Please note that proof of eligibility at check-in is required to receive any discount. Failure to produce such proof at check-in will result in the hotel charging the full, regular rate for that room.
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Annual Pass holder - You must have an Annual Disney Pass.
Those eligible would be clients that have a valid on date of arrival Disney Annual or Premium Annual pass. You must present the pass at check-in to qualify for the discounted rate. Please note that proof of eligibility is required to receive any discount. Failure to produce such proof at check-in will result in hotel charging the full, regular rate for that room. Using this discount will give you a free one grade upgrade up to the resort view with balcony type rooms. Also included is a late check-out of 2 PM on day of departure.
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Entertainment Book
Those eligible would be clients that have a valid Entertainment book membership on date of arrival at the hotel. Any membership from any market area is eligible for the discount.
Please note that proof of membership at check-in is required to receive any discount. Failure to produce such proof by showing Membership Card at check-in will result in hotel charging the full, regular rate for that room.
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Teacher and Education Support Staff Discount
All teachers and educational facility administrative personnel (includes colleges and universities) can take advantage of the TEACHER discounts. If you are a teacher with a certified teaching certificate, or you are employed in a school as an educational facility administrator you can take advantage of the TEACHER discounts .This would include teachers, teachers aides, substitute teachers, and administrative staff. These job types will require
a Work ID or letter from supervisor on company letterhead stating employment or a recent Pay Stub.
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Nurses and LPN Nurses Discount
All nurses and LPN Nurses can take advantage of the Nurses discounts. If you are a Nurse with a certified nursing certificate or you are an LPN Nurses with a LPN certificate you can take advantage of the Nurses discounts. Please note that proof of eligibility at check-in is required to receive any discount. Failure to produce such proof at check-in will result in the hotel charging the full, regular rate for that room.
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Government Employee Discounts
Those eligible would be clients that work for the government, whether it is National, State or Local government. This includes firemen, police, and any other branch of the government national, state or local. It also includes foreign governments as well. Clients must have a valid government id or a Letter on official stationary from the supervisor along with a recent pay stub. You must present the id at check-in to qualify for the discounted rate.
Please note that proof of eligibility is required to receive any discount. Failure to produce such proof at check-in will result in hotel charging the full, regular rate for that room.
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Military Discounts
For the military you can be active, in the reserves, or retired to qualify for the military discount. It also includes foreign military as well. Clients must have a valid government id or you will require a Letter on official stationary from the supervisor along with a recent pay stub. You must present the id at check-in to qualify for the discounted rate. Please note that proof of eligibility is required to receive any discount. Failure to produce such proof at check-in will result in hotel charging the full, regular rate for that room.
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Next we look at Discount Seasons and 2006 pricing rates for each specific time frame Discounts.(Special note the dates below are not the actual available discount dates just the parameter for what the actual pricing during each time frame will be for the available dates that fall in the different season dates.) Example January 2 falls in the time frame of value season January 1- 10. The only date within that time frame that a discount for AAA, AARP, AP or Entertainment is January 2. No other dates are available.
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Value season dates
January 1 - 10, 2006
June 16 - September 4, 2006
December 14 - 21, 2006

AAA/Annual Pass holder/Entertainment Book Discount
Standard View - $174.50
Lake View - $209.50
Resort view - $219.50
Resort view W/ balcony - $229.50
Club Level - $249.50

Teacher/Government/Nurse/Military Discount
Standard View - $155.00
Lake View - $190.00
Resort view - $200.00
Resort view W/ balcony - $210.00
Club Level - $230.00
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Regular Season dates
April 30 - June 15, 2006
September 5 - December 13, 2006

AAA/Annual Pass holder/Entertainment Book
Standard View - $184.50
Lake View - $219.50
Resort view - $229.50
Resort view W/ balcony - $239.50
Club Level - $259.50
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Teacher/Government/Nurse/Military Discount
Standard View - $165.00
Lake View - $200.00
Resort view - $210.00
Resort view W/ balcony - $220.00
Club Level - $240.00
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Peak Season dates
January 11- April 29, 2006
December 22, 2006 - January 1, 2007

AAA/Annual Pass holder/Entertainment Book
Standard View - $194.50
Lake View - $229.50
Resort view - $239.50
Resort view W/ balcony - $249.50
Club Level - $269.50

Teacher/Government/Nurse/Military Discount
Standard View - $175.00
Lake View - $210.00
Resort view - $220.00
Resort view W/ balcony - $230.00
Club Level - $250.00
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Please note pricing in the past started at the rate of $149.00 for a standard view room using a Teacher/Government/Nurse/Military Discount during Value season. 2006 rates are starting this year at the rate of $155.00 during value season.

Another note for the 2006 pricing year, the hotels have eliminated the resort fee of $10.00 that use to be charged in the past. They have instituted a parking fee of $8.00 per night to park at the hotel if you drive a car.

Now for the important discount dates that the above pricing is available to book.
Please note this discount pricing could change at any time. We do not guarantee that all dates will remain open. Blackout dates and inventory depend on availability.

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Discount available dates listed below
Swan AAA/AARP, Annual Pass Holder, Entertainment Book Discount dates:
Discount available dates listed below
Swan AAA/AARP, Annual Pass Holder, Entertainment Book Discount dates:

June
10, 15, 17-19, 28 - 30 (6/3, 6/4 - 6/9, 6/12 - 6/16, 6/23, 6/25 - 6/27 no longer available)

July
6 - 8, 23 - 25, 28 - 30 (7/1 - 7/5, 7/9, 7/12 - 7/22, 7/26 - 7/27, 7/31 no longer available)

August
3 - 6, 10 - 31 (8/1 - 8/2, 8/7 - 8/9 no longer available)

September
1 - 16, 21 - 30 (9/17 - 9/20 no longer available)

October
1 - 7, 12 - 13, 18 - 21, 25 - 28, 31 (10/14 - 10/15, 10/16, 10/17, 10/29 - 10/30 no longer available)

November
1 - 8, 15, 19 - 21, 26 - 30 (11/9 - 11/14, 11/16 - 11/18 11/19 -11/25, no longer available)

December
1 - 2, 8 - 12, 15 - 23, 26 - 29 (12/3 - 12/7, 12/13 - 12/14, 12/24 - 12/25, 12/31 no longer available)
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================================================== =
Dolphin AAA/AARP, Annual Pass Holder, Entertainment Book Discount dates:

June
10, 15, 17-19, 28 - 30 (6/3, 6/4 - 6/9, 6/12 - 6/16, 6/23, 6/25 - 6/27 no longer available)

July
6 - 8, 23 - 25, 28 - 30 (7/1 - 7/5, 7/9, 7/12 - 7/22, 7/26 - 7/27, 7/31 no longer available)

August
3 - 6, 10 - 31 (8/1 - 8/2, 8/7 - 8/9 no longer available)

September
1 - 16, 21 - 30 (9/17 - 9/20 no longer available)

October
1 - 7, 12 - 13, 18 - 21, 25 - 28, 31 (10/14 - 10/15, 10/16, 10/17, 10/29 - 10/30 no longer available)

November
1 - 8, 15, 19 - 21, 26 - 30 (11/9 - 11/14, 11/16 - 11/18 11/19 -11/25, no longer available)

December
1 - 2, 8 - 12, 15 - 23, 26 - 29 (12/3 - 12/7, 12/13 - 12/14, 12/24 - 12/25, 12/31 no longer available)
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Swan Teacher, Nurse, Government, Military, Discount dates:

June
8 - 9, 18, 23, 28 - 30 (6/1 - 6/3, 6/14, 6/16 - 6/17 6/19 no longer available)

July
7 - 8, 16 - 18, 26 - 31 (7/19 - 7/25, 7/31 no longer available)

August
3 - 6, 10 - 13, 16 - 31 (8/1 - 8/2, 8/14 - 8/15 no longer available)

September
1 - 15, 21 - 30 ( 9/16- 9/20 no longer available)

October
1, 5 - 7, 13, 18 - 20, 25, 28 - 31 (10/2 - 10/4 no longer available)

November
1 - 4, 15 - 16, 19 - 21, 26 - 28 (11/9 - 11/14, 11/22 no longer available)

December
1 - 2, 7 - 10, 15 - 23, 26 - 29 ( 12/11 - 12/14 no longer available)
================================================== =
Dolphin Teacher, Nurse, Government, Military, Discount dates:

June
8 - 9, 18, 23, 28 - 30 (6/1 - 6/3, 6/14, 6/16 - 6/17 6/19 no longer available)

July
7 - 8, 16 - 18, 26 - 31 (7/19 - 7/25, 7/31 no longer available)

August
3 - 6, 10 - 13, 16 - 31 (8/1 - 8/2, 8/14 - 8/15 no longer available)

September
1 - 15, 21 - 30 ( 9/16- 9/20 no longer available)

October
1, 5 - 7, 13, 18 - 20, 25, 28 - 31 (10/2 - 10/4 no longer available)

November
1 - 4, 15 - 16, 19 - 21, 26 - 28 (11/9 - 11/14, 11/22 no longer available)

December
1 - 2, 7 - 10, 15 - 23, 26 - 29 ( 12/11 - 12/14 no longer available)

These discounts can be booked through Dreams Unlimited Travel by following the URL link listed below.
http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/dreamsres/sd.cfm

 

[Cynt]

You can also go straight to the Starwood Resort website to get this discount.

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/

I didn't realize Swan/Dolphin wasn't owned by WDW, which led me on my search and I found the website. I also didn't know you couldn't receive the dining plan w/ the Swan/Dolphin. BUMMER!!! I was all set to switch hotels.

 

[EJ08]

Sorry to get off the topic a bit but your title about the Swan/Dolphin caught my eye. It sounds like you have stayed here before and I'm curious about your thoughts? We are heading down to the Swan in April and I did take advantage of my Gov't discount rate of $175/night. For the value I couldn't beat it. I research the hell out of anything that I will be spening big $$ on like this trip and I feel I'm getting the most bang for my buck. The location, amenities, restaurant's, etc. makes this S/D sound like a heck of a deal. Thoughts? Thanks, EJ08

 

[goalie5hole]

I stayed at the Swan last May and there was something about it that just didn't feel like Disney.I couldn't put my finger on it,but the resorts are nice just the same. Jan 97 Carribbean Beach-March 98 All Star Sports-Jan 99 Grand Floridian- Oct 99 All Star Movies-Jan 2000 All Star Movies-Oct 2000 Dixie Landings/Caribben Beach-Oct 2001 Boardwalk Villas-Jan 2002 All Star Movies-May 2002 Villas Wilderness Lodge-Oct 2002 Boardwalk Villas-April 2003 Beach Club-February 2004 Boardwalk Villas-Oct 2004 Boardwalk Villas-Jan 2005 Pop Century-May 2005 WDW Swan-Oct 2005 Boardwalk Villas

 

[missstcroix]

You will LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!! We have stayed and the Swan and or Dolphin easily 20 times and just love it there. The location at the boardwalk is so wonderful....just to walk around after dinner, rent a bike, whatever. You can catch the fireworks at either epcot or MGM from your room depending on where you are located. The restaurants are wonderful. The beds are nice and cozy...the swan gives you 2 queen beds as opposed to 2 full at the dolphin. Most of the ammenities are in the dolphin....ice cream shop, laundry, beauty, cafeteria. But I prefer the swan and take the walk to the dolphin for all of that. The shared pool between both hotels is great. Service is fabulous. It is without a doubt our favorite and we have stayed at Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom and Carribean Beach. My kids are 8 and 10 and have been there 2 times a year since birth and ask to go to the swan every single time. Here is a tip...if your kids have straight A report cards and you bring them at check in they will get "straight A" caps, and discount cards for a free ice cream and free swan peddle boat rental. We love taking the boat to Epcot or MGM...or they are both very easy walks as well. The one thing that some find as a negative is that they are convention hotels...lots of business people stay there. I know this annoys some people. For me, it is a plus because these folks are in meetings all day and the pool is EMPTY. The only time you see them is standing around the piano bar at nite and we are usually just en route to our room. On occassion they close one of the pools for one of their events in late afternoon, but they always leave one open. I cant stand crowds, and my big gripe with the other disney hotels i have stayed in was just that...the mob scene...so this is a plus to me....but i know it annoys some. Sign up for Starwoods preferred guest (its free to do so) and you will get points for your stay and every dollar you spend while there. You add up the points and can get a free night for your next trip! We have cashed in several times. LOVE the place! HAVE FUN!

 

[Mommy Poppins]

The Swan lists queen-sized beds. The Dolphin lists double beds. Anyone have confirmation? I "thought" they both had queen-sized beds. Would really like to make a ressie for my in-laws at the Dolphin, but know they would prefer the queen-sized beds.

 

[goofy4tink]

I'm thinking about possibly staying at the S/D for my short, 3 night stay next Dec. My dh is a town official...gets a small paycheck twice a year, so qualifies for the govt discount. But, does anyone know if he has to be there in person in order for me to get the discount? I can get his paystub and a letter on town letterhead stationery, but he won't be with me on this particular trip. Anyone ever done this?

 

[EJ08]

Thanks for the info. people.

As far as the beds, the Swan only has the Queen beds per my conversation with the person who made my reservation.

 

[WebmasterBob]

Hi Mommy Poppins, The Swan hotel has the Queen beds and the Dolphin hotel has what they call an oversized double bed. You say ok what does that mean oversized double. Well I am told by the hotel that the Dolphin's oversized double bed is about one inch smaller than the Swan queen bed is.

Hope that helps answer your question.

 

[WebmasterBob]

Hi goofy4tink, From booking reservations for clients through Dreams Unlimited Travel, I know you must have the person who qualifies for the discount present at time of check-in, to get the discount. If the lead name on the reservation is not the person that is checking in, you will be charged the regular room rate.

You can e-mail me if you have other questions on this at bob@dreamsunlimitedtravel.com

 

[grover]

Okay..I am a bit confused.
We are travelling to disny Oct 4th to probably Oct 15th.
At what point would I know if there is a discount available there?
We were married at the swan Oct 11/04 so it would be nice to spend a few days there.
Thanks

 

[WebmasterBob]

Hi Grover, Your best chance of discounts is right now. Looking at the travel dates I see All Discounts Oct 4 - 7 then no availability from October 8-11 at either hotel. I then see discounts for Annual Passholder, AAA, AARP and Entertainment book available for Oct 12 - 16.

Check out the information on the start of this thread on booking discounts.

These discounts can be booked through Dreams Unlimited Travel by following the URL link

listed below.
http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/dreamsres/sd.cfm

If you have questions on the discounts you can e-mail me at webmasterbob@wdwinfo.com

 

[grover]

Okay thanks so much!!!

 

[Michelina]

Is anyone else having trouble clicking on the link to the discounts? I've been able to log in all week but not today. Thanks!

 

[WebmasterBob]

I fixed the link it should be ok now.

http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/dreamsres/sd.cfm

 

[Michelina]

Thanks! Works great now

 

[beehive123]

We are thinking of staying at one of them next time, does anyone know
which one has Tubbi's? Is it better at Swan or Dolphin for kids? What
does everyone prefer.

 

[ericafny]

How is it that the AP rates are the same as AAA rates? I thought AP rates are 45% off?

 

[we6clarks]

Can you get the teacher discount at teh S/D if you work at a preschool?

 

[pooh2001]

AAA/AP rates are out for the Dolphin & Swan for 2007, if anyone needs to know.

Nursey School Teacher - call the S/D directly. If you have a pay stub or ID which says School on it - they should accept it. My DH worked for a local college one night a week. He had a pay check stub and ID from the college. It gave us the teacher rate in 2002.

This year my DH gave up working for the college so we have an AAA rate - same as the AP rate. $199.50 per night for a Standard room Easter week 2007, peak season. The S/D web-site has the room for $259.
Teacher rate is $189.50 for Easter week 2007, standard room.

So per night, the AAA/AP peak rate for a standard Dolphin room is $59.50 less or 23% off the rack rate room price. Not bad for peak season. WDW resorts are offerring no AAA discounts on peak season rooms at this time (8/9/06). Other seasons WDW resort AAA discount for deluxes is 10% (maybe 15%).


Internet info:
2 Double Beds Traditional Non-smoking, Heavenly Bed, Newly Renovated, Minibar, 2 Line Speakerphone W/dataport
Internet Only Rates - Fully Prepaid, Cancel Rules Apply, No Changes Allowed Terms & Addt'l - Charges USD 259.00


You can modify your S/D reservation with the AAA/AP rate. Not the internet rate.
So the rack rate of the Dophin room during Easter 2007 maybe even more expensive than the internet rate - meaning AAA/AP rate gives more than a 23% savings.