Swan & Dolphin Picks 100 Familes, We were one!

[Geoff_M]

We just got back from the Dolphin last night. At our check-in we had a rather neat experience. Knowing that free upgrades are sometimes given, and the fact I had a Starwood number, I asked the lady at the front desk if anything would be available to help make our family's stay a little more enjoyable. She worked the keyboard for a few seconds, excused herself, and went into the office behind the desk. A moment later she reappeared with a manager in tow.

He introduced himself and said that as part of the 100 Years of Magic celebration, the S/D will pick 100 families (2 from each state) as "100 Honorary Check-ins". As such, we recieved a free upgrade to a deluxe room, a "100 Years" pin, a large plush Mickey, and have our photo taken to be used in their promotion.

It was a great way to start our stay. Our room had a balconcy that overlooked the main fountain and MGM. We had a teacher's rate on top of that! While talking to the rep from the S/D Marketing Dept. when she took our picture, we put a plug in for the Teacher's Rate program and said it made the difference in us staying there. She appreciated the feedback.

 

[Dopeygirl]

Very cool, Geoff! What a great way to start a WDW vacation!

 

[Dis-knee]

How special!! Just goes to show that it pays to ask! Glad you had a wonderful time.

 

[Geoff_M]

It was pretty incredible. We had no idea the promotion even existed. I agree it doesn't hurt to ask. It got even better after that. We decided to see if there were any PS's left at Chef Mickey's that evening, not surprisingly there wasn't (it was Mother's Day). But the Concierge at the Dolphin said "Just go and see if you can get a walk-up. They often will take you." So we went and I asked the people at the check-in stand, and they said "Can you wait 5 minutes???" So we got in no problem. It was a great first evening at WDW.

 

[Disney Fool]

Okay, who says the Swan and Dolphin don't have that Disney feel? You couldn't have had more pixie dust sprinkled on you if TinkerBell herself showed up!!! Congrats! I'll bet you had a great vacation!!

 

[B3LM]

Sounds like Disney magic to me! Awesome!

 

[Debi]

How exciting! What a great way to start your vacation!

 

[dreamflight99]

TRUE DISNEY MAGIC happens at the Dolphin every day! Thanks for the great post Geoff...are you busy planning your next vacation @ the Dolphin?

 

[Geoff_M]

We've stayed at POFQ, WL, and now the Dolphin. (I stayed at the Poly when I was a kid.) The other hotels have better themes, but we really liked the convience of the Dolphin. The direct bus to MK, and being a stone's throw from Epcot, MGM, and the Boardwalk are hard to beat. I found the staff just as friendly and eager to please as the "pure" on-site establishments. I think it'll probably be our #1 pick in the future.

 

[dalepool]

Maybe with any luck we might get the nod---We live in Washignton state---So maybe they'll need a family from the Evergreen state. Thanks for the info---I'm already a Starwood member--and have a ressie so now the rest is up to them. Isn't WDW wonderful? PattyN

 

[DisneyAngel12]

Didn't ya just feel the pixie dust all over ya! What a wonderful experience. I am so happy for you.

 

[Jen80370]

Sometimes I think we're better off keeping this magic to ourselves. Let the others think there's no magic here...more for us in the know. Nah, I could never keep my mouth shut for that long.

 

[The Pluto People]

Geoff: Nice to hear about your wonderful vacation!

 

[LBYC-19]

Congratulations, Geoff! Good for you. One of the many reasons the Dolphin is special to so many people.
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Joanne