Swan/Dolphin questions

[HayGan]

DH and I are thinking of staying at the Swan or Dolphin for a week in early Dec 05 and I have a few questions.

When is the best time to book a room?

What discounts can you expect to get and thru where (AAA, entertainment book, spg.com, etc.)?

I'm SPG gold and I have over 4,000 points - typically, can that get me any nights in value season?

With 2 small kids (they will be 5 and almost 4) which is better - Swan or Dolphin?

Last question, how far is the walk to Epcot/monorail?


Thanks so much!

 

[NMAmy]

Well, I can answer some of your questions and I'm sure others will jump in.

I've never stayed at the Swan but we love the Dolphin. The Dolphin is bigger but fairly easy to get around. Tubbi's is there which is open 24 hours with food and convenience store stuff. Tubbi's was my daughter's favorite "restaurant" anywhere at Disney. They were so great there--they made her a grilled cheese at 9:30 a.m. on our last day as that was her favorite meal. And on my daily morning rush for Diet Coke, the lady who checked me greeted me by name every morning. The laundry room and the childcare place is also at the Dolphin.

The walk to Epcot is not far but the monorail pickup is way at the other end of the park since you enter through World Showcase. Your kids will love the Friendship boats to get to Epcot and MGM. I'd take the bus to MK, though.

We got the government discount for our last trip. At www.swandolphin.com, I've also seen Internet discounts. I'd wait for awhile to book.

 

[princess pooh]

I've always been able to get the discounts by calling the swan/dolphin 800 number directly. They are usually helpful in telling you what discounts are available during your stay. They also have special internet deals sometimes. I signed up for their recipe club and receive discount offers through that from time to time.

I would also go for the Dolphin if I had kids. It's closer to the grotto pool and I think there are more informal food choices available.

 

[ozziewags]

You would need 10,000 points for a free night. But you have lots of time. Go to www.spg.com and sign up for a Starwood American Express credit card. Every dollar spent is a point on Starwood. Sometimes the S/D offer cash and points, ie., $60 and 4000 points or so. (not exactly sure how many points) You can also use points to secure club level or upgrade your room. There are also points for other rewards at the hotel, but not really a wise way to use them, imo. (spa treatments, food, etc)
The suggestion to call and ask a nice cm is a great one. They are very helpful and will be able to answer your questions. If you should get a cm that isn't helpful call at a different time. If you call in the evening, ask for Andrew.

 

[swilphil]

I would book a room as soon as your plans are finalized. The Swan/Dolphin has a great cancellation policy. You can cancel a week before your trip and get your 1 night deposit back. We booked through Dreams Unlimited on our last trip and really loved the service there. DU will also apply discounts as they come out. I don't know if they are booking that far ahead though.

I have stayed at both the Swan and Dolphin with two toddlers. I did like the lobby at the Dolphin better and it was nice having Tubbi's and the grotto pool there, but I swear it took us less time to walk to those places from on room at the Swan. At the Dolphin we were on the East Wing, and it was quite a hike to Tubbi's and the pool as well as to the outside of the building with a double stroller. The Swan is much smaller and easier to navigate. So if you do Dolphin ask for the West Wing or the Center.

From the Swan it took us 10 minutes to walk through the Boardwalk and to Epcot. Of course, that's to WS and you'll have to walk all the way to the front to get to the monorail but it's fun to do.

The discounts at the Swan/Dolphin generally run around $150--AAA, Entertainment Rate, govt/teacher/nurse, allearsnet.com.

 

[HayGan]

Thanks for all the help! If my year goes as planned, I might have enough spg points for a few free nights

DH and I keep going back and forth on the total trip time and where to stay. Currently the plan is for 8 nights - 5 at Swan/Dolphin and 3 at the Poly