Swan or Dolphin Questions

[Disneymom2AA]

I've read some of the threads and have visited the website for the Swan and Dolphin but would like some questions answered.....The Entertainment Book has 50% off I understand is that for all times of the year? We will be going to WDW sometime between December 29 and January 6. We would like to stay at a discounted rate at the Swan or Dolphin, who wouldn't? Also, my husband works for a Mental Health Mental Retardation center and I hope they are part of the State/Gov't discount if the Ent. rate can be used. Can the state/gov't discount be used at this time?
We went to Disney this same time last year and stayed at ASMo for 5 nights and we really liked the Swan/Dolphin. We are a family of 4-DH 27, Me-27, DS-7, DS-1. Any help would greatly be appreciated and I'm sorry if I'm at the wrong section of the board. I love the DIS and used it last year and found great tips so hoping someone out there can help me for this year's trip!! Thanks in advance.

 

[CarolA]

I don't know a whole lot about the Swan/Dophin discounts, but having used Entertainment book rates a lot in the past I do know that the number of rooms available for discounts is limited. So even though it is availalbe year round if the discount rooms are booked you won't get one.

Considering your dates when you start callling or booking online you might want to think about splitting your reservation. The period between Christmas and New Year's is Disney's busiest so discounts might be limited, but I would bet there are more rooms availalbe starting January 2.

 

[Connears]

We are going to stay at Swan for 12/28-1/02/04. Our quotes for WDW Swan/Dolphin were:an entertainment rate from 162.50 night to 182.50 night. Concierge entertainment rates were $237-$222. We were thrilled with these and ended up getting a teachers discount for $214/night concierge at Swan(plus $10 resort fee). Go to swandolphin.com to see the resorts and amenities. We have always stayed at disney resorts since joining DVC in 1994, but couldn't resist this rate! Location for New year's is also great one!
Connears

 

[Ashley's mom]

Call early to make sure rooms are still available at the discounted rates. You can always cancel them so secure them early....as for the government rate - you'll have to ask whether you qualify....and get something in WRITING that says you do. The AAA rate can also be good - so ask about AAA, Entertainment rate and the government rate....then make your decision. Keep that pen and paper handy...and like I said, GET IT IN WRITING.
Sign up to be a STarwood Preferred Guest....if you are so inclined, sign up for a Starwood American Express card and you will have upgraded status at the Dolphin Swan which gets you upgraded often enough......good luck....and happy hunting...

 

[ozziewags]

The gov. rate will be the best, but you may be asked for ID, so be sure to have something ready. I got the teacher's rate over Christmas last year(I was asked for ID), so I think the teacher/nurse/gov rate is ongoing. I also think the entertainment rate is ongoing(remember Entertainment books come out on Nov. 1, so don't buy one until then or it will have expired), you can ask when you call. I would call the Swan or Dolphin directly to make my reservation. Make sure you speak to someone that knows what they are doing. If you are confused when you hang up, call again. This seems to happen at any hotel or reservation center. If you go to the Swan/Dolphin thread you will find the answer to many questions. There is one by Glo and one by Dreamflight. There is also a starwood thread.....which is a hotel point/reward program. Swan/Dolphin are Starwood hotels. You can accumulate points and use them for upgrades, free nights, whatever. (even frequent flyer miles) You will love the Swan and Dolphin.