Swan ?'s and Halloween Schedules

[Lady from NYC]

Hi everyone. I post this on the theme park board, but I think some of my questions are actually more appropo for the resort boards. Thanks in advance for your help



Hi everyone. I have been reading DIS Boards for several months now, but this is my first post!! I am very excited about my upcoming trip to the WDW Swan. I have stayed at the Yacht and Beach Club many times and absolutely love it, but the Annual Passholder rates at the S/D were just too good. I have a few questions that I hope everyone can help me with.

1. Never having stayed at the Swan (and really only be familiar wtih the YC & the Contemporary), I ham a little apprehensive about the S/D--are they as great as the Disney resorts?

2. We have a king-size lake-view room at the Swan, but we would love a great view and also not be too far from the lobby/elevators (last time we were at the YC, we were so far from the main lobby that it was a 10 minute hike every morning!). Is there a particular view or room area that I should ask for at the Swan?

3. On to the parks... I noticed that the park hours say that Blizzard Beach is closing on the 26th. On another board, I saw November for close date. We are arriving on the 29th and have never been to Blizzard Beach and would really love to go. Does anyone know for sure when it is closing?

4. My husband and I are in our mid-20's and are debating whether we should do MNSSH. We probably wouldn't be in to doing costumes, but since the parks are closing early during our vacation we are looking for some extra ride time and would like to see the parages and decorations. Are there really a lot of rides open during the Halloween party or is it mainly trick-or-treating? Is the Halloween party worth it for us or is it more for kids?

I am sorry thatmy first post is such a long one, but I really appreciate any advice or ideas you all can give me. Thanks so much!!

 

[swilphil]

Lady, I just wanted to welcome you to the DIS Board, and move this thread up so hopefully someone with more knowledge will answer.

I can say that the Swan is a great resort and you will love it, especially those heavenly beds. The grotto pool at the S/D is also very nice. If you haven't already, you should join Starwood Preferred Guests at www.spg.com. You may be more likely to get an upgrade. See if you can get a view of the Epcot fireworks. I didn't think our room was very far from the elevator, but you should mention that to the staff. I found them to be very helpful.

Have a great trip and welcome to the Boards!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Welcome, Lady. I have stayed at the CR, BWI, Dolphin and Swan as far as Deluxes go. I absolutely love the Swan. There are 2 wings that face the Dolphin that have beautiful views of the lake and the Dolphin, YC/BC. We stayed in the east wing and our view was beautiful, particularly at night with all the lights on. We had a balcony room. On the other side of the building, the rooms face MGM, back of BWI and the canal that goes to MGM and you would have a view of fireworks. These rooms are above the entrance to the Swan.

As swilphil said, join spg - it's free. You could get a great complimentary upgrade. We did - to a junior suite!!!

 

[Lady from NYC]

Thanks so much for all the info--everyone on these boards is so sweet. I just joined the Starwood Club online and called the Swan to add my membership # to our reservation. I don't have any points on my account, do you think I should still try for an upgrade? Also, what is the best way to get an upgrade or good view? Should I ask for an upgrade at the front desk when I check-in or should I just mention that I am a Starwood Member?

Thanks again for all the help and for moving my thread up a bit (being new to these boards I don't know any of the technical tricks yet)

 

[Mouseteacher]

At my first stay @ the Dolphin, I was new spg member / no points and receiveda comp upgrade to Club Level.

Do this:
-Go to www.swandolphin.com, click on Reservations, click on Special Request.
-Humbly ask for any comp upgrade they can muster, add in a preference, and your spg #.
-Upon check-in, humbly ask again if the upgrade didn't go through.



Our stay at the Swan in July, I did the above (it was what I did the year before at the Dolphin and knew before going that we got the upgrade). Upon check-in, the CM started quoting my reservation -standard King room, etc.

not our upgrade!!! So, I plunged in ask very sweetly would it be possible to have a balcony room (what we were hoping for). She said let me check and continued on the computer while I held my breath! She looked up and said it could be done - would a junior suite be okay? After I was able to breathe, I blurted out- OF COURSE!!!!

So, Lady, go for it - the magic seems to work in overdrive at the S/D.

Good Luck!

 

[Lady from NYC]

great info mouseteacher--thanks!! i already sent them a request for a nice view/not too far from lobby. maybe i should send another for that comp upgrade, if they can. great to hear that the magic is in overdrive at the S/D. as much as i love the YC, last time i was there, i found the magic to be slipping a bit from years past.

one more thing, you mentioned that when you stayed at the dolphin you knew you had gotten a comp. upgrade before you arrived--how did you find out??

 

[Fridye]

We just stayed at the Swan, and I found out I could apply my Starwood points to an airline instead. Just thought everyone would like to know that they have that option.

Also, the best view we ever had was a balcony room with Epcot view. The fireworks were incredible and you could see the boats traveling back and forth on the waterway.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Lady~
When you are an spg member, you can go on the website to "Check Your Reservation" and see a description of your room. At first, our description was "traditional room, 2 double beds,...

About 2 weeks before our arrival, I checked again and the description now read, Club Level Room, etc. and went on to describe the amenities.

Boy, was I excited!

However, the upgrade we got to jr. suite with balcony and gorgeous view even topped the CL upgrade!

 

[Lady from NYC]

wow. you got those wonderful comp upgrades just by asking on the website?? that's awesome i sent an email from the s/d site and the spg site--keep your fingers crossed that the magic works for me as well

 

[Mouseteacher]

Lady, PD coming your way
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Please let me know how you make out with your plans. And...best wishes to you on your upcoming marriage - many blessings on the two of you!

 

[Lady from NYC]

Thanks, but I'm already married

 

[Mouseteacher]

oops, got my posters mixed up... well - take the blessings anyway - we all can use all we can get!!!

 

[Lady from NYC]

Not a problem at all We're newlyweds, so the blessings are not far off. Thanks again for all the great advice.