teacher discount at swan

[cgdmom]

WHat kind of proof do you need to receive the teacher discout at check in at the Swan? My school does not have an official ID. Is my teaching certificate enough. My husband's school does have an official ID> He will be joining us on our third night---can he just present his ID when he arrives? thanks!

 

[Geoff_M]

In all likelihood, you won't be asked to show anything... and what you have to show depends on who you talk to. The last time we used the discount we were told that we had to have either a photo school ID with "teacher" on it, a recent pay stub that showed my wife was a teacher, or a letter from her principal on school letterhead that stated that she was a teacher. We were told that teaching certificates were not proof of eligibility as they only proved that one COULD be a teacher, not that they were in fact employed as one. However, recently some people have been told that merely having a certificate is good enough.

 

[wrwrwrwreee1971]

I go to wdw regularly and have never used this discount. Please give me some info.

 

[ww52]

I echo what Geoff_M said. We came prepared with both a teaching certificate and a letter form the principal (on schol stationary) stating my wife was a teacher. They did ask to see proof last summer, and we showed them both. The reservationist said the letter was enough. Sounds logical that a letter or pay stub is better proof than a certificate - since the holder can have an active certificate without currently being a teacher.

The key with the letter or pay stub is that the person has to be a teacher - not just an employee of a school. In fact, I think that principals by that definition are excluded (though presumably they would hold certificates).

By the way, public school employees may or may not count as government employees, and therefore would be eligible for the same discount (I've heard that one both ways also).

It's best to call the Swan or Dolphin directly (not the Starwood number); ask someone and get their name.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I've used the Teachers' Break discount at the Dolphin, later this week will be my 3rd time. When I check in, they have wanted to see my school's picture ID, they have always asked for it. You are able to hold up to 3 rooms at that rate, and I'm holding 2 rooms this week.

When I call the Dolphin for the reservations I just ask for Teachers' Break. I notice that Dream's Unlimited has an ad on the home page of these discussion boards saying that they can get the rate for you as well. I have only just found these boards, so I didn't know about DU. The Dayton Daily News ran the article about discounts at WDW in 2001, and that's how I found out about it. We have gone in November, in December and this time in October, and we've always been able to get it. In fact, I had a ressie over Thanksgiving this year at the rate, but we had to cancel.

DH had a Starwood account, and when he showed it, we got an upgraded room last year. It would be nice if that happened again, but still, the rooms at the Dolphin are great.

My DDiL is a nurse, and she would qualify for the rate as well.

Bobbi

 

[Mich Mouse]

How much is the teacher's rate, and does it vary by the season? Since I am a teacher, I travel during the holiday periods. Also, which hotel is nicer? Dolphin or Swan. I've never considered staying there because I just thought that since it was not a Disney hotel, I'd be disappointed. Am I incorrect in this assumption?

 

[bobbiwoz]

Teacher's Break rate is $129 + tax+$10 daily resort charge which is standard. This is at the Dolphin.(The first year we stayed it was $99+tax and resort charge). We've never stayed at the Swan, our rate for the Thanksgiving ressies that we cancelled were at the same charge at the Swan. People have said wonderful things about the beds at the Swan, so that's a plus, but I don't know firsthand.

Holiday decorations at the Dolphin are pretty, and there is a piano player in the main lobby in the evenings. The pool is very, very nice. I like taking the boat to Epcot and MGM. People in my group have also walked to each.

You don't have Disney soaps, lotions, you aren't "at" Disney, but it is a very hotel, we've enjoyed our stays there. I have a friend from NJ who couldn't get the Teacher's Break for Jersey Week's NJEA convention time this year, but she had gotten it in the past because we met her there one year.

The only moderate Disney hotel that we've stayed at is CBR and we like the Dolphin better, mostly because of the location, and the Dolphin's rooms seem larger to me.

Bobbi

 

[sarahsmom73]

We are headed to the Dolphin form 4/7-4/15 (Easter Break) for us using the Teacher discount. Being a rookie at this I found this deal after I made ressies at the POR. DH was away and I booked the Dolphin for way less than POR using the teacher break.. Needless to say DH was thrilled!

Our school does use picture ID's. We have to wear them everyday for security.. I will be anxious to hear what everybody uses (I would prefer not to bring a copy of my NYS certification!)


BTW.... April can't come fast enough!