The **New** Swan and Dolphin Resort thread ~ April 2012 ~ Please read post #1

[JimmyV]

Option 3

Bummer.

 

[ckelly14]

Agree that being treated exactly like an "off site" resort regarding FP+ is kinda annoying. I thought the S&D was special!

Speaking of annoying, I was told by S&D reservations that I cannot use only Starpoints to book a 1 bdrm executive suite. Used to be 10,000 points for the parlor and 10,000 points for the adjacent room (essentially a regular hotel room). Now they tell me that it is 10,000 points for the hotel room but I need to pay cash for the attached parlor ($200 per night). Certainly not a bad deal, but I used to book both with only points for the last 10 years. Thought about connecting rooms, but they won't guarantee them. Anyone else run into this?

 

[Tuffcookie]

I'm hoping Disney will allow S/D guests to pre-register for FP+ attractions in time for my April trip.

It makes no sense to me why S/D was the first resort Disney chose to take part in the test if they weren't going to allow it (S/D) to be a part of it once it was rolled out.

TC

 

[LifeontheDrupe]

I apologize if these questions have been repetitive on this thread... but any insight you could share would be greatly appreciated!

1) What's the difference between booking a "Traditional" and "Resort" room category at the Dolphin, besides the $27/night? Is it just the option of facing the Convention Center/parking versus facing the Swan/Courtyard?

2) I noticed on Page 1, that the dinning options are listed with a potential 20% off with your AAA membership. Does this still apply to Cabanas? Does it also include/apply to alcohol?

For our 5 night stay (9/29 to 10/4)... there's at least a $600 difference ($650 if you count the AAA credit) between the Dolphin and Boardwalk Inn... and that's IF I can find a 30% off code

The difference would allow one of us (party of 2) to upgrade from a 5 day park hopper ticket ($370.62) to an Annual Pass ($648.59)... and purchase the Tables in Wonderland discount dinning card... and STILL save at least $110 (which would most likely go to 2 tickets to MNSSHP)... not to mention we would now receive 20% off our dinning and drinks through out our stay.

I just have no desire to "play along" with the FP+ system (given what Disney charges for tickets/resorts)... and while it was a difficult realization, this is probably the trip I'm most looking forward too! Disney is still getting our money, no doubt... but so is Universal, Loews Hotels, Starwood, etc... and at the end of the day... I feel much more confident with the quality and price point of this vacation and am spending less time questioning "is this worth it?"

 

[vicb]

I've been checking everyday and today there was a slight price drop for my dates in early May for the Dolphin. I decided to upgrade to "resort view", so paying about the same now as I was before for a standard room. I was able to retain the AAA resort credit for both rooms.


So if you are staying in May, you might want to check rates.

 

[corinascot]

Question about doing something that is at the least unethical... Anyone brought an 18 year old with them and put 2 adults 1 child on reservation? We've been to WDW several times and I know ds is "in the sytem." The rates at Swan looked good for our dates, but with parking, the resort fee, and the extra adult fee, it adds over $60/day.

I'm usually a good girl, so we'll probably just stay at a moderate, but just wondered. And if Swan doesn't get FPP by March, we will definitely stay at a moderate.

 

[patty57]

Question about doing something that is at the least unethical... Anyone brought an 18 year old with them and put 2 adults 1 child on reservation? We've been to WDW several times and I know ds is "in the sytem." The rates at Swan looked good for our dates, but with parking, the resort fee, and the extra adult fee, it adds over $60/day.

I'm usually a good girl, so we'll probably just stay at a moderate, but just wondered. And if Swan doesn't get FPP by March, we will definitely stay at a moderate.

No, never have.

After seeing my answer, it strikes me as "judgy", and I didn't mean it that way. I really only meant that I haven't. If you want to say your 18 year old is 17, that's really no one else's business.
I also have to agree about the FP+ thing. I love the S/D, but want the ability to book ahead.

 

[ckelly14]

She is your "child" right?

Fees at the S&D are getting a bit annoying. I would vote with my wallet, and make sure management knows why I changed my resort. Plus, you'll get fast pass +, if that interests you...

 

[cgattis]

She is your "child" right? Fees at the S&D are getting a bit annoying. I would vote with my wallet, and make sure management knows why I changed my resort. Plus, you'll get fast pass +, if that interests you...

I like that idea....why don't you call and ask a manager. Explain that this is technically an adult, but coming out of the same family's wallet, KWIM? And tell them the rate you'd have at whichever mod you're considering. Give them the chance to waive the (additional) fee, and then let them know what you decide. ITA, the fees are getting WAY too high.

 

[SRUAlmn]

She is your "child" right?

Fees at the S&D are getting a bit annoying. I would vote with my wallet, and make sure management knows why I changed my resort. Plus, you'll get fast pass +, if that interests you...

I completely agree! We stayed in a two bedroom grand suite in 2012 and we loved it, but we aren't considering the S&D anymore due to the resort fees (and now the FP situation.) We only ever even used one aspect of the resort fee (the water) and we drive down from SC so we also had the steep parking fee on top of that. We just can't justify it anymore.

 

[corinascot]

I regretted my first post, bc it is a rather stupid question, but you actually gave me an idea. I will phone them and ask if they can waive the fee. Never hurts to ask.

He's a college student, and believe me, he is our dependent. The college tuition bill is the reason I'm more worried about spending than other years. We probably should skip the trip entirely, but this will be our first family vacation that isn't related to the college search since 2011. Not a big deal to some, but I do love my vacations!

Thanks everyone.

 

[patty57]

I regretted my first post, bc it is a rather stupid question, but you actually gave me an idea. I will phone them and ask if they can waive the fee. Never hurts to ask.

He's a college student, and believe me, he is our dependent. The college tuition bill is the reason I'm more worried about spending than other years. We probably should skip the trip entirely, but this will be our first family vacation that isn't related to the college search since 2011. Not a big deal to some, but I do love my vacations!

Thanks everyone.

I feel your pain. I have a sophomore and a senior in private colleges.

 

[100acrewoodsfan]

What size are the mini fridges? I am planning on stopping at Publix to pick up some allergy friendly food items and need to make sure they will fit. Also do they stay cold enough to keep items fresh? When we stayed at POR last trip we went through multiple mini fridges and a bunch of spoiled food because they were barely cool.

 

[SingingMom]

What size are the mini fridges? I am planning on stopping at Publix to pick up some allergy friendly food items and need to make sure they will fit. Also do they stay cold enough to keep items fresh? When we stayed at POR last trip we went through multiple mini fridges and a bunch of spoiled food because they were barely cool.

Regular size mini fridges. Don't store milk on the door. Just make sure you have the settings on the highest.

"SingingMom" ....Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[Tess]

I regretted my first post, bc it is a rather stupid question, but you actually gave me an idea. I will phone them and ask if they can waive the fee. Never hurts to ask.

He's a college student, and believe me, he is our dependent. The college tuition bill is the reason I'm more worried about spending than other years. We probably should skip the trip entirely, but this will be our first family vacation that isn't related to the college search since 2011. Not a big deal to some, but I do love my vacations!

Thanks everyone.

I feel your pain. I have a sophomore and a senior in private colleges.

Been there and done that with the private college x2--totally understand the need to economize on those extra fees. When we head back this fall, one of the two will be joining us on their own dime! Love it!

 

[vicb]

I regretted my first post, bc it is a rather stupid question, but you actually gave me an idea. I will phone them and ask if they can waive the fee. Never hurts to ask.

thanks everyone.

Please let us know how you make out with your phone call. Good luck.

 

[bakerworld]

Question about doing something that is at the least unethical... Anyone brought an 18 year old with them and put 2 adults 1 child on reservation? We've been to WDW several times and I know ds is "in the sytem." The rates at Swan looked good for our dates, but with parking, the resort fee, and the extra adult fee, it adds over $60/day.

I'm usually a good girl, so we'll probably just stay at a moderate, but just wondered. And if Swan doesn't get FPP by March, we will definitely stay at a moderate.

I thought it was 18 and under so the 18 yo should till count as a 'child' vs another adult.

 

[patty57]

Been there and done that with the private college x2--totally understand the need to economize on those extra fees. When we head back this fall, one of the two will be joining us on their own dime! Love it!

On their own dime? I cannot even imagine that! Just...wow.

 

[SA mom]

Does the Swan still have the white tea and aloe scent in the lobby? It is one of my favorite things and if it's not there anymore, I have to prepare myself mentally for our next trip.

 

[Meghatron]

So we stayed at the Dolphin for one night before our cruise a few weeks ago and loved it, especially the location. My only problem was the double beds -- my husband and I had to split up and each sleep with one kid in order to fit us all for comfort (he and I are very tall and not skinny). That works for one night, but not for the 10-14 day trip we are planning for my graduation next year.

For those of you that have stayed in the Alcove rooms, how does a family of four sleep in there? The swandolphin website shows a picture of an alcove room with one bed and no sofa at all (only a single armchair and a table), much less one that could be a pullout. And the Premium Studio picture is always showing up under "Family Rooms" when I check bookings on the spg/starwood sites, but it's never available to book no matter what time of year I search to get a feel for price. I thought it was maybe a suite thing, but the same interface *would* let me book a governor's suite, so I'm not sure what's going on.

How can we stay here again without having to share double beds with two kids?

ETA: I see now that the Swan has queens. I would still like the info about the Alcoves and Studios at the Dolphin, if anyone knows. Thank you!

The Dis page for these hotels says they offer AP discounts--how do these compare to the AAA discount?