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

[Music City Mama]

Hmmm, this is food for thought. I just looked and my first 3 nights are included as SPG points + cash dates (although, I only have the points for 2 nights). That would still save me $300 over AAA's rates (actually more because I'd get taxed on a smaller amount). I was initially going to book the Swan, but because the rates are higher this year for my dates than they usually are at that time of year, I decided to book the Yacht Club (for $260 more than the Swan with the spring discount). But with this, I could save close to $600 than what I'd be paying at the YC. Decisions, decisions . . .

 

[TaraPA]

Hi Tara and fellow S/D fans!
We are headed back to the World next month. After two stays at the Dolphin, we are going to try the Swan for the first time. I can't wait!

A couple of questions -- any recommendations for dinner in the Swan or Dolphin (or in Boardwalk area) that my 8 year olds would like?
How much is a cab ride from Swan to Contemporary?

Tara - Enjoy planning your upcoming trips!

Carolyn!!!!

My kids still love the CS Picabu at The Dolphin, and Beaches & Cream at BC. They're both very very casual places. They also enjoy the breakfast buffet at Captain's Grille at YC. I can't believe the twins are 8 already!

We took a cab from Swan to Poly & it was $18 plus tip.

Have a great trip!

 

[lovingthemouse]

Laura and Lexi thanks for the input. I went ahead and booked the Dolphin using cash/points for my first 2 nights.
Can't miss staying at the Dolphin once again. I love the place!!!

 

[cgattis]

We really enjoy Mediterranean night at Garden Grove. Picky DD11, kinda picky DH, and foodies DS8 and I all find plenty we like there every time. We never got around to trying the Fountain burgers, but the kids love the ice cream. And we really enjoyed food from Cabanas (try the Cuban Philly!) eaten poolside . We have also carried out sandwiches from Boardwalk Bakery and done the same. Really like staying at the Dolphin

 

[RachelTori]

Laura and Lexi thanks for the input. I went ahead and booked the Dolphin using cash/points for my first 2 nights. Moving to Shades of Green for the remainder of the time.
Can't miss staying at the Dolphin once again. I love the place!!!

Smart move! The Cash&Points can and do disappear without warning! It's unlikely you'll find a better deal! (but unlike some promotions - if you need to cancel, it's no problem as long as you're more than 5 days from check-in! )

I have two Swan stays booked on Cash&Points for November!

 

[LexiC123]

Can someone tell me what April dates are coming up available for a Cash + Points reservation? When I input my dates - April 20 to 26 - it comes up as unavailable.

Thanks!

 

[SingingMom]

Live from the Dolphin! Arrived this morning after an 8 am flight. Room wasn't ready so we left our bags with the bellman and headed to Epcot and then the Grand Floridian for Afternoon tea, which was terrific! Came back through Epcot, got FP for Soarin', saw a few characters, went back to check in and unpack a bit, headed back to Epcot, rode Test Track, Soarin, and had a great late dinner at Tutto Gusto in Italy. Full first day!!

Upgraded room - Epcot view with balcony. So happy to be back at the Dolphin after a two year absence. (5 years straight visits before that! )
81 degrees and sunny. This "jersey girl" was thrilled to wear shorts in January!!!

Any Dolphin questions, ask and I'll help if I can. We are here until next Wednesday!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Yeah! I know your glad to be back! Enjoy your trip and post when you can!

 

[RachelTori]

Can someone tell me what April dates are coming up available for a Cash + Points reservation? When I input my dates - April 20 to 26 - it comes up as unavailable.

Thanks!

I know it's very hard to find Cash&Points for more than 2 or 3 nights in a row.

Here's what I found for C&P at Dolphin in April:

4/6 & 7
4/11 & 12
4/15
4/18, 19, 20 & 21 (surprised there are 4 nights in a row!)

Swan:

4/6 & 7
4/11
4/14
4/19
4/26

So it looks like you could get your first 2 nights at Dolphin on Cash&Points.

 

[RachelTori]

Live from the Dolphin! Arrived this morning after an 8 am flight. Room wasn't ready so we left our bags with the bellman and headed to Epcot and then the Grand Floridian for Afternoon tea, which was terrific! Came back through Epcot, got FP for Soarin', saw a few characters, went back to check in and unpack a bit, headed back to Epcot, rode Test Track, Soarin, and had a great late dinner at Tutto Gusto in Italy. Full first day!!

Upgraded room - Epcot view with balcony. So happy to be back at the Dolphin after a two year absence. (5 years straight visits before that! )
81 degrees and sunny. This "jersey girl" was thrilled to wear shorts in January!!!

Any Dolphin questions, ask and I'll help if I can. We are here until next Wednesday!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Have a great vacation! Enjoy that Epcot View & balcony!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Live from the Dolphin! Arrived this morning after an 8 am flight. Room wasn't ready so we left our bags with the bellman and headed to Epcot and then the Grand Floridian for Afternoon tea, which was terrific! Came back through Epcot, got FP for Soarin', saw a few characters, went back to check in and unpack a bit, headed back to Epcot, rode Test Track, Soarin, and had a great late dinner at Tutto Gusto in Italy. Full first day!!

Upgraded room - Epcot view with balcony. So happy to be back at the Dolphin after a two year absence. (5 years straight visits before that! )
81 degrees and sunny. This "jersey girl" was thrilled to wear shorts in January!!!

Any Dolphin questions, ask and I'll help if I can. We are here until next Wednesday!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Have a great trip, enjoy!!

Was the driver waiting at the airport with your name on the sign?

 

[lovingthemouse]

I was able to get the cash/points for Apr 11th and 12th. In all the years we have stayed at the Dolphin, this is the first time I had seen it available.

 

[SingingMom]

Have a great trip, enjoy!!

Was the driver waiting at the airport with your name on the sign?

But of course!! ;-). You know me so well, Dan!!! Tee Hee!
(Even remembered us from our other trips!)
Haven't had my espresso martini yet, but we have seven more night for that!!!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[LexiC123]

Live from the Dolphin! Arrived this morning after an 8 am flight. Room wasn't ready so we left our bags with the bellman and headed to Epcot and then the Grand Floridian for Afternoon tea, which was terrific! Came back through Epcot, got FP for Soarin', saw a few characters, went back to check in and unpack a bit, headed back to Epcot, rode Test Track, Soarin, and had a great late dinner at Tutto Gusto in Italy. Full first day!!

Upgraded room - Epcot view with balcony. So happy to be back at the Dolphin after a two year absence. (5 years straight visits before that! )
81 degrees and sunny. This "jersey girl" was thrilled to wear shorts in January!!!

Any Dolphin questions, ask and I'll help if I can. We are here until next Wednesday!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Thanks for sharing your trip with us, SingingMom. A friend of mine is arriving at the Swan on Saturday, and she'll be happy to hear that it's short-wearing weather!

I know it's very hard to find Cash&Points for more than 2 or 3 nights in a row.

Here's what I found for C&P at Dolphin in April:

4/6 & 7
4/11 & 12
4/15
4/18, 19, 20 & 21 (surprised there are 4 nights in a row!)

Swan:

4/6 & 7
4/11
4/14
4/19
4/26

So it looks like you could get your first 2 nights at Dolphin on Cash&Points.

Thanks so much for finding that information for me. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like it will work for our dates, after all. The Dolphin isn't available for the remaining 4 days of our trip, and the Swan is only showing a much higher pre-paid rate for the same days. Looks like I'll have to stick with one free night and the AAA rate for the other 5 nights, for now.

At least now I know that Cash + Points at the S/D is a reality, and not just an urban legend, LOL.

I was able to get the cash/points for Apr 11th and 12th. In all the years we have stayed at the Dolphin, this is the first time I had seen it available. That's why I asked for feedback yesterday - thanks for the input you provided.

That's great...glad it worked out for you!

 

[SingingMom]

Yeah! I know your glad to be back! Enjoy your trip and post when you can!

Oh yes! We even saw your namesake in GB. Told her we sang "Feed the Birds" in her honor on the steps of st Paul's this May while In London. She wanted to know if we had our tuppence with us and if the bird lady was there. ;-)

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[SingingMom]

Have a great vacation! Enjoy that Epcot View & balcony!

Hope we are in the room at least one night at 9pm to see Illuminations from the balcony!!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[PolyAddict]

Can someone tell me what April dates are coming up available for a Cash + Points reservation? When I input my dates - April 20 to 26 - it comes up as unavailable.

Thanks!

I am not able to book April 21-26 except for prepaid at Swan and nothing At Dolphin.

 

[Mouseteacher]

I was able to get the cash/points for Apr 11th and 12th. In all the years we have stayed at the Dolphin, this is the first time I had seen it available.

Several years ago I got C&P for the Swan for a late July trip. We got it for all 5 nights. Then we got more magic - we were comp upgraded to a junior suite. I haven't seen C&P for our subsequent late July trips since then. Take it when you can.

 

[SA mom]

I'm reading this thread, smelling my aloe and green tea lotion, wishing I was at the Swan. We haven't been in 2 years (went to Disneyland last year). Hope all of you have the best time ever on your next trip!

 

[Music City Mama]

Several years ago I got C&P for the Swan for a late July trip. We got it for all 5 nights. Then we got more magic - we were comp upgraded to a junior suite. I haven't seen C&P for our subsequent late July trips since then. Take it when you can.

There are some for late July at the Dolphin: 7/23, 7/24, 7/25, 7/28 and 7/29.

I need some help from some SPG experts (RachelTori?). Some of my dates are available for points/cash, but when I change it from 2 adults to 2 adults/2 children, the dates grey out and I get this message at the bottom:

SPG Free Night Award and SPG Cash & Points reservations booked online can consist of 1 room, with up to 2 guests per room. Call SPG Customer Care for additional availability.

Is that true? You can only use C&P and free nights with just 2 guests? Even when the others are children? However, I notice it states "booked online". Does that mean if I call it would be different? TIA!