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

[phillytwins]

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!

Thanks Tara! We haven't tried the BC and YC restaurants, but I think I might do it on this trip since we'll have 6 nts at Swan Yes, hard to believe the twins will be 8 for this trip. I think it's been 5 years since our dismeet?!

Thanks to cgattis too. I've always shied away from the Garden grove mediterranean night because the kids are picky. But maybe we'll check it out.

 

[bas71873]

What am I missing? I currently have a AAA rate booked for the Dolphin for a standard room for $188/night (and I'm pretty sure it's not going to get better than that, which is fine considering we are checking in on Turkey Day 2013). But, I was just looking at the S/D website and the 2013 specials, specifically, the Sunsational Savings "special" where you get a 6th night free, but when I plugged in my dates, the rate went up to well over $350/night for the same room I have booked? What kind of special is that, especially when the AAA rate is still available?

 

[Dan Murphy]

What am I missing? I currently have a AAA rate booked for the Dolphin for a standard room for $188/night (and I'm pretty sure it's not going to get better than that, which is fine considering we are checking in on Turkey Day 2013). But, I was just looking at the S/D website and the 2013 specials, specifically, the Sunsational Savings "special" where you get a 6th night free, but when I plugged in my dates, the rate went up to well over $350/night for the same room I have booked? What kind of special is that, especially when the AAA rate is still available?

It could well be like the "free" dining at Disney. If something goes down in price, something else goes up. The price remains the same, or even more, but from a marketing perspective, some buyers perceive one pricing as better (even though it may not be) than a different pricing. It's all marketing.

 

[bas71873]

It could well be like the "free" dining at Disney. If something goes down in price, something else goes up. The price remains the same, or even more, but from a marketing perspective, some buyers perceive one pricing as better (even though it may not be) than a different pricing. It's all marketing.

That's what I thought at first, but then thought WOW, quite a difference. It's even more than if you booked the Dolphin straight thru WDW's site. I think I'll keep my rate.

I do have one more question that I just thought about. Can we use Disney gift cards at any of the restuarants at the S/D? We will likely just be doing breakfast and drinks/snacks at the S/D, but I'm curious. Thanks.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Disney gift cards can only be used in either of the two Disney gift stores, no restaurants.

 

[bas71873]

Disney gift cards can only be used in either of the two Disney gift stores, no restaurants.

Super. Thanks. Now I can narrow down how many I need to buy between now & November. Will likely only eat at S/D for breakfast and snacks, but good to know.

 

[cindym]

What am I missing? I currently have a AAA rate booked for the Dolphin for a standard room for $188/night (and I'm pretty sure it's not going to get better than that, which is fine considering we are checking in on Turkey Day 2013). But, I was just looking at the S/D website and the 2013 specials, specifically, the Sunsational Savings "special" where you get a 6th night free, but when I plugged in my dates, the rate went up to well over $350/night for the same room I have booked? What kind of special is that, especially when the AAA rate is still available?

There is a conference there during my dates (Nov.30-Dec 7) so they are holding rooms. A phone agent told me this when I tried to get one of the specials. I think we were lucky to get the AAA rate before the conference set their dates!

 

[bas71873]

There is a conference there during my dates (Nov.30-Dec 7) so they are holding rooms. A phone agent told me this when I tried to get one of the specials. I think we were lucky to get the AAA rate before the conference set their dates!

Ooh. Glad I'm booked then. Our dates are Nov 28 to Dec 4

 

[melliej]

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!

We stayed for 5 nights on points last spring. I booked over the phone, but noticed online that our stay mentioned 2 Adults/0 Kids (though it was for a queen/queen room). When I called to mention that we did have 2 children, they said the "kid count" didn't really matter, just the # of adults in the room and that we were fine. You can book online and always call to mention you will be traveling with children to cover yourself. Happy planning!

 

[RachelTori]

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!

We stayed for 5 nights on points last spring. I booked over the phone, but noticed online that our stay mentioned 2 Adults/0 Kids (though it was for a queen/queen room). When I called to mention that we did have 2 children, they said the "kid count" didn't really matter, just the # of adults in the room and that we were fine. You can book online and always call to mention you will be traveling with children to cover yourself. Happy planning!

Yes, I agree, melliej! In fact, often times when I hit the "reserve" button, I later notice my reservation is for 1 adult!!! (with my travel pattern, I guess that's what it defaults to!) As long as you book the 2-bed option (not the King room, which is also available to book Cash&Points), there won't be any problems at check-in.

 

[wallawallakids]

Does anyone know, can you add tickets to your room card or do you have to use the paper tickets if you stay at the Swan/Dolphin? The paper ones always seem to demagnetize and we had to get new ones a lot. Thanks.

 

[Dan Murphy]

No, you can not add perk tickets to a S/D room keycard.

 

[wallawallakids]

No, you can not add perk tickets to a S/D room keycard.

Ok. thank you. It's not a deal breaker, just hate having to constantly pick up new paper tickets!

 

[Angeejoe]

Do you know approx how much it would cost for a taxi? I remember the wait for a bus to return seemed endless in years past, but that was in June.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

We never took a taxi from DTD, but we did take one from the POLY to YC ( as we left MK on monorail to dinner at POLY), I think it was $15-$20 with tip. It was well worth it as we had no other way back unless we went back to MK or DTD to transfer to YC. I felt time was more valuable!

 

[Angeejoe]

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!

I think an 8yr old or actually any age would like Beaches & Cream over between BC/YC. It has an old soda shop theme, is less expensive than most Disney sit down restaurants (mainly hot dogs, hamburgers & great ice cream & floats), and its right by the arcade.

 

[mademluc]

Hi everyone I have booked our first ever stay at the Dolphin as part of a split stay with Boardwalk CL celebrating my eldest daughter's high school graduation. I've been reading this thread from the beginning but have only reached page 63 so please forgive me if I'm asking about stuff that is obvious to all. We're staying the beginning of August and I got a AAA rate for a Deluxe Alcove room for $278.10 (before taxes, resort fees, etc). Does this seem reasonable? I thought that it sounded like there would be more room for everyone (3 teenage girls, 17, 16 & 16) as opposed to a regular room with 2 doubles and a rollaway. Can anyone tell me anymore about a deluxe alcove room? Are there many? Do some have nice views and others not so much? I appreciate any and all thoughts on the matter and once again ask for your forbearance regarding my missing 60 pages of reading

 

[Alabama Minnie]

FYI: Be sure and check the rates for your Dolphin/Swan reservations even after you book. Today the Epcot fireworks room (AAA rate) was the the same as the resort-view I had booked so I called and switched it. It was a great upgrade for our upcoming anniversary trip in February!

 

[calmpets]

Any word on when they will announce the dates for the 2013 SD Food & Wine Classic?

 

[Music City Mama]

We stayed for 5 nights on points last spring. I booked over the phone, but noticed online that our stay mentioned 2 Adults/0 Kids (though it was for a queen/queen room). When I called to mention that we did have 2 children, they said the "kid count" didn't really matter, just the # of adults in the room and that we were fine. You can book online and always call to mention you will be traveling with children to cover yourself. Happy planning!

Yes, I agree, melliej! In fact, often times when I hit the "reserve" button, I later notice my reservation is for 1 adult!!! (with my travel pattern, I guess that's what it defaults to!) As long as you book the 2-bed option (not the King room, which is also available to book Cash&Points), there won't be any problems at check-in.

Thanks! I did wind up booking it the other day -- used C&P for my first 2 nights and the other 3 with the AAA rate (renting points at BLT 1 BR after the Swan). I booked by phone but the online confirmation states "2 adults/0 children" -- it does show 2 Queen beds, though. I will call the S/D directly at some point to make sure it's noted. I'm so happy to have learned on here about C&P being available -- it saved me quite a bit of money.

 

[magsmum]

FYI: Be sure and check the rates for your Dolphin/Swan reservations even after you book. Today the Epcot fireworks room (AAA rate) was the the same as the resort-view I had booked so I called and switched it. It was a great upgrade for our upcoming anniversary trip in February!

Thanks for posting this. I have been more focused on checking our airline prices- room rates have not really dropped for my stay since July. Your post prompted me to check and I've dropped my nightly rate! I am now in a rate range that is more in keeping with what I have been able to book in the past for President's Week. Now off to check airlines, rental car and BOG openings to see if my luck holds for anywhere else!

Thanks!