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

[LexiC123]

We are looking at staying at either the Swan or Dolphin next year. How far out can you book your hotel stay? I know with Disney Resort hotels you can book pretty far out?

Thanks!

As of right now, it looks like you can book through Oct 2013. Looks like the AAA and AARP discounts are loaded, but the Teacher, Nurse, Gov't and Military rates aren't available yet.

 

[bear_mom]

Staying there next week, and have a question about the alarm clock/radio in the rooms.

It looks like these are iPod docks, is this true? Trying to determine the amount of chargers we need to bring and this will help if it is.

Emily

 

[LexiC123]

Staying there next week, and have a question about the alarm clock/radio in the rooms.

It looks like these are iPod docks, is this true? Trying to determine the amount of chargers we need to bring and this will help if it is.

Emily

Unless things have changed since last October, the clocks are not iPod docks. You can connect your iPod to the clock to listen to music, but there was no cradle for recharging...at least not from what I remember. If I'm mistaken, I'm sure someone will pop in to set the record straight.

 

[bear_mom]

Unless things have changed since last October, the clocks are not iPod docks. You can connect your iPod to the clock to listen to music, but there was no cradle for recharging...at least not from what I remember. If I'm mistaken, I'm sure someone will pop in to set the record straight.

Oh well, I was hoping....

Emily

 

[LexiC123]

Oh well, I was hoping....

Emily

Yeah, I keep meaning to mention that on the comment cards, that they should upgrade the clock/radios. Although, it wouldn't really be helpful for the folks that travel with iPads. Looks like those chargers will be vacationing at Disney for the foreseeable future!

 

[pooh2001]

For recharging with a normal USA plug - we bring a power bar with at least 6 holes for plugs.

It helps refuel cell phones and camera's each night.

 

[bear_mom]

For recharging with a normal USA plug - we bring a power bar with at least 6 holes for plugs.

It helps refuel cell phones and camera's each night.

Already on the packing list, but even with 6 plugs we can't get 6 chargers on one power strip - 3 cell phones and 3 cameras (plus 2 iPods).......

Emily

 

[lovingthemouse]

We also use the outlets above the counter close to the frig to charge them. There are quite a few outlets in each room if you do not bring a power strip.
Only 34 days!!!!!

 

[Mouseteacher]

We also use the outlets above the counter close to the frig to charge them. There are quite a few outlets in each room if you do not bring a power strip.
Only 34 days!!!!!

Caroline~How exciting for you...only 34 days! I still have over 75 days to go until our Swan stay. Enjoy the time with your grandson.

 

[lovingthemouse]

Thanks Karen - he 's a teen now and not sure how much longer he'll want to travel with gram, so I will treasure these times together!!!

 

[pooh2001]

So glad for the reminder about all the electrical outlets.
We could pack more than one extra power strip.

Could some one tell me if the refrigerators at the Dolphin act like an actual refrigerator and stay cold ?

I have read they are just like a cooler and people have used the ice bucket filled with ice in the refrigerator to keep milk cold overnight.
Is this true ?

Please advise.

We buy milk in Picabu's in the evening to use for cereal in our room in the morning.
Thanks!

 

[LexiC123]

So glad for the reminder about all the electrical outlets.
We could pack more than one extra power strip.

Could some one tell me if the refrigerators at the Dolphin act like an actual refrigerator and stay cold ?

I have read they are just like a cooler and people have used the ice bucket filled with ice in the refrigerator to keep milk cold overnight.
Is this true ?

Please advise.

We buy milk in Picabu's in the evening to use for cereal in our room in the morning.
Thanks!

I've read that, too, but we've never had an issue with the fridges keeping things cold. Yogurt, half-and-half, beer soda...all were kept nicely chilled.

That said, the first things we do when we get into the room are check the fridge, the shower and the toilets to make sure they're operating properly.

 

[lovingthemouse]

I have found that if we leave the cabinet doors open, the frig does tend to stay colder! Will admit that often times mousekeeping does shut them after cleaning.

 

[SCPP]

Sorry...you're right. Here's the chart
https://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/account/starpoints/redeem/upgrades.html

I hope i did not come across as Mr. Know it all.

The Swan is a Category 4 Hotel
https://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1018

As the chart Liz referenced shows,
A Category 4 Hotel requires 10,000 point for a Suite Upgrade. These are normally the Grand or Executive Suites.
A Category 4 Hotel requires 1000 to 1500 for a room upgrade. These are usually the Deluxe Alcoves or rooms with an Epcot View

A suite confirmed room at the Swan is 20,000 per night. To upgrade to a suite is 10,000 points per night. We have used Starpoints for every trip over the past 12 years.

I spend over 150 nights a year at Starwood properties and have for the past 15 or so years. That earns alot of points and we have used points to book suites at the Swan.

We booked a 2 room suite for 10 days next month all on points.

Not sure we could go as often without Starwood and my work travel. This is the only good part of being away from home so often.

 

[pooh2001]

I have found that if we leave the cabinet doors open, the frig does tend to stay colder! Will admit that often times mousekeeping does shut them after cleaning.

Thank you.
It makes sense to leave the cabinet door open, so the mini-frig has some space for venting air.

Why did the S/D not leave the min-frig in a space with an open back in the cabinet for air circulation ?
It would have been a better design and the life span of the mini-frig would be greater with have less maintenance.

A little modification of a cabinet could save maintenance dollars in the future.

 

[Dan Murphy]

On the mini frig....I always check the temperature setting dial in the unit, sometimes it is set on the higher side, I turn it down to make colder. I have never had a problem with temperature.

 

[lizabu]

I hope i did not come across as Mr. Know it all.

The Swan is a Category 4 Hotel
https://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1018

As the chart Liz referenced shows,
A Category 4 Hotel requires 10,000 point for a Suite Upgrade. These are normally the Grand or Executive Suites.
A Category 4 Hotel requires 1000 to 1500 for a room upgrade. These are usually the Deluxe Alcoves or rooms with an Epcot View

A suite confirmed room at the Swan is 20,000 per night. To upgrade to a suite is 10,000 points per night. We have used Starpoints for every trip over the past 12 years.

I spend over 150 nights a year at Starwood properties and have for the past 15 or so years. That earns alot of points and we have used points to book suites at the Swan.

We booked a 2 room suite for 10 days next month all on points.

Not sure we could go as often without Starwood and my work travel. This is the only good part of being away from home so often.

Not at all. I can't believe I read 3000 points and thought 10000...lol. You explained things very well.

 

[bas71873]

Looking to try out the S/D in August 2013, so I'm researching my info. HOW do you choose between the two hotels? It will be myself, DH and DD who will be 10 at the time.

 

[TaraPA]

Looking to try out the S/D in August 2013, so I'm researching my info. HOW do you choose between the two hotels? It will be myself, DH and DD who will be 10 at the time.

If we have the kids with us, we choose the Dolphin, because it has the laundry room, the arcade and the 24-hour quick service (the only quick service, Swan has none) on property. Most rooms at The Dolphin are also closer to The Grotto pool than rooms at The Swan. If the kids aren't along then I take whatever is available for the best price!

Many adults traveling alone prefer the Swan, it's a bit smaller, and has less of the hustle & bustle feeling in the lobby. I'd choose either in a heartbeat - but if I HAD to pick, Dolphin, for those ammenities listed above. You will have 6 of one, half a dozen of the other answers when asking this!

 

[bas71873]

If we have the kids with us, we choose the Dolphin, because it has the laundry room, the arcade and the 24-hour quick service (the only quick service, Swan has none) on property. Most rooms at The Dolphin are also closer to The Grotto pool than rooms at The Swan. If the kids aren't along then I take whatever is available for the best price!

Many adults traveling alone prefer the Swan, it's a bit smaller, and has less of the hustle & bustle feeling in the lobby. I'd choose either in a heartbeat - but if I HAD to pick, Dolphin, for those ammenities listed above. You will have 6 of one, half a dozen of the other answers when asking this!

Thanks. That's very helpful!