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

[catiesmom]

Thank you all for your answers!! Very helpful and appreciated Initially we were planning to stay at the Contemporary Resort to be close to MK but we just couldn't pass up the free rooms via Starwood. So I'm getting very excited about the Swan now!

 

[hsmamato2]

Thank you all for your answers!! Very helpful and appreciated Initially we were planning to stay at the Contemporary Resort to be close to MK but we just couldn't pass up the free rooms via Starwood. So I'm getting very excited about the Swan now!

how do you get free rooms via starwood? do earn by staying?

 

[TaraPA]

how do you get free rooms via starwood? do earn by staying?

Starwood properties have a rewards program (Westin & Sheraton brands). When you are a Starwood member you earn points for all stays & purchases. You can earn 1-2 (maybe 3) points per dollar spent depending upon what level you are with Starwod, Preferred, Gold or Platinum. It's one of the perks that keeps me going back!

You can get details at www.spg.com.

 

[jcondrad]

Hi everyone. We were planning to stay YC for our December trip, but with a new baby we want to save some money and try out the swan/dolphin. We were going to go to a mod but love the location of Epcot resorts!!

I read through most of the pages and had a couple questions...
1. I read you can call and update rates if you find a lower one after you put in a reservation. Just wanted to make sure that was correct.

2. I was quoted 161.10 for dec 9-17 on AAA discount standard room at Dolphin. Govt employee rates weren't available during our stay and not sure if they offer AP rates like Disney does. Does that rate sound decent for that time period?

Thanks in advance and thanks for the great thread!! Had most of my answers just by reading first page!

 

[kaceyisme]

Hi everyone. We were planning to stay YC for our December trip, but with a new baby we want to save some money and try out the swan/dolphin. We were going to go to a mod but love the location of Epcot resorts!!

I read through most of the pages and had a couple questions...
1. I read you can call and update rates if you find a lower one after you put in a reservation. Just wanted to make sure that was correct.

2. I was quoted 161.10 for dec 9-17 on AAA discount standard room at Dolphin. Govt employee rates weren't available during our stay and not sure if they offer AP rates like Disney does. Does that rate sound decent for that time period?

Thanks in advance and thanks for the great thread!! Had most of my answers just by reading first page!

That sounds about right for that time of year. Make sure that you book the AAA Resort Credit Offer - it's the same nightly rate, but you get a $50 resort credit.

 

[rh3772]

We are planning at trip over Halloween. Has anyone ever gone to the Swan and Dolphins Halloween party? I don't really want to go to MNSSHP. We will be staying at the Dolphin. Any other Halloween ideas?

 

[Mouseteacher]

Welcome back, Karen and Nancy. Sounds like good trips.

Thanks, Dan!

 

[jcondrad]

That sounds about right for that time of year. Make sure that you book the AAA Resort Credit Offer - it's the same nightly rate, but you get a $50 resort credit.

Thanks so much!!! I called back to book and asked about AP rates too, it was 159 with no credit. So I booked the AAA for the better deal!!!

 

[SingingMom]

The MK is always crowded! We did the Wishes Dessert Party our first park night, and returned the next night for evening EMH. (Loved the dessert party, and would do that again!) We found the Studios to be pretty quiet on a Thursday morning, and my son had no problem riding Expedition Everest several times in a row. (My daughter and I didn't go to AK.) Other than a few sprinkles late at night - we had no rain.

Nancy - how does the dessert party work? Thanks!

 

[elainyaeq]

Has anyone been to the miniature golf course? i read it's within walking distance, but can you tell me which way do we go from the Dolphin? just trying to get an idea where it is on the map...we're thinking of going Saturday evening
Thanks!

 

[diskids2]

Thanks for the previous info on the Swan v. Dolphin. We just booked March 21-29 at the Swan (Dolphin is sold out at the moment). We can't wait to try the Swan as we have been to the Dolphin 4 times in the past. My family absolutely LOVES this area and we look forward to being there again! Even if it is the week before Easter!

 

[NancyIL]

Nancy - how does the dessert party work? Thanks!

It starts about an hour before the fireworks from the Tomorrowland Terrace, and I booked it online. The cost varies, but ours was $29.81/pp with tax on a Thursday in July. There's a great review about it at All Ears: http://land.allears.net/blogs/michaelbachand/2010/04/

 

[Mouseteacher]

Has anyone been to the miniature golf course? i read it's within walking distance, but can you tell me which way do we go from the Dolphin? just trying to get an idea where it is on the map...we're thinking of going Saturday evening
Thanks!

You need to walk over to the Swan lap pool area. There is a walkway just beyond it that leads to the mini golf.

 

[Mouseteacher]

The walkway leading to the mini golf is just beyond the Swan lap pool.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Oops double post.

 

[jcondrad]

Nancy - how does the dessert party work? Thanks!

Sorry to hijack this, but I wanted to add that we did this last summer and loved it. Not so much for the desserts but the relaxed atmosphere of NOT staking out a spot to watch wishes!! And also for the amazing photopass pics we got. The castle in the background at night was priceless! And my dd loved tinkerbell flying right over our heads!

 

[onlyafigment]

Morning All,
I've been scanning through the majority of this thread, but can't see the answer to this question so have come out of lurkdom!

I have an AAA rate booked, but following the links posted my dates also appear available for an AAA123 rate. However, this rate looks identical to that I've already booked, i.e. I see no mention of the $50 credit anywhere?

 

[onlyafigment]

Morning All,
I've been scanning through the majority of this thread, but can't see the answer to this question so have come out of lurkdom!

I have an AAA rate booked, but following the links posted my dates also appear available for an AAA123 rate. However, this rate looks identical to that I've already booked, i.e. I see no mention of the $50 credit anywhere?

Ignore me, I tried some earlier dates and can see the different rates now, one just Automobile Association and one which also says Resort Credit Offer - musn't be any credit offer available for my dates. Does the credit offer generally come out nearer the time? I'm looking over a year out and just the standard AAA offer comes up, but the same time this year has resort credit...

 

[RachelTori]

Ignore me, I tried some earlier dates and can see the different rates now, one just Automobile Association and one which also says Resort Credit Offer - musn't be any credit offer available for my dates. Does the credit offer generally come out nearer the time? I'm looking over a year out and just the standard AAA offer comes up, but the same time this year has resort credit...

It's hard to say what discounts/promos might be offered next year. I would keep checking this page: http://www.swandolphin.com/offers/

It lists the current offers and is updated as new discounts are released!

 

[elainyaeq]

You need to walk over to the Swan lap pool area. There is a walkway just beyond it that leads to the mini golf.

Thank you Mouseteacher, OK i think i see it on the bling map now, looks like a bit of a walk for grandpa, but if we go in the evening might not seem so bad with the sun down I can't wait, first time ever at the Dolphin in two days and praying for good weather! my dd8 is going to flip out, she has no idea, we're going to surprise her on Friday