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

[Dan Murphy]

Don't forget this..

http://www.swandolphinconcierge.com/public/login.cfm

 

[Gretchen]

Here now-just wanted to let you all know they are working on the resort. Painting the exterior and working on some of the guest rooms. We were given a letter at check in saying that there may be construction noise until 6pm. We did hear some construction noise late on Saturday. Also-our room hadn't been made up till after 4pm both days. Front desk said that housekeeping makes up rooms till 6 pm on the weekends. We were able to check in and get into our room early-before 11 and were able to get a late checkout, noon.
Having a great time, and will stay here again.

 

[jcvalenti]

I've stayed at The Dolphin on several occasions in the past (always for Food and Wine), but the other day a friend who travels a lot and apparently has a bajillion Starwood points basically set us up with a free room at The Swan if we went with he and his wife to F&W in October. Apparently we will get a suite upgrade as well.

I know my friend likes the best, so I'd ike to give him some intel on the hotel ... hoping someone can give me some info on the following:

1) How are the suites there ?

2) Are there any specific areas we should request for a better room, or perhaps a better view ? I think he would prefer looking towards the Boardwalk area ... not sure if you can see Epcot or not from there.

Thanks in advance !

 

[SingingMom]

Here now-just wanted to let you all know they are working on the resort. Painting the exterior and working on some of the guest rooms. We were given a letter at check in saying that there may be construction noise until 6pm. We did hear some construction noise late on Saturday. Also-our room hadn't been made up till after 4pm both days. Front desk said that housekeeping makes up rooms till 6 pm on the weekends. We were able to check in and get into our room early-before 11 and were able to get a late checkout, noon.
Having a great time, and will stay here again.

We always call housekeeping and tell them when we vacate the room and ask for it to be cleaned ASAP when we plan to return early and clean up before dinner plans. Especially on a water park day. I don't like to return to an unmade room and then be busy getting ready and have housekeeping come to clean.
It has always worked well for us and they seemed to appreciate knowing they could check us off their list.

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

 

[bas71873]

I searched the thread and found my own question about this, but could not find an answer to it, so I'll ask again

1. Can I link my Swan reservation (booked directly with Swan) to my My Disney Experience account?

2. I know I can book my UT tickets, but I have not purchased those yet.

3. IF the magic bands are in play by the time our trip rolls around (11/30), will we be eligible for them and FP+ since we aren't staying at a WDW resort? Will we get the bands in the mail beforehand?


Just trying to figure it all out. I also have a rez at POFQ and I'm trying to decide once & for all where we are staying.

 

[RachelTori]

I searched the thread and found my own question about this, but could not find an answer to it, so I'll ask again

1. Can I link my Swan reservation (booked directly with Swan) to my My Disney Experience account?

2. I know I can book my UT tickets, but I have not purchased those yet.

3. IF the magic bands are in play by the time our trip rolls around (11/30), will we be eligible for them and FP+ since we aren't staying at a WDW resort? Will we get the bands in the mail beforehand?


Just trying to figure it all out. I also have a rez at POFQ and I'm trying to decide once & for all where we are staying.

1. Since this is all new territory, I don't believe there is a definitive answer yet. However, based on past history, Swan and Dolphin will not be linkable to My Disney Experience. You can't charge anything from the parks or other WDW resorts to your room at Swan or Dolphin; you can't get the DDP; you can't take DME........ I believe the answer will be no, you can't link a Swolphin reservation to My Disney Experience.

3. Again, new territory so I'm not sure anyone here can give you the definitive answer.

 

[bas71873]

1. Since this is all new territory, I don't believe there is a definitive answer yet. However, based on past history, Swan and Dolphin will not be linkable to My Disney Experience. You can't charge anything from the parks or other WDW resorts to your room at Swan or Dolphin; you can't get the DDP; you can't take DME........ I believe the answer will be no, you can't link a Swolphin reservation to My Disney Experience.

3. Again, new territory so I'm not sure anyone here can give you the definitive answer.

Thanks. We don't care about the charging, the DME or the DDP, we'll take a town care and are paying OOP for food regardless of where we stay. I was just wondering if I could have all my reservations in one place. KWIM

 

[nsev]

I searched the thread and found my own question about this, but could not find an answer to it, so I'll ask again

1. Can I link my Swan reservation (booked directly with Swan) to my My Disney Experience account?

2. I know I can book my UT tickets, but I have not purchased those yet.

3. IF the magic bands are in play by the time our trip rolls around (11/30), will we be eligible for them and FP+ since we aren't staying at a WDW resort? Will we get the bands in the mail beforehand?


Just trying to figure it all out. I also have a rez at POFQ and I'm trying to decide once & for all where we are staying.

I was not able to link my direct Swan reservation to My Disney Experience. I tried a few times on different days and they all said my reservation was not located.

 

[RachelTori]

Thanks. We don't care about the charging, the DME or the DDP, we'll take a town care and are paying OOP for food regardless of where we stay. I was just wondering if I could have all my reservations in one place. KWIM

I understand what you're saying, but that's not been possible in the past, which is why I believe it's unlikely in the (near) future....... unfortunately.

 

[bas71873]

I understand what you're saying, but that's not been possible in the past, which is why I believe it's unlikely in the (near) future....... unfortunately.

Bummer! But, on a happy note, I think I'm leaning a little harder toward keeping my Swan ressie and ditching POFQ. My loose itinerary proves that being at an Epcot resort just makes more sense....

 

[RachelTori]

Bummer! But, on a happy note, I think I'm leaner a little harder toward keeping my Swan ressie and ditching POFQ. My loose itinerary proves that being at an Epcot resort just makes more sense....

I absolutely understand! I have 5 nights the first week of December - originally booked on a bounceback at POR (airfare booked during SW $59 sale).

Yesterday I asked myself WHY am I NOT staying at an Epcot resort?!!

Next thing I knew, I was booking the 5 nights at Swan (using my spg points! ) and on the phone to WDW, canceling POR!!

The only thing I ever really miss when staying at Swan or Dolphin is "charging" to my room at the parks. Disney Gift Cards solve that problem!

I happen to love POFQ, but they have been very stingy with discounts the past couple years.

I know you will have a great time whether at Swan or POFQ.

 

[drgnfly30]

I was just wondering if I could have all my reservations in one place. KWIM

While the idea of MDE is nice, it's too glitchy for me.

If you want all your reservations in one place have you tried the Tripit app?? Not only can you manually add reservations, it also picks up your emailed confirmations & records them for you (airline, rental car etc..).

 

[Dan Murphy]

....Next thing I knew, I was booking the 5 nights at Swan (using my spg points! ) and on the phone to WDW, canceling POR!!...

I am looking at arriving on the 4th. Maybe we will cross paths, Laura?

 

[NancyIL]

I am looking at arriving on the 4th. Maybe we will cross paths, Laura?

Hey, Dan - I'll arrive on the 3rd! Maybe THIS year we'll see each other!

By the way, some of this new stuff is TOO high-tech for me. I just want to enjoy being at the parks without having to schedule every ride.

 

[RachelTori]

I am looking at arriving on the 4th. Maybe we will cross paths, Laura?

Hey, Dan - I'll arrive on the 3rd! Maybe THIS year we'll see each other!

By the way, some of this new stuff is TOO high-tech for me. I just want to enjoy being at the parks without having to schedule every ride.

That would be awesome! I think we MUST plan to meet up, even if just a quick "hi!"!

 

[NancyIL]

That would be awesome! I think we MUST plan to meet up, even if just a quick "hi!"!

Great idea! In my experience, if one wants to meet others - one needs to make plans in advance. While I have "run into" people at the parks, I missed "running into" Dan the past few years - and we were both staying at the Swan!

 

[SingingMom]

Hey, Dan - I'll arrive on the 3rd! Maybe THIS year we'll see each other!

By the way, some of this new stuff is TOO high-tech for me. I just want to enjoy being at the parks without having to schedule every ride.

I agree, Nancy! We don't even make more than a couple of ADRs. It ceases being a vacation if I have to plan every step! Lol

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

 

[RachelTori]

Great idea! In my experience, if one wants to meet others - one needs to make plans in advance. While I have "run into" people at the parks, I missed "running into" Dan the past few years - and we were both staying at the Swan!

I'm also at the Swan!

I agree, we need to name a time and place (as we get closer to trip time) rather than leaving it to chance.

 

[Elizaspride]

Staying at the Dolphin in December..last time I stayed in 2011 I really enjoyed it.

I've read that Starwood restaurants have a 20% AAA discount..true? Applies to all restaurants..sit down and counter service?

 

[drgnfly30]

Woke up this morning to an email from the Dolphin telling me about my upcoming trip (we arrive next Tuesday).. I logged into my SPG account & discovered that, while we booked the lowest room category, the reservation says we are in a Deluxe Alcove room

EXCEPT.. I booked 3 nights w/ cash and the last night with points so I have two separate reservations.. the last night is still showing the standard room. Do you think they'll let me stay in the Deluxe Alcove room or make me move? Do you think they'll end up moving all 4 nights to the standard room instead? If so, do you think I should just check in & then mention it later instead of at check in?

I sooooo want & need this upgraded room (been a rough couple of years & it will be a great surprise for DH!)