The **New** Swan and Dolphin Resort thread ~ September 2010 ~ Please read post #1

[jmasgat]

For anyone staying around Christmas time, check out the holiday activities......

http://www.santasfavoriteresort.com/

 

[Chomperoni]

The resort will transfer your bags for you. I would mention it when checking in at POP and I'm sure they'll be able to direct you.



THanks for the tip. It will make it easier for us to have the hotel take care of the bags for us.

 

[CaptHomer]

Since there is no ME, does anyone just rent Alamo at MCO and drop off at the Dolphin? Looks like for less than $70 you get a car which would allow you the freedom to go to a store and maybe pickup some supplies if needed.

I think it was around that same amount last time I took Mear's car service from the hotel.

Can you just drop the car off at the front of the Dolphin?

 

[SRUAlmn]

This might be a silly question, but are there certain days of the week in which rates are lower? I was checking the teacher rates at The Dolphin on Monday & Tuesday and they were about $179 for our dates. We decided to book and went back to the teacher rate site yesterday (Wednesday) and the lowest rate available was $220!!! Anyone know why that would be?

Thanks

 

[Tltorrez]

This might be a silly question, but are there certain days of the week in which rates are lower? I was checking the teacher rates at The Dolphin on Monday & Tuesday and they were about $179 for our dates. We decided to book and went back to the teacher rate site yesterday (Wednesday) and the lowest rate available was $220!!! Anyone know why that would be?

Thanks

More likely the adjusted the base rate based on booking or something. S/D seems to adjust their rates really frequently.

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

This might be a silly question, but are there certain days of the week in which rates are lower? I was checking the teacher rates at The Dolphin on Monday & Tuesday and they were about $179 for our dates. We decided to book and went back to the teacher rate site yesterday (Wednesday) and the lowest rate available was $220!!! Anyone know why that would be?

Thanks

I didn't think it was possible to check the teachers rate online. How did you do that?

 

[SRUAlmn]

I didn't think it was possible to check the teachers rate online. How did you do that?

Someone posted this link for me here once It's awesome to be able to check it!! http://swandolphin.com/offers/teachers/index.html

 

[SRUAlmn]

More likely the adjusted the base rate based on booking or something. S/D seems to adjust their rates really frequently.

So it that's the case, does that mean the rates probably won't go back down again? Bummer

 

[LexiC123]

More likely the adjusted the base rate based on booking or something. S/D seems to adjust their rates really frequently.

I'lll say! That's why I've been checking rates for my upcoming trip since last fall. Turns out the AAA rate I booked for the Swan in September 2010 was the best rate of all, aside from the pre-paid rates. But it's a little scary to book a pre-paid non-refundable rate when your trip is still 6 months away, because you never know what will happpen.

So it that's the case, does that mean the rates probably won't go back down again? Bummer

On the contrary, there's a very good chance the rates will go down again. The S/D offers new promotions all the time, for the various holidays and seasons. That's why it pays to check their offers page religiously. Not a bad idea to sign up for their emails, as well, and if you are on Facebook, "liking" the Swan/Dolphin page and the Starwood Preferred Guest page, because they list promotions there, too.

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

Someone posted this link for me here once It's awesome to be able to check it!! http://swandolphin.com/offers/teachers/index.html

Thank you!

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

I booked a balcony room. If I want to pay with some cash ans some points, how does it work? I read on hear something about paying w points gives you the worst rooms, is that true?

 

[SRUAlmn]

On the contrary, there's a very good chance the rates will go down again. The S/D offers new promotions all the time, for the various holidays and seasons. That's why it pays to check their offers page religiously. Not a bad idea to sign up for their emails, as well, and if you are on Facebook, "liking" the Swan/Dolphin page and the Starwood Preferred Guest page, because they list promotions there, too.

Thank you!!! Good to know I do check their offers regularly, and I am on their email list, but I can't say I remember ever getting an email from them Maybe I'll have to go re-register, just in case!

 

[SingingMom]

Look out your window this morning and you won't miss having a balcony (at least for the next several days!). I'm on 4th floor West and my balcony is very, very wet!!

I'm on day 9 - had 8 days of gorgeous weather so I can't complain too much.

The Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic was wonderful yesterday. (until the wind and rain came out of nowhere around 7:30 )

So glad you had at least mostly good weather! (even WITHOUT a balcony! )

Ps Singing Mom you would be proud I needed something to get rid of the chill of the rain and had a chocolate martini !!!

Yay! Although my drink of choice is an espresso martini, a chocolate martini will do just as nicely....

Thanks! I guess we will keep trying. . .we definitely have time.

Oh yes - keep calling.... I have had luck with rooms opening up after it looking like it was all "sold out". Keep calling!

 

[NancyC1000]

I booked a balcony room. If I want to pay with some cash ans some points, how does it work? I read on hear something about paying w points gives you the worst rooms, is that true?

We just returned from a 4 night stay and one night was on points. The other 3 were on the teacher's rate. I booked a standard room. When I got there, they gave me an upgrade. Pool view with a balcony. I really wasn't expecting an upgrade at all because of the points/teacher' rate - so it was a nice surprise. It was a great room!

 

[snels]

HI,

We will have to book a few paid days and get a few days on points. Do we have to make two reservations?

Is it better to book the paid part of the stay first and then the free nights?
I was thinking about booking a king resort view. I wonder if they would move us out of the king room to a standard for our free nights?

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[mma800]

Thanks, LovetheDuck! We will see you there! Our family is doing the Alice theme for MNSSHP- if u see us at the resort or party!

We were originally booked for a 1 br executive suite at Dolphin, but they emailed me to change to the Swan due to renovations. I called them to find out our options and they upgraded us to a 2br grand suite at Swan for the same price. With the nurses rate- we are getting a huge room for 339/nite!!

What is your strategy for the busy weekend? We are definitely planning more "down time" this trip. My kids are still pretty scared of thrill rides---so the Mountains are out, but we just MAY get them on Soarin and/or Haunted Mansion. We are going for the party! A few character meals, Hoop Dee Doo and some pool time.
Have a blast!

 

[gumbo1009]

FYI, using Orbitz, I paid $107/night for a std room at the Dolphin for late Aug 2012 (this price includes all taxes, although not the s/d service fee).

Sounded like a good deal so I snapped it up.

Have never stayed at S/D, but am excited to stay here - sounds like a great resort area to walk around (and will be nice to be within walking distance of Epcot).

QUESTIONS:
One thing I am wondering about are the buses to MK - do the S/D share with both the Beach Club and the Boardwalk? Do folks feel like they have to wait a while for buses or do they seem pretty efficient? Also, how far would it be to walk to the Epcot Monorail? Or would that just be too silly to consider (to get to MK)?

Thanks!

 

[Dan Murphy]

FYI, using Expedia, I paid $107/night for a std room at the Dolphin for late Aug 2012 (this price includes all taxes, although not the s/d service fee).

Sounded like a good deal so I snapped it up.

Have never stayed at S/D, but am excited to stay here - sounds like a great resort area to walk around (and will be nice to be within walking distance of Epcot).

QUESTIONS:
One thing I am wondering about are the buses to MK - do the S/D share with both the Beach Club and the Boardwalk? Do folks feel like they have to wait a while for buses or do they seem pretty efficient? Also, how far would it be to walk to the Epcot Monorail? Or would that just be too silly to consider (to get to MK)?

Thanks!

Great rate!!

The buses are very efficient, I have never had a problem. Over the years and crowd levels, I have seen all combinations....just S/D by themselves, sometimes with Y&BC added, and sometimes with BW also. In any case, they are always fine. As to walking to the Epcot monorail, only to go to MK, unless you are wanting to take in the scenery, is a LONG, REAL LONG, way to get to MK. Use the bus, you will be happy.

 

[LBYC-19]

Hi everyone! We have never stayed anywhere but the Dolphin and were there last year for Food and Wine Festival. It's our own fault for booking so late, but apparently the resort is full to capacity this time. I recall this happening last year, then rooms opened up at the last minute. I would greatly appreciate any advice and/or experiences anyone can share. We are booked at a lovely moderate and were able to get the Dolphin our final night (Nov.13th), but it would break my heart not to stay at the Dolphin the whole trip. I wish they had a "waiting list"! Starwood suggested we try to book on Expedia/Priceline, etc., as they may be the only ones who still have rooms open at the 11th hour. Thanks so much for any advice.
Joanne

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Hello ~ I looked on Expedia and your dates are not available. Do not try Priceline! It would probably not work, the Dolphin has not come up there in forever. I also checked dreams unlimited they have the night of the 9th. but not the others... I am not sure what else to try but keep checking and hopefully something opens up for you! Good Luck!