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

[PolyAddict]

Any suggestions?

We have only stayed at Swan once. I was glad i picked it over the Dolphin due to the bus stop and resort itself being less busy. We had 3 kids and had booked a standard room. Have you joined Starwood or spg.com, this allows you a free upgrade if available. We were upgraded to a junior suite, it was fantastic! Didnt have a great view as it overlooked another bldg and part of the pool-but that didn't bother us at all.

Hope that helps.

 

[lovingthemouse]

I just read on another thread that the Dolphin no longer gives comp room upgrades to SPG Preferred members. When did they end that practive?

 

[Phlip]

I just read on another thread that the Dolphin no longer gives comp room upgrades to SPG Preferred members. When did they end that practive?

Don't know when the discontinued the comp to Preferred members-currently they will comp upgrade one category for SPG Gold members if available. The example I was quoted would be from a standard room ressie to a resort view. If available.
Phlip

 

[TaraPA]

I just read on another thread that the Dolphin no longer gives comp room upgrades to SPG Preferred members. When did they end that practive?

This was discussed on this thread on pages 3-5 - Dan provided us with this link to the new spg rewards levels, which sadly no longer shows a comp upgrade for Preferred level members. I'm not sure when this started, sometime last year I'm guessing. Someone else was also told this at check-in, from this thread, that it's now only Gold & above.

https://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/account/member_benefits/benefits_landing.html

 

[Dan Murphy]

......especially your use of objects/rails in the foreground. I'm sure the parks do not allow tripods, but do they allow monopods?...

Thanks, Mike. And yes, I do try quite consciously to do some framing, it helps a lot with perspective.

And they do allow tripods, monopods. Just so long as there are not some huge professional type that takes up a lot of room and might cause a hazard for others. I like the gorillapod.

http://joby.com/

And for your ticker, maybe try adding it to your signature, will show up in every post you make.

 

[mikegood2]

Thanks, Mike. And yes, I do try quite consciously to do some framing, it helps a lot with perspective.

And they do allow tripods, monopods. Just so long as there are not some huge professional type that takes up a lot of room and might cause a hazard for others. I like the gorillapod.

http://joby.com/

And for your ticker, maybe try adding it to your signature, will show up in every post you make.

Thanks Dan,

Most people don't realize how useful framing can be. Your photos reminded me of that, and I think I'll have to "borrow" some of your ideas. Do you shoot with a point and shoot or a DSLR.

Still have not decided about bring my "work" DSLR. I think I'm planning on bringing my monopod, gorillapod (not sure why I don't use it very often) and a small very portable tripod for a point and shoot.

Great idea putting the ticker in the signature, just did it right now.

 

[blondietink]

There are certain places/times we have not been allowed to use a tripod. First, Wishes in the center hub in front of the castle and on Main St. USA. But, a monopod is acceptable. However, it doesn't stop us from using a tripod on top of a garbage can in front of the popcorn stand. Also, a tripod is not allowed in Fantasmic, ever. Monopod is acceptable there also.

Some of the shows, like Beauty and the Beast, Indiana Jones, etc. sometimes allow tripods, sometimes don't. It just depends on the CM's in charge, I think. Tripods are allowed all around the lagoon for Illuminations. Good luck on getting great pictures!

 

[scubamouse]

I'm going down there in a few weeks for a conference. The kids will be in school and are relieved I won't be riding BTMRR without them

I won't be in the hotel a lot but is there pin trading there and a WDW resort like hotel shop? DS has 10 of 12 monorail pins and I'm always looking to fill out his set!

TIA

 

[TaraPA]

Yes there is a Disney store in The Dolphin called Daisy's Garden, full of Disney merchandise! They also have a pin trading board - here is a pic of DS10 trading at Daisy's Garden:

 

[Dan Murphy]

....Do you shoot with a point and shoot or a DSLR....

All the photos I currently have online are P&S. I now have a DSLR, but none uploaded yet.

Ticker looks good.

 

[mnorton]

If you are staying at the either the Swan or Dolphin and drive to the theam parks is parking free?

 

[scubamouse]

Thank you!

 

[mikegood2]

There are certain places/times we have not been allowed to use a tripod. First, Wishes in the center hub in front of the castle and on Main St. USA. But, a monopod is acceptable. However, it doesn't stop us from using a tripod on top of a garbage can in front of the popcorn stand. Also, a tripod is not allowed in Fantasmic, ever. Monopod is acceptable there also.

Some of the shows, like Beauty and the Beast, Indiana Jones, etc. sometimes allow tripods, sometimes don't. It just depends on the CM's in charge, I think. Tripods are allowed all around the lagoon for Illuminations. Good luck on getting great pictures!

Thanks blondietink, I give the parks credit for allowing the use of tripods as much as it sounds like they do. With the larger crowds, most places don't allow them. Think I'll mostly use a monopod and take Dans advice of using a gorillapod.

All the photos I currently have online are P&S. I now have a DSLR, but none uploaded yet.

Ticker looks good.

The photos look great for p&s shots also thanks for the ticker signature suggestion! I still have almost 5 months to figure out what to bring

 

[SideshowBob]

If you are staying at the either the Swan or Dolphin and drive to the theam parks is parking free?

yes, you just show your guest room key and should be set.

 

[lissiesmum]

I was wondering if on the TVs at the Dolphin, if you still see Stacey and that channel with all the park info? Plus that stationary channel that tells you the park operating hours for the day? Or does Dolphin have their own version? If not, does concierge generally have that info? We'll be there the week of Easter and I want to make sure I have current info on the opening times daily so we can be ahead of rope drop

 

[haPevraftr]

Well, I have been reading various DIS forums for the past couple years, but this is my first post. Just found out about the teacher rate and was anxious to investigate for our 2 week trip over Easter, April 2012. I normally don't plan this far in advance, but really want to get the best for our money since we will be there longer than past trips.

Currently, I have a reservation at the Dolphin for the first leg of our stay (later will book POR for last few days to take advantage of easy access to DTD and pool privileges at both POR and POFQ) that I booked with the Dolphin directly and plan to continue to check back to change to the teacher rate when it becomes available.

First question: Any reason to think this rate will not be available the weeks surrounding Easter? I know there is always a chance it won't, but has it been typical in the past?

Second question: If I were to book the Dolphin through Disney rather than Starwood, can I get the teacher rate? Asking b/c I thought that I read somewhere that booking through Disney would make me eligible to book ADRs 180+10. Would be nice to avoid having to call to make ADRs one day at a time for the first 9 days of our trip.

Thanks!

 

[Dan Murphy]

I was wondering if on the TVs at the Dolphin, if you still see Stacey and that channel with all the park info? Plus that stationary channel that tells you the park operating hours for the day? Or does Dolphin have their own version? If not, does concierge generally have that info? We'll be there the week of Easter and I want to make sure I have current info on the opening times daily so we can be ahead of rope drop

Stacey has her own channel. Am not aware of the other channel, but both concierge and the Disney desk each can help you with the hours.

Well, I have been reading various DIS forums for the past couple years, but this is my first post......

I do not have answers to your questions, haPevraftr, but good to see you after all these years; welcome.

 

[haPevraftr]

I do not have answers to your questions, haPevraftr, but good to see you after all these years; welcome.

Thanks! The DIS forums have been tremendously helpful over the years. In the past, I have found the answers to my questions and had no need to post. More importantly, I thought it was about time for me to be of some help to others just as others' posts have been to me in the past!

 

[Ramsfan28]

I was wondering if on the TVs at the Dolphin, if you still see Stacey and that channel with all the park info? Plus that stationary channel that tells you the park operating hours for the day? Or does Dolphin have their own version? If not, does concierge generally have that info? We'll be there the week of Easter and I want to make sure I have current info on the opening times daily so we can be ahead of rope drop

Yes, the "Stacy" channel still is out there. They have a disney desk in the lobby with the park hours for the week.

 

[TaraPA]

I'm getting conflicting reports on this - can you buy an AP at either Swan or Dolphin? Everyone is telling me no (which I assumed to be correct), yet 2 people are swearing to me they did get them there within the last year. I'm thinking maybe the renewed AP's- can that be done at S/D? I need to purchase a new one.