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

[PiperPizzaz]

Just booked swan for our first stay at either S or D.
AP rates mid nov D=169 S=175
It is DH, me & 5 yo DS
I picked the swan for the bigger beds. I hope I made the right choice. That was a good deal for the dolphin. Also we have never stayed at BW so I thought it would be fun to walk past there. Is that the quickest way or does it not matter which side?

Sorry I am a bit short I can only type w one hand right now

 

[jeanylaser]

I hope the Swan and Dolphin has florida resident rates for Dec 2010!

 

[becky11]

Just booked swan for our first stay at either S or D.
AP rates mid nov D=169 S=175
It is DH, me & 5 yo DS
I picked the dolphin for the bigger beds. I hope I made the right choice. That was a good deal for the dolphin. Also we have never stayed at BW so I thought it would be fun to walk past there. Is that the quickest way or does it not matter which side?

Sorry I am a bit short I can only type w one hand right now

Technically Swan is closer to Boardwalk, but the difference between the two is really negligible, as the Swan and Dolphin are pretty close to each other.

 

[NancyIL]

Just booked swan for our first stay at either S or D.
AP rates mid nov D=169 S=175
It is DH, me & 5 yo DS
I picked the dolphin for the bigger beds. I hope I made the right choice. That was a good deal for the dolphin. Also we have never stayed at BW so I thought it would be fun to walk past there. Is that the quickest way or does it not matter which side?

Sorry I am a bit short I can only type w one hand right now

The Dolphin's rooms are slightly larger than the Swan's - but the Dolphin has double beds. The Swan has queen beds, as well as an extra sink - outside the bathroom.

I think the walk to Epcot is slightly shorter if you walk by way of the Boardwalk - if that's what you are referring to.

 

[rie'smom]

Thanks Mom Poppins for starting the new thread. I'll host the new thread party.

 

[PaDisneyCouple]

Looking forward to a "taste" of the S&D in just over 2 weeks. Eating at Il Mulino and Shula's. Perhaps we'll explore, while we're there.

 

[summersalt]

I just got off the phone with reservations!!!!. I just booked an alcove suite at the Dolphin and I'm so excited! This will be our 9th trip to Disney over the past few years and we just haven't found our favorite resort yet. Hopefully, this will be "the one". We've tried offsite a couple of times, Pop, Poly, WL, and POFQ. We liked all of these very much but we just didn't really LOVE them. Know what I mean?

I have a few questions that have probably been asked before but the other thread is soooo long... Can I please trouble you experts and ask again?

1. What can I expect as far as a view in an alcove suite?
2. Do I need to book dining reservations six months ahead of time like other resort restaurants?
3. Why should I sign up for Starwood points?
4. Any other tips I should know about?

Thanks so much for your time. I'm looking for to reading this thread over the next six months while I'm waiting.

 

[duffy]

I just got off the phone with reservations!!!!. I just booked an alcove suite at the Dolphin and I'm so excited! This will be our 9th trip to Disney over the past few years and we just haven't found our favorite resort yet. Hopefully, this will be "the one". We've tried offsite a couple of times, Pop, Poly, WL, and POFQ. We liked all of these very much but we just didn't really LOVE them. Know what I mean?

I have a few questions that have probably been asked before but the other thread is soooo long... Can I please trouble you experts and ask again?

1. What can I expect as far as a view in an alcove suite?
2. Do I need to book dining reservations six months ahead of time like other resort restaurants?
3. Why should I sign up for Starwood points?
4. Any other tips I should know about?

Thanks so much for your time. I'm looking for to reading this thread over the next six months while I'm waiting.

I have the Starwood AMEX card, and I got 10,000 points when I first used it. I get a point for each dollar I put on the card. Those points can be redeemed for free or deeply discounted nights. For example, we are staying for a long weekend at the Swan in November-all that we could take off of work-for $60 a night, plus 4,000 points each night.

I use my AMEX card for everything. I love getting to stay at a deluxe hotel for only $60 a night. I've stayed at the Dolphin twice this way. (I've never had to pay the resort fee or any booking fees, or anything other than a flat $60/night either.)

 

[wdisneyaholic]

Does anyone have any idea what the rates for a suite would be? There are 5 of us and I am looking for some extra space.

TIA

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

Just wanted to say hello...I kind of closed down the last S/D thread. Leaving tomorrow for The Dolphin. 3 nights...MNSSHP tomorrow, Epcot and Biergarten Friday, pool and the 1st annual food and wine classic on Sat! More pool time Sunday! I am so excited....and the weather is just GORGEOUS!

See you when I get back, with a full report!

 

[Beka]

Headed to the Dolphin in the morning!

 

[rie'smom]

Does anyone have any idea what the rates for a suite would be? There are 5 of us and I am looking for some extra space.

TIA

The Executive suite is usually $500+/night. Check the rates and special pages though because we were able to book one for 300/night!
With the discounts offered, it's usally cheaper to book 2 connecting rooms. Someone posted they booked 1 room at 169 and were able to book the second for 119. So 2 rooms for 289 in the Epcot area!

Headed to the Dolphin in the morning!

Have a great trip!!!!

 

[Susanne]

You may want to join the Starwood program and earn points for your stay. It is possible to get an upgraded view even on your first stay. <snip> Upon check in kindly remind the employee of your Starwood status and ask for an upgraded room if it's available.

We are SPG members, albeit with very few points in our account. We had reserved a standard room about four months in advance. When we checked in, I very nicely asked if an upgrade was available. The check-in agent offered me an upgrade to a nicer view for an extra $40 per night. When I again very nicely asked if there were complimentary upgrades for SPG members, I was told very curtly that those were only for Gold members and above. So, although there were nicer rooms available, the agent wasn't willing to even consider giving one to me, lowly basic SPG member. Maybe it would have been better if I'd had the $20 in my hand when I asked about the upgrade like a previous poster did a few weeks ago?

Oh well, we enjoyed our stay anyway, but looking out over the roof of the Swan didn't do much for me.

 

[SingingMom]

Hi Nancy ~ If everyone could look over the first post and suggest any changes or additions needed I would appreciate it. Good to see you here!

Thanks, Mom Poppins, for continuing our fun!!

I don't remember seeing it mentioned before, but the Swan & Dolphin now have a "go green" incentive. "You have the option to refuse housekeeping service for the day, up to a three day maximum and excluding the night prior to check out. For each day you help us conserve natural resources, we are happy to offer you a $5 food and beverage voucher for use at our resort or 500 SPG Starpoints redeemable at checkout. Please dial ext 5678 by 2am to refuse next day service."

The voucher card is left under your door. If you opt for the food & beverage option, the voucher is only good up through your checkout date and you give it to the restaurant and it's taken off your tab. I do not know if it means that it can't be combined with a dining discount program like AAA, DVC, TIW. I'm opting for the Starpoints anyway.

I am the odd one out who goes on vacation to be PAMPERED. $5 for food vs having my room immaculate (love that little toilet paper triangle) is a non-choice for me.

We are SPG members, albeit with very few points in our account. We had reserved a standard room about four months in advance. When we checked in, I very nicely asked if an upgrade was available. The check-in agent offered me an upgrade to a nicer view for an extra $40 per night. When I again very nicely asked if there were complimentary upgrades for SPG members, I was told very curtly that those were only for Gold members and above. So, although there were nicer rooms available, the agent wasn't willing to even consider giving one to me, lowly basic SPG member. Maybe it would have been better if I'd had the $20 in my hand when I asked about the upgrade like a previous poster did a few weeks ago?

Oh well, we enjoyed our stay anyway, but looking out over the roof of the Swan didn't do much for me.

So sorry to hear you weren't upgraded to a complimentary better view. I might have asked to speak to a manager, because unless it has changed, that member upgrade was always available to ALL members, not just Gold and above. Does anyone know if this has changed?

 

[ms*mountaineer]

We're staying at the Swan for the first time later this month. I'm very excited about the Swan - we've only stayed at POP before so I'm looking forward to being this close to Epcot.

I read through the first post - can someone explain "“A La Carte”, a personalized in-room mini refrigerator service" to me? Does that mean a refrigerator is in my room? Does that mean one is available to request? Is there a charge?

 

[Dan Murphy]

...........Does anyone know if this has changed?

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

We're staying at the Swan for the first time later this month. I'm very excited about the Swan - we've only stayed at POP before so I'm looking forward to being this close to Epcot.

I read through the first post - can someone explain "“A La Carte”, a personalized in-room mini refrigerator service" to me? Does that mean a refrigerator is in my room? Does that mean one is available to request? Is there a charge?

http://www.swandolphin.com/accommodations/pantry.html

All rooms have in room refrigerator, no charge.

 

[SingingMom]

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

Thanks for the link, Dan. That's a bummer.

 

[wdisneyaholic]

Thanks rie'smom, we are planning on going to Disney next Thanksgiving. This will be our first time not going in the summer. We usually stay at the YC cause we have 2 adults and 3 kids so the day bed works great. I refuse to pay rack rate for the YC, but was hoping to get more than just a standard room at Swan or Dolphin. I was thinking a suite because I am a nurse and DH is a teacher. I figured maybe one of those discounts would apply and would be cheaper that YC rack rate. I love YC but man that would hurt to pay that much. We stayed at the Swan years ago when my boys were little, but a standard room would be really tight.

 

[Pooh&OurHunny]

does anyone know the discount code for the www.restaurant.com
Thanks

I was trying to book for Dec 5-11 but I guess with the convention going on, I have no luck but happy that I'll be staying for 2 nights at the Swan on points and can't wait...

 

[Dan Murphy]

ENJOY.

Don't forget, when you sign up on restaurant.com, they will always email you the new codes as they come out.