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

[WUVmyDISNEY]

No hate here either Ray. Just this past week I considered changing to a studio at BLT. The price was right--love the location and the fireworks viewing area was all very enticing! But, we decided to stay where we are because of 2 reasons: We are starting off at CR anyway and then transferring to Dolphin and 2), I don't think my 6'4" DS would have appreciated a pull out. If just DH and I were going alone, as originally planned since this is our anniversary trip, I believe I would have went BLT. Good luck with your decision, although the thought of being homeless for one night is really something to consider!

 

[WUVmyDISNEY]

I read that you can order a pre-lit Christmas tree to be delivered to your room at the Swan/Dolphin. I called to inquire and was told it was $50 ($62 total with tax and service charge), 4 foot pre-lit tree that will be set up in your room. I asked about ornaments etc and was told I could supply my own or they would add some for $5.00 each. You will get the box for the tree so that you can get it home. Have they done this before and does anyone have pics of the tree in their room??? I am definately considering doing this!

 

[TinkOhio]

Woohoo! Just switched the off-property portion of our stay over to the Swan. It was so worth the small extra cost to stay at a place we know and love. Can't wait to crash into those heavenly beds after long days of enjoying the holidays at WDW!

 

[jnfr2424]

Ray do like my family does every Thanksgiving split stays between BLT and Dolphin that way you can have the best of both worlds

 

[vital]

I'm excited about our upcoming stay!!!! My DS11 convinced me to split with POFQ so we could take the boat to DTD, but I insisted that we stay 4 of the 7 nights in the Dolphin. I'm sure once we get there he'll love it and won't want to stay anywhere else again.

I'm excited because the nurse rate is manageable and seems to be given every year. I know things may change year to year, but as long as that rate is given I'll be a Dolphin fan!!!

 

[polyforme]

I read that you can order a pre-lit Christmas tree to be delivered to your room at the Swan/Dolphin. I called to inquire and was told it was $50 ($62 total with tax and service charge), 4 foot pre-lit tree that will be set up in your room. I asked about ornaments etc and was told I could supply my own or they would add some for $5.00 each. You will get the box for the tree so that you can get it home. Have they done this before and does anyone have pics of the tree in their room??? I am definately considering doing this!

I was wondering the same- anyone ever done this and were you happy with the tree? Thanks

 

[Phlip]

bump this back on the first page---
Would like to know what area of the Dolphin to request a room-
Thanks

 

[RachelTori]

bump this back on the first page---
Would like to know what area of the Dolphin to request a room-
Thanks

I have always waited until I was standing at the front desk to make my request. I tell them I'd like an Epcot view and I like a higher floor. I will say the CMs at the Swan and the Dolphin always go out of their way to meet guests' requests.

 

[WUVmyDISNEY]

I added a low floor request to my ressie the other day. I have resort view so I am hoping there is a low floor where we can see the water with the boats. Not sure what the resort views would be on a lower floor but just really can't wait to get there!

 

[jnfr2424]

I added a low floor request to my ressie the other day. I have resort view so I am hoping there is a low floor where we can see the water with the boats. Not sure what the resort views would be on a lower floor but just really can't wait to get there!

You will probably be below the lobby level which is the 3rd floor so think either 1st or 2nd floor in the east wing

 

[lovingmy2boys]

Just booked 9/23-9/30/11 for $136 a night with AAA!!!! Of course that is before taxes but still! I am so excited!!!

 

[SingingMom]

Ray - what did you decide???

I agree with the thought of which resort(s) you will spend the most time in? As much as I'd like to be at a monorail resort someday, I just can't give up my "location- location- location" at the Dolphin. We really enjoy the stroll on the Boardwalk or back and forth to Epcot when it isn't too hot to walk.

I'm sure whatever you decide will be fabulous!

 

[RaySharpton]

Ray - what did you decide???

I agree with the thought of which resort(s) you will spend the most time in? As much as I'd like to be at a monorail resort someday, I just can't give up my "location- location- location" at the Dolphin. We really enjoy the stroll on the Boardwalk or back and forth to Epcot when it isn't too hot to walk.

I'm sure whatever you decide will be fabulous!

Hello, SingingMom. I decided to stay one night at the Dolphin Resort.

I really wanted to stay at the Dolphin Resort this time, but since I was able to get a studio at the Bay Lake Tower for the end of my vacation for four nights.

I wanted to experience staying in one of the monorail resorts and since it is the newest monorail resort, I just couldn't resist the price per night.

But I will be staying at the Dolphin Resort for at least one night.

I am staying at the Pop Century Resort right now and I am having a wonderful time.

Monday night, I stayed up late at MK and saw Wishes again.

MK was open until midnight and it seemed not so crowded to me compared to last year, but that is just my own personal opinion.

Yesterday, I had a wonderful day at Epcot and saw John O'Hurley narrate beautifully at the Candlelight Processional at 8:15 P.M. and there were a lot of seat still empty.

When I was just reaching the Germany pavillion, and I saw a line that went all the way up to the winding queue for people waiting for the 5:00 P.M. show in the standby line.

I thought to myself that I was so glad that I bought a dining package ticket, because I had never seen a standby line that long before.

And the park was not that busy to me.

But the CP ticket line was a lot shorter this year, too.

I wonder if the price is getting to be too high and the standby line is longer because it is free for admission to Epcot.

I can't wait to get to the Dolphin Resort.

I hope to see some of you there if only for one night.

Ray

Hey, I don't hate you.

For me, it would come down to: which park would I be at more often? If it's Epcot and the Studios, then the Dolphin.

If I'm going to be at the Magic Kingdom more, I'd stay at the Bay Lake Tower.

Have fun!

That's a very hard decision, Ray! I have been staying at the Dolphin or Swan (my favorite) since 2000, but last December I strayed! A friend and I did a split stay between AKL and WL because we wanted to try new resorts during value season, while there was someone else to share the cost! Both resorts were lovely (especially Wilderness Lodge), but I really missed being able to walk back to the Swan from Epcot - where I ended up most evenings. Now I know that there's no place like my Swan/Dolphin home!

However, if you've never stayed at the Contemporary, you might want to give BLT a try. The opportunity to stay at BLT for about the same price as the Dolphin might not be available to you again.

Hey Ray, I've not stayed at Swan/Dolphin (yet) so I don't know what I'm missing. But.... If I were in your shoes, I think I'd stay at BLT just because you may have not the opportunity for the same price. You get to see what it's like without too much of a penalty.

I agree w/Nancy, Ray. Having just split a stay between AKL and the Dolphin, I couldn't wait to move over to the boardwalk area. However, my brother-in-law's favorite DVC resort so far was BLT, which they stayed in for the first time, they loved it! The monorail running through it, the nighttime lights were fabulous (the electric light parade on the water), the fireworks, etc. were all very special and they plan to return. As much as I've always loved the Dolphin, change can be fun too. Good luck w/your decision!
Joanne

No hate here either Ray. Just this past week I considered changing to a studio at BLT. The price was right--love the location and the fireworks viewing area was all very enticing! But, we decided to stay where we are because of 2 reasons: We are starting off at CR anyway and then transferring to Dolphin and 2), I don't think my 6'4" DS would have appreciated a pull out. If just DH and I were going alone, as originally planned since this is our anniversary trip, I believe I would have went BLT. Good luck with your decision, although the thought of being homeless for one night is really something to consider!

Ray do like my family does every Thanksgiving split stays between BLT and Dolphin that way you can have the best of both worlds

Thank you everyone for helping me make my decision. The ultimate decisiion is mine, but I really appreciate the feedback and it is nice to to talk to other people about things like this.

Ray

 

[Music City Mama]

Does anyone know if the deposit they charge you (one night's stay) includes the $10 resort fee?

The reason I ask is because I booked my June 2011 trip 3 months ago.

At the time, the nightly rate was shown on the website (AAA rate) as $161/night (total with taxes and resort fee at $191/night). The deposit they charged to my card was $181 and change. That would make it where I was charged the local and state taxes (combined 12.5%), but just figured they don't include the $10 resort fee as part of the deposit.

However, in looking at the rates this evening, it shows the AAA rate for that time period as $152/night (total with taxes and resort fee at around $181/night).

I'm curious if this is now a lower rate (by almost $10/night) or if I was given that lower rate to begin with since my card was charged that same amount for the deposit (there is literally a .02 difference -- coincidence, perhaps?).

When I booked 3 months ago, I booked by phone, not online, and the email confirmation they sent me shows the rate at $161/night, so I'm thinking that there is a new lower rate that I should probably call and get. Do I cancel and rebook or how does that work? Thoughts? TIA!

 

[WUVmyDISNEY]

When I booked for our upcoming trip, which was fully pre-paid, the resort fee was not included. That will be added when I get there, if that helps.

 

[RachelTori]

Does anyone know if the deposit they charge you (one night's stay) includes the $10 resort fee?

The reason I ask is because I booked my June 2011 trip 3 months ago.

At the time, the nightly rate was shown on the website (AAA rate) as $161/night (total with taxes and resort fee at $191/night). The deposit they charged to my card was $181 and change. That would make it where I was charged the local and state taxes (combined 12.5%), but just figured they don't include the $10 resort fee as part of the deposit.

However, in looking at the rates this evening, it shows the AAA rate for that time period as $152/night (total with taxes and resort fee at around $181/night).

I'm curious if this is now a lower rate (by almost $10/night) or if I was given that lower rate to begin with since my card was charged that same amount for the deposit (there is literally a .02 difference -- coincidence, perhaps?).

When I booked 3 months ago, I booked by phone, not online, and the email confirmation they sent me shows the rate at $161/night, so I'm thinking that there is a new lower rate that I should probably call and get. Do I cancel and rebook or how does that work? Thoughts? TIA!

The $10 resort fee is not charged as part of the deposit. Room rate + tax for 1 night is the deposit amt.

I'm not sure if this will help or further confuse you, but here goes!!!

Yesterday, I went on spg.com and found the AAA rate for Dolphin for the nights I wanted = $152.15+tax. I called the 888# to speak with Reservations at the Dolphin and told the CM I am eligible for either AAA or Teacher rate and wanted to book whichever was lower. He said the Teacher rate ($159/night).

I told him the AAA rate I was seeing online was $152.15 (amazing how I'll quibble over $7; but hey!! ) He said that must be an "online deal" and I said "well, it's on the spg website and says AAA rate and there's no note that it's a prepay...." The CM then did a little checking, confirmed that rate was indeed showing up on spg.com and said "we'll honor that rate".

My point is, if you find a legitimate rate, they will honor it! No need to cancel a reservation. Just call the 888# and the CMs will work with you to adjust your rate to the lowest possible!

 

[Music City Mama]

Thank you, WUVmyDisney and RachelTori. That does help a lot.

So, my first thought was correct -- they don't charge the resort fee in the deposit amount.

My second thought was also correct in that there is now a new, lower AAA rate (than when I first booked it back in September) -- RachelTori, the one I saw for my dates was $152.15 (pre taxes and resort fee), as well. I'd quibble over $7.00, too!

I think I'll go ahead and give them a call to honor the new rate because I'm staying 8 nights and that's about $80 difference from what I have now (every little bit helps!).

 

[Pooh&OurHunny]

We are checking in tomorrow at The Swan and we are staying on points for 2 night.
What charges will we be billed for? do we pay taxes and resorts fee?
Any help would be appreciated

 

[RachelTori]

Thank you, WUVmyDisney and RachelTori. That does help a lot.

So, my first thought was correct -- they don't charge the resort fee in the deposit amount.

My second thought was also correct in that there is now a new, lower AAA rate (than when I first booked it back in September) -- RachelTori, the one I saw for my dates was $152.15 (pre taxes and resort fee), as well. I'd quibble over $7.00, too!

I think I'll go ahead and give them a call to honor the new rate because I'm staying 8 nights and that's about $80 difference from what I have now (every little bit helps!).

Did they give you the lower rate? $80 is a nice piece of change to save!

We are checking in tomorrow at The Swan and we are staying on points for 2 night.
What charges will we be billed for? do we pay taxes and resorts fee?
Any help would be appreciated

There is tax on the $10 resort fee (IIRC the resort fee total per day is $10.65); and if you have a vehicle, you will pay to park (+tax), but there won't be tax on the room since it's on points! Have a great vacation!

 

[Pooh&OurHunny]

There is tax on the $10 resort fee (IIRC the resort fee total per day is $10.65); and if you have a vehicle, you will pay to park (+tax), but there won't be tax on the room since it's on points! Have a great vacation! [/QUOTE]

Thanks for answer. We will not have a car. So its $10.65 per night.

Thanks again