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

[cjsm&d]

Thanks Dan and cjsm&d,

I'll probably give them a call before my trip and get more info.

Hope those compurter specs info is a few years old!

I would hope so!

 

[allicat1214]

I finally booked our rooms at Dolphin for Sun., 5/29 - Sat., 6/4. I called the Dolphin directly and asked for rates for several discounts I was eligible for during that time and govt rate was the absolute best @ $159/night. When you add in the resort fees + taxes it was $190.13.

I have enough SPG points to get one night free now and I should have enough to get two nights free by the time May rolls around. I asked the customer service rep how I should handle that and he said just call SPG at any time and they can easily convert one or more nights to points!!

Getting two nights free and adding in resort fees/taxes will bring the rate down to an average of $146 a night. I'm pleased!

Then HE ASKED ME if I had any special requests!! I was like, "Oh why yes, thank you.. We'd love a view of Epcot if at all possible!"

He said, "I'll note it here for you."

I know there aren't any guarantees and it depends on how many rooms are booked and the time we arrive, but I thought that was very nice that he asked first!

I'm an SPG member but not gold or platinum. I'll just be happy to be back that if we get an upgrade, I'll be happy and thankful we had some pixie dust come our way!

I have my main ADRs already set, so I can get off the computer for a while and actually get some things accomplished now!!

 

[mikegood2]

I finally booked our rooms at Dolphin for Sun., 5/29 - Sat., 6/4. I called the Dolphin directly and asked for rates for several discounts I was eligible for during that time and govt rate was the absolute best @ $159/night. When you add in the resort fees + taxes it was $190.13.

I have enough SPG points to get one night free now and I should have enough to get two nights free by the time May rolls around. I asked the customer service rep how I should handle that and he said just call SPG at any time and they can easily convert one or more nights to points!!

Getting two nights free and adding in resort fees/taxes will bring the rate down to an average of $146 a night. I'm pleased!

Then HE ASKED ME if I had any special requests!! I was like, "Oh why yes, thank you.. We'd love a view of Epcot if at all possible!"

He said, "I'll note it here for you."

I know there aren't any guarantees and it depends on how many rooms are booked and the time we arrive, but I thought that was very nice that he asked first!

I'm an SPG member but not gold or platinum. I'll just be happy to be back that if we get an upgrade, I'll be happy and thankful we had some pixie dust come our way!

I have my main ADRs already set, so I can get off the computer for a while and actually get some things accomplished now!!

Congrats, would think that is a good week with most schools still open.

Where going for a week on June 15th. My sister-in-law is a teacher and the last possible day of school for her is the 10th (if all snow days used)

 

[mikegood2]

Just called and talked to business services, and they have a few computers available. They charge 69¢ a minute, but it shouldn't take me long to back up my sd cards (photos/video) onto a portable hard drive. The extra security is worth the money.

 

[olive]

I finally booked our rooms at Dolphin for Sun., 5/29 - Sat., 6/4. I called the Dolphin directly and asked for rates for several discounts I was eligible for during that time and govt rate was the absolute best @ $159/night. When you add in the resort fees + taxes it was $190.13.

I have enough SPG points to get one night free now and I should have enough to get two nights free by the time May rolls around. I asked the customer service rep how I should handle that and he said just call SPG at any time and they can easily convert one or more nights to points!!

Getting two nights free and adding in resort fees/taxes will bring the rate down to an average of $146 a night. I'm pleased!

Then HE ASKED ME if I had any special requests!! I was like, "Oh why yes, thank you.. We'd love a view of Epcot if at all possible!"

He said, "I'll note it here for you."

I know there aren't any guarantees and it depends on how many rooms are booked and the time we arrive, but I thought that was very nice that he asked first!

I'm an SPG member but not gold or platinum. I'll just be happy to be back that if we get an upgrade, I'll be happy and thankful we had some pixie dust come our way!

I have my main ADRs already set, so I can get off the computer for a while and actually get some things accomplished now!!

I have called the reservations line a few times now to make changes to our upcoming Dolphin reservation and ask questions. Every person I have spoken to has been incredibly friendly and professional. This is more than I can say for many, many of the folks that I have spoken to on the regular Disney reservations line. The person I last spoke with even found me a better rate and offered that in place of the discount that I had called asking about. When I call Disney, I feel like they play dumb when you ask about rates sometimes. I found talking to the Dolphin folks really refreshing, and I am looking forward to our first Dolphin stay all the more. It's nice to hear that others are having similar experiences!

 

[RachelTori]

I have called the reservations line a few times now to make changes to our upcoming Dolphin reservation and ask questions. Every person I have spoken to has been incredibly friendly and professional. This is more than I can say for many, many of the folks that I have spoken to on the regular Disney reservations line. The person I last spoke with even found me a better rate and offered that in place of the discount that I had called asking about. When I call Disney, I feel like they play dumb when you ask about rates sometimes. I found talking to the Dolphin folks really refreshing, and I am looking forward to our first Dolphin stay all the more. It's nice to hear that others are having similar experiences!

I just want to add that the CMs at the front desk have always been incredible also! (actually, as has every CM I have ever encountered at both Swan & Dolphin)

 

[jpmama]

I have a couple of questions I haven't found answers to yet. My husband is platinum SPG, so we will be using points for our stay. We are trying to decide b/n Swan and Dolphin. My questions:

1) Swan vs. Dolphin- We have 2 boys, 4 and 7, and from what I have read on their website, it sounds like all Swan standard king rooms have a sofa bed. It seems as though some of the rooms at Dolphin have a sofa bed, this isn't guaranteed. Is that correct? I certainly wouldn't want all 4 of us stuck in one bed!

2) SPG upgrades... I have read on this thread that platinum SPG members seem to get upgrades. Can anyone comment on this? Has anyone been platinum and not been upgraded? More likely to get upgraded at one vs. another?

3) Can points be used to upgraded to a suite (or is this a waste of points, b/c we will automatically get upgraded?)

4) We are planning to go the first week of December 2011, based on this being one of the lowest crowd weeks. I wonder if staying on an "off" week would increase our chance at getting upgraded?

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Dan Murphy]

I have a couple of questions I haven't found answers to yet. My husband is platinum SPG, so we will be using points for our stay. We are trying to decide b/n Swan and Dolphin. My questions:

1) Swan vs. Dolphin- We have 2 boys, 4 and 7, and from what I have read on their website, it sounds like all Swan standard king rooms have a sofa bed. It seems as though some of the rooms at Dolphin have a sofa bed, this isn't guaranteed. Is that correct? I certainly wouldn't want all 4 of us stuck in one bed!

2) SPG upgrades... I have read on this thread that platinum SPG members seem to get upgrades. Can anyone comment on this? Has anyone been platinum and not been upgraded? More likely to get upgraded at one vs. another?

3) Can points be used to upgraded to a suite (or is this a waste of points, b/c we will automatically get upgraded?)

4) We are planning to go the first week of December 2011, based on this being one of the lowest crowd weeks. I wonder if staying on an "off" week would increase our chance at getting upgraded?

Thanks for any advice!

1) A king should give you a sleeper/sofa at the Swan or the Dolphin. At least in the sketches here..

http://www.swandolphin.com/accommodations/images/S-GuestroomsBW.gif

http://www.swandolphin.com/accommodations/images/D-DblGuestroom.gif

2) I think upgrades would be the same at either. I was platinum a few years, now gold. Have always got an upgrade. I di understand that a suite upgrade for platinum, if available, is not assured, as it was in past years. But you never know.

Might be good to fill out a concierge request and ask for what you would like.

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

3) Not guaranteed, as far as I know, see 2.

4) Time right after Thanksgiving is not the quiet time it once was. Not packed, but not like before. If 'free' dining is going on, that makes it worse and many people bite on that offer.



ETA on suite upgrade for platinum.......

Subject to availability at check-in for the length of the stay, provided the room was not booked through a pre-paid third-party channel. Specialty Suites such as, but not limited to, premium view, Presidential, Honeymoon, and multiple bedroom suites are excluded. This benefit does not apply to all-suite hotels. Best rooms are identified by each property and may not include upgraded Towers level accommodations unless Towers level accommodations are booked originally. The upgrade benefit is available for one room for the personal use of the Member only, regardless of the number of additional rooms purchased by the Member. This benefit is not offered at Aloft and Element properties.

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

 

[jpmama]

Thanks for the great info, Dan. Regarding the week... we went that week last year (for the first time as adults!) and thought it wasn't that bad, but we don't have anything to compare it to. I found a website that lists weeks from best to worst and they list that week as the #1 week to go: http://**************.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/2011-Weeks-8-11vsn.jpg
Do you think there is a better week to go? Our criteria are lowest crowds and not too hot!

 

[TaraPA]

Welcome jpmama!

I've been to S/D twice the 1st week of December as SPG platinum or gold (guaranteed upgrade) - once we got an upgrade to a resort view with balcony (from a standard room booking), the other, no upgrade at all because the hotel was booked to capacity. So it doesn't matter if you're mega platinum, if they're booked solid, they're booked solid!

I didn't look at that website for when to go, but is that based on Disney crowd levels, or specifically Swan/Dolphin? Swan/Dolphin are conference hotels & are often booked solid at any time of the year, irregardless of the Disney crowds. We've gone to WDW 3 years in the 1st week of December, and as Dan said, that week gets increasingly more & more busy every year!

I'm sorry but I don't know if sofa beds are guaranteed in the king rooms at either hotel. If you go to the spg website, they have the option to chat live with an spg rep, they may be able to tell you. They're super nice on live chat, and also when you call them.

Good luck & let us know what you decide to do!

 

[jpmama]

Thanks Tara. Is there any way to find out when conventions are going to be held?

 

[TaraPA]

They are held 24/7, 365 days a year at Swan & Dolphin. Unfortunately there is no list of what conventions are there.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Last month, Major League Baseball held its winter meetings at S/D, first week in Dec. Pretty well booked. I went the second week and it was fine. I would think you could ask if there were any huge conventions for when you are wanting to go, as those are booked a few years in advance.

On that link, I would think any of the green weeks would be better than others.

 

[jpmama]

I wonder if the week before, Nov 27th-Dec 2nd would be better?

 

[JimmyV]

They are held 24/7, 365 days a year at Swan & Dolphin. Unfortunately there is no list of what conventions are there.

Actually, (and this applies to virtually any convention hotel), if you do an internet search for "Swan Dolphin Disney Conference Convention [insert the month and year, such as November 2011]" you should be able to dig up info on any big group that will be hosting at that time. For example, if some big company like Microsoft is having a conference in November, 2011, there is sure to be some info on the web about booking, itineraries, etc. Who knows. You might even find a link to a booking code for cheap airfare or a cheap rental car!

 

[allicat1214]

We are arriving in Orlando by car late afternoon/early evening of the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. Our first park day will be Monday.

I requested an Epcot view if at all possible, but booked a standard room on govt rate thru following Saturday and will convert two, possibly three nights to points rewards.

In talking things over with DH, I think now we would be better off just staying at another spg hotel Sunday night (Sheraton Safari completely on points) and checking into Dolphin Monday. I think more people will be checking out on Monday, Memorial day, so I think we'd have a better chance of getting the room we want by checking in early Monday and just not getting our specific room assignment until later in the day.

Does this sound reasonable??

Also, if we do that and leave our luggage with the bellman, will they deliver it to the room once it's ready?

I'm thinking we'll go do parks in morning then come back for rest in afternoon, and it would be great if luggage would be in room by then!

Thanks!!

 

[JimmyV]

That actually makes a lot of sense. As long as you can handle getting up early on the day after arrival, you can check out of the off-site hotel, drop off the luggage at the new hotel and get to a park without missing a beat. I have done this often when my flight arrives late at night. If I am going to get to the hotel at 11:00 p.m. and immediately hit the sheets, I'd rather pay $49 for that night instead of $200. And there will definitely be more check-outs on Monday. Plus, your off-site hotel will be cancellable up to 4:00 p.m. on the day of arrival. Sooooooo....on the day of your drive, call the hotel front desk directly and speak to someone there. Tell them that you are scheduled to check in the next day and that you are inquiring about the possibility of an earlier check in. Find out if they have any rooms available with an Epcot view. If they do, you can grab it and cancel your other reservation. If not, keep the off site room for the night.

And yes, the bellman can bring your bags to your room, but they will have to coordiate with the front desk to find out what room you have been assigned. When you go to the bell desk, tell them that you are awaiting a room assignment and that you would like the bags brought up when the assignment is made, and ask them to check (after 3:00) to see if that has been done. It might not hurt to go to the concierge and mention this as well. The front desk person will have to know to communicate with the bell desk, and vice versa. This won't happen naturally unless you poke your nose in at as many places as possible when you drop your bags off. Tell the bell desk, the front desk and concierge. Even still, I'd put the odds at 60-70% that your bags will beat you to your room. Tipping in advance will help.

 

[TaraPA]

Ok ok, I did it! I booked the 2BR Executive Suite for our Girls Trip! I spoke with Tony at the hotel & he was super nice. I was really confused on all the conflicting info I was getting from spg.com & the S/D website versus what everyone was telling me on here. It's a 2BR - the master has a king & sleeper sofa, the 2nd BR has 2 queens, and the 600-sq foot parlor has a sleeper sofa & we can put a rollaway in there too if we want. It has 3 full baths & a balcony. No kitchen, but that's not huge for us anyway. The mini fridge & wet bar area will be fine for our needs. The parlor area looks huge, there is a conference table and entertainment/living room area too. Does anyone have any pics of this suite?

 

[PrincessAlways]

Ok ok, I did it! I booked the 2BR Executive Suite for our Girls Trip! I spoke with Tony at the hotel & he was super nice. I was really confused on all the conflicting info I was getting from spg.com & the S/D website versus what everyone was telling me on here. It's a 2BR - the master has a king & sleeper sofa, the 2nd BR has 2 queens, and the 600-sq foot parlor has a sleeper sofa & we can put a rollaway in there too if we want. It has 3 full baths & a balcony. No kitchen, but that's not huge for us anyway. The mini fridge & wet bar area will be fine for our needs. The parlor area looks huge, there is a conference table and entertainment/living room area too. Does anyone have any pics of this suite?

I'm part of that group!!! Can you tell???

 

[mikegood2]

Ok ok, I did it! I booked the 2BR Executive Suite for our Girls Trip! I spoke with Tony at the hotel & he was super nice. I was really confused on all the conflicting info I was getting from spg.com & the S/D website versus what everyone was telling me on here. It's a 2BR - the master has a king & sleeper sofa, the 2nd BR has 2 queens, and the 600-sq foot parlor has a sleeper sofa & we can put a rollaway in there too if we want. It has 3 full baths & a balcony. No kitchen, but that's not huge for us anyway. The mini fridge & wet bar area will be fine for our needs. The parlor area looks huge, there is a conference table and entertainment/living room area too. Does anyone have any pics of this suite?

Congrats on getting the room booked. Glad you got to talk to someone who new about the rooms. The first person you talked to didn't sound like they did. Are you booked into the Swan? The parlor sounds more like the Swans layout.

Also, after you return from you trip, could you tell us how you like the Executive Suite, and/or possibly post a few photos of the rooms? Where leaving on June 15th (can't come quick enough and wont last long enough )