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

[TaraPA]

Just booked our flight for our June 15th trip.

Thought we were going to go AirTran, but United lowered their prices today. We ended up paying $186 a ticket pre-tax for our round trip tickets.

I've been watching flights constantly for the last 2 months & they just keep going up, good you booked it. When I booked my 3/12-16 Swan stay in December on Airtran I got it for $124 RT - so it killed me to pay $179 RT for the 3/22-28 Dolphin trip! I was spoiled from last year - when Allegiant flew into MCO I got one leg for $19.99 and the other for $39.99...I'll never see those fares again!

 

[SingingMom]

I've been watching flights constantly for the last 2 months & they just keep going up, good you booked it. When I booked my 3/12-16 Swan stay in December on Airtran I got it for $124 RT - so it killed me to pay $179 RT for the 3/22-28 Dolphin trip! I was spoiled from last year - when Allegiant flew into MCO I got one leg for $19.99 and the other for $39.99...I'll never see those fares again!

Am I the only one that gets into a fit of depression when I miss my "window of opportunity" and our unbooked flights go up?! Just happened to us for a Spring Break trip to Texas. I'm so disappointed we are paying over $100 more each ticket, because I was too slow with my decision.

Happy to hear that some people ARE getting good rates out there!

 

[vicb]

I've been watching airfare daily too not for WDW but for a summer trip to Boston. Round trip is $411 (non-stop). I keep hoping it will drop, we have time still. We could book with connections but it seems every time we do that we regret it and wish we would have just paid the extra to get where we are going directly and quicker!! I am using Kayak fare watcher and travelocity fare watcher.

 

[Poppins2010]

I'm leaving Seattle tomorrow for our first trip to WDW and staying at the Dolphin. Thanks everyone for your suggestions and advice.
I'm as excited as the kids!

 

[Music City Mama]

Just booked our flight for our June 15th trip.

Thought we were going to go AirTran, but United lowered their prices today. We ended up paying $186 a ticket pre-tax for our round trip tickets.

Fantastic! We drive, so I don't have to think about airfare, but that is no doubt a great deal.

Hey all, got a question about my rate. I have been booked for quite a while now for my 6/10 - 6/18 dates. I got a great AAA rate (just standard view) at $152/night. It includes a "$50 stay credit". When I look at their rates on the S/D website, like "Sunsational Savings", it states:

•6th Night Free (applied at check out)
•$100 Food and Beverage Credit for every 6 nights reserved

FYI, the above wasn't yet being advertised when I booked and since it has been advertised, my dates haven't been available (it comes out to about the same price that I got when it's all said and done anyway).

My AAA discount states:

Overnight accommodations +$50 stay credit*.
*Overnight + $50 credit package requires 5 night minimum length of stay.

What makes the "food and beverage credit" different than the "stay credit"? Do I just get $50 off of my balance at the end or something?

 

[clemsondisneyfan]

I'm leaving Seattle tomorrow for our first trip to WDW and staying at the Dolphin. Thanks everyone for your suggestions and advice.
I'm as excited as the kids!

Have a fantastic time!

 

[sewer]

I've been watching flights constantly for the last 2 months & they just keep going up, good you booked it. When I booked my 3/12-16 Swan stay in December on Airtran I got it for $124 RT - so it killed me to pay $179 RT for the 3/22-28 Dolphin trip! I was spoiled from last year - when Allegiant flew into MCO I got one leg for $19.99 and the other for $39.99...I'll never see those fares again!

Same thing here, but I booked my flight very early so thankfully I won't have to pay the current $300 rate!

 

[mikegood2]

I've been watching flights constantly for the last 2 months & they just keep going up, good you booked it. When I booked my 3/12-16 Swan stay in December on Airtran I got it for $124 RT - so it killed me to pay $179 RT for the 3/22-28 Dolphin trip! I was spoiled from last year - when Allegiant flew into MCO I got one leg for $19.99 and the other for $39.99...I'll never see those fares again!

Looks like you still got some great prices. It is a good feeling when you get a good deal, but it can kinda spoil you if you can't get a simular deal on your next trip.

Am I the only one that gets into a fit of depression when I miss my "window of opportunity" and our unbooked flights go up?! Just happened to us for a Spring Break trip to Texas. I'm so disappointed we are paying over $100 more each ticket, because I was too slow with my decision.

No your not, we were lucky that we had a backup option with AirTran for around $250. I've actually been dealing with that for a stupid $15 bag I've been watching on Amazon. It kept going up around 1¢ a day, then drop, then rise. Was not in a rush to get it, trips in June. When I checked today it's now on backorder and expected to be in stock within 12 weeks.

I've been watching airfare daily too not for WDW but for a summer trip to Boston. Round trip is $411 (non-stop). I keep hoping it will drop, we have time still. We could book with connections but it seems every time we do that we regret it and wish we would have just paid the extra to get where we are going directly and quicker!! I am using Kayak fare watcher and travelocity fare watcher.

Well for us most of the airline have been around $300-$350 each for the last month. Had pretty much given up on those and planning on using AirTran out of a different airport. Then overnight United lowered some of their fares in half.

I know some of the airlines, will give you credit it if the price drops after you purchase you tickets. You just need to keep watching their prices sand let them know if they fall.

 

[lovingthemouse]

What is most frustrating is when you see a drop, go to change it and discover it has gone up again in the changing process!!
I can't wait to get back to the Dolphin.

 

[lissiesmum]

Happy Sunday, everyone

Since we are staying at the Dolphin during Easter week, I have done my research and found out that there are certain levels of park closures on days when some of the parks are at full capacity. When they only allow "resort guests", if you are staying at the Dolphin, are you included in that category, or do they mean staying on Disney property only? I have a few random dining reservations at parks where we'll be hopping to and I'd hate to lose my deposit if we won't be allowed in the parks if they're at capacity. We leave two months from Monday!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Same as the Disney resorts.

 

[TikiGoddess07]

I was reading that the Swan and Dolphin offer AAA dining discounts -- 20% off at most restaurants. But can you use a regular AAA card, or does it have to be one of the Diamond Cards that you get if you book your vacation through AAA?

Kathy

Edited to add: I also think it's funny that Picabu food is generally priced about the same as any of the sit-down restaurants. A grilled chicken sandwich at Cabana, Picabu, Fountain, or In-Room dining is around $12. No cheap eating at the Dolphin....

 

[TaraPA]

I was reading that the Swan and Dolphin offer AAA dining discounts -- 20% off at most restaurants. But can you use a regular AAA card, or does it have to be one of the Diamond Cards that you get if you book your vacation through AAA?

Kathy

Just a plain old AAA membership card will get you 20% off.

 

[Dan Murphy]

....No cheap eating at the Dolphin....

I always use my AAA card for 20% discount. Brings that sandwich under $9. Also, in room dining adds on an additional 22% plus $3. I find Picabu very well priced for a deluxe hotel at Disney World.

 

[TaraPA]

I always use my AAA card for 20% discount. Brings that sandwich under $9. Also, in room dining adds on an additional 22% plus $3. I find Picabu very well priced for a deluxe hotel at Disney World.

I agree Dan, we've always thought Picabu & The Fountain are very reasonably priced for a deluxe hotel, and right in line with other CS around WDW, with better quality/quantity of food.

 

[disneyaway]

We are headed to the Swan in a few days We have an 8 am ADR at Crystal Palace. Is there transportation running that early (non EMH day) or do we need to get a taxi?

Thanks!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Bus will work fine.

 

[lissiesmum]

Same as the Disney resorts.

woohoo! Thanks, Dan!

 

[TaraPA]

For anyone recently there - can you tell me what Shine by Bliss toiletries are provided - for the life of me I can't remember - is it shampoo, conditioner & lotion? Is there a body wash?

 

[Beka]

For anyone recently there - can you tell me what Shine by Bliss toiletries are provided - for the life of me I can't remember - is it shampoo, conditioner & lotion? Is there a body wash?

Yes, yes, yes, no. There were little bars of soap. Mandarin ginger scent? I'd have to walk my pregnant self across the house to find out for sure. Smelled good though!