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

[Music City Mama]

Does anyone know how long it would take to have dinner at Bluezoo? When we go, I'm dropping the kids off at Camp Dolphin at 6:30 and our dinner reservation is for 6:45. Will that give us enough time to have our meal (and maybe have some private time) if we need to pick the kids up at 8:30?

Also, what would be an appropriate tip at CD? It's normally $10/hour per child, but since we're eating at Bluezoo and ordering 2 entrees, it will be free. Thanks!

 

[clemsondisneyfan]

Does anyone know how long it would take to have dinner at Bluezoo? When we go, I'm dropping the kids off at Camp Dolphin at 6:30 and our dinner reservation is for 6:45. Will that give us enough time to have our meal (and maybe have some private time) if we need to pick the kids up at 8:30?

Also, what would be an appropriate tip at CD? It's normally $10/hour per child, but since we're eating at Bluezoo and ordering 2 entrees, it will be free. Thanks!

This will be our first stay at the Swam (in 15 days!!), so I can't answer the questions, but I am curious about the kid's club question. We are eating at Bluezoo, Shula's and Il Mulino's the 3 nights we are there. Is there a Kid's club our 9 year old can go to? He would be thrilled!!

3 nights at The Swan
7 nights at The Contemporary

 

[Ramsfan28]

Does anyone know how long it would take to have dinner at Bluezoo? When we go, I'm dropping the kids off at Camp Dolphin at 6:30 and our dinner reservation is for 6:45. Will that give us enough time to have our meal (and maybe have some private time) if we need to pick the kids up at 8:30?

Also, what would be an appropriate tip at CD? It's normally $10/hour per child, but since we're eating at Bluezoo and ordering 2 entrees, it will be free. Thanks!

I would plan about 2 hours for dinner. I have eaten at BlueZoo numerous times and the service is attentive and relaxed - if you have a schedule to keep, just inform your server when you are seated and be ready to order.

 

[Ramsfan28]

This will be our first stay at the Swam (in 15 days!!), so I can't answer the questions, but I am curious about the kid's club question. We are eating at Bluezoo, Shula's and Il Mulino's the 3 nights we are there. Is there a Kid's club our 9 year old can go to? He would be thrilled!!

3 nights at The Swan
7 nights at The Contemporary

Camp Dolphin is for kids between the ages of 4 -12.

 

[clemsondisneyfan]

Camp Dolphin is for kids between the ages of 4 -12.

Thank you I am going to go call them right now.

 

[mma800]

I am trying to change our Halloween visit to WDW. I have booked Beach Club, but the prices at Swan/Dolphin are just too good to turn down. I stayed at one of them YEARS ago and cannot remember which, but thought it was great! Now I have 3 kids, 2 with autism, and as we don't use ME or buses it seems perfect for us. In fact I worry that SAB would be really HARD for us to keep an eye on our clan.

Here's the problem: DH and I have SPG but no points (see above)
We are traveling with DBIL who has SPG gold and tons of points from all his work travel. He may bring his girlfriend, but as a bachelor- October is a long way away!!
In a perfect world we would:
1. have a suite for our family of 5
2. have a nearby or connecting room for DBIL
3 or at least get 2 connecting rooms for us, and a nearby room for DBIL

Is it more cost effective to book via Swolphin or SPG? I have DBILs info and permission to book most efficient/economical way?(as well as cash in his points for all of us)
There are some deals for connecting rooms now as well as suites.
Swan for queens or Dolphin for proximity??
Last trip to Swolphin was pre-kids!!

I also am a nurse, have a Disney Visa, AAA and have a new AP. Looking to see what folks think would be to get a great room at a great discount. I would hate to cancel BC and book S/D without the best we could do. Also which one??

Much Thanks!!

 

[jnfr2424]

I am trying to change our Halloween visit to WDW. I have booked Beach Club, but the prices at Swan/Dolphin are just too good to turn down. I stayed at one of them YEARS ago and cannot remember which, but thought it was great! Now I have 3 kids, 2 with autism, and as we don't use ME or buses it seems perfect for us. In fact I worry that SAB would be really HARD for us to keep an eye on our clan.

Here's the problem: DH and I have SPG but no points (see above)
We are traveling with DBIL who has SPG gold and tons of points from all his work travel. He may bring his girlfriend, but as a bachelor- October is a long way away!!
In a perfect world we would:
1. have a suite for our family of 5
2. have a nearby or connecting room for DBIL
3 or at least get 2 connecting rooms for us, and a nearby room for DBIL

Is it more cost effective to book via Swolphin or SPG? I have DBILs info and permission to book most efficient/economical way?(as well as cash in his points for all of us)
There are some deals for connecting rooms now as well as suites.
Swan for queens or Dolphin for proximity??
Last trip to Swolphin was pre-kids!!

I also am a nurse, have a Disney Visa, AAA and have a new AP. Looking to see what folks think would be to get a great room at a great discount. I would hate to cancel BC and book S/D without the best we could do. Also which one??

Much Thanks!!

Wow first of all I have to say you came to the right place as I am sure you will gets lots of advice
You can go either way it truly depends on what you want. The good thing is that you have time so rooms especially the suites might be still avail..
Look into the Executive Suites either one at the Swan or the Dolphin (I was told that Swan has balcony suites, Dolphin does not)
If you want to go on points its 10,000 points per night
The AP discount is only good when you call in and its 50% off rack rates
IMO I would call to see what avail.
I booked last week for a Suite at the Dolphin and I was actually quoted a lower price than what was posted online
Good Luck and have fun!!

 

[LexiC123]

I am trying to change our Halloween visit to WDW. I have booked Beach Club, but the prices at Swan/Dolphin are just too good to turn down. I stayed at one of them YEARS ago and cannot remember which, but thought it was great! Now I have 3 kids, 2 with autism, and as we don't use ME or buses it seems perfect for us. In fact I worry that SAB would be really HARD for us to keep an eye on our clan.

Here's the problem: DH and I have SPG but no points (see above)
We are traveling with DBIL who has SPG gold and tons of points from all his work travel. He may bring his girlfriend, but as a bachelor- October is a long way away!!
In a perfect world we would:
1. have a suite for our family of 5
2. have a nearby or connecting room for DBIL
3 or at least get 2 connecting rooms for us, and a nearby room for DBIL

Is it more cost effective to book via Swolphin or SPG? I have DBILs info and permission to book most efficient/economical way?(as well as cash in his points for all of us)
There are some deals for connecting rooms now as well as suites.
Swan for queens or Dolphin for proximity??
Last trip to Swolphin was pre-kids!!

I also am a nurse, have a Disney Visa, AAA and have a new AP. Looking to see what folks think would be to get a great room at a great discount. I would hate to cancel BC and book S/D without the best we could do. Also which one??

Much Thanks!!

Hi, and

I've had reservations for October at both the BC and the Swan since the beginning of the year. But even the 40% off promo at the BC couldn't touch the deals that are available at the S/D, so I cancelled my BC ressie the other day. Now, I'm staying at the Swan for 7 night for less than it would have cost me to stay at the BC for only 5 nights.

You have lots of discount options available to you. If you have the time, play around with the discount codes on-line, on the Swan/Westin, Dolphin/Sheraton, and SPG sites. This will give you an idea of what kinds of rates are available for your dates. (*Note: you can substitute "Govt rate" to approximate discounts available for nurses.) There are no Disney Visa discounts at this property, and you'll have to call to get the AP rates.

There are also discount offers available through this page on the Swan/Dolphin website.

Ultimately, though, because you have certain requirements that must be met - i.e. room for 5, connecting room, suite options - I would call and speak with someone directly. I usually call SPG first (888-625-4988). They're very helpful and patient, and will run through any and all discount options that are available to you. Then, if you're not happy with the prices you've received through SPG, you can try calling Westin or Sheraton, or - finally - the Swan/Dolphin directly.

Also, it might be worth your while to peruse this thread a bit, as lots of people come through here in similar situations to yours.

And, of course, feel free to ask lots and lots of questions. There are so many helpful, knowledgeable people who frequent this thread, who can provide you with all the answers you need.

Best of luck!

 

[SRUAlmn]

Wow first of all I have to say you came to the right place as I am sure you will gets lots of advice
You can go either way it truly depends on what you want. The good thing is that you have time so rooms especially the suites might be still avail..
Look into the Executive Suites either one at the Swan or the Dolphin (I was told that Swan has balcony suites, Dolphin does not)
If you want to go on points its 10,000 points per night
The AP discount is only good when you call in and its 50% off rack rates IMO I would call to see what avail.
I booked last week for a Suite at the Dolphin and I was actually quoted a lower price than what was posted online
Good Luck and have fun!!

If you have a Disney AP you can get 50% off rack rates at the Swan and Dolphin!?!?!?!? Seriously??

 

[RachelTori]

If you have a Disney AP you can get 50% off rack rates at the Swan and Dolphin!?!?!?!? Seriously??

It is true, but the "rack" rates they base it on are around $400 or more. They are "rack rates" I've never seen on any website!! With all the other discounted rates they offer (starting around $149 or $159), the "50% off rack has never been comparable - always more! (but it still never hurts to call and ask! )

 

[SRUAlmn]

It is true, but the "rack" rates they base it on are around $400 or more. They are "rack rates" I've never seen on any website!! With all the other discounted rates they offer (starting around $149 or $159), the "50% off rack has never been comparable - always more! (but it still never hurts to call and ask! )

Thanks for the heads up! I was about ready to flip if it was 50% off the rack rates I've seen online (MUCH less than $400 per night!) I guess my teacher rate, AAA rate, or some of the other rates on the website would end up being much better. Thanks again!

 

[RachelTori]

Thanks for the heads up! I was about ready to flip if it was 50% off the rack rates I've seen online (MUCH less than $400 per night!) I guess my teacher rate, AAA rate, or some of the other rates on the website would end up being much better. Thanks again!

Absolutely - LOVE those teacher & AAA rates!! Also, I found $107 on travelocity recently, called Dolphin's 800# and they matched it!! Always be on the look-out for sales and special rates on sites like travelocity and orbitz, because as long as Swan/Dolphin can confirm it's a legitimate rate (and they will place you on hold while they check), they will match it!

 

[ohiotinkfan]

I justed booked the Dolphin for Easter,(Thurs. - Mon.) 4 nights!! We have never stayed at the Swan or Dolphin but we have stayed at BW resorts many times. I think we will be very pleased after reading many of the reviews on this thread!!! I do have a few questions I though..

We will be arriving late on Thursday and I see that the food court is open 24 hours. What does the food court serve after 11:30 pm?
Also, I have read that the Dolphin has a sundries store. Do they have similar items like the BWI or YC/BC (water, chips, 2 liter soda, and so on)?
I also read that the S/D offer a refilliable mug too. Does anyone know what the mug costs?

Thanks

 

[LexiC123]

Absolutely - LOVE those teacher & AAA rates!! Also, I found $107 on travelocity recently, called Dolphin's 800# and they matched it!! Always be on the look-out for sales and special rates on sites like travelocity and orbitz, because as long as Swan/Dolphin can confirm it's a legitimate rate (and they will place you on hold while they check), they will match it!

Wow, that's awesome! What month was that $107 rate for?

 

[RachelTori]

Wow, that's awesome! What month was that $107 rate for?

It was for multiple months because we got it for 3 nights in July and 3 nights in late September. I don't remember the exact dates and there were some black-out dates. I believe the sale only lasted several days, maybe a week at most -- it was in early January 2011. My paperwork says I booked 1/5/2011.

I called the Dolphin's 800#. I told them the rate, the site I found it on, they put me on hold, confirmed it, came back on the phone, said "we can match it".

There may be times when they can't or won't match a legitimate rate, but it never hurts to ask (and I had the travelocity page up on my computer and was ready to hit "buy" if Dolphin said no!!)

 

[LexiC123]

It was for multiple months because we got it for 3 nights in July and 3 nights in late September. I don't remember the exact dates and there were some black-out dates. I believe the sale only lasted several days, maybe a week at most -- it was in early January 2011. My paperwork says I booked 1/5/2011.

I called the Dolphin's 800#. I told them the rate, the site I found it on, they put me on hold, confirmed it, came back on the phone, said "we can match it".

There may be times when they can't or won't match a legitimate rate, but it never hurts to ask (and I had the travelocity page up on my computer and was ready to hit "buy" if Dolphin said no!!)

Thanks for the info. Good to know about the price matching.

I have an "ok" rate of $161 for late October, but I just *know* a better rate is out there, somewhere. Guess I'll have to be extra vigilant and monitor Travelocity, Expedia and Orbitz, as well as the Starwood, Westin, Sheraton and Swan/Dolphin web sites, until I find something.

 

[cruise cruise cruise]

I am trying to change our Halloween visit to WDW. I have booked Beach Club, but the prices at Swan/Dolphin are just too good to turn down. I stayed at one of them YEARS ago and cannot remember which, but thought it was great! Now I have 3 kids, 2 with autism, and as we don't use ME or buses it seems perfect for us. In fact I worry that SAB would be really HARD for us to keep an eye on our clan.

Here's the problem: DH and I have SPG but no points (see above)
We are traveling with DBIL who has SPG gold and tons of points from all his work travel. He may bring his girlfriend, but as a bachelor- October is a long way away!!
In a perfect world we would:
1. have a suite for our family of 5
2. have a nearby or connecting room for DBIL
3 or at least get 2 connecting rooms for us, and a nearby room for DBIL

Is it more cost effective to book via Swolphin or SPG? I have DBILs info and permission to book most efficient/economical way?(as well as cash in his points for all of us)
There are some deals for connecting rooms now as well as suites.
Swan for queens or Dolphin for proximity??
Last trip to Swolphin was pre-kids!!

I also am a nurse, have a Disney Visa, AAA and have a new AP. Looking to see what folks think would be to get a great room at a great discount. I would hate to cancel BC and book S/D without the best we could do. Also which one??

Much Thanks!!

I agree with the others who say to phone or play around on the various sites and see what you can get. The only thing I would caution you about is to be aware of the cancellation policy. I have found that most "specials" are non refundable. However, AAA teacher, points are refundable.

 

[SRUAlmn]

Absolutely - LOVE those teacher & AAA rates!! Also, I found $107 on travelocity recently, called Dolphin's 800# and they matched it!! Always be on the look-out for sales and special rates on sites like travelocity and orbitz, because as long as Swan/Dolphin can confirm it's a legitimate rate (and they will place you on hold while they check), they will match it!

Thanks!! I love you guys!!

 

[mma800]

Thanks for all your responses!


Now I just need to choose which resort. Don't think I can go wrong with either and I will probably go for the best deal.
I have read thru the threand and am wondering if anyone has a preference executive suite at Swan or dolphin?

 

[DizMom11]

I justed booked the Dolphin for Easter,(Thurs. - Mon.) 4 nights!! We have never stayed at the Swan or Dolphin but we have stayed at BW resorts many times. I think we will be very pleased after reading many of the reviews on this thread!!! I do have a few questions I though..

We will be arriving late on Thursday and I see that the food court is open 24 hours. What does the food court serve after 11:30 pm?
Also, I have read that the Dolphin has a sundries store. Do they have similar items like the BWI or YC/BC (water, chips, 2 liter soda, and so on)?
I also read that the S/D offer a refilliable mug too. Does anyone know what the mug costs?

Thanks

Do you mind if I ask how much you are paying? I just booked the Dolphin for Easter as well 4/20-4/26 with a Nurse discount or $254 a night for resort view room. It will be our first time at the Dolphin. we have always stayed at a Disney resort. Is there a better deal out there? Thank you