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

[LexiC123]

So, just to clarify. If I am a AAA member, I can be a Preferred Plus member and receive more benefits? There are no other qualifications, just a AAA number?

If I recall correctly, it's not that simple. When I first heard about the Preferred Plus benefits a few years ago, I had to re-enroll in SPG through AAA and received a new SPG member number, as well.

I can't say for sure if the process is still the same now, but I'm sure a call to the SPG Member Services number can fix things.

PS - this is going on the assumption that you're already enrolled in the SPG program. If you're a new member, then it actually is that simple, LOL.

 

[LexiC123]

Btw, speaking of restaurants . . . Lexi -- I'm finally going to be able to use that Bluezoo gift certificate next week that you mailed me a few months ago! Now, nobody pipe in and say how Bluezoo is overpriced or terrible!

Yay...glad you'll be using it! I don't think I've ever read a bad review about Blue Zoo, so I'm sure it will be great.

Looking forward to a full report when you get back. Enjoy!

 

[Music City Mama]

Yay...glad you'll be using it! I don't think I've ever read a bad review about Blue Zoo, so I'm sure it will be great.

Looking forward to a full report when you get back. Enjoy!

Unfortunately, I've read a few not-so-good reviews of Bluezoo, but I'm currently blocking them out from my memory. It will be a date night w/ DH while the kids are at Camp Dolphin, so it will be good regardless.

Well, all, just wanted to say that I'll be leaving tomorrow. If I don't have a chance to check in while I'm there, I will give my report when I get back. Thanks for all of the great advice and info on this thread.

Mike, and any others that will be there over the next week, please say 'hello' if you see me -- I'll be sporting Lime Green Mickey Heads!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Don't forget, on Blue Zoo, and I think all the signature restaurants, I think a certain amount of time at Camp Dolphin is comped.

 

[el_tigre]

So, just to clarify. If I am a AAA member, I can be a Preferred Plus member and receive more benefits? There are no other qualifications, just a AAA number?

I believe that is correct. Simply call 888-625-4988 and have both your SPG and AAA numbers handy. If the phone rep can't upgrade you to Preferred Plus then and there, they should be able to tell you how to do it. I wouldn't think they would need to assign a new SPG number, but you never know.

And yes, the only difference between Gold and Preferred Plus is that Gold receives an extra point per dollar spent.

 

[sewer]

Unfortunately, I've read a few not-so-good reviews of Bluezoo, but I'm currently blocking them out from my memory. It will be a date night w/ DH while the kids are at Camp Dolphin, so it will be good regardless.

Well, all, just wanted to say that I'll be leaving tomorrow. If I don't have a chance to check in while I'm there, I will give my report when I get back. Thanks for all of the great advice and info on this thread.

Mike, and any others that will be there over the next week, please say 'hello' if you see me -- I'll be sporting Lime Green Mickey Heads!

You're killing me I've got a few days to go yet.

 

[Phlip]

You're killing me I've got a few days to go yet.

We will be there next week, at this time!!

 

[WUVmyDISNEY]

Well, I couldn't get my dates for the Dolphin in November that I wanted so I moved the trip up by 2 weeks. I thought I was all settled.....Now I just realized that I will most likely miss the Castle lighting and O Lights by one day! Boo Hoo! That of course is assuming they will be starting these on the first night of MVMCP--as luck would have it, I leave that morning. I already checked airfare to depart the following day and of course it is higher! I already had to give up my great rate that I originally booked and debating on whether to do it again. I think I will just wait until August or so when they announe the start dates and see what's what before I make anymore changes!

 

[todds34]

I will be staying at the Swan in August and was just wondering how big the room safe is. Is it big enought to hold my lap top?

 

[NancyIL]

I will be staying at the Swan in August and was just wondering how big the room safe is. Is it big enought to hold my lap top?

It would have to be a small laptop.

 

[mikegood2]

Mike, and any others that will be there over the next week, please say 'hello' if you see me -- I'll be sporting Lime Green Mickey Heads!

Will keep an eye out for you.

I was wondering what meals at the casual or quick service restaurants people liks to eat? We have only scheduled 2 or 3 ADR's, so we may be eating a fair amount of our meals at the s/d.

Only 3 more days until we are at the s/d!

 

[Belle83]

Will keep an eye out for you.

I was wondering what meals at the casual or quick service restaurants people liks to eat? We have only scheduled 2 or 3 ADR's, so we may be eating a fair amount of our meals at the s/d.

Only 3 more days until we are at the s/d!

Fountain!! So much better than Picabu and similar prices.

We were surprised by how much we liked the food at Garden Grove. We ate there for free, on Mediterranean night. It's a character meal but there were only 2 characters (we don't have kids, and are not really into character dining). Table service/buffet, but quick and not crowded.

Fresh looked good but we never got to try it, they only serve lunch. It's table service I think.

BoardWalk Bakery (by the BoardWalk hotel) was pretty gross, imo. I would avoid that.

 

[Dan Murphy]

.....Well, all, just wanted to say that I'll be leaving tomorrow....

We will be there next week, at this time!!

....I was wondering what meals at the casual or quick service restaurants people liks to eat? We have only scheduled 2 or 3 ADR's, so we may be eating a fair amount of our meals at the s/d.

Only 3 more days until we are at the s/d!

You guys all have great trips, I know you will.

I have had breakfast at Fresh, always excellent. I have had breakfast also at Garden Grove, good, a bit pricier. Have had dinner at Picabu. Also at Fountain. Both very good and well priced. I have had dinner at Garden Grove, good, and pricier. Don't forget AAA at all of them.

Enjoy.

 

[lovingthemouse]

I agree with Dan - always have breakfast at Fresh - lasts us until the middle of the afternoon. If you do, go up to Louis and ask about his Oreo pancakes, as well as his choc chip ones too. For waitstaff, ask for Debra, Zakia or Alex (she is pregnant) - they are all fantastic. They will know it is me recommending them. Use your AAA discount too.

Wish I was back there with all of you - have a most magical time! Caroline

 

[becky11]

Just had to share my excitement!

I called S&D to see if I was able to upgrade my room to accomodate 2 more adults. We already have 2 adults & 1 child in the room, but my sister and a friend want to run the W&D Half with me in October, so I wanted to see what we could do.

I booked a standard room with 2 beds originally under the "Salute to Troops" rate, which besides a great rate gets me 50% food & beverages at on-site eateries. So, when I called, to ask about adding two adults, she told me I can add 2 adults to my existing room by putting in a roll-away, but it would add $50-per-night to the rate. But, she checked and they have a Deluxe Alcove for a $75-per-night increase in my rate so I said, "Book it!"

For $25 more I get a ton more room? Yes please!

AND it's still the "Troops" rate. AND it's still with the $10/night resort fee 'cause I booked my original reservation before the fee increase.

That was a good news call.

 

[el_tigre]

Starwood Hotels is running a Summer Special and both the Swan & Dolphin are included. Rates for the Dolphin begin at $139 and the Swan begin at $159. Rooms must be booked by June 20 for stays through Sept. 7. Be sure your plans are solid before booking; reservations are non-refundable.

 

[SRUAlmn]

Starwood Hotels is running a Summer Special and both the Swan & Dolphin are included. Rates for the Dolphin begin at $139 and the Swan begin at $159. Rooms must be booked by June 20 for stays through Sept. 7. Be sure your plans are solid before booking; reservations are non-refundable.

Thank you!!!! The cheapest I can get to come up for the Dolphin (July 24-30) is $164. Just in case anyone needed a frame of reference for the "Begins at $139." Anyone know if you can call and get this rate? No suites or alcoves are showing up when I search our dates.


ETA: Never mind I read through the details again...rate plan is SUMSALE if you call.
ETA Again: haha!! It was coming up as $164 because I had 3 people. Double occupancy IS coming up as $139

 

[Tess]

Thank you!!!! The cheapest I can get to come up for the Dolphin (July 24-30) is $164. Just in case anyone needed a frame of reference for the "Begins at $139." Anyone know if you can call and get this rate? No suites or alcoves are showing up when I search our dates.


ETA: Never mind I read through the details again...rate plan is SUMSALE if you call.
ETA Again: haha!! It was coming up as $164 because I had 3 people. Double occupancy IS coming up as $139

Wow, that's good--the cheapest rate I could find was $189 (+tax and fees) and that was for June 28-July 3, 2011. I think with fees it came out to around $220. Still considerably cheaper than our room at the BWI, but then again, I would have to get 2 rooms since we have a son and daughter and there is no daybed.

 

[becky11]

You can fit a roll-away (twin-bed size) in the standard 2dbl rooms. I'd fold it up when someone isn't sleeping in it, but it can be done if you want to save some $$.

 

[lincar47]

Hi everyone So I was wondering if any of you have some tips for me about staying at the swan and dolphin. my son and future daughter in law are staying there for christmas this year and none of us have ever stayed in the epcot area so we were wondering what the need to knows are about the whole resort area and especially the swan and dolphin.