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

[My2CrazyGirls]

They are prepaid on travelocity, but travelocity lets you cancel. They tell you that you are subject to the hotel's cancellation policy, which is "up to the full charge of your stay..".

I was under the impression we would have had to pay the entire stay if we cancelled (which we almost did because of a family member gettin really sick). The Dolphin's regular cancellation policy was something like 1 night stay (if it's too short notice), but I wonder if they do the same for prepaid reservations?

(We had the $129/night rate)

Thanks. I keep hearing people getting rates of about 120's - to 170's and right now for April 2012 during the end of the month (no easter, no spring break) the rate is about $300! With a 40% pin I can stay at BC or YC for less than that. Of course i have no idea if I will get a pin and I have no idea of the Dolphin rates will go down...i have 10 months but i would love to book now!

 

[lovingthemouse]

The 120-170's rates are usually for Teacher/Nurse/Gov't employees/Annual Passholder/AAA or any specials which the S/D might be offering. A number of times I have gone ahead and made the reservations at the best rate offered at the time, and then gone back and changed the rate according to offers.
Check the headline at the top of the screen here; go on the Starwood site; check Travelocity etc... and get an idea what the best rates offered are. It is almost like a quest, be persistent, and hopefully, you'll find a great rate.

 

[LexiC123]

The 120-170's rates are usually for Teacher/Nurse/Gov't employees/Annual Passholder/AAA or any specials which the S/D might be offering. A number of times I have gone ahead and made the reservations at the best rate offered at the time, and then gone back and changed the rate according to offers.
Check the headline at the top of the screen here; go on the Starwood site; check Travelocity etc... and get an idea what the best rates offered are. It is almost like a quest, be persistent, and hopefully, you'll find a great rate.

I agree with this, 100%. I would book the lowest, refundable rate now, and keep checking back, as the S/D releases new discounts/packages all the time.

Since your trip is still a ways off, checking back once a week should be fine...someone mentioned that cancelled reservations are released back into inventory on Fridays, so that might be a good day to check. Of course, if you're a little obsessive/compulsive, like me, you'll be checking the rates everyday, LOL. I check the SPG, Westin, Sheraton and S/D sites, as well as Travelocity, Expedia, Orbitz and Hotels.com each day, hoping for a better deal for my October trip.

Good luck!

 

[Music City Mama]

Got back late last night -- WARNING for those driving back north on I-75 just south of Atlanta -- MAJOR CONSTRUCTION/ROADWORK/TRAFFIC -- took us 3 hours to travel 40 miles!!!!!

Anyhow, LOVED IT!!!!!!! Arrived on a Friday evening around 7:15 -- checked in quickly/easily. She mentioned a resort view and I asked if that was an upgrade because I had only paid for a standard view and she said it was! 9th Floor West -- WONDERFUL view of the Swan! Probably won't get a chance to upload my pics and post them until tomorrow.

Ate at Picabu once for a late lunch and once for breakfast. Ate at Fresh once for breakfast, and ate at Bluezoo for dinner one night (thanks again for the gift certificate, Lexi!). I've figured out the whole Picabu service charge thing. They charge you 13% on the total -- you get a 20% discount with your AAA card, but the discount does not apply until after they charge you the 13% on the undiscounted amount (tax is charged AFTER they apply the AAA discount). They do not charge you a 13% charge on 'store' items, HOWEVER, you do not get a 20% AAA discount on those items either.

Picabu is certainly convenient (mediocre food), -- I can see why they charge a service fee (although, 13% is a little steep) -- real plates/bowls, real flatware, they clear your plates (and bring food to you, if needed). I would normally leave a tip in that situation, but didn't since they charged the service charge. I like the food courts at Disney resorts better (price-wise and food-wise), but it is what it is -- I'm okay with it.

Fresh was WONDERFUL, but I find it hard to eat $20 worth of food for breakfast -- kind of expensive for a family of 4 for breakfast -- but will definitely try to eat there once per trip (and no service charge there!).

Bluezoo was good. Made the big mistake of having rich food and wine and then picking up a chocolate pie at Picabu later that night. Felt ill in the middle of the night, but it passed. The kids went to Camp Dolphin and had fun. I paid nothing for childcare fees since DH and I each ordered an entree at Bluezoo (one entree = 2 hours free per child) -- I did tip them, though.

Laundry -- There are 8 washers and 10 dryers. Each load (washer or dryer) costs $2.00.

I participated in the Green Program and skipped housekeeping 4 days that we were there -- I earned 2000 SPG points!

I don't know how people can say it's not Disney enough. Beside the fact that the employees are just as friendly/professional as WDW CMs, the amenities are fantastic. How can you look out of your window (or walk outside) and not feel immediately immersed in the magic?

I had never stayed in the EPCOT resorts area before and I will find it very hard to stay anywhere else again (but no way will I pay the prices of the WDW deluxe resorts). LOVED the Boardwalk area -- walking distance to two parks -- EPCOT is a super easy walk, but I wouldn't walk to DHS in the heat -- walked back after Fantasmic one night and it took 15 minutes at a brisk pace -- it was fine, but I wouldn't do that one in the heat of the day. One night on the way to EPCOT, we happened to walk by the dock just as a boat was pulling up and decided to get on. Total waste of time -- should've walked. What amazed the heck out of me is how many people got on at BC/YC or BW to go to EPCOT. Seriously?! I'm talking a few, but TONS! Walk, people, walk!

I'm sure I'm missing some things, but I made a lot of mental notes, so if anyone has any questions, please ask! I will post pics tomorrow. We will definitely be staying there for our trip next year!

 

[Music City Mama]

Live from the Dolphin...it's Saturday night with Phlip!!
Short report...flight was great, got a great last minute deal on a car from Alamo-165.00 for a midsize suv! Trouble is that the last renter must've puked in it, the car smells like a mix of old barf and hooker perfume. Seriously. Soooo...the Alamo counters here and the car care center were closed. MCO Alamo said I could switch it out up there (uh, no) or wait till the am and switch it here at the Dolphin. FYI, the counter here closes at 4pm. Soooo...we will see. The car was not so bad, till we got to Walmart and it sat in the heat for a bit. Yuck.

On to the Dolphin-no traffic, Walmart super busy (when is it not). Dolphin front desk super slow, but wonderful to us when we got up to the desk. Starwood desk rep couldn't upgrade us to a suite (wouldn't that have been nice?) but got us a one class up grade to resort view. We are on the 16th floor, look out over the lobby roof, at a nice woods view. We see some hotels in the distance don't know what they are though--is it the MK?? I'll have to check it out. Got a resort credit for both rooms (100 bucks!) and she comped the resort fee. Super! All 'cause we had to wait (and wait).
Comfy beds, lots of room--kids went to the pool, awesome.
So aside from the yuck car (and a minor bathroom incident that I will call about tomorrow...) a great start to a nice vacation. Off to see if that really is an MK view....
Oh, and the wifi is free...
Phlip

Have fun!! And you, too, Mike!

Thanks. I keep hearing people getting rates of about 120's - to 170's and right now for April 2012 during the end of the month (no easter, no spring break) the rate is about $300! With a 40% pin I can stay at BC or YC for less than that. Of course i have no idea if I will get a pin and I have no idea of the Dolphin rates will go down...i have 10 months but i would love to book now!

I booked my June 2011 trip in September 2010. It wasn't until then then that they had new/special rates for 2011 (up until then, they were only showing through 12/31/10). The rate I got was $152/night with a $50 resort credit (AAA rate). So, I think you'll see those rates for 2012 from September (and then obviously in the months following), but you'll have to check the main page on swananddolphin.com to see what specials they're offering and click on the link from those specials listed (vs. just entering your dates on the dates section). Hope that helps.

 

[NancyIL]

I participated in the Green Program and skipped housekeeping 4 days that we were there -- I earned 2000 SPG points!

Welcome back, and thanks for your report. I'm glad you had a great stay at the Dolphin!

The last time I stayed at the Swan, you could refuse housekeeping a maximum of 3 days for 1500 SPG points. Are 4 days the maximum now?

I am also spoiled by the Swan/Dolphin's great location. I almost always walk to and from Epcot, and I walk back from the Studios at the end of the day more often than not.

 

[ImprovGal]

Welcome back, and thanks for your report. I'm glad you had a great stay at the Dolphin!

The last time I stayed at the Swan, you could refuse housekeeping a maximum of 3 days for 1500 SPG points. Are 4 days the maximum now?

The maximum # of consecutive days to refuse housekeeping is 3, but a person on a longer stay could skip more days. For example, a stay of 6 nights/7 days could refuse housekeeping on days 2,3,4 and 6 for a total of 2000 points. Also, on occasions when I've gotten upgraded to a suite with an attached bedroom, I've noticed that when I've declined housekeeping for both rooms, I've gotten a 500-point card for each room for the declined days. That adds up quite nicely!

 

[NancyIL]

The maximum # of consecutive days to refuse housekeeping is 3, but a person on a longer stay could skip more days. For example, a stay of 6 nights/7 days could refuse housekeeping on days 2,3,4 and 6 for a total of 2000 points. Also, on occasions when I've gotten upgraded to a suite with an attached bedroom, I've noticed that when I've declined housekeeping for both rooms, I've gotten a 500-point card for each room for the declined days. That adds up quite nicely!

Hmmm...I interpreted the card to mean a maximum of 3 days, period. Good to know, since I will be there again in October and December, and I like SPG points!

 

[P13]

I have a few questions... we will be at the dolphin 7/27-8/3/11 to celebrate our 19th anniversary. (honeymooned at Disney 19 years a go) That being said, I was wondering how I can add our celebration to our reservation? I booked through southwest vacations. Also, can we use our SPG points for food at the resort?
Another questions off subject...can't seem to figure out how to subscribe to a thread...used to be able to do on the thread tab, but the only options on the tab are to email or print the thread??
TIA

 

[NancyIL]

I have a few questions... we will be at the dolphin 7/27-8/3/11 to celebrate our 19th anniversary. (honeymooned at Disney 19 years a go) That being said, I was wondering how I can add our celebration to our reservation? I booked through southwest vacations. Also, can we use our SPG points for food at the resort?
Another questions off subject...can't seem to figure out how to subscribe to a thread...used to be able to do on the thread tab, but the only options on the tab are to email or print the thread??
TIA

Once you post on a thread, you are automatically subscribed to it.

I would call the hotel directly (407-934-3000) and tell them you are celebrating your anniversary. I don't know if you can use SPG points for food at the resort, other than the $5 food certificate (or 500 SPG points) for each day you refuse housekeeping.

 

[P13]

Once you post on a thread, you are automatically subscribed to it.

I would call the hotel directly (407-934-3000) and tell them you are celebrating your anniversary. I don't know if you can use SPG points for food at the resort, other than the $5 food certificate (or 500 SPG points) for each day you refuse housekeeping.

Thanks so much for the info

 

[Dan Murphy]

I have a few questions... we will be at the dolphin 7/27-8/3/11 to celebrate our 19th anniversary. (honeymooned at Disney 19 years a go) That being said, I was wondering how I can add our celebration to our reservation? I booked through southwest vacations. Also, can we use our SPG points for food at the resort?
Another questions off subject...can't seem to figure out how to subscribe to a thread...used to be able to do on the thread tab, but the only options on the tab are to email or print the thread??
TIA

Use this to add notes to your reservation...

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

I do not think you can use points for food, unless somehow you could purchase gift card with points, not sure if you can. Someone will know.

Click on the thread tools to subscribe, or when you post, can do it below the typing area in the 'Thread Subscription' dropdown.

 

[LexiC123]

I have a few questions... we will be at the dolphin 7/27-8/3/11 to celebrate our 19th anniversary. (honeymooned at Disney 19 years a go) That being said, I was wondering how I can add our celebration to our reservation? I booked through southwest vacations. Also, can we use our SPG points for food at the resort?
Another questions off subject...can't seem to figure out how to subscribe to a thread...used to be able to do on the thread tab, but the only options on the tab are to email or print the thread??
TIA

The answer to this one is...maybe. From the SPG site:

Redeem your Starpoints for in-hotel indulgences from a massage to dinner and more. Simply ask which Instant Awards are available when you check in, as Instant Awards vary by hotel.​

I also read on the Flyer Talk forum that the conversion rate for Instant Awards was 750 points = $10, but it was a thread from 2009, so that information may not be completely accurate.

PS - Happy Anniversary! DH and I will be celebrating our 20th this trip.

 

[aggiegirl1234]

I love September! We went the past two years the week of Labor Day, and it was terrific. Yes, the heat and humidity were insanely high (more so last year than in 2009), but the lack of crowds allowed us to build lots of breaks into our schedule for the hottest parts of the day. We did make rope drop every day, but took our time and were still able to see everything, because just about all the attractions were walk-ons. The only crowds we encountered were at the MK EMH on the night before Labor Day, and the only FP we actually used was for Soarin'.

If you're ok with the heat, I highly recommend this time of year. I'm kind of sorry we're not going this September, but we wanted to experience the Food & Wine Festival and attend one of MNSSHP's, so we pushed our trip out to October this year.

I'm sure you'll have a great time!

Thanks for the info! You've made me feel a lot better about my choice to go in September. You said the magic word concerning the rides..."walk-ons" SO EXCITED

 

[permavac]

Great and helpful thread for those of us new to the Swan/Dolphin experience. My DH and I are heading down at the end of June and have stayed at BWV (our favorite) multiple times previously and BCV once. This was a last minute trip and availability was limited so we decided to try out the Dolphin. I did have a couple of questions for any of you in the know:

1. Do you need quarters for the washers/dryers? I am used to the "free" laundry at DVC and not sure if I need to hit the bank for a roll of quarters.

2. Picabu refillable mug questions:

A) I saw that someone mentioned there is iced tea at the refill station. Does anyone know which kind? We love the Peak tea available at other Disney resorts and hope it is here too.

B) Anyone know if they have real cream for coffee?

C) DVC members get 20% at Picabu. Anyone know if this applies to the purchase of the refillable mug itself?

D) Is there a lot of rigmarole to get a refill? At other Disney resorts you just walk up to the stations and fill up, then leave. Is that how it works here? In the same vein, is Picabu a madhouse in the morning? I don't want to have to jockey for a turn at the coffee dispenser - might just have to brew in the room if it's crazy busy all the time in the a.m.

Thanks a lot in advance for your help with my minutia

Terri

 

[P13]

Dan & Lexi,
Thanks for your help. I emailed my celebration Hoping for some extra magic I don't have many points on SPG card, so that is out Oh well!

Happy Anniversary to you too! Have a wonder time!

 

[LexiC123]

Got back late last night -- WARNING for those driving back north on I-75 just south of Atlanta -- MAJOR CONSTRUCTION/ROADWORK/TRAFFIC -- took us 3 hours to travel 40 miles!!!!!

Anyhow, LOVED IT!!!!!!! Arrived on a Friday evening around 7:15 -- checked in quickly/easily. She mentioned a resort view and I asked if that was an upgrade because I had only paid for a standard view and she said it was! 9th Floor West -- WONDERFUL view of the Swan! Probably won't get a chance to upload my pics and post them until tomorrow.

Ate at Picabu once for a late lunch and once for breakfast. Ate at Fresh once for breakfast, and ate at Bluezoo for dinner one night (thanks again for the gift certificate, Lexi!). I've figured out the whole Picabu service charge thing. They charge you 13% on the total -- you get a 20% discount with your AAA card, but the discount does not apply until after they charge you the 13% on the undiscounted amount (tax is charged AFTER they apply the AAA discount). They do not charge you a 13% charge on 'store' items, HOWEVER, you do not get a 20% AAA discount on those items either.

Picabu is certainly convenient (mediocre food), -- I can see why they charge a service fee (although, 13% is a little steep) -- real plates/bowls, real flatware, they clear your plates (and bring food to you, if needed). I would normally leave a tip in that situation, but didn't since they charged the service charge. I like the food courts at Disney resorts better (price-wise and food-wise), but it is what it is -- I'm okay with it.

Fresh was WONDERFUL, but I find it hard to eat $20 worth of food for breakfast -- kind of expensive for a family of 4 for breakfast -- but will definitely try to eat there once per trip (and no service charge there!).

Bluezoo was good. Made the big mistake of having rich food and wine and then picking up a chocolate pie at Picabu later that night. Felt ill in the middle of the night, but it passed. The kids went to Camp Dolphin and had fun. I paid nothing for childcare fees since DH and I each ordered an entree at Bluezoo (one entree = 2 hours free per child) -- I did tip them, though.

Laundry -- There are 8 washers and 10 dryers. Each load (washer or dryer) costs $2.00.

I participated in the Green Program and skipped housekeeping 4 days that we were there -- I earned 2000 SPG points!

I don't know how people can say it's not Disney enough. Beside the fact that the employees are just as friendly/professional as WDW CMs, the amenities are fantastic. How can you look out of your window (or walk outside) and not feel immediately immersed in the magic?

I had never stayed in the EPCOT resorts area before and I will find it very hard to stay anywhere else again (but no way will I pay the prices of the WDW deluxe resorts). LOVED the Boardwalk area -- walking distance to two parks -- EPCOT is a super easy walk, but I wouldn't walk to DHS in the heat -- walked back after Fantasmic one night and it took 15 minutes at a brisk pace -- it was fine, but I wouldn't do that one in the heat of the day. One night on the way to EPCOT, we happened to walk by the dock just as a boat was pulling up and decided to get on. Total waste of time -- should've walked. What amazed the heck out of me is how many people got on at BC/YC or BW to go to EPCOT. Seriously?! I'm talking a few, but TONS! Walk, people, walk!

I'm sure I'm missing some things, but I made a lot of mental notes, so if anyone has any questions, please ask! I will post pics tomorrow. We will definitely be staying there for our trip next year!

Hi...welcome back! Thanks for the mini-trip report, can't wait to see some of your pics.

Glad to hear you had a nice meal at BlueZoo...chocolate pie notwithstanding, LOL.

Thanks for the head's up about the Green Program. Last year I must not have paid attention to the information card in the room, because I didn't realize that this program even existed. I wonder, though...if you decline Housekeeping, are you still able to get refills on the coffee? DH wouldn't care how many SPG points we were getting if he couldn't have his Starbucks every morning!

And this...

I don't know how people can say it's not Disney enough. Beside the fact that the employees are just as friendly/professional as WDW CMs, the amenities are fantastic. How can you look out of your window (or walk outside) and not feel immediately immersed in the magic? ​

...can't be said often enough. There's more to Disney magic than themed soap and Hidden Mickeys!

 

[Music City Mama]

Welcome back, and thanks for your report. I'm glad you had a great stay at the Dolphin!

The last time I stayed at the Swan, you could refuse housekeeping a maximum of 3 days for 1500 SPG points. Are 4 days the maximum now?

I am also spoiled by the Swan/Dolphin's great location. I almost always walk to and from Epcot, and I walk back from the Studios at the end of the day more often than not.

The maximum # of consecutive days to refuse housekeeping is 3, but a person on a longer stay could skip more days. For example, a stay of 6 nights/7 days could refuse housekeeping on days 2,3,4 and 6 for a total of 2000 points. Also, on occasions when I've gotten upgraded to a suite with an attached bedroom, I've noticed that when I've declined housekeeping for both rooms, I've gotten a 500-point card for each room for the declined days. That adds up quite nicely!

Yes, what ImprovGal said -- it's 3 consecutive days to refuse housekeeping. I actually could have gotten 5 days w/o housekeeping during my stay, but I didn't opt in until the second day we were there.

I have a few questions... we will be at the dolphin 7/27-8/3/11 to celebrate our 19th anniversary. (honeymooned at Disney 19 years a go) That being said, I was wondering how I can add our celebration to our reservation? I booked through southwest vacations. Also, can we use our SPG points for food at the resort?
Another questions off subject...can't seem to figure out how to subscribe to a thread...used to be able to do on the thread tab, but the only options on the tab are to email or print the thread??
TIA

Once you post on a thread, you are automatically subscribed to it.

I would call the hotel directly (407-934-3000) and tell them you are celebrating your anniversary. I don't know if you can use SPG points for food at the resort, other than the $5 food certificate (or 500 SPG points) for each day you refuse housekeeping.

I actually have my preferences set where I don't automatically subscribe to a thread I post on. If I want to subscribe, there is an additional option at the bottom of my post stating I want to subscribe and how I'd like to be notified of new posts (i.e., instantly, daily, weekly, etc.).

Great and helpful thread for those of us new to the Swan/Dolphin experience. My DH and I are heading down at the end of June and have stayed at BWV (our favorite) multiple times previously and BCV once. This was a last minute trip and availability was limited so we decided to try out the Dolphin. I did have a couple of questions for any of you in the know:

1. Do you need quarters for the washers/dryers? I am used to the "free" laundry at DVC and not sure if I need to hit the bank for a roll of quarters.

2. Picabu refillable mug questions:

A) I saw that someone mentioned there is iced tea at the refill station. Does anyone know which kind? We love the Peak tea available at other Disney resorts and hope it is here too.

B) Anyone know if they have real cream for coffee?

C) DVC members get 20% at Picabu. Anyone know if this applies to the purchase of the refillable mug itself?

D) Is there a lot of rigmarole to get a refill? At other Disney resorts you just walk up to the stations and fill up, then leave. Is that how it works here? In the same vein, is Picabu a madhouse in the morning? I don't want to have to jockey for a turn at the coffee dispenser - might just have to brew in the room if it's crazy busy all the time in the a.m.

Thanks a lot in advance for your help with my minutia

Terri

1. Laundry takes tokens -- there is a token machine in the laundry room. It only accepts bills ($1 and $5), but 1 token = 1 quarter. So $2 will get you 8 tokens -- which is how much it costs to do a load in the washer or dryer. Not sure why it just doesn't take quarters. I guess so you can use any extra tokens in the game room?

2a. Not sure about the tea -- don't drink it.
2b. In the room, they have powdered creamer -- at Picabu, they have the little tiny liquid creamer containers (took some up to the room because DH really likes the liquid stuff -- also took some Splenda for me since they only have sugar and Sweet 'n Low in the room).
2c. I doubt you'd get 20% off on the mug -- my only basis for saying this is because at Picabu, AAA members get 20% off of food items from the cafeteria line -- not pre-packaged food items or non-food items in the store. So, I can only assume the DVC discount would work the same.
2d. I didn't have the mug, but I did observe, and it really would not be an issue to fill up down there. Not a madhouse at all.

Hi...welcome back! Thanks for the mini-trip report, can't wait to see some of your pics.

Glad to hear you had a nice meal at BlueZoo...chocolate pie notwithstanding, LOL.

Thanks for the head's up about the Green Program. Last year I must not have paid attention to the information card in the room, because I didn't realize that this program even existed. I wonder, though...if you decline Housekeeping, are you still able to get refills on the coffee? DH wouldn't care how many SPG points we were getting if he couldn't have his Starbucks every morning!

And this...

I don't know how people can say it's not Disney enough. Beside the fact that the employees are just as friendly/professional as WDW CMs, the amenities are fantastic. How can you look out of your window (or walk outside) and not feel immediately immersed in the magic? ​

...can't be said often enough. There's more to Disney magic than themed soap and Hidden Mickeys!

I have your coffee answer! First day we didn't get housekeeping, I noticed that we received our two bottles of water, but didn't get any more coffee. Called guest services. Was told that while "room service" brings the water as part of the resort package, housekeeping is responsible for coffee. Therefore, they were going to send someone up immediately with 3 days worth of coffee, cups, creamer, sugar for us -- and they did! Also, if you see housekeeping the hallway (which you will), they will gladly give you some, too. Hope that helps!

Still need to upload my pics -- hopefully later today!

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

I agree with this, 100%. I would book the lowest, refundable rate now, and keep checking back, as the S/D releases new discounts/packages all the time.

Since your trip is still a ways off, checking back once a week should be fine...someone mentioned that cancelled reservations are released back into inventory on Fridays, so that might be a good day to check. Of course, if you're a little obsessive/compulsive, like me, you'll be checking the rates everyday, LOL. I check the SPG, Westin, Sheraton and S/D sites, as well as Travelocity, Expedia, Orbitz and Hotels.com each day, hoping for a better deal for my October trip.

Good luck!

Thanks all. I just checked Thanksgiving week and the AAA rate is only $208 per night so I think the last week in April 2012 (whish is $300 now) will have to be that price or less. I am surprised they don't jack up their rates for Thanksgiving! That is great!

So is the Swan/Dolphin like the best kept secret or what? We don't use ME, don't want the dining plan, and don't care if we can't charge to the room. I don't need Mickey soap and shampoo...

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

Is there a place that has tons of pool pictures? Is there a main pool with life guards? I thought there were several pools but how many have life guards? Is it good for young children? Is there a zero entry part? I simple slide or is it extreme? Thanks!