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

[N_Phoenix]

Wondering if anyone knows if historically the Swan/Dolphin offers any special rates at Thanksgiving time? Currently have AAA rate booked at Swan for the week before Thanksgiving (19th - 25th) but I'm curious if anything better might come along. Thanks

I am guessing probably not as this is one of the busiest times of the year.

 

[Disney grandma]

I am guessing probably not as this is one of the busiest times of the year.

It is a busy time at Disneyworld, but two years ago we had a rate of $129 per night plus the parking and resort fee. It was still much less than we could even get for a moderate. Love the Dolphin!!

 

[jnfr2424]

Wondering if anyone knows if historically the Swan/Dolphin offers any special rates at Thanksgiving time? Currently have AAA rate booked at Swan for the week before Thanksgiving (19th - 25th) but I'm curious if anything better might come along. Thanks

We have been there for the past 5 Thanksgivings and the only way we got lower rates was by booking early. I have never seen special Thanksgiving rates.

 

[haleofafamily]

I have a friend trying to book her first family trip to WDW. I recommended the Swan/Dolphin to her since they want to stay somewhere nice but not spend a ton of money.

They have 3 kids and when I called to check on reservations I was told all 5 could book a room at the Swan but that roll aways weren't allowed. The reservationist recommended that all 3 kids sleep in the queen bed. My friend called later because she had some questions and was firmly told that they only allowed 4 people in a room at the Swan. Who do we believe? The online reservation form only asks for the number of adults.

Also did I understand correctly that they have to pay to park at the resort but not the parks?

Thanks!

 

[LexiC123]

I have a friend trying to book her first family trip to WDW. I recommended the Swan/Dolphin to her since they want to stay somewhere nice but not spend a ton of money.

They have 3 kids and when I called to check on reservations I was told all 5 could book a room at the Swan but that roll aways weren't allowed. The reservationist recommended that all 3 kids sleep in the queen bed. My friend called later because she had some questions and was firmly told that they only allowed 4 people in a room at the Swan. Who do we believe? The online reservation form only asks for the number of adults.

Also did I understand correctly that they have to pay to park at the resort but not the parks?

Thanks!

It's true...the Swan has a room occupancy max of 4; with the Dolphin it's 5. Not really sure why, since the rooms at the Swan are slightly larger, unless it's because the queen beds at the Swan are slightly larger, too.

And yes, there is a daily parking fee for guests of the S/D...$11/day plus tax. Your room key will allow for free parking at all of the Disney parks, though.

PS - is your friend interested in the Dolphin, at all? Aside from being able to sleep 5, the consensus is that of the two, that is the more kid-friendly resort. Closer to the pools, laundry, arcade, casual dining options...

 

[Disney grandma]

We have been there for the past 5 Thanksgivings and the only way we got lower rates was by booking early. I have never seen special Thanksgiving rates.

We booked our Thanksgiving week in July and received a government rate for the $129 per night. Sometimes they do offer special packages too, so to the OP keep checking for their rates.

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Yes.. as stated the Dolphin will let you reserve with 5 people. They do however usually charge 25 a night for the rollaway... but you can bring your own blow up mattress for the extra person.

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Welcome back Mousteacher! I am glad you got your room switched to a better view! To me the view is part of the experience! We are going in September, we have not been in September in awhile.. I know it's going to be hot but maybe not to crowded!

 

[tiggersmyguy]

We booked our Thanksgiving week in July and received a government rate for the $129 per night. Sometimes they do offer special packages too, so to the OP keep checking for their rates.

Thanks for all your responses. Like every Disnut, I check rates every day to see if anything drops. I seem to recall seeing something last year around Thanksgiving but this year our DD21 is interning at Disney so we have to go!(Oh darn!).

 

[PocahontasDude]

Hey all,
My partner and I booked our room at the Dolphin a few weeks ago for Sept 19-23. It is his first time at Disney and we are so excited! He is a frequent flyer for work and used the Free resort nights promotion SPG is having and he is also a platinum member. We'd really love a balcony and was wondering when you all think is the best time to try and get upgraded to a room with the view of the fireworks or a balcony? Or if, since technically, the hotel is booked for free essentially using a promo, if they would rather upgrade a paying customer? Please advise. Thank you!

 

[P13]

We moved to our new room yesterday...alcove suite with balcony in the east wing-great view! Gotta love the S/D in doing everything to help its guests.

I'm guessing we might have been very close to one another. We were in 9003...got a wonderful view of the boardwalk & the fireworks
Opps...I read on & saw you were at the Swan!

 

[LexiC123]

Hey all,
My partner and I booked our room at the Dolphin a few weeks ago for Sept 19-23. It is his first time at Disney and we are so excited! He is a frequent flyer for work and used the Free resort nights promotion SPG is having and he is also a platinum member. We'd really love a balcony and was wondering when you all think is the best time to try and get upgraded to a room with the view of the fireworks or a balcony? Or if, since technically, the hotel is booked for free essentially using a promo, if they would rather upgrade a paying customer? Please advise. Thank you!

It never hurts to ask re: upgrades. September is traditionally a slower month, so why not generate good will be giving you an upgrade if the rooms are available...

What I would do is email them a few weeks before your trip, mention that you're bringing a first-timer and whatever consideration could be given to provide you with a extra special room, with a balcony and/or a nice view, would be greatly appreciated.

You can email them at info@swandolphin.com. Good luck!

I'm guessing we might have been very close to one another. We were in 9003...got a wonderful view of the boardwalk & the fireworks
Opps...I read on & saw you were at the Swan!

Welcome back! How was your anniversary trip?

 

[N_Phoenix]

Hey all,
My partner and I booked our room at the Dolphin a few weeks ago for Sept 19-23. It is his first time at Disney and we are so excited! He is a frequent flyer for work and used the Free resort nights promotion SPG is having and he is also a platinum member. We'd really love a balcony and was wondering when you all think is the best time to try and get upgraded to a room with the view of the fireworks or a balcony? Or if, since technically, the hotel is booked for free essentially using a promo, if they would rather upgrade a paying customer? Please advise. Thank you!

Since he is Platinum, you can probably get whatever room you want if the hotel isn't full. I have him call the concierge about the reservation if he hasn't already.

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

What number do I call to link my AAA to the SPG? Thanks!

 

[RachelTori]

What number do I call to link my AAA to the SPG? Thanks!

Here's the info I posted on page 153 (it's from the AAA website):

Starwood Preferred Guest®
Join Starwood Preferred Guest® today, to enjoy AAA/CAA Preferred Plus® advantages:

* Instant upgrade to a Preferred room at check-in, and 4 pm late check-out. (Subject to availability.)
* 2 Starpoints for every $ USD spent.
* Instant Awards offering spontaneous indulgences, such as breakfast in bed, massage, and more.
* Advance notice of hotel offers and more.
* No Blackout Dates on free night awards.

Call 1-866-782-7737 to join Starwood Preferred Guest® or to upgrade your account today - simply mention enrollment code "AAA/CAA" to start enjoying the benefits now.


HTHs!

 

[G8r4evr]

We have been there for the past 5 Thanksgivings and the only way we got lower rates was by booking early. I have never seen special Thanksgiving rates.

Im not too familiar with S/D rates. I just booked 4 nights at the Dolphin for the end of August, balcony resort view with a King, for $859 (taxes & resort fees included). They said that was the Govt employee rate...did we get a good deal, or should I keep looking?

We had waterview at Coronado for the same dates and $715, so now Im wondering if we should switch back??

 

[G8r4evr]

It's true...the Swan has a room occupancy max of 4; with the Dolphin it's 5. Not really sure why, since the rooms at the Swan are slightly larger, unless it's because the queen beds at the Swan are slightly larger, too.

And yes, there is a daily parking fee for guests of the S/D...$11/day plus tax. Your room key will allow for free parking at all of the Disney parks, though.

PS - is your friend interested in the Dolphin, at all? Aside from being able to sleep 5, the consensus is that of the two, that is the more kid-friendly resort. Closer to the pools, laundry, arcade, casual dining options...

So we have to pay a daily parking fee of $11, in addition to the $12 per day resort fee?

 

[SingingMom]

So we have to pay a daily parking fee of $11, in addition to the $12 per day resort fee?

Yes, unfortunately. But, really, the Dolphin IS worth it!

 

[G8r4evr]

Yes, unfortunately. But, really, the Dolphin IS worth it!

Bummer...seems a little excessive. Why dont they just add it to the resort fees? All the add on fees make a good rate seem not so great. LOL

 

[SingingMom]

Bummer...seems a little excessive. Why dont they just add it to the resort fees? All the add on fees make a good rate seem not so great. LOL

I'm guessing because not everyone drives/parks.