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

[LexiC123]

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??

The STARPICKS rate works out slightly lower: $790.50 ($125/night including taxes and fees - parking would be additional) for a resort view with balcony and king bed. The downside is that it's a prepaid, non-refundable, non-changeable rate.

There's also the possibility that the Starpicks rate will go even lower. They come out with new rates every Tuesday, which have to be booked by Friday of the same week. I've watched the Dolphin rate for August/September drop from $165 to $141 to $125 over the past few weeks. If you're feeling a little lucky, you might want to hold off another week to see what happens.

And I absolutely agree with Singing Mom...the Dolphin is absolutely worth it, especially in light of the fact that your trip is on the shorter side. The convenience of the Epcot location is worth its weight in gold...less time spent on buses, more time in the parks.

Also, you wouldn't have a private balcony at CSR. And then, of course, there's the Heavenly beds.

Just wanted to give you some food for thought. Good luck making your decision.

 

[Rustysmom]

Keep in mind, most hotels it depends on how you book also. Booking through a 3rd party site is usually treated differently along with not earning points. The swan/dolphin seems very accommodating so you probably won't have issues but I wouldn't expect to be treated the same as someone who booked through the hotel.

Strangely enough, I booked through Travelocity yet when I checked my SPG account, I did earn points. I wish I had known I would earn points or I would have done the get 500 points for not getting housekeeping thing. Oh well, with the 2 kids we did need the housekeeping every day anyway.

Back home now and back to reality. My husband and I enjoyed the Dolphin. Everyone there was so nice.

 

[G8r4evr]

The STARPICKS rate works out slightly lower: $790.50 ($125/night including taxes and fees - parking would be additional) for a resort view with balcony and king bed. The downside is that it's a prepaid, non-refundable, non-changeable rate.

There's also the possibility that the Starpicks rate will go even lower. They come out with new rates every Tuesday, which have to be booked by Friday of the same week. I've watched the Dolphin rate for August/September drop from $165 to $141 to $125 over the past few weeks. If you're feeling a little lucky, you might want to hold off another week to see what happens.

And I absolutely agree with Singing Mom...the Dolphin is absolutely worth it, especially in light of the fact that your trip is on the shorter side. The convenience of the Epcot location is worth its weight in gold...less time spent on buses, more time in the parks.

Also, you wouldn't have a private balcony at CSR. And then, of course, there's the Heavenly beds.

Just wanted to give you some food for thought. Good luck making your decision.

Thanks! I just talked to my hubby and we are going to stay go with the Dolphin. YAY!! Expedia had our dates, resort view balcony for $150 earlier this week, but it was non refundable, so I couldnt chance it. I can cancel these ressies for a full refund up until 5 days prior, so if they put out a better rate on Tues, I can always cancel and re-book, right?

 

[LexiC123]

Thanks! I just talked to my hubby and we are going to stay go with the Dolphin. YAY!! Expedia had our dates, resort view balcony for $150 earlier this week, but it was non refundable, so I couldnt chance it. I can cancel these ressies for a full refund up until 5 days prior, so if they put out a better rate on Tues, I can always cancel and re-book, right?

You mean the $859 gov't rate? Yeah, that should be fully refundable if you cancel.

I think the odds of a better rate on Tuesday are good. At the very least, you know it won't be any higher than the $125 that it is today.

 

[goofyfordisney]

Hi,

I've found so much great information on this thread - thanks everyone!

Can anyone tell me which resort (Swan or Dolphin) has the most executive suites with a balcony?

Another option for us is to book 2 rooms - one king and 2 queens (connecting), but we really want at least one balcony with a resort or pool view.

Which resort would best be able to match our request for a balcony with resort view?

TIA!

 

[P13]

Welcome back! How was your anniversary trip?

It was wonderful!! We got a great room with a view of the boardwalk & fireworks! Lots of extra magic with our anniversary pins on!! It was allot of fun & very hot!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Welcome home, P13!!!

 

[P13]

Welcome home, P13!!!

Thanks, Dan!! Back to reality...trip went so fast!!

 

[G8r4evr]

You mean the $859 gov't rate? Yeah, that should be fully refundable if you cancel.

I think the odds of a better rate on Tuesday are good. At the very least, you know it won't be any higher than the $125 that it is today.

So is the $859 rate not that great? Im definitely going to check again on Tues =)

 

[Mouseteacher]

It was wonderful!! We got a great room with a view of the boardwalk & fireworks! Lots of extra magic with our anniversary pins on!! It was allot of fun & very hot!!

Welcome, back, P13. We were there at the same time as you. It was hot as usual but we made good use of being at rope drop and Fast Pass. The only day I really minded the heat was at AK which is always a hot park.

We, too, were at the Swan for our anniversary and received a small bottle of champagne as well as milk and chocolate chip cookies. So magical of the S/D. I never expected this. We have stayed at the Swan on previous anniversary weeks and nothing was done. Nor did we expect it. So, this really was a surprise!

 

[Mouseteacher]

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!

My son and his fiance were at the Dolphin while we were at the Swan. I believe he was on the 5th floor and took the east elevator. He had a fireworks view, too.

 

[P13]

My son and his fiance were at the Dolphin while we were at the Swan. I believe he was on the 5th floor and took the east elevator. He had a fireworks view, too.

We probably passed one another in the elevators, we were on the east wing also!

 

[Mouseteacher]

We probably passed one another in the elevators, we were on the east wing also!

We had this view (taken from the balcony) a few years ago at the Dolphin. East wing - beautiful!

 

[wdwgirl1]

Heading for the Swan in 3 days. We will be there from the 9th to the 15th then switching over the BLt till the 21st. Can't wait to be back at the Swan!!!

 

[P13]

We had this view (taken from the balcony) a few years ago at the Dolphin. East wing - beautiful!

That looks about it!! The upgrade to that room was quite a surprise to us!!

 

[Mouseteacher]

P13~ We were comp upgraded to this room, too! At that time, we reserved a standard room with the teacher rate. I have never been disappointed in the S/D.

 

[P13]

P13~ We were comp upgraded to this room, too! At that time, we reserved a standard room with the teacher rate. I have never been disappointed in the S/D.

 

[NancyC1000]

P13~ We were comp upgraded to this room, too! At that time, we reserved a standard room with the teacher rate. I have never been disappointed in the S/D.

We are booked for a standard room/teacher rate in October 2011. I have stayed at the S&D many, many times and never been upgraded and I never expect to but it is so nice to hear about when people do get upgraded! I agree I have never been disappointed in the S&D!

 

[Dan Murphy]

....I have stayed at the S&D many, many times and never been upgraded and I never expect to but it is so nice to hear about when people do get upgraded!...

If you have not, make sure to ask for one, if available, at checkin.

 

[Lex33]

I know the S an D are convention hotels, but for some reason I figured the summer wasn't a popular time for them. Wouldn't you know, the Department of Defense is scheduled to be at the Swan from Aug 22-Aug 26. No wonder there is no availability at the Swan. I wonder how many of them will bring families? We will be at the Dolphin. Hopefully the pools won't have any private parties.

Anybody been there while a convention was going on?