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

[saxman]

what do you mean? They got back to me in an hour and said it was noted on my reservation, never said pending.

Just wondering of they promised you anything, or did they just note it on your reservation?

 

[nessz79]

Looking forward to finally staying at the Dolphin October 21-23! Dh and I are teachers and we keep talking about staying there on the teacher discount. We are finally doing it and plan on going to the Epcot F&W Festival, also for the first time. Kids will stay at grandma's and we're going to have a blast. Can't wait

 

[diskids2]

We're a little over 6 weeks away...so excited!!

I used the standard S/D email address...info@swandolphin.com...to make requests for my past two trips. Both times the S/D were gracious enough to upgrade us...first to an Epcot Fireworks View room with balcony (Dolphin) and last year to a Deluxe Alcove room with balcony (Swan).

I'm hoping for a three-peat this year for our anniversary, but will be happy with whatever room we are assigned to.

How soon before the trip do you send your email? I never thought to do that.

 

[LexiC123]

How soon before the trip do you send your email? I never thought to do that.

I sent it the week before...received a response within two days or so.

 

[LexiC123]

The SUITES2 code didn't work online, so you do have to call to get this one.

September Looks Suite! Enjoy 50% off Grand & Executive Suites

OUR BEST OFFER IS BACK FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY!
Bring the whole family to Orlando and enjoy 50% off our Executive one bedroom suites or Grand Suite September 1 - December 24, 2011. Each suite features one king or two double beds, two bathrooms and a separate living area with plenty of room to spread out!

Rates start from only $339 per night (reg. $600)! Hurry, this offer won't last and must be booked by September 30, 2011.

To book now call (888) 828-8850 and mention promo code SUITES2.​

 

[son3disfan]

The SUITES2 code didn't work online, so you do have to call to get this one.

September Looks Suite! Enjoy 50% off Grand & Executive Suites

OUR BEST OFFER IS BACK FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY!
Bring the whole family to Orlando and enjoy 50% off our Executive one bedroom suites or Grand Suite September 1 - December 24, 2011. Each suite features one king or two double beds, two bathrooms and a separate living area with plenty of room to spread out!

Rates start from only $339 per night (reg. $600)! Hurry, this offer won't last and must be booked by September 30, 2011.
To book now call (888) 828-8850 and mention promo code SUITES2.​

Thanks for posting this.
I called and the agent said it was only for bookings in Sept. I think she was wrong...I will try to call again and hopefully talk to a different person.
I repeated to her that it needed to be BOOKED by Sept. 30, and she said no, it was only good for STAYS up until Sept .30 th.

 

[LexiC123]

Thanks for posting this.
I called and the agent said it was only for bookings in Sept. I think she was wrong...I will try to call again and hopefully talk to a different person.
I repeated to her that it needed to be BOOKED by Sept. 30, and she said no, it was only good for STAYS up until Sept .30 th.

Yeah, I would definitely call back. It's right there, in black and white, that it's good for stays through Dec. 24th.

Good luck!

 

[ociana]

We're a little over 6 weeks away...so excited!!

I used the standard S/D email address...info@swandolphin.com...to make requests for my past two trips. Both times the S/D were gracious enough to upgrade us...first to an Epcot Fireworks View room with balcony (Dolphin) and last year to a Deluxe Alcove room with balcony (Swan).

I'm hoping for a three-peat this year for our anniversary, but will be happy with whatever room we are assigned to.

May I ask..how you ask for an upgrade? This is our first visit and we are usually travelers to the type of hotels/motels where there is no difference in room quality. I am just not sure how to ask in a way that is polite, respectful, and clearly states that I am not looking for a paid upgrade. My desire in an upgrade isn't a view as much as it is space. 10 days with my hubby and two teen boys in one small room may get.... odoriferous to say the least.

I appreciate any advice people can give to help me get over my discomfort with asking.

 

[ImprovGal]

Quick question: I made our reservations at the Swan back on 2/3 of this year. We will be checking in a week from Saturday (9/17). I tried to check on our reservation online a few times over the last couple of nights using the confirmation number I got in Feb., and it doesn't show up online (it did a couple of weeks ago - I know, I'm paranoid). I called, and the woman at the desk said our reservation was there. Should I be worried? I don't get why it showed up online before but doesn't now...

It most likely means that the hotel has taken control of the reservation. That's happened to some of my reservations around a week or so in advance of my checkin. I think it means they've pre-blocked a specific room (sometimes for upgrades).

 

[kevallen]

I submitted a request about a week or so ago via the swandolphin.com website and I got a response this mornin via email. It said that my celebration had been noted on my reservation; but no upgrades can take place until check-in.

 

[SCPP]

Internet is included in the $12 + tax/night resort fee.

Internet is free for Starwood Preferred Platinum Guest.

 

[ImprovGal]

Internet is free for Starwood Preferred Platinum Guest.

In-room internet is free for Starwood Preferred Platinum Guests. Since the Swan & Dolphin bundle the internet (and health club access) into the $12 nightly resort fee, they graciously waive that resort fee for their Platinum guests.

 

[disneyxo]

We will be leaving in a few days and I just remembered I wanted to get some postage stamps to send some post cards while we are there. Does the Dolphin/Swan sell postage stamps? Or if they don't is there somewhere close that does?

 

[SingingMom]

Minnie: So sorry to hear of your tooth problem and disturbances to your planned trip.
Regarding the pool situation: Just an FYI - those "posted hours" are for lifeguard and cabana services. You may use the pools "at your own risk" outside those hours - even well into the early mornings, as long as you are not noisy and disturbing guests. (this was told to me numerous times from hotel employees) Granted, you might not be able to get a towel, but you may use the pool.

As for your dietary issues - did you call ahead of time? I know that has helped my cousin, who is gluten free and must be extremely careful. Often she is given advance notice on where to get the items she needs and what is available on premise.

I hope your next trip is more enjoyable and PAIN FREE!

Posting from my balcony at the Dolphin watching the boats come and go

One of my favorite things to do while DD and DH are getting ready!

LOVE LOVE LOVE the sound of those Friendship boat horns!

Sorry to read the bad reviews on here, I hope everyone still managed to enjoy their trips. I guess I've lucked out, in 6 trips to S/D I've never once had a bad stay or encountered anything less than stellar service from the staff.

I do have some insight on the microwaves - now I'm not sure they're actually "against the law" like someone was told, but they are definitely against S/D policy. It has to do with their insurance coverage- they do not have coverage for any in-room cooking appliances such as microwaves & hot pots (other than the coffee pots). I had questioned this one year myself & that does make sense, from an insurance standpoint. It would be nice though if they had one in Picabu for guests to use.

And as far as the pool hours - they post the hours that lifeguards are on duty, but we've been there before & after posted hours many times with other people & have never been asked to leave. I think the posted hours are more of a guideline, not the rule. I have seen them close the waterslide, however, when the lifeguards leave.

Yep - Tara's right - those pool hours are "suggested" - you may "swim at your own risk" after hours.

On our last day in Disney, we are hoping to have a resort day. Our plane doesn't leave until 7 (so we'll probably leave for airport at 4). Will it be a problem for us to hang out by the pool for a good part of the day? We might only do it until lunch time, but we may in the afternoon as well. We are only staying for a long weekend, so we will only have carry on baggage and a car to store it in after check out. No flames, please. It's just a question.

(We would be staying at the Dolphin, in this case. Not wandering over from another resort. )

I am pretty certain you may use the facilities on your check out day. Enjoy!

We will be leaving in a few days and I just remembered I wanted to get some postage stamps to send some post cards while we are there. Does the Dolphin/Swan sell postage stamps? Or if they don't is there somewhere close that does?

Ask at Daisy's Garden shop - I seem to remember stamps being available. If not, ask the front desk or conceirge desk.

 

[disneyxo]

Ask at Daisy's Garden shop - I seem to remember stamps being available. If not, ask the front desk or conceirge desk.

Thank you One less thing to try to get done before we leave!

 

[Minnie]

Minnie: So sorry to hear of your tooth problem and disturbances to your planned trip.
Regarding the pool situation: Just an FYI - those "posted hours" are for lifeguard and cabana services. You may use the pools "at your own risk" outside those hours - even well into the early mornings, as long as you are not noisy and disturbing guests. (this was told to me numerous times from hotel employees) Granted, you might not be able to get a towel, but you may use the pool.

As for your dietary issues - did you call ahead of time? I know that has helped my cousin, who is gluten free and must be extremely careful. Often she is given advance notice on where to get the items she needs and what is available on premise.

I hope your next trip is more enjoyable and PAIN FREE!

I always find it interesting how we all have different experiences. And thanks for the on my next trip it's getting closer - we'll back at my fave - WL this trip but I do plan to take DH over to check out the Epcot resort area.

On the pool there is no way the peeps in the pool were causing a disturbance and where still told to leave by a guard walking by - that is the reason we never attempted evenings again. In the morning we did take our own towels down to the pool. I really find the lack of towels at the pool area a large annoyance. The pool is way out of the way for non-guests so I don't see pool hoppers as an issue so why the towel restrictions????

I did call and email special diets ahead as I do each trip - unfortunately the Dolphin was not prepared at all and basically told me to get in my car and go to the store.... But oh you can't use a microwave - though this was told after I purchased the food

It may sound like we had a bad trip but other than the pain we really did not. We found several thing we really liked - Picabu was large with options, pool was very quiet in the mornings with tons of room to spread out, smell of Mandarian spa - our room was near the elevators close to this location, location, location and the price was definitely right

We'd definitely consider a return trip if the price was right because we'd be prepared for the issues that make this hotel different from other resorts.

Hope my reviews help others that may have similar concerns. And I wish each of you a magical time if the Swan/Dolphin is your choice - there are many many great things about this resort

 

[SingingMom]

I always find it interesting how we all have different experiences. And thanks for the on my next trip it's getting closer - we'll back at my fave - WL this trip but I do plan to take DH over to check out the Epcot resort area.

On the pool there is no way the peeps in the pool were causing a disturbance and where still told to leave by a guard walking by - that is the reason we never attempted evenings again. In the morning we did take our own towels down to the pool. I really find the lack of towels at the pool area a large annoyance. The pool is way out of the way for non-guests so I don't see pool hoppers as an issue so why the towel restrictions????

I did call and email special diets ahead as I do each trip - unfortunately the Dolphin was not prepared at all and basically told me to get in my car and go to the store.... But oh you can't use a microwave - though this was told after I purchased the food It may sound like we had a bad trip but other than the pain we really did not. We found several thing we really liked - Picabu was large with options, pool was very quiet in the mornings with tons of room to spread out, smell of Mandarian spa - our room was near the elevators close to this location, location, location and the price was definitely right

We'd definitely consider a return trip if the price was right because we'd be prepared for the issues that make this hotel different from other resorts.

Hope my reviews help others that may have similar concerns. And I wish each of you a magical time if the Swan/Dolphin is your choice - there are many many great things about this resort

That's a shame about the pool, since I specifically asked and was given the "swim at your own risk" after posted hours info from numerous employees.

I think that is terrible about your food inquires and subsequent lack of help afterwards. I would call guest services and give your experience to them so that they can re-evaluate how that is handled in the future.

Enjoy your next trip!

 

[AustinTink]

Can anyone give me information on first floor rooms? I was thinking of requesting one on our next visit. I get a little claustrophobic on high floors with no balcony, and I know balconies are hard to come by. Thanks!

 

[LexiC123]

May I ask..how you ask for an upgrade? This is our first visit and we are usually travelers to the type of hotels/motels where there is no difference in room quality. I am just not sure how to ask in a way that is polite, respectful, and clearly states that I am not looking for a paid upgrade. My desire in an upgrade isn't a view as much as it is space. 10 days with my hubby and two teen boys in one small room may get.... odoriferous to say the least.

I appreciate any advice people can give to help me get over my discomfort with asking.

Sorry I missed this earlier...

Actually, I never specifically asked for an upgrade. I just mentioned that we were celebrating our anniversary (my husband sent the email last year re: my 50th birthday), how much we were looking forward to our stay at the Swan or Dolphin, and that any consideration they could give us for an extra special room would be appreciated.

I think timing has a lot to do with it. Our previous trips were Labor Day week, which is a really slow time at WDW. Our upcoming trip is during a much busier time of year - the last week of October, during the Halloween festivities at the MK and the Food & Wine Festival at Epcot - so I'm not really expecting much in the way of an upgrade this time.

Best of luck in getting a little extra pixie dust.

 

[lovingmy2boys]

Only 9 days untilo we are at the Swan!!!! I am so excited I can't stand it!