The *NEW* SWAN & DOLPHIN RESORT Thread ~ April 2009 ~ Please read Post #1!

[Needafix]

hi! My wife and I just booked a 4 night points stay in a deluxe room at the swan. DW is spg gold, so I was wondering if there were any suggestions for room location/view requests as we hope to be able to see the fireworks from our room if possible as traveling with our baby(6 months old at the time of trip) will probably limit our late night park excursions... Thank you all in advance for the answers and for all of the information in this thread!

The ultimate is a king bed, corner room. We were upgraded to it for free once and it was absolutely amazing. Two HUGE windows - One overlooking the Epcot area (incredible view off Epcot fireworks) and I'm pretty sure the other one was a view of DHS.

 

[dolphins-54]

East wing, high up, Boardwalk view. Enjoy the trip.

awesome! exactly what I was looking for! thank you for the quick reply!

 

[dolphins-54]

The ultimate is a king bed, corner room. We were upgraded to it for free once and it was absolutely amazing. Two HUGE windows - One overlooking the Epcot area (incredible view off Epcot fireworks) and I'm pretty sure the other one was a view of DHS.

That sounds amazing! We have a king bed corner room as the only confirmed part of our reservation, so hopefully we get something similar!

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Hi again! I have a question about booking a king sized bed at the Dolphin. Are they pretty good about giving you a king if that's what you booked or is it treated like a request and you may end up with two doubles?

Thanks for the help!

 

[Needafix]

Hi again! I have a question about booking a king sized bed at the Dolphin. Are they pretty good about giving you a king if that's what you booked or is it treated like a request and you may end up with two doubles?

Thanks for the help!

My understanding is they never guarantee, just in case something comes up, but I've never heard of anyone booking a king and not getting it. I've always gotten a king when I requested it.

It's the same with booking a specific resort. I booked Dolphin because I prefer it over Swan, one time I went to check-in and they said I was switched to Swan because Dolphin was booked. Even though I like the Swan, I wasn't happy b/c I had my heart set on Dolphin. That's only happened once, but now I realize nothing is guaranteed.

I never thought about which request they might guarantee first - bed size or resort?

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

My understanding is they never guarantee, just in case something comes up, but I've never heard of anyone booking a king and not getting it. I've always gotten a king when I requested it.

It's the same with booking a specific resort. I booked Dolphin because I prefer it over Swan, one time I went to check-in and they said I was switched to Swan because Dolphin was booked. Even though I like the Swan, I wasn't happy b/c I had my heart set on Dolphin. That's only happened once, but now I realize nothing is guaranteed.

I never thought about which request they might guarantee first - bed size or resort?

Thanks! Wasn't sure how they treated it (request vs. category) because in going through the steps for booking it does say the booking is for a king room. I didn't realize that even the resort wasn't guaranteed -- not sure how I feel about that.

 

[Needafix]

Thanks! Wasn't sure how they treated it (request vs. category) because in going through the steps for booking it does say the booking is for a king room. I didn't realize that even the resort wasn't guaranteed -- not sure how I feel about that.

I wouldn't worry too much about it, I think that was a total fluke. For what I get from S/D for the money, I'd be willing to risk switching resorts and they've upgraded me so many times for free that I was willing to take the one small change. That might have even been the time they upgraded us to Swan Conceirge for free. Like I said, I've been there a bunch of times, so I can't keep them all straight. Bottom line is they're both fantastic resorts and they do whatever's necessary to make sure you enjoy your stay (IMO). I didn't mean to worry you, I just wanted to mention that it is a possibility. The other thing you should do is ask them to mail you a confirmation with King bed listed on it. My on-line reservation didn't list the trundle bed, and I was concerned that I'd get there and not have a trundle bed, so I asked them to mail me confirmation with it and they did.

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

I wouldn't worry too much about it, I think that was a total fluke. For what I get from S/D for the money, I'd be willing to risk switching resorts and they've upgraded me so many times for free that I was willing to take the one small change. That might have even been the time they upgraded us to Swan Conceirge for free. Like I said, I've been there a bunch of times, so I can't keep them all straight. Bottom line is they're both fantastic resorts and they do whatever's necessary to make sure you enjoy your stay (IMO). I didn't mean to worry you, I just wanted to mention that it is a possibility. The other thing you should do is ask them to mail you a confirmation with King bed listed on it. My on-line reservation didn't list the trundle bed, and I was concerned that I'd get there and not have a trundle bed, so I asked them to mail me confirmation with it and they did.

Thanks so much, that helps!

We went ahead and booked it and the confirm does say "1 King, Non-smoking room."

I think we got a pretty good price - $182.75/night (plus resort fee and tax) for a king with resort view. I figured with it being Columbus Day weekend and F&WF that was a good deal, I hope anyway! The Swan was pricing out much higher for the same dates.

 

[Needafix]

Thanks so much, that helps!

We went ahead and booked it and the confirm does say "1 King, Non-smoking room."

I think we got a pretty good price - $182.75/night (plus resort fee and tax) for a king with resort view. I figured with it being Columbus Day weekend and F&WF that was a good deal, I hope anyway! The Swan was pricing out much higher for the same dates.

Sounds like a great rate! I always have a hard time passing up their offers and can never believe what I get for the money at Dolphin compared to the Disney resorts. I'm bummed I won't be staying there in March, I was just afraid the room would be too tight for 5 of us (all teens and older) and a trundle bed. At least I'll be there in July.

 

[diskids2]

Sounds like a great rate! I always have a hard time passing up their offers and can never believe what I get for the money at Dolphin compared to the Disney resorts. I'm bummed I won't be staying there in March, I was just afraid the room would be too tight for 5 of us (all teens and older) and a trundle bed. At least I'll be there in July.

We'll be there in July too!!!!!!!!! And, I can't wait to get there already.

 

[Tuffcookie]

28 days until WDW & The Swan Resort!!!

I have waited all winter for this!!!

TC

 

[Needafix]

28 days until WDW & The Swan Resort!!!

I have waited all winter for this!!!

TC

15 days till Disney (BC)

4 months 3 days till Dolphin

It's the only thing that's gotten me through this winter, that and finding his thread!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Now I know the YC/BC has a campfire and movies at night...can you attend these, or is it just for resort guests? And singingmom, I cracked up with your remark about the guy holding up your name....too funny! Could you PM me the name of a good towncar service?

When I stayed at BC, the movie on the beach was accessible to anyone. You just pull up a beach chair or plop on the sand. They also sell smores kits or just marshmallows for the campfire. It was one of the highlights of our trip (make sure to head to hurricane hannah's for an adult beverage too )

Just one note about requesting views....The Dolphin has paid categories for each view - standard, limited, resort & fireworks (might be more, not sure)...when I called to request a view on DH's corporate rate room I was told I could not request a view when paying for a standard room category. To request any type of view I had to pay for that category upgrade. Maybe I just got a grumpy CM that day, but I do see their point. If you want it, pay for it LOL!! If you're a Starwood member you will get an upgrade if one is available. Be forewarned though that the Dolphin is often sold out for conferences -I found that out one year when looking at the dumpsters from my room, no other room was available!

I'm staying there for a conference in 2 weeks and they told me the same thing - I could pay a $40/night upcharge for a room with a balcony. Work won't pay more for the room so I declined but that won't stop me from asking when I check in (I have no expectations at all, but the worst that can happen is they say no).

We had another wonderful stay at the Dolphin and am sorry we never crossed paths with Tara and her family. It was definately cold, especially at night, so we really didn't get to enjoy our balcony as much as we usually do. We also didn't get to use the pools and the Cabana Bar was closed. We were in the far west wong and we could see the Swan and the Boardwalk from our room. I hope to have pictures posted by the weekend. Our room was renovated so we had the flat screen tv and that definately added space on the dresser. We needed a rollaway since we flew this trip and couldn't bring our usual air mattress - it fit nicely between the sliding door and the dresser and we still had lots of room to walk around. Housekeeping was great.....drinks at the lobby were great...the front desk was great helping us find safety pins as my family ran in the 5K and needed to pin on their race numbers. We really enjoyed our stay and can't wait to plan another visit.

Why was the Cabana bar closed?

28 days until WDW & The Swan Resort!!!

I have waited all winter for this!!!

TC

AGREED!!!! Less than 2 weeks for me!!

 

[Julylady]

Hi All:
I posted yesterday that I had given up on AP discounts for October and decided to book a standard view room at the Swan with a AAA rate. I also posed several questions and appreciated your responses!

In reading this thread last night, I realized that I qualify for the Teacher discount. I called today and changed my reservation to a Dolphin Premium Studio.

So now I have a new set of questions!

1. Does anyone have any photos of these rooms?
2. Are all of these rooms renovated, or should I request a renovated room on my reservation?
3. What views are available in these rooms? Any chance of a fireworks view?

Once again, THANKS in advance. This has been an extremely helpful thread.

Donna

 

[Needafix]

Hi All:
I posted yesterday that I had given up on AP discounts for October and decided to book a standard view room at the Swan with a AAA rate. I also posed several questions and appreciated your responses!

In reading this thread last night, I realized that I qualify for the Teacher discount. I called today and changed my reservation to a Dolphin Premium Studio.

So now I have a new set of questions!

1. Does anyone have any photos of these rooms?
2. Are all of these rooms renovated, or should I request a renovated room on my reservation?
3. What views are available in these rooms? Any chance of a fireworks view?

Once again, THANKS in advance. This has been an extremely helpful thread.

Donna

I googled Dolphin premium studio and saw a picture. They are huge and very cool. What does that room go for with a teacher rate. Now that would have been the room for the 5 of us that would have kept us out of BC in March. Congrats and welcome.

 

[Dan Murphy]

http://www.swandolphin.com/accommodations/dolphin_premium.html

 

[Julylady]

Hi Dan
Teacher rate for the Dolphin premium studio is $249 for our dates in October. Considering we were looking at Boardwalk rack rate for $390, that's not too bad!

 

[TaraPA]

I always book through spg.com & only ever see regular rooms available there - never suites - where do I go to get rates for the suites, or do I need to call?

I got back on Monday & am in such withdrawal that I booked a trip this morning for October....it's a disease, I swear.....there are 4-5 of us going so I'm looking at the Dolphin suites this time....but know nothing about them! Are there any 2BR?

 

[Needafix]

I always book through spg.com & only ever see regular rooms available there - never suites - where do I go to get rates for the suites, or do I need to call?

I got back on Monday & am in such withdrawal that I booked a trip this morning for October....it's a disease, I swear.....there are 4-5 of us going so I'm looking at the Dolphin suites this time....but know nothing about them! Are there any 2BR?

I"m on the phone with them right now I'll ask.

And yes it's absolutely a disease because obviously I also have it!!!

There are definitely two bedroom suites. I'm waiting on pricing. - Oooh - $394/night with the current special - May 1- Sept 30, but must be booked by March 31. 1 room with a king bed, 1 room with two double beds and the sofa pull out. She said the teacher rate would be $449.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Single Digit Dance!



Soon I'll be checking into the Swan/Dolphin where I have NEVER stayed before!

(let's forget I'm there for a conference - I will have my evenings and some add on days as well)