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

[Mouseteacher]

I usually call the resort directly if I am not using any spg points and just using the teacher rate to book a ressie.

 

[cpbjgc]

Thanks for the tip Mouseteacher,

I just called, and they had a government rate of $209 at the Dolphin for 2 Double beds with a limited view (which was what they had on-line as well). Seems to me it should get better than that. Any thoughts on how far in advance they might release January rates (as there are no government rates or AAA at the Swan showing as yet)?

 

[Mouseteacher]

Hmmm...I called in January 09 for our July 09 ressie and the teacher rate was $149. That was 6 months in advance.

You could wait to book if your January stay isn't during a busy time and you wouldn't risk having the resort filled. However, perhaps it's best to book at the rate you were quoted and keep checking back for lower rates and have it changed then. You can cancel an existing ressie up to 5 days prior to arrival without incurring any penalties.

I am wondering if the rate is over $200 because January is busy and they fill quickly.

 

[cpbjgc]

I had the same thought and did book, with the intention of checking back periodically for lower rates.

We have gone in January several times (2002,2006, and 2007), and generally find it's not very busy at all, but we never stayed at the Swan or Dolphin before, so maybe convention season is in full swing then?

Considering the rates they were offering in June and July of this year, which is way busier than January, I think they will likely release some lower rates (it's just a question of when )

 

[FlounderFish]

Headed to Swan in July. What is the story with the mini-fridge? Can I use it to store a half-gallon of milk, Juice, etc., for breakfast? Will I get charged if I "break the seal"?

 

[ibidforit]

Headed to Swan in July. What is the story with the mini-fridge? Can I use it to store a half-gallon of milk, Juice, etc., for breakfast? Will I get charged if I "break the seal"?

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but at the Swan the fridge you get is an empty mini-fridge. The Dolphin does not have a fridge, but a stocked mini-bar. I think I have heard people say that you can call to have them come and clean it out. I have never personally done this though.

Gretchen

 

[Disney grandma]

Can someone explain why the Swan occupancy is 4 with 2 queen beds and the Dolphin is 5 with 2 double beds. I'm curious as to why they are not the same occupancy rules. Thanks.

 

[paras4ri]

Can someone explain why the Swan occupancy is 4 with 2 queen beds and the Dolphin is 5 with 2 double beds. I'm curious as to why they are not the same occupancy rules. Thanks.

The square footage of the Dolphin rooms is larger than the rooms at the Swan.

 

[tinkgirl2007]

We are considering staying at the Swan or Dolphin over Christmas this year. Could anyone tell me if a special rate is in effect when you check in can you still use for the rest of your stay. Or will the rate change on the day the promotion expires like it currently does for other Disney resorts.

 

[elaine and the boys]

We are considering staying at the Swan or Dolphin over Christmas this year. Could anyone tell me if a special rate is in effect when you check in can you still use for the rest of your stay. Or will the rate change on the day the promotion expires like it currently does for other Disney resorts.

We're staying Dec. 25-Jan. 2 using the Teacher Rate. But in our situation, they couldn't give us the reduced rate on our last night, Jan. 1, as the 2010 special rates have yet to be released. We'll be calling back later this fall in hopes that we won't have to pay full price for our last night (or, I think we will have enough Starwood points to cover the last night anyway!).

Hope that helps!

 

[tinkgirl2007]

We're staying Dec. 25-Jan. 2 using the Teacher Rate. But in our situation, they couldn't give us the reduced rate on our last night, Jan. 1, as the 2010 special rates have yet to be released. We'll be calling back later this fall in hopes that we won't have to pay full price for our last night (or, I think we will have enough Starwood points to cover the last night anyway!).

Hope that helps!

Did they change the dates from what are listed on the site for the Teacher Rate? On their site it says until 12/24. If they did then it won't matter. Thanks for the info. We are hoping to stay from 12/23-12/27.

 

[elaine and the boys]

Did they change the dates from what are listed on the site for the Teacher Rate? On their site it says until 12/24. If they did then it won't matter. Thanks for the info. We are hoping to stay from 12/23-12/27.

Actually, when I booked this original part of our trip (Dec. 27 -Jan.2) it was back in July 2008 at the then published teacher rate. Then, 2 months ago, I wanted to add the 24th, 25th and 26th at the same rate, and they set me up at the Swan for those three nights, moving to the Dolphin on the 27th. Now, when I discovered my school schedule wouldn't allow me to arrive until the 25th, I had to cancel the 24th, which was the newer teacher rate offer cut off date....so I lost the teacher rate at the Swan for the 25th and 26th. YIKES!! Too expensive for us! So, we're trying out the Gaylord Palms for our first two nights, and will move to the Dolphin on the 27th...the original reservation we had made back in July, which, apparently, was a different teacher rate offer.

 

[tinkgirl2007]

Oh. I was just wondering if there was something that I was missing. Guess not. Maybe they will reinstate it as it comes closer.(At least I hope.)

 

[djd7292]

A few ?'s.... Staying @ Swan prior to Disney cruise in June & I am using DCL transfers to port ~

1) I know the S&D does not use ME ~ How do I get to the Swan from MCO?

2) I read you can check-in w/your KTTW @ WDW resorts for your cruise ~ Can this be done @ S&D?

3) What time is DCL pick up for port?

Thanks... trying to get everything taken care of ahead of time. I have changed so many things so far that my head is spinning.

 

[chell]

A few ?'s.... Staying @ Swan prior to Disney cruise in June & I am using DCL transfers to port ~

1) I know the S&D does not use ME ~ How do I get to the Swan from MCO?

2) I read you can check-in w/your KTTW @ WDW resorts for your cruise ~ Can this be done @ S&D?

3) What time is DCL pick up for port?

Thanks... trying to get everything taken care of ahead of time. I have changed so many things so far that my head is spinning.

The only one I can help with is #1. How many people are in your party? That may determine the best way. There is a National Car Rental at the Dolphin. Look online to see what rate you can get for a one-way rental from MCO to the Dolphin. It may take a little while but enter every discount code you can find. One year I got a one-way rental for about $13 using one of the codes I found on MouseSavers.com.

 

[ppan77]

Any hopes of these teacher rates being extended into 2010?? We are trying to book for January but now I'm wondering if we should do early Dec? We need two rooms as well and I see there's a discount for that right now as well?
Also if Disney comes out with a fab winter discount like 4/3 you can still use it at the Swan/Dolphin right???

 

[elaine and the boys]

Any hopes of these teacher rates being extended into 2010?? We are trying to book for January but now I'm wondering if we should do early Dec? We need two rooms as well and I see there's a discount for that right now as well?
Also if Disney comes out with a fab winter discount like 4/3 you can still use it at the Swan/Dolphin right???

No, unfortunately you can't use the 4/3 deal at SwanDolphin, as it's not a Disney owned hotel.

 

[elaine and the boys]

Any hopes of these teacher rates being extended into 2010?? We are trying to book for January but now I'm wondering if we should do early Dec? We need two rooms as well and I see there's a discount for that right now as well?
Also if Disney comes out with a fab winter discount like 4/3 you can still use it at the Swan/Dolphin right???

Just some additional info, since you're considering a Dec. trip and will need two rooms....this is an offer from the SwanDolphin website:

Stay Connected

Book any room in 2009 and reserve a second guest room for only $99*.

 

[Bay Hill]

Just booked last week for 15-20 Dec @ the Swan. As a other Dis member posted, the Swan is a bit more quiet than the Dolphin. Also,the Swan is closer to the Boardwalk and Epcot. My wife and I have stayed over 45 days @ the Swan or the Dolphin thru the years. It is one of our favorite Starwood hotels.

To call toll free to make a reservation....888/828-8850

 

[patpaxton]

The only one I can help with is #1. How many people are in your party? That may determine the best way. There is a National Car Rental at the Dolphin. Look online to see what rate you can get for a one-way rental from MCO to the Dolphin. It may take a little while but enter every discount code you can find. One year I got a one-way rental for about $13 using one of the codes I found on MouseSavers.com.

You can do the same with Alamo...which tends to be slightly less expensive.