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

[diskids2]

What area of the Dolphin is considered desirable? This is in regards to current renovations and view. We're staying in a standard room with two beds (2 kids 2 adults). Any suggestions on which sides of the hotel, floors, etc? Distance from elevators etc are not an issue. Thanks

I stayed in the East Wing once on a high floor with a balcony and I could see EPCOT and Illuminations. I have to say it was really great to sit on the balcony and just relax and watch the show. **Please note though, you see the high lights of the show, etc....you may not see all the countries lighting and the low stuff**

The only problem for my family was that our room on the East Wing was MILES from the elevator (ok I am exaggerating!), but to me, it was a bit long. You did mention that doesn't bother you, so you may like this view. I know the EPCOT view rooms were an upgrade when we went.

The last two times we stayed at the Dolphin we stay in the Central building. High Floor again. I could see out over to the Swan. The walk to the elevators was very close and we liked that better. The view was nice but not nearly as much fun as the East wing view.

This summer we are returning to the Dolphin and are getting patio rooms. They are on the first floor and the patios open up to the outside and they face the pool. We are thinking that this will be a convenience when we want to go to the pool and they are close to Picabu's where we tend to get a quick breakfast or coffee every morning.

I hope this helps.

I also remember not so long ago, there was a thread with a map of the room locations at the Dolphin. I can't seem to find that thread anywhere. Maybe someone else can help.

 

[SingingMom]

I stayed in the East Wing once on a high floor with a balcony and I could see EPCOT and Illuminations. I have to say it was really great to sit on the balcony and just relax and watch the show. **Please note though, you see the high lights of the show, etc....you may not see all the countries lighting and the low stuff**

The only problem for my family was that our room on the East Wing was MILES from the elevator (ok I am exaggerating!), but to me, it was a bit long. You did mention that doesn't bother you, so you may like this view. I know the EPCOT view rooms were an upgrade when we went.

The last two times we stayed at the Dolphin we stay in the Central building. High Floor again. I could see out over to the Swan. The walk to the elevators was very close and we liked that better. The view was nice but not nearly as much fun as the East wing view.

This summer we are returning to the Dolphin and are getting patio rooms. They are on the first floor and the patios open up to the outside and they face the pool. We are thinking that this will be a convenience when we want to go to the pool and they are close to Picabu's where we tend to get a quick breakfast or coffee every morning.

I hope this helps.

I also remember not so long ago, there was a thread with a map of the room locations at the Dolphin. I can't seem to find that thread anywhere. Maybe someone else can help.

We've been in the West Wing and had that long, long walk. What used to "entertain us" was DD used to practically play hopscotch on the patterened carpet, all the way to the elevator. We would laugh and tell her she missed a color, etc, but it was a long walk.

This year we were in the Central wing. It was a LOT closer to the elevator. lol

I have to honestly say, we don't care where the location is, as long as we have a balcony. I really like to sit on the balcony and read or have a cup of tea while I'm waiting for the rest to get ready. This past year I had two different days that I was not feeling well, and a little rest with my book on the balcony was EXACTLY what the doctor ordered.

 

[diskids2]

We've been in the West Wing and had that long, long walk. What used to "entertain us" was DD used to practically play hopscotch on the patterened carpet, all the way to the elevator. We would laugh and tell her she missed a color, etc, but it was a long walk.

This year we were in the Central wing. It was a LOT closer to the elevator. lol

I have to honestly say, we don't care where the location is, as long as we have a balcony. I really like to sit on the balcony and read or have a cup of tea while I'm waiting for the rest to get ready. This past year I had two different days that I was not feeling well, and a little rest with my book on the balcony was EXACTLY what the doctor ordered.

Darn it ! I wish I had thought of hopscotch...

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Do you have to pay for a balcony room or can you request it? If you can request it, when and how should I do that? I usually stay at the Disney resorts and am just not sure about the S/D. Thanks!!!!

 

[diskids2]

Do you have to pay for a balcony room or can you request it? If you can request it, when and how should I do that? I usually stay at the Disney resorts and am just not sure about the S/D. Thanks!!!!

For me, the balcony room was an upgrade that I either used Starwood points for, paid for, or got a free upgrade when I checked in.

 

[viluvsdisney]

I stayed in the East Wing once on a high floor with a balcony and I could see EPCOT and Illuminations. I have to say it was really great to sit on the balcony and just relax and watch the show. **Please note though, you see the high lights of the show, etc....you may not see all the countries lighting and the low stuff**

The only problem for my family was that our room on the East Wing was MILES from the elevator (ok I am exaggerating!), but to me, it was a bit long. You did mention that doesn't bother you, so you may like this view. I know the EPCOT view rooms were an upgrade when we went.

The last two times we stayed at the Dolphin we stay in the Central building. High Floor again. I could see out over to the Swan. The walk to the elevators was very close and we liked that better. The view was nice but not nearly as much fun as the East wing view.

This summer we are returning to the Dolphin and are getting patio rooms. They are on the first floor and the patios open up to the outside and they face the pool. We are thinking that this will be a convenience when we want to go to the pool and they are close to Picabu's where we tend to get a quick breakfast or coffee every morning.

I hope this helps.

I also remember not so long ago, there was a thread with a map of the room locations at the Dolphin. I can't seem to find that thread anywhere. Maybe someone else can help.

Never been to the Swan and/or Dolphin....here's to hoping for a fun view

 

[sarahsmom73]

Just a little excited! My parents are treating us to the Swan for spring break! We have done the Dolphin a couple of times and are looking forward to trying the Swan! Mom insisted on Balcony rooms for us all!! March 27th can't come soon enough!

 

[shellytc]

Calling all SPG experts!! We are staying our first time at Dolphin week of easter (apr. 3 to apr 9). DH is a platinum SPG points holder. We did the get 4 nights with points, get the 5th night free deal, then I am paying for one night at $159. SO..... I think we are doing pretty good for a busy time.

With DH being a Platinum,what do you think our chances are of being upgraded? He gets a lot of upgrades when he travels, but how busy do you think the hotel will be? Sometimes busy hotels work to his advantage, so they will upgrade him to suite because the hotel is overbooked.... and they give his room to regular client. but if it is full, it is full....

thoughts? ideas?

shelly

 

[SCPP]

Just booked 2 rooms for 10 nights at the Swan for late May. Unbelievably the Dolphin is already sold out for a few days in early June so that forced us to the Swan.

I am a SPG Platinum elite (178 nights last year as a guest of Sheraton). When I called the Platinum Concierge desk to make the reservation, the agent got the Swan SPG manager on the line and they confirmed a Suite upgrade with another connecting room for the second room. We booked the entire trip on points.

SPG also runs a every 5th night free program when using points. YOu pay points for the first 4 nights and the 5th night is free. That means for 10 nights we only charged points for 8. The confirmed suite upgrade was 15,000 a night and the other room was 10,000 so we dropped 200,000 for the stay. 25K a night for 8 nights with 2 nights "free")

Out of curiosity, I called the Swan after I made the reso and the suite is $799 a night and the second room was $239. I would have been out $14,680.12 if I had paid cash for the trip. I hate all the nights away from home traveling (It it not anywhere near as cool or fun as George Clooney makes it out to be). But I guess a $15K stay at Disney makes it a little easier to bear.

We stayed at the Swan 2 years ago and got a comp upgrade to a suite This time we allowed the oldest to bring a friend so we definitely needed 2 rooms and we definitely can use the space with 4 teen aged kids in the room from aged 11 to 16. I never expect an upgrade regardless of status and found it is better to not expect the upgrade and be surprised if you get it. If you want / need or desire a suite then book it.

We will have a king in the suite, a coach that pulls out to a queen, a roll away and then 2 queens in the 2nd bed room. Plus 3 baths should make it easier to get going in the AM.

Hoping for another great stay.

 

[SCPP]

Calling all SPG experts!! We are staying our first time at Dolphin week of easter (apr. 3 to apr 9). DH is a platinum SPG points holder. We did the get 4 nights with points, get the 5th night free deal, then I am paying for one night at $159. SO..... I think we are doing pretty good for a busy time.

With DH being a Platinum,what do you think our chances are of being upgraded? He gets a lot of upgrades when he travels, but how busy do you think the hotel will be? Sometimes busy hotels work to his advantage, so they will upgrade him to suite because the hotel is overbooked.... and they give his room to regular client. but if it is full, it is full....

thoughts? ideas?

shelly

Shelly

I am a 12 year SPG Platinum member and like your DH are used to upgrades probably 90% of the time when I travel.

I booked our Memorial Day trip last week. I was told by the SPG director at the Swan that they do not upgrade platinums to suites any longer. He said that all upgrades are on a space only limitations as per the rules of the program. He said that the property would upgrade you to a balcony or rseort view as an upgrade.

The agent at SPG also had the ability to book a balcony room deluxe view for 11K per night vs. 10K for the regular standard room.

I had the agent call the resort and speak with the in house SPG director and we were able to book a suite for 25K per night.

Obviously as your DH can tell you, YMMV with SPG, never the same story twice with the platinum desk.

It is was me in you situation I would drop the extra 1K points to make sure you had the deluxe balcony view room guaranteed. Easter week counting on an upgrade is a roll of the dice at best. Plus if you are in deluxe room and they upgrade you another level, you might get lucky and pull a alcove room or suite.

Good luck and remember if you don't like the answer SPG gives you, then hang up and try a different rep.

 

[shellytc]

Thanks so much for the information!! DH just started this new position last year, so he started collecting the points just last year. I used all the points for this trip, and bought (for $70) enough to finish out the 4th night to get the 5th night as well. Pretty cheap to pay $70 for two nights : )

BUT, DH will have many trips and stays over the next month or so. I may see if we can upgrade (if space is available) before we get there. I appreciate your insight! I would like the balcony space. I am an early riser and DS and his friend like to sleep in. I can sit out on the balcony while they sleep......

Have a great trip in that SUITE. Sounds awesome. and you deserve it with all the time away from your family.

shelly

 

[gemmybear83]

How easy is to keep your room for a couple of hours longer on the day you check out? Were getting married on our check out day, and having a wedding lunch in one of the private rooms at the Dolphin, do you think they will be ok with letting us keep the room until about 2:30pm so we can get changed and transfer across to the Yacht Club?

 

[Dan Murphy]

An early congratulations and best wishes to you, gemmybear83.

I have never had a tough time getting a few extra hours on checkout, always seems to be available. And with your having the luncheon there, I think they would be even more likely to extend the courtesy. Just remind them of your luncheon.

Again, best wishes.

 

[gemmybear83]

An early congratulations and best wishes to you, gemmybear83.

I have never had a tough time getting a few extra hours on checkout, always seems to be available. And with your having the luncheon there, I think they would be even more likely to extend the courtesy. Just remind them of your luncheon.

Again, best wishes.

Thanks Dan, I figured they would be ok, I am very impressed with their customer service so far

 

[SingingMom]

How easy is to keep your room for a couple of hours longer on the day you check out? Were getting married on our check out day, and having a wedding lunch in one of the private rooms at the Dolphin, do you think they will be ok with letting us keep the room until about 2:30pm so we can get changed and transfer across to the Yacht Club?

How exciting!

We have asked for an hour extra on check out day and have not had a problem. Unless a major convention was beginning, I would think that would be the case.

However, since you are having a luncheon there also - I would think they'd be more than happy to oblige!! Have a lovely time!

 

[Ivette1980]

Hello all:

I am planning to stay at the Swan in August for just two days with DH for my Bday, then off to a 4 day cruise! To cut down expense we are not renting a car, but what kind of transporation is available from the airport to the Resort?

I can't use Disney Magic Express right?

 

[Mouseteacher]

We have used Tiffany Town Car on all our S/D stays. We prefer the direct (airport to resort and resort to airport service) route with no stops to other resorts. It is worth the $ to us. Also, their service has been excellent,
on-time, and a pleasant driver.

You are correct - no ME service for S/D.

 

[SingingMom]

We have used Tiffany Town Car on all our S/D stays. We prefer the direct (airport to resort and resort to airport service) route with no stops to other resorts. It is worth the $ to us. Also, their service has been excellent,
on-time, and a pleasant driver.

You are correct - no ME service for S/D.

We use another towncar service, but I totally agree - the direct route is fabulous...and nothing says "vacation" to me better than coming down the stairs to the baggage claim and seeing our name on a card, with Miguel smiling and saying, "Welcome back!"

 

[Cap'n Jack]

Just FYI… was charged $25 per night for a rollaway. Was expecting a $10 per night charge. Over 10 night. It was a shock.

 

[Ivette1980]

Thanx for the tip i checked out the Tiffany Town service and just off the website they seem to provide the exact services I need. but from airport to swan is 60 and swan to port canaveral is abt 100. is this a reasonable price?