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

[NancyIL]

Hi,

I am trying to plan a birthday trip for me and my 6 (soon to be 7) year old goddaughter (her first trip to FL and Disney) and I am finding such deals I can't make a decision. ;-) Since I know you are all Dolphin pros I thought you'd be the people to advise me.

Our birthday is Fri 9/25 and I am planning for us to spend it at MK (taking advantage of the free tickets). I know it's the day of MNSSHP so not ideal but I think MK is the park we should visit and that's the day it's free.

I found an air/flight deal (with a coupon) through Priceline vacations where we could stay at the Dolphin for 4 nights (9/24-9/28) for about $92/night incl tax but probably not resort fee. I know that is an INCREDIBLE deal, even if we get the dumpster view. Or, we can stay at the Embassy Suites LBV or one of the DTD hotels for about $40/night - which would free up more money to perhaps add water parks or a day or more of other parks to her Bday pass (I have quite a few days left from non-exp passes from years past). Is it worth staying at Dolphin if not visiting E or HS?

I also found a deal for $99 + tax for 2 nights @Ramada Gateway Kissimmee + 2 1 day passes to Sea World. So for slightly less than my 4 nights at the Dolphin (I would have to book elsewhere and pay more per night if not booking whole trip together) we could still do 2 nights there and 2 nights at the Ramada w/ Sea World.

Thoughts? Is it crazy to spend all our time at the Dolphin if only doing one day at MK? I am thinking we will do the campfire/movie at Ft. Wilderness (where I used to stay when I was her age), do the activities at Dolphin pool, etc - take advantage of all of the "free" Disney stuff I haven't done in years because I am usually at the parks my whole trip.

Originally I was planning for us to take a Mears shuttle but now thanks to another DIS member I found a rental car for $10/day so w/ taxes same price to rent a car (and can go to Walmart, Outlets, church, etc) as take shuttle (except for parking...)

Any thoughts/advice would be appreciated - especially from those of you who have stayed at the Dolphin with little girls.

thanks!

I am so spoiled by the location of the Swan and Dolphin that it's hard for me to stay elsewhere - even on-site! However, if staying off-site means the difference between 1 day at a park vs. 2 or more, then I would stay off-site.

In my opinion, there's enough to do at WDW without also trying to go to Sea World. I can understand wanting to spend your goddaughter's birthday (and yours, too?) at the Magic Kingdom. The Food and Wine Festival starts at Epcot on the 25th, and that would be fun - although crowded on the weekend.

 

[SingingMom]

I am so spoiled by the location of the Swan and Dolphin that it's hard for me to stay elsewhere - even on-site!

Nancy - I agree! After four stays, can't imagine staying anywhere else!We love to walk to Epcot if the heat is bearable!

 

[chell]

Really, really helpful thread. I just booked for the second week in June at a teacher rate of $189 at the Dolphin! [I am aware of the $10 per head resort charge (and adding a rollaway), but even with that I am thrilled to have this location for a family of 5!]

We have always wanted a location that is within walking distance (or a ferry ride) to some of the parks-but cannot afford the heavy price tag that goes along with the Disney Deluxe resorts that can accomodate us!

The resort fee is only $10 per room per night, not per person per night. That makes your trip a little cheaper.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Really, really helpful thread. I just booked for the second week in June at a teacher rate of $189 at the Dolphin! [I am aware of the $10 per head resort charge (and adding a rollaway), but even with that I am thrilled to have this location for a family of 5!]

Just a clarification - the resort fee is per room not per head.

OOPS, chell - we must have been posting almost at the same time.

 

[kelly01]

Thanks Mouseteacher and chell! For some reason I was thinking it was per person. Even better! I am so thrilled to have discovered the Dolphin (and the teacher rate).

 

[quantum]

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up that the Dolphin has a great "last minute" rate (although it is available through Oct 9th currently) of $109/nt for either a king or double-double room - its called the "starpick" rate.

I had booked a few days in Sept. under a Florida resident rate (for the same type of room - "limited view") and was able to cancel that ressie and get this rate instead...saving $50 bucks a night - which will help offset those resort and parking fees!

You can see the dates that have this "starpick" rate still available through the Starwood site starpicks.com, and according to their terms it can be used for stays from 1 to 14 days, HOWEVER (and this is a big however), it is a NON-refundable rate...so be sure about your dates before you book!!!

ETA: Sorry originally left out an "s" on the website, it is starpicks.com

 

[sjb459]

A AAA rate of $109.50 is also available - I believe the AAA rate is fully cancellable.

 

[NancyIL]

Nancy - I agree! After four stays, can't imagine staying anywhere else!We love to walk to Epcot if the heat is bearable!

I'm doing a split stay between AKL and WL in December. While I'm looking forward to both at Christmas, I know I will really miss the Swan - especially the night we go to Jellyrolls!

 

[Mrs.Toad]

A AAA rate of $109.50 is also available - I believe the AAA rate is fully cancellable.

What dates is this rate good for?

Thanks!

 

[quantum]

A AAA rate of $109.50 is also available - I believe the AAA rate is fully cancellable.

That's an great rate too! Also with AAA you can even get an Epcot fireworks view room for $142 or $159 (depending on if it also has a balcony or not) - an outstanding price!

I was able to see those rates through the end of this month and most of Septempber.

Sadly I don't have a auto club membership though.

 

[sjb459]

That's an great rate too! Also with AAA you can even get an Epcot fireworks view room for $142 or $159 (depending on if it also has a balcony or not) - an outstanding price!

I was able to see those rates through the end of this month and most of Septempber.

Sadly I don't have a auto club membership though.

For the $50 or so it costs to join it may be worth it, depending how much you'd save on your hotel rate and it gives you an upgraded "preferred plus" Starwood membership - if you aren't already Gold or higher. AAA also gets you a 20% discount at some of the restaurants at the Dolphin. (Plus unlimited free maps and lots of discounts everywhere - plus the actual auto club services if you ever actually need them).

 

[madge]

I was just coming to post about the Starpick, but someone beat me to it .. $109 for the Dolphin is a DEAL!

 

[cindym]

Ok lazy here. I don't want to read all these threads. I made a ressie for Nov. with AARP rate. (refundable, better than teacher and AAA which I both quality for) If the starpicks deal or another one comes up that is better will I have much hassle changing to it? I am also a Starwood member. I've never stayed at the Swan or Dolphin but I have stayed at all 3 of the other Epcot resorts. I really love the Yacht Club but couldn't turn down the rate at the Dolphin! Thanks

 

[LexiC123]

Ok lazy here. I don't want to read all these threads. I made a ressie for Nov. with AARP rate. (refundable, better than teacher and AAA which I both quality for) If the starpicks deal or another one comes up that is better will I have much hassle changing to it? I am also a Starwood member. I've never stayed at the Swan or Dolphin but I have stayed at all 3 of the other Epcot resorts. I really love the Yacht Club but couldn't turn down the rate at the Dolphin! Thanks

I've changed my reservation three times and haven't had any problems. First I had the AAA rate at the Swan ($149), then I switched over to the Dolphin, at the AARP rate ($129), and a few weeks ago I canceled that and booked the $99 pre-paid rate. My deposits were credited back to my AmEx within two business days.

Originally, I booked over the phone, but then I discovered that Sheraton and Westin Hotels return 3% back through Fat Wallet, so my subsequent reservations were both made on-line.

PS - I'm a huge fan of the Epcot resorts, as well, but the deals and the amenities at the Swan/Dolphin were too good to pass up. Not using ME was no big deal to us...a towncar is only running us around $100 (plus tip) and will most likely get us there sooner. And free dining is not all that enticing for just the two of us. I'd much rather save $$ on the room.

Good luck with your reservations.

 

[quantum]

For the $50 or so it costs to join it may be worth it, depending how much you'd save on your hotel rate and it gives you an upgraded "preferred plus" Starwood membership - if you aren't already Gold or higher. AAA also gets you a 20% discount at some of the restaurants at the Dolphin. (Plus unlimited free maps and lots of discounts everywhere - plus the actual auto club services if you ever actually need them).

Good point, the difference between the regular rate and the AAA rate I was seeing for those "fireworks view" rooms was like $130 a night...so it would more than pay for itself with just a single night stay (much less a multiday visit)!

 

[cindym]

Another question. We will be buying park hopper tickets when we arrive. Can we use fast pass since we are not at a Disney owned resort? I never paid attention to that before cause it didn't affect us. Thanks again!

 

[ozziewags]

Yes, ANYONE can use fastpass!

 

[quantum]

Another question. We will be buying park hopper tickets when we arrive. Can we use fast pass since we are not at a Disney owned resort? I never paid attention to that before cause it didn't affect us. Thanks again!

Yes you'll be able to take advantage of Fast Passes, all Disney tickets can...its not connected in any way on if you are on- or off-site.

 

[NancyIL]

Another question. We will be buying park hopper tickets when we arrive. Can we use fast pass since we are not at a Disney owned resort? I never paid attention to that before cause it didn't affect us. Thanks again!

Swan/Dolphin guests can also take advantage of Extra Magic Hours.

 

[Mrs.Toad]

I read on page one that beach towels need to be checked out using your room key at the Swan/Dolphin. I assume then, that you get charged for them if you lose them, right? Anyone know how much?

We always take resort towels to the water parks, but it may be worth the $$ to rent them there, to avoid any hassles in case they get lost.

What do you usually do? We are flying to Orlando and don't have room in our luggage to bring our own pool/beach towels.

Thanks!