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

[Tinkerbellie16]

I've seen some postings about people getting a PIN for the S/D. Where do you get these? I didn't think they applied to the Disney pins and wondered if I need to sign up for their emails or something to maybe increase my chance of a discount code (or pin or whatever they offer).
Thanks!

 

[allicat1214]

Swan and Dolphin are on Disney property but they are not Disney-owned. The PIN codes are only offered by Disney for their resorts.

Swan and Dolphin are part of the Starwood Preferred Guest program of the Sheraton. They offer great discounts for certain groups like nurses, teachers, govt. workers, etc. Check out swandolphin.com . In addition, you can use points thru spg to get upgrades or even free nights.

I have an spg amex card and put everyday things like gas, groceries, etc. on it to earn points. I just let them build. I now have enough points for 3 free nights!! I'll pay the govt rate for one night as my DH is qualifies and so even though you pay $10 resort fee and $10 parking fee per night, my costs will come out to about the same as value!

You do get EMH like the Disney resorts, but you have to get park tickets separately and you cannot charge items to your room while at the parks. But that's okay with me!

Hope this helps!

 

[paras4ri]

I've seen some postings about people getting a PIN for the S/D. Where do you get these? I didn't think they applied to the Disney pins and wondered if I need to sign up for their emails or something to maybe increase my chance of a discount code (or pin or whatever they offer).
Thanks!

Definately sign up for their emails - and even their "recipe club". They do send discount offers via email for their properties.

 

[allicat1214]

Definately sign up for their emails - and even their "recipe club". They do send discount offers via email for their properties.

I didn't realize S/D did this! So to clarify, S/D is not part of the PIN that Disney Destinations has been sending via email and post cards.

But S/D sends its own promo codes out to folks signed up on their email list from time to time....

Right???

And does anyone know if those promo codes can be applied in addition to already discounted rates, such as govt, nurses, teachers, etc??

 

[paras4ri]

I didn't realize S/D did this! So to clarify, S/D is not part of the PIN that Disney Destinations has been sending via email and post cards.

But S/D sends its own promo codes out to folks signed up on their email list from time to time....

Right???

And does anyone know if those promo codes can be applied in addition to already discounted rates, such as govt, nurses, teachers, etc??

Yest to all your questions but the last one - I don't think you can double-up on a discount but usually the email discounts are lower than the others.

 

[SingingMom]

Yest to all your questions but the last one - I don't think you can double-up on a discount but usually the email discounts are lower than the others.

I think if you give them all your options : "I have this email offer, but also have AAA, have Starwood points, or I am eligible for government discount - which is my best option?" - a good reservation agent will work with you to help you figure it out. Good luck!

 

[allicat1214]

I think if you give them all your options : "I have this email offer, but also have AAA, have Starwood points, or I am eligible for government discount - which is my best option?" - a good reservation agent will work with you to help you figure it out. Good luck!

I called spg because I thought they had AAA info connected to your file but they don't....and I have a new membership #. (long story...)

So I ended up making ressies with them for 5/31-6/4. I got the govt rate of $149 plus 3 nights on points! woo hoo!!! I figured my total cost with resort fees, taxes and parking is $312 or $78 a night! And I requested Epcot view... who knows if I'll get an upgrade or not? I'm starwood preferred plus not platinum... That agent also on her own said, let me check to see what is the better rate between govt & AAA, but govt was better. She also said that my two ressies were linked and I wouldn't have to move.

I got email confirmations and noticed that while they said two beds they only had two adults and no kids....not two adults and two kids. I wanted to be sure they had the total of 4 in the room so I called dolphin directly to make sure it was there. I got a smart alack young guy who quickly said yes ma'am you have two beds here, you don't need to indicate two kids. Then I checked to make sure he was looking at both of my ressies and that we wouldn't have to move and he said, we'll do our best ma'am but we can't guarantee it.....

Kinda put a damper my high!!

 

[airhead]

Hi CJ.

I don't think Fresh even takes reservations. I have eaten there a number of times, breakfast only, and just walked in, never a wait. Great food too. Make sure to use your AAA card if you have one.

Hi back at ya!!! Thanks for the info. i've been to Fresh many times but just couldn't remember if I made reservations!Can't wait to get there!!!!!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Thanks for the info on the discount codes/offers for s/d!! I'll be there in 2 months for a conference - I can't wait!!!! Well, I can't wait to go to the parks at night - not sit in a windowless room during the day (dreaming about Cap'n Jack )

 

[Mouseteacher]

I called spg because I thought they had AAA info connected to your file but they don't....and I have a new membership #. (long story...)

So I ended up making ressies with them for 5/31-6/4. I got the govt rate of $149 plus 3 nights on points! woo hoo!!! I figured my total cost with resort fees, taxes and parking is $312 or $78 a night! And I requested Epcot view... who knows if I'll get an upgrade or not? I'm starwood preferred plus not platinum... That agent also on her own said, let me check to see what is the better rate between govt & AAA, but govt was better. She also said that my two ressies were linked and I wouldn't have to move.

I got email confirmations and noticed that while they said two beds they only had two adults and no kids....not two adults and two kids. I wanted to be sure they had the total of 4 in the room so I called dolphin directly to make sure it was there. I got a smart alack young guy who quickly said yes ma'am you have two beds here, you don't need to indicate two kids. Then I checked to make sure he was looking at both of my ressies and that we wouldn't have to move and he said, we'll do our best ma'am but we can't guarantee it.....

Kinda put a damper my high!!

Don't worry. On our July 09 trip we booked in on free nights and teacher rate. They linked my ressies and said we did not have to move. Upon check in, I asked what I needed to do after our free nights ressie was up. I was told to just come to the desk in the morning and turn in the old keys and new ones would be issued for the same room. Surprisingly, when I woke up on that morning, under our door was the usual check-out paperwork and in an envelope our new keys for the new ressie for our same room.

 

[allicat1214]

Thanks for the reassurance!!! I'll check back sometime in May and make sure all is okay!

I'm not going to let it bother me too much because:

I'M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!!!

 

[Pooh&OurHunny]

Are all the rooms at Dolphin finished with the renovation? With the renovation, what did they do? Are there new carpeting and new mattress?

 

[Pooh&OurHunny]

For the people who stayed at both Swan and Dolphin, do you have a personal pick and why? We have stayed at the Swan and loved it and staying in May. I'm pricing out the first week of Dec and getting a special of $149 for Dolphin and wondering if we should go ahead and try it.
Thanks

 

[tzolkin]

Is it worth it to sign up for the Starwood Prefered Guest program even if you don't think you'll earn any points?

I looked at the website and it seems like they offer specials, but are they the same specials you would receive for signing up to be on the email list from the Swan/Dolphin website? Just wondering if there's any benefit other than earning points.

We honestly really don't go anywhere, so I don't forsee me earning enough points for free nights and I already use the Disney Visa to earn rewards dollars, so I don't think I would use their credit card to earn points either.

My DH is a nurse, so we are hoping to go next year using the nurse discount (if they're still offering it). We've only stayed at Disney resorts in the past, so I'm not too familiar with the Dolphin other than what I've read in this thread. I've just started looking into it the past few weeks because I think we will love the location.

 

[SingingMom]

Are all the rooms at Dolphin finished with the renovation? With the renovation, what did they do? Are there new carpeting and new mattress?

With a property that large, I don't think they are ever "finished" with renovations. Last June our room was still the same decor, but we had a fridge. My parent's room didn't have the fridge in yet.

For the people who stayed at both Swan and Dolphin, do you have a personal pick and why? We have stayed at the Swan and loved it and staying in May. I'm pricing out the first week of Dec and getting a special of $149 for Dolphin and wondering if we should go ahead and try it.
Thanks

If you scan through this thread you will get a good feel for that. And it is exactly what you say: "PERSONAL PICK". OUR "personal pick" is the Dolphin, hands down. But that's because we adore the hussle and bussle, being close to the Cabana Bar pool area, more restaurants right in the building, and we like to enjoy a cocktail in the lobby and "people watch" after a long day at the parks. But, what we LOVE about the Dolphin is exactly why some shy away from it and prefer the quainter, quieter Swan. That's why it's great to have a choice!

Is it worth it to sign up for the Starwood Prefered Guest program even if you don't think you'll earn any points?

I looked at the website and it seems like they offer specials, but are they the same specials you would receive for signing up to be on the email list from the Swan/Dolphin website? Just wondering if there's any benefit other than earning points.

We honestly really don't go anywhere, so I don't forsee me earning enough points for free nights and I already use the Disney Visa to earn rewards dollars, so I don't think I would use their credit card to earn points either.

My DH is a nurse, so we are hoping to go next year using the nurse discount (if they're still offering it). We've only stayed at Disney resorts in the past, so I'm not too familiar with the Dolphin other than what I've read in this thread. I've just started looking into it the past few weeks because I think we will love the location.

Sign up for the Starwood guest program - it doesn't cost anything, and you might use the benefits some day. Even just for an upgrade (when available), it's worth it!

And yes, you WILL "love the location"!

 

[Pooh&OurHunny]

Thanks SingingMom

 

[chell]

Is it worth it to sign up for the Starwood Prefered Guest program even if you don't think you'll earn any points?

I looked at the website and it seems like they offer specials, but are they the same specials you would receive for signing up to be on the email list from the Swan/Dolphin website? Just wondering if there's any benefit other than earning points.

We honestly really don't go anywhere, so I don't forsee me earning enough points for free nights and I already use the Disney Visa to earn rewards dollars, so I don't think I would use their credit card to earn points either.

My DH is a nurse, so we are hoping to go next year using the nurse discount (if they're still offering it). We've only stayed at Disney resorts in the past, so I'm not too familiar with the Dolphin other than what I've read in this thread. I've just started looking into it the past few weeks because I think we will love the location.

It sure doesn't hurt to sign up. They do send out emails with specials on occasion. They are worth keeping an eye on. Remember if you book one price but a better deal comes along you can call and change your reservation, as long as it was the pre-pay deal.

If you do stay at the Dolphin then you will earn points!

As SingingMom said you will LOVE the location!

If you get a chance to use their spa while there go for it! They almost always (they have always called me with one) call with a special for the spa. On our trip I had a manicure & a facial. OMG!!! The facial was SSSSSOOOOOOOOOO amazing! The temperature of everything she put on my face was perfect. She was so calming and gentle but didn't make me feel weird about it. You know how some people are too calm and they just freak you out? She wasn't like that at all. The facial didn't feel like an hour long. I was SO relaxed. It is a special treat you should splurge on!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Thanks for the reassurance!!! I'll check back sometime in May and make sure all is okay!

I'm not going to let it bother me too much because:

I'M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!!!

You're welcome.

BTW, congrats to your NO Saints on a decisive win against the Ravens...wow what a team. They look like my Pats of '07.

 

[snels]

HI
Has anyone booked the AAA rate with the breakfast plan? The Dolphin has that listed as one of the room options. How many days do you get breakfast? Is it included with the room?
Thanks,
snels

 

[SingingMom]

HI
Has anyone booked the AAA rate with the breakfast plan? The Dolphin has that listed as one of the room options. How many days do you get breakfast? Is it included with the room?
Thanks,
snels

I think the breakfast is every day, isn't it? It looked like an interesting deal, but we didn't take it, since we have our "tradition" of Main Street Bakery and the amazing chocolate muffins.
We usually only spend one morning with a true "sit down" breakfast - normally we are ON THE MOVE!