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

[paras4ri]

Hi all,

I just switched our room category from the patio rooms to Deluxe alcove. We decided against the patio because one of my main reasons for wanting them was to go in and out of those doors (pool, boats, etc.)...but I found out that you can't lock them from the outside and I didn't feel like leaving a person behind to lock the door...anyway....

We switched to deluxe alcove rooms on a high floor....has anyone ever stayed in one of these rooms...how different are they from the regular rooms at the dolphin?

I hope this works - this is from a Swan alcove suite

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=35095081&postcount=299

 

[Needafix]

I would call the hotel directly to find out about the nurse discount for the dates you want. And while you're on the phone, you can ask if there are any other special rates available that you might not be aware of. I found a $116.00/night rate for early September at the Swan that way.

You can also try going directly to the Dolphin website. I can't speak for everyone, but I found the prices to be lower on the Sheraton site than they were on the DU website.

I agree with LexiC123. I had similar problems as SunBear, even on S/D site. I was able to get things cleared up and booked when I called S/D directly. Just make sure it's definitely S/D and not Sheraton or Westin.

WoW - $116/night and I thought my teacher discount for $129/night was the best possible these days. Congrats!

 

[SunBearLewis]

I got the last Saturday to Saturday in Oct (23-30) for 149 a night. I know people are scoring 129 for some of the summer months, but I don't think we're up for that again. Plus we wanted to see what the food and wine festival was all about. I'm pretty happy with that. I did calculate a standard room at a deluxe and this is way less expensive. And we're not dining plan people anyways. now my mind can be at ease for a few months!

 

[diskids2]

I hope this works - this is from a Swan alcove suite

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=35095081&postcount=299

Yes that worked and THANKS!

I was also wondering if anyone ever stayed in the alcove rooms at the Dolphin.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Hi all,

I just switched our room category from the patio rooms to Deluxe alcove. We decided against the patio because one of my main reasons for wanting them was to go in and out of those doors (pool, boats, etc.)...but I found out that you can't lock them from the outside and I didn't feel like leaving a person behind to lock the door...anyway....

We switched to deluxe alcove rooms on a high floor....has anyone ever stayed in one of these rooms...how different are they from the regular rooms at the dolphin?

We stayed in the Swan alcove suite last summer (and in 2003 when it was known as a junior suite). We love this room. Our room was at the end of the hallway so we had many windows - see paras4ri photos. The dining area was really nice to have. We had King bed and the pull out sofa for DS who said it was comfortable.

 

[Disney__Princess]

We stayed in the Swan alcove suite last summer (and in 2003 when it was known as a junior suite). We love this room. Our room was at the end of the hallway so we had many windows - see paras4ri photos. The dining area was really nice to have. We had King bed and the pull out sofa for DS who said it was comfortable.

How do you get an alcove room? Do you book it as such or can you request one?

 

[LexiC123]

I hope this works - this is from a Swan alcove suite

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=35095081&postcount=299

Wow...that's a great room! Do you mind if I ask what the approximate room rate for that is?

I agree with LexiC123. I had similar problems as SunBear, even on S/D site. I was able to get things cleared up and booked when I called S/D directly. Just make sure it's definitely S/D and not Sheraton or Westin.

WoW - $116/night and I thought my teacher discount for $129/night was the best possible these days. Congrats!

Thanks! I booked at that rate last September, right after we returned from the Dolphin. There are some amazing deals to be had around Labor Day. I originally booked the room at $129, which I thought was great. Then about six weeks before the trip, the price dropped to $99/night, which was almost too good to be true. And they upgraded us to a Epcot-view balcony room to boot!

Another dose of pixie dust for this trip would be nice, but we really can't complain about the rate we have now.

 

[goof13]

Hello...I have a quick question. I'll be staying at the Swan and renting a car for the day. Do Swan guests have free parking at the 4 parks? If so, how exactly does that work when you get to the parking gate?

Thanks!

 

[Poohlovr]

Yes,parking at the parks is free. You show the gate attendant at the park your room key.

 

[Needafix]

Wow...that's a great room! Do you mind if I ask what the approximate room rate for that is?


Thanks! I booked at that rate last September, right after we returned from the Dolphin. There are some amazing deals to be had around Labor Day. I originally booked the room at $129, which I thought was great. Then about six weeks before the trip, the price dropped to $99/night, which was almost too good to be true. And they upgraded us to a Epcot-view balcony room to boot!

Another dose of pixie dust for this trip would be nice, but we really can't complain about the rate we have now.

WOW... I can't believe these deals!!! I wish we could have come even close for our March trip and there's no way I'd be at BC. Oh well, I've had plenty of my own amazing deals and views.

I don't know why I can't get the pics to work. I'd love to see them.

 

[diskids2]

How do you get an alcove room? Do you book it as such or can you request one?

I can speak of my experience with reserving the alcove room. We were booked in two patio rooms, but I changed my mind when I found out that you can't lock them from the outside.

When I called to change the room category I asked about other types of rooms at the Dolphin and the manager suggested an alcove room. It sounded great...so I reserved it. It was described to me as on a high floor overlooking the Swan somewhere in the "triangle" part of the Dolphin. If I remember correctly the size was 500 square feet vs. 360 for the patio rooms.

As far as the cost.....I have the government rate with a base of $129 per night...the patio room was going to be $149 per night and the alcove room is $184 per night. I am going July 25-August 3....to give you an idea of the time.

 

[ozziewags]

Take pictures for us!

 

[Mouseteacher]

How do you get an alcove room? Do you book it as such or can you request one?

We booked it - alcove suite with the teacher rate. It was around $184 without taxes and resort fee...my memory is failing me. I was able to use points and got 2 nights on points. We stayed July 29 through August 5, 2009.

On our 2003 summer trip, we were given this room as a comp upgrade. We were so surprised and so thrilled. Upon check in, I politely asked if it was possible for a complimentary upgrade and voila... Disney magic at work even at the S/D!

BTW, I am spg member and hold a Starwood Amex card. At each of my 5 stays at the S/D, we have received some form of a comp upgrade. Gotta love S/D!

 

[diskids2]

Take pictures for us!

I will!

 

[arilvdc]

I just found a $130/night rate on lastminutetravel.com. I'm currently booked into BCV@40% off ($240/night) The dolphin looks very comparable to BC. Do you think I'll be happy making the switch? We love luxury hotels.

 

[Needafix]

I just found a $130/night rate on lastminutetravel.com. I'm currently booked into BCV@40% off ($240/night) The dolphin looks very comparable to BC. Do you think I'll be happy making the switch? We love luxury hotels.

I would switch in a heartbeat, the BC is beautiful, but so is the Dolphin and for that kind of savings, there wouldn't even be a decision. Actually for me, I think I'd still go with Dolphin if the cost was the same. Not sure yet b/c March will be the first time we stay at BC.

Make sure you have everything added into the Dolphin rate to really compare prices? Were you going to be using ME when you were at BC? If you switch to Dolphin you'll have to add in the cost of transportation from MC. Also, Dolphin has a $10/day mandatory resort fee that may not be part of your ressie. If you aren't taking public transportation and you'll have your own car, you need to add in $10/day parking.

Once you add in all those items, figure out what the savings are. Regardless, I think you'll love Dolphin and it truly is a luxurious resort. Top Notch all the way.

 

[arilvdc]

we'll be renting a car, but returning it the day we check in at disney, so parking fees/ME won't be a problem. The rate is the buy one night get the next 50% off, and it's sold out for the dolphin directly from starwood. Is the swan as nice as the dolphin? for some reason I have it in my head that the doplhin is nicer?

 

[Needafix]

Swan is just as nice as Dolphin it's just quieter and smaller, so it's just a matter of preference as far as that. I like the hustle and bustle and I've lucked out with better views at Dolphin, so I always try to go with Dolphin.

 

[SingingMom]

The beds are queens at the Swan and doubles at the Dolphin. How much larger than normal doubles I don't recall, as I've never stayed in a dbl/dbl at the Dolphin.

The Swan/Dolphin are fancy hotels, and I like fancy hotels! They tend to have fewer children staying there, and that's just fine with me.

There are HM's at both hotels.....

http://www.hiddenmickeys.org/WDW/Resorts/NonDisney.html

All CM's, every one, at both hotels wear Disney CM badges, and almost all smile, just like at all the other hotels there.

And the beds are fabulous.

I have to agree with DisFan - we've received far superior service at S/D than at any WDW Resort including AKL & BLT. At S/D they really make you feel like they're welcoming you back home, and that they appreciate you staying there.

As far as my opinion on the beds - I've stayed at both Swan & Dolphin & really didn't notice a difference in the size of the beds at all. I have a king at home, and honestly even the doubles at The Dolphin aren't all that much smaller - I really think S/D Heavenly beds are larger than the average double & queen.

Honestly - as a person with a "Queen" at home, who always loves a "King" when traveling, I have not had any problems sleeping in the "Double" at the Dolphin. I am petite, but am a restless sleeper - DH is tall - and both have had no complaints about the "Double" - which really IS bigger than a regular double (we have one of THOSE in our guest room)...
And they truly are HEAVENLY!!!

On the "disney resort vs non-disney resort" issue - I agree with Nancy - The Swan and Dolphin ARE "fancy hotels" - that's the reason we love them. DD is almost 17 - there is more than enough "theming" in the parks and vicinity, I don't need it HUGE at the resort. There is enough at S/D to make you aware you ARE in Disney World, but the hotels themselves are so pretty and classy. Just adore them!

 

[diskids2]

My DD age 19 prefers the Dolphin as well. In fact we could have used the extended pin code for the BC and it would have been slightly higher, but she wanted to be at the Dolphin no matter what!