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

[MinnieMommy07]

You are much better off calling them directly then going on the website and trying to figure out discounts. Most of the great rates are based off getting a teacher/nurse/govt employee discount. There are also great rates for AP holders and sometimes AAA. I got a rate of $129 for July and someone else just got an amazing rate for Christmas break, so they do offer great rates even during peak season, you just have to call and see what discounts they have available.

And they often open up discounts/rooms closer to the date. Since they deal with a lot of conventions, they often hold rooms for the companies until they are sure they won't be needing them, then open them up to the public. I've often called and was told they were booked, only to call back later and get the room of my choice at a great rate.

OK, this makes a ton of sense! So when do you think is a good time to book for next MAY (2011) ? Oh, and if a better deal comes out than what I book, will they adjust the prices?

 

[TaraPA]

Hey Tara...

Not a pro by any means, but we were in the same wing when we stayed at the Dolphin last September. Loved the room - had the same view as you, but a few floors lower - and loved the Dolphin, but that walk to/from the elevators was a killer. Especially at 1am after a MK EMH!

I asked the same question last year and, unfortunately, there isn't any exit door that will bring you out closer to the Y&B club walkway.

We took both routes - crossing over the bridges, and following the walkways that outline the two wings of the Dolphin - and I can't say that one was really faster than the other.

For some reason, though, the walk to/from Epcot felt shorter walking on the Y&BC side than walking along the Boardwalk. I should bring a pedometer with me this year to see if it actually is a shorter walk, or if I was just hallucinating after a long hot day in the park.

Thanks for the reply Lexi. It didn't look like the sidewalk connected to the actual building anyplace, so I was assuming the answer was no, no exit over on that side. I think next time I will try to walk to Epcot via YC/BC rather than across The Boardwalk - even if it's longer it's a new experience for me!

 

[Needafix]

OK, this makes a ton of sense! So when do you think is a good time to book for next MAY (2011) ? Oh, and if a better deal comes out than what I book, will they adjust the prices?

I would book them as soon as I could, then check back periodically. They will definitely adjust the rate if something better comes up.

 

[SingingMom]

Personally, I would still do it for the extra $725 but that's because I am totally spoiled by the location and everything else they have to offer and I would rather go less often then downgrade my resort. To me, for 9 days, $725 is still more than worth it, but I can definitely understand why others would feel differently. I just like to be spoiled on vacation and at Dolphin I am.

Me, too. I know others may have a different opinion, and that is fine

I think my childhood years of six of us packed into the station wagon and squeezed into one room at the Jersey shore has turned me into a "hotel snob" Once I was able to afford to travel on my own and then with DH, I got spoiled and can't go back.

PS: But, God bless my parents, who scrimped and saved so we COULD have that yearly trip to the Jersey shore.

 

[TaraPA]

Hi i know it sounds like a trick question hahah I called Swan and Dolphin back I got the same girl at ressie I had before and I had her price it out again since I was going to book it and then call Disney to cancel the Port Orleans RIverside. And as luck would have it she didn't have all my days down last night she only priced out 6 nights instead of 9 so now the price is quite a bit higher so now I'm not sure as to what to do. I was ready yo jump on it since it was only 100 more but now it's more like 725.oo more that includes the parking and resort fee. So now I'm not so sure. ANyone know of the best rate for Swan and Dolphin for June? thanks

$725 is a big difference. There's so much to factor in to your decision! I've actually always wanted to stay at POFQ (ducking....) but not for a short trip when I NEED to be close to 2 parks, and in a place I'm very familiar with. You're going 10 days AND will have your own car - so you won't have to take the busses if you don't want to. I would keep searching for a better rate for Swan/Dolphin in the next few days. I went to the SPG site & actually it's not bringing up available rooms for much of June - so not sure any better deals are out there. You can always book S/D, put down the 1-nt deposit & then call to get your rate adjusted if you find a lower one. I've done this twice with no problem. Your deposit is fully refundable if you cancel before a week out, so you'd have time to think about it.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[Needafix]

Me, too. I know others may have a different opinion, and that is fine

I think my childhood years of six of us packed into the station wagon and squeezed into one room at the Jersey shore has turned me into a "hotel snob" Once I was able to afford to travel on my own and then with DH, I got spoiled and can't go back.

PS: But, God bless my parents, who scrimped and saved so we COULD have that yearly trip to the Jersey shore.

Ditto here, only there were 7 of us. I remember sneaking into hotels with our pillows to sleep on the floor. Ahhh....the good ole days.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

I'm getting super excited, I'll be there Sunday!!!!!!

 

[polyforme]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1715731

Thanks!!!

 

[polyforme]

Quicker fingers than I, Dan!

Thanks to you as well!!

 

[Boatingmom]

How soon can I book for May2012? Also, can I book a regular reservation regular and the switch using starwood points after I earn them if the rooms are available?

 

[Needafix]

How soon can I book for May2012? Also, can I book a regular reservation regular and the switch using starwood points after I earn them if the rooms are available?

I don't know how far in advance you can book, but yes, you can switch your room reservation any time.

 

[Needafix]

I'm getting super excited, I'll be there Sunday!!!!!!

Congrats! I just hit the single digits today and I'm busting! How is anyone supposed to get any work done when they're in the single digits!?!?!?

 

[MinnieMommy07]

On the Swan and Dolphin site, some of the rooms have whats called a "hollywood bath". What exactly is this?

 

[Ramsfan28]

On the Swan and Dolphin site, some of the rooms have whats called a "hollywood bath". What exactly is this?

A soaking tub that is seperate from the shower. Most of the suites at the S/D have these.

 

[MinnieMommy07]

A soaking tub that is seperate from the shower. Most of the suites at the S/D have these.

The hollywood baths are coming up for standard rooms too. So is there a separte shower stall and then a bathtub? I wonder if the rooms are set up different or there is a bigger bathroom than normal. Anyone have pics or info?

 

[paras4ri]

On the Swan and Dolphin site, some of the rooms have whats called a "hollywood bath". What exactly is this?

I believe this references the bathrooms at the Swan. They have 2 sinks - one in with the toilet and tub and a second one outside the bathroom.

 

[NancyIL]

I prefer the Swan's bathroom arrangement with a sink outside the bathroom as well as inside, as opposed to sink only outside the bathroom at the Dolphin.

I've never been in a room at the Swan or Dolphin with a separate shower, and I've stayed in an executive suite.

Click on room type and then floor plans for more info: http://www.swandolphin.com/accommodations/index.html

 

[SingingMom]

I was curious, so I "googled" Hollywood bath- and the most frequent answer that came up is that it is what others call a "Jack & Jill" bathroom - two doors - with the bathroom connecting two rooms, so you can enter the bathroom from either side.

 

[dusten]

Call to have your Starwood number added to your reservation, and bring along the printout. I don't know how it will work since you are with a "convention", but you can always try. (it wouldn't hurt to mention that "second honeymoon - first time vacationing without kids" tidbit! )

As for the champagne.... personally, I would just buy it at the hotel. I know it is more expensive, but I put a price on "hassle" too. I worry about it breaking in checked luggage, and I don't know that it will be much cheaper in the airport.

One of our favorite things to do is sit in the Dolphin lobby with a cocktail and "people watch". They make an AWESOME espresso martini....

On my trip last year, I wanted to bring wine and found glass bottles impractical. The grocery stores now sell small 8 oz plastic bottles in a carton of 4 bottles. I think it's Sutter Home and comes in 9 flavors, although I had to go to 4 different grocery store chains to find all kinds. I put the bottles in a large zip lock bag just in case and put in the suitcase with my clothing. Nothing was leaking or broken upon arrival.

 

[NancyIL]

On my trip last year, I wanted to bring wine and found glass bottles impractical. The grocery stores now sell small 8 oz plastic bottles in a carton of 4 bottles. I think it's Sutter Home and comes in 9 flavors, although I had to go to 4 different grocery store chains to find all kinds. I put the bottles in a large zip lock bag just in case and put in the suitcase with my clothing. Nothing was leaking or broken upon arrival.

The problem with putting beverages in checked luggage, besides the possibility of breakage/spillage, is the added weight and space. Unless you fly on Southwest, most airlines charge at least $15 for the first checked bag (50 pounds or less) and a higher fee for the 2nd bag.