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

[Poohlovr]

Read my reply to him/her.
It's always been the policy that upgrades were only guaranteed to gold/platinum. I have found that preferred will be upgraded if any are available.

 

[lissiesmum]

Hi guys, it's been awhile! Hope everyone is well. I was wondering approx when the teacher discounts come out over the summer, and if it is usually posted somewhere, or do you guys usually come here and let others know if you see that the discounts are out? They told me to call back in July or August, but I want to make sure I'm on top of it and don't miss out since we'll be traveling during peak season!

Also, quick question: I originally booked the Dolphin with the Epcot fireworks view and balcony, but I decided to do a split stay with the AKL CL, so I will be booking just a standard room now...I was just wondering if all standard views are created equal, or does the Swan or Dolphin have something in particular I could request just in case? Thanks!

anyone?? Thanks if you can help

 

[Poohlovr]

I'm sorry- not being a teacher, I have no idea about those discounts. I would just call every Friday afternoon and ask, to be honest.

No, there is a difference in standard views-from the famous "dumpster" view to a lovely view of the fountain and lawn to a view of the Swan. You can request a pool or Boardwalk view. They are upgraded views, but the Dolphin is good about upgrades. Are you a member of SPG?

 

[hookedup]

It has been since 2006 since our last visit. Is there wi-fi (wireless not Ethernet) in all the rooms at the Dolphin? I think at my last visit I had to use a cable for my laptop.
DH just got a wi-fi iPad and we were going to bring it if there is wireless in the rooms - anyone use an iPad or iPod Touch there with wi-fi? Thanks!!

 

[TaraPA]

It has been since 2006 since our last visit. Is there wi-fi (wireless not Ethernet) in all the rooms at the Dolphin? I think at my last visit I had to use a cable for my laptop.
DH just got a wi-fi iPad and we were going to bring it if there is wireless in the rooms - anyone use an iPad or iPod Touch there with wi-fi? Thanks!!

We were there in Feb. & there was no wireless wi-fi in the rooms. You can pay to connect - actually it's included in the daily resort fee.

As for the automatic upgrades - I asked when I was at the front desk once - (but we all know you can get different answers based on whom you ask!) - SPG Preferred & Gold get complimentary upgrades only when availalbe - Platinum is guaranteed. We've been Preferred & Gold for all of our stays & have found that when the hotel is full to capacity (as it often is at S/D), you're out of luck. I had the infamous dumpster view in 2007. No worries for me though, I don't go looking for freebies, I pay for what I want & expect nothing more, then am pleasantly surprised with any upgrade!

 

[Dan Murphy]

......SPG Preferred & Gold get complimentary upgrades only when availalbe - Platinum is guaranteed.....

Platinum is subject to availability also. I think the main difference between gold and platinum is the level of the upgrade.

Gold will give you an upgrade, typically one level....


Enhanced Rooms. Rather than redeeming Starpoints for a better room, you’re entitled to an automatic room upgrade at check-in when one is available. An enhanced room includes rooms on higher floors, corner rooms, newly renovated rooms, or rooms with preferred views. Subject to availability at check-in for the length of the stay, provided the room was not booked through a pre-paid third-party channel. Preferred Rooms do not include suites. This benefit is not offered at Aloft and Element properties.



Whereas Platinum will upgrade you to the best rooms (some exclusions)....

Our Best Rooms. Expect automatic upgrades at check-in, including Standard Suites. Subject to availability at check-in for the length of the stay, provided the room was not booked through a pre-paid third-party channel. Specialty Suites such as, but not limited to, premium view, Presidential, Honeymoon, and multiple bedroom suites are excluded. This benefit does not apply to all-suite hotels. Best rooms are identified by each property and may not include upgraded Towers level accommodations unless Towers level accommodations are booked originally. The upgrade benefit is available for one room for the personal use of the Member only, regardless of the number of additional rooms purchased by the Member. This benefit is not offered at Aloft and Element properties..


https://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/account/member_benefits/gold_preferred.html

https://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/account/member_benefits/platinum_preferred.html

With Preferred, I think it is at the discretion of the hotel, not necessarily an SPG stated policy of the membership. However, any good hotel, and certainly S/D are among the best, would try to upgrade some, if possible and available, and they do.

 

[SingingMom]

However, any good hotel, and certainly S/D are among the best....

You said it, Dan!!

 

[Ello Poppet]

ok I leave in 16 days!!! getting nervous about my dolphin stay please help me out hahha. I always stay Disney property love love love Yacht and Beach tell me I'm gonna be ok hahah

 

[SingingMom]

ok I leave in 16 days!!! getting nervous about my dolphin stay please help me out hahha. I always stay Disney property love love love Yacht and Beach tell me I'm gonna be ok hahah

Read the last 196 pages and I think you'll be just fine.

 

[NancyIL]

ok I leave in 16 days!!! getting nervous about my dolphin stay please help me out hahha. I always stay Disney property love love love Yacht and Beach tell me I'm gonna be ok hahah

I've stayed at BCV with a friend a few times, but the only advantage to me was Magical Express and a shorter walk to Epcot. I think you'll be just fine at the Dolphin.

 

[Ello Poppet]

I know I have haha I know I'm being crazy i really do, but there is just something about Yacht and Beach club that makes me feel at home when I walk in. I can't explain it I send clients all over and tell them to try new places and I have stayed in every DIsney property and have visited the swan and dolphin and I know its beautiful. We also really really love the sab pool at the Y and B how do you think the pool compares?

 

[SingingMom]

I know I have haha I know I'm being crazy i really do, but there is just something about Yacht and Beach club that makes me feel at home when I walk in. I can't explain it I send clients all over and tell them to try new places and I have stayed in every DIsney property and have visited the swan and dolphin and I know its beautiful. We also really really love the sab pool at the Y and B how do you think the pool compares?

How much time do you spend at the pool? We are have one in our backyard, so we are spoiled.

We usually end up at Blizzard Beach for one morning and a few times during our stay we take a dip in the Grotto Pool. I've heard great things about SAB pool, but the Grotto Pool area is really beautiful, too. The waterfalls, the Cabana Bar, the lap pool, the beach. It is very relaxing. We just find we never really "relax" on a Disney vacation. (this year we are really going to try!!!)

 

[diskids2]

We were there in Feb. & there was no wireless wi-fi in the rooms. You can pay to connect - actually it's included in the daily resort fee.

As for the automatic upgrades - I asked when I was at the front desk once - (but we all know you can get different answers based on whom you ask!) - SPG Preferred & Gold get complimentary upgrades only when availalbe - Platinum is guaranteed. We've been Preferred & Gold for all of our stays & have found that when the hotel is full to capacity (as it often is at S/D), you're out of luck. I had the infamous dumpster view in 2007. No worries for me though, I don't go looking for freebies, I pay for what I want & expect nothing more, then am pleasantly surprised with any upgrade!

I don't even know where my wire is anymore! I guess I have something to do now!

 

[SingingMom]

I don't even know where my wire is anymore! I guess I have something to do now!

If I remember correctly, the phone jack wire is already in the room, you just plug in your computer to it...

 

[Poohlovr]

If I remember correctly, the phone jack wire is already in the room, you just plug in your computer to it...

And if it's not, you can call the front desk and they'll have one brought to you (voice of experience speaking, here).
Afterwards, they called and asked if we preferred chocolates, $15.00 off of our bill or something else that I can't remember for our trouble. I told them we didn't need anything, but they insisted they had to do something, so we took the $15.00. Crazy.

 

[SingingMom]

And if it's not, you can call the front desk and they'll have one brought to you (voice of experience speaking, here).
Afterwards, they called and asked if we preferred chocolates, $15.00 off of our bill or something else that I can't remember for our trouble. I told them we didn't need anything, but they insisted they had to do something, so we took the $15.00. Crazy.

Oh, DEFINITELY the $15 over the chocolates! Now... wine... champagne... an ESPRESSO MARTINI?!....

Seriously, that's why we love the Dolphin so much - Customer Service!

 

[Dan Murphy]

The cable is on the desk, in a metal type, hockey puck sized (hmm, I have hockey on my mind, go Blackhawks!! ) that can't be removed very easily. It is always there now,

 

[ImprovGal]

The cable is on the desk, in a metal type, hockey puck sized (hmm, I have hockey on my mind, go Blackhawks!! ) that can't be removed very easily. It is always there now,

Unless you're in one of the deluxe alcove rooms or the parlor room of a suite at the Dolphin. In those cases, the wire is "conveniently" located next to the television and frequently too far from the desk for the cable to reach. Sigh.

 

[diskids2]

Unless you're in one of the deluxe alcove rooms or the parlor room of a suite at the Dolphin. In those cases, the wire is "conveniently" located next to the television and frequently too far from the desk for the cable to reach. Sigh.

Too funny....we are booked into the deluxe alcove rooms!

On a side note about the service at the Dolphin from my past experiences...it is great! I might have picked the chocolate though...in fact maybe I should go and get some.... On the other hand, I'm trying to slim down for my trip!

BTW this will be our first stay in those rooms....they sound nice...just having some extra room ... I'm looking forward to it...we got a good rate for them with the gov't rate....$184 plus resort fee and taxes, etc.

 

[ckelly14]

I recently moved my vacation from the first week in December to Thanksgiving week due to the lack of any available suites. I was told there was a "huge conference" the first week of December. By moving to the week of 11/21, we have our pick of various suites. SPG tells me that the cost of a suite upgrade to an executive suite and a "Grand Suite" is the same.

Anyone stay in a "Grand Suite" in the past? I believe only the executive suites in the Dolphin have the pull down Murphy bed, which we really want. I was told by the SPG rep that the Grand Suites were recently refurbished.
Any comments?