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

[Music City Mama]

What am I supposed to do about this? I was just trying to reserve the Dolphin online for next June and I'm filling out the info re: credit card information. Well, my credit card expires in February (obviously, I'll get a new one in December or January with the new expiration date), but because my current credit card is not valid during my stay (next June), it won't let me reserve the room. I'm under the impression I get charged for one night’s stay at the time I place the reservation (and the credit card is valid now), so what's the problem? Do I just use another credit card now (which I'd rather not do) and then give them the credit card I want incidentals placed on (which is the one I have now that they won't accept) at check-in?

 

[Dan Murphy]

I would give the resort a call on that one, they will be able to do it on the phone.

 

[Gretchen]

Can anyone answer? Also, when trying to book the Dolphin for 5 people, they wanted to charge me an extra $25 for a cot. I thought there were specific rooms that slept 5? Is that our only option to get a cot? It may make me rethink and book deluxe to sleep 5 instead. Thanks.

Hi-As far as I know, you can have up to 5 folks in a room at the Dolphin, but they will charge you the 25 for a rollaway.
I would just call the hotel and book on the phone.
Good Luck-

 

[Music City Mama]

I would give the resort a call on that one, they will be able to do it on the phone.

Thanks, that's what I did -- I'm all set now.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Hi-As far as I know, you can have up to 5 folks in a room at the Dolphin, but they will charge you the 25 for a rollaway.
I would just call the hotel and book on the phone.
Good Luck-

Does the Dolphin have two doubles, plus a sofa bed?

 

[NancyIL]

Does the Dolphin have two doubles, plus a sofa bed?

I think sofabeds are only in king-bedded rooms.

 

[Zuzu03]

I think sofabeds are only in king-bedded rooms.

Yeah, we didn't have a sofa bed in our double room in July.

 

[disney4us2002]

We didn't have a sofa in our King room.

So dh's conference is again going to be held at the Dolphin in March. I guess it's a long shot but I'm wondering if anyone knows if I can reserve the room for the conference rate and then pay an upgrade fee at check in for a balcony? We had a terrible view last time and this time we're combining this trip with conference and 25th anniversary so I really want a better room, even if it means moving halfway thru the week. The conference in March 2010 coincided with Easter week so the resort was quite full (as were the parks) and we really didn't have many options as we were told the resort was at full capacity. This trip is 3/19-3/26 and I am really hoping there are way less people at the resort and the parks!!

I'm just starting to get excited about Disney again. We usually only go every 3-4 years so going back to back is really something!

 

[tuckerkeys]

Hi everyone we're hear now at the dolphin! Just wanted to say I tried the $20 tip upgrade trick at check in ( no flames please I decided to do it b/c it is not a Disney owned hotel ) and I went from standard to an alcove resort view room! It's awesome and huge!! Excellent with 2 adults and 2 kids! The check in employee was happy to do it and when I asked him if it was the norm he says they get it all the time, and if there is room they can accept the tip & move the guest. So no rules were broken! I also specifically asked for an alcove. We're here till the 13th and having all this space for a long time will be so nice!

 

[lissiesmum]

Hi everyone we're hear now at the dolphin! Just wanted to say I tried the $20 tip upgrade trick at check in ( no flames please I decided to do it b/c it is not a Disney owned hotel ) and I went from standard to an alcove resort view room! It's awesome and huge!! Excellent with 2 adults and 2 kids! The check in employee was happy to do it and when I asked him if it was the norm he says they get it all the time, and if there is room they can accept the tip & move the guest. So no rules were broken! I also specifically asked for an alcove. We're here till the 13th and having all this space for a long time will be so nice!

good for you! Enjoy your stay, and keep us posted

 

[travelfanatic]

Hi everyone we're hear now at the dolphin! Just wanted to say I tried the $20 tip upgrade trick at check in ( no flames please I decided to do it b/c it is not a Disney owned hotel ) and I went from standard to an alcove resort view room! It's awesome and huge!! Excellent with 2 adults and 2 kids! The check in employee was happy to do it and when I asked him if it was the norm he says they get it all the time, and if there is room they can accept the tip & move the guest. So no rules were broken! I also specifically asked for an alcove. We're here till the 13th and having all this space for a long time will be so nice!

Please tell me how this works exactly. I am going in two weeks & would love to get an upgrade for a $20 tip. What do I need to do? TIA for your help!!

 

[Mimi1965]

If you book a king at The Swan (or Dolphin) will you absolutely get it?

We are just a couple-older_ and I'm leaning for the Swan because if the King is unavailable they have 2 Queens

Thoughts?

 

[BadgerBruce]

We've pretty much decided to book the Swan for next April. My question is about the mini-fridge. When we last stayed there in 2003, they emptied the "booze fridge" (for a small fee) & we were to use it for a fridge. The problem was we ended up using a cooler instead because it just wasn't cold enough. Do they have something different now--something to keep oj & milk cold? Thanks. I'll go back to reading the rest of this thread--I'm up to page 100!!

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

Hi everyone we're hear now at the dolphin! Just wanted to say I tried the $20 tip upgrade trick at check in ( no flames please I decided to do it b/c it is not a Disney owned hotel ) and I went from standard to an alcove resort view room! It's awesome and huge!! Excellent with 2 adults and 2 kids! The check in employee was happy to do it and when I asked him if it was the norm he says they get it all the time, and if there is room they can accept the tip & move the guest. So no rules were broken! I also specifically asked for an alcove. We're here till the 13th and having all this space for a long time will be so nice!

No flames from me! I think that is excellent! My fear is that I will tip $20 and only get an upgrade worth $20...like a balcony. Plus, as an SPG member, I am *supposed* to get a complimentary upgrade "if available." If I could be sure I would get a big upgrade like you got, I would do it! But I guess you have to give the $20 and just hope for the best...and if you don't get an upgrade you can't say, "Ummm, can I please have my $20 back?" LOL

Anyway, have a great trip. Thanks for letting us know!

 

[Music City Mama]

No flames from me! I think that is excellent! My fear is that I will tip $20 and only get an upgrade worth $20...like a balcony. Plus, as an SPG member, I am *supposed* to get a complimentary upgrade "if available." If I could be sure I would get a big upgrade like you got, I would do it! But I guess you have to give the $20 and just hope for the best...and if you don't get an upgrade you can't say, "Ummm, can I please have my $20 back?" LOL

Anyway, have a great trip. Thanks for letting us know!

No flames from me either, but I'm with the poster above. I'd be worried that the $20 wouldn't get me much and then I just spent $20. I'm also hoping for that complimentary upgrade with SPG membership. But congratulations and enjoy your trip!

 

[Momtomouselover]

Hi everyone we're hear now at the dolphin! Just wanted to say I tried the $20 tip upgrade trick at check in ( no flames please I decided to do it b/c it is not a Disney owned hotel ) and I went from standard to an alcove resort view room! It's awesome and huge!! Excellent with 2 adults and 2 kids! The check in employee was happy to do it and when I asked him if it was the norm he says they get it all the time, and if there is room they can accept the tip & move the guest. So no rules were broken! I also specifically asked for an alcove. We're here till the 13th and having all this space for a long time will be so nice!

Wow! That sounds great. If they are allowed to do it then why not? How does it work? Do you honestly offer a $20 tip for them to look? OK...I just googled this and some consider it a bribe. Not sure I would have the guts to try...

 

[NancyIL]

We've pretty much decided to book the Swan for next April. My question is about the mini-fridge. When we last stayed there in 2003, they emptied the "booze fridge" (for a small fee) & we were to use it for a fridge. The problem was we ended up using a cooler instead because it just wasn't cold enough. Do they have something different now--something to keep oj & milk cold? Thanks. I'll go back to reading the rest of this thread--I'm up to page 100!!

There are no more mini-bar items in the small fridge. It was cold enough to keep water adequately cold.

 

[BadgerBruce]

There are no more mini-bar items in the small fridge. It was cold enough to keep water adequately cold.

Thanks for the info!

 

[SingingMom]

Just wondering, is there a morning coffee bar type place in the dolphin like there is in the swan or do we need to go to picabu's? I'm heading down there this Sunday and the coffee in the am at the swan on my last trip was delicious! We're trying the dolphin this trip

As previously mentioned, the Lobby Bar at the Dolphin offers breakfast muffins, etc, and coffee, tea, fruit. But, I will say, it's worth the stroll over to the Java Bar at the Swan. I thought the selection was nicer. (and they have iced coffee/tea selections - think "mini-Starbucks")

Only in my head, LOL.

Alas, no...the music doesn't travel that far. Still pretty to look at, though.

I have heard the music from Fantasmic! on occasions.

We've pretty much decided to book the Swan for next April. My question is about the mini-fridge. When we last stayed there in 2003, they emptied the "booze fridge" (for a small fee) & we were to use it for a fridge. The problem was we ended up using a cooler instead because it just wasn't cold enough. Do they have something different now--something to keep oj & milk cold? Thanks. I'll go back to reading the rest of this thread--I'm up to page 100!!

Real fridges now - cold enough for milk, juice, and soda.

 

[chimommy]

I posted this under theme parks..... but we are going to disney next week (staying at the dolphin) We have never been in sept. Just wondering if anyone has tips for dealing with the rain. we will have our 1yr old with us!

Thanks