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

[Mousecat]

Thank you LexiC123 for the great tips. Only two more weeks!

 

[Dan Murphy]

.....Even better, if you belong to AAA, enroll in Starwood through them to receive additional benefits such as room upgrades, late checkout and double Starpoints for every dollar spent.....

AAA also gives you 20% off at the non-signature restaurants.

 

[LexiC123]

Thank you LexiC123 for the great tips. Only two more weeks!

You're welcome. Just passing on what I've learned from others in this thread.

AAA also gives you 20% off at the non-signature restaurants.

And this is the second year in a row that I've had my AAA card sitting in my wallet, and forgot to use it! Old age is for the birds, I tell ya!

 

[Susanne]

Susanne, we had the exact same rate! The buy 1 night get the 2nd at 50% off......Let us know if you decide to do it! I was also super nice, cheerful and had a smile on, this helps a lot too!!

Maybe I will be brave and try it, I guess I have nothing to lose. And yes, I totally agree that a big smile and a kind attitude go a long way (and I try to do that anyway, whether I'm fishing for something or not!).

 

[PaDisneyCouple]

A co-worker checks in to the Dolphin in less than 3 weeks, for an 8 night stay. He and his wife will celebrate their first anniversary there. They've already got BZ, Shula's, and possibly Il Mulino plans. Any special Swan/Dolphin romantic ideas that I could pass along to them. How is the Japanese restaurant there?

 

[SingingMom]

Hello! We are taking our first trip to S/D in a little over a month and are very excited. We are staying on starwood points for a week. Our reservation is at Dolphin, but now I'm having second thoughts. If you had two children ages 1 and 4 which would you stay at, swan or dolphin? I only see us using the grotto pool one or two times while we are there. Any food we eat at the resort would be ala carte. I appreciate the help and advice

Also to Lexi, how did you get the birthday treatment? I know it doesn't happen for everyone but I want to give it a shot It will be my husband's 30th while we are there and I'd love for him to get something special. Did you mention it on check in?

Thank you so much all for your help!

Personally, I'd stay at the Dolphin with kids. The ala carte choices for meals are better - and Picabu's is open 24/7, if you need it. Even the lobby is a nice place for them to walk around a little and look at the fountain. I think the Swan is more intimate than you would want for a 1 and 4 year old.

 

[Susanne]

I found the info again--it's in the email confirmation the Swan sent when I made my reservation. It says:

"Package Handling Policy
There is a package handling fee for all incoming and outbound packages. Please contact the hotel directly for the exact fee"

So, has anyone been charged for incoming packages? I emailed the Swan directly and haven't heard back yet.

I finally heard back from the Swan today, here's what they said:

"Thank you for choosing the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort.
There is handling fee of $.70 a pound, per package that is received. Be
sure to include your full name and dates that you are staying."

I've already got several packages on the way there, so we'll see how much I rack up in handling charges.

 

[kaffinito]

Hi,

I was looking on the Swan website today for a room in the middle of November. The rooms that came up were Traditional rooms and Deluxe rooms. I looked to see if I could figure out what the difference is, with no luck, so I'm hoping that someone on here can tell me please.

TIA!
Karen

 

[rie'smom]

Hi,

I was looking on the Swan website today for a room in the middle of November. The rooms that came up were Traditional rooms and Deluxe rooms. I looked to see if I could figure out what the difference is, with no luck, so I'm hoping that someone on here can tell me please.

TIA!
Karen

Here's a link for a 360 of a deluxe alcove:
http://iceportal.com/brochures/partners/2634/vr.aspx?mediaid=477310

Here's a link to a 360 of a traditional room:
http://iceportal.com/brochures/partners/2634/vr.aspx?mediaid=475668

 

[kaffinito]

Here's a link for a 360 of a deluxe alcove:
http://iceportal.com/brochures/partners/2634/vr.aspx?mediaid=477310

Here's a link to a 360 of a traditional room:
http://iceportal.com/brochures/partners/2634/vr.aspx?mediaid=475668

Oh! I was wondering if that was the difference, or if it had to do with the view. Thank you!

 

[rie'smom]

You're welcome!

 

[becky11]

Less than a week until I check into the Dolphin. I'm debating on whether I want to try for an upgrade or not. It's my first stay, and I kinda suck at that kind of thing. I'm really just happy to be there, so if I don't get an upgrade, it won't hurt my feelings.

 

[chicagoshannon]

does anyone know if the nurse rates have been released for 2011 yet? I checked dreams unlimited but it says nothing has been released past 2010. But on the spg site I can get an AAA discount right now. Maybe I'll just call and ask.

 

[chicagoshannon]

Ok I just called and they gave us a rate of $184. Does that seem high still? Seems kind of high to me. We booked it but will cancel if something better comes up.

This is for a stay on June 3 (a Friday).

 

[Dan Murphy]

Less than a week until I check into the Dolphin. I'm debating on whether I want to try for an upgrade or not. It's my first stay, and I kinda suck at that kind of thing. I'm really just happy to be there, so if I don't get an upgrade, it won't hurt my feelings.

Absolutely ask!!! Worse they can say is, no. Best, a nice upgrade. Enjoy your trip.

On the teacher rates, Shannon, all I see is through end of 2010....

http://www.swandolphin.com/offers/teachers/index.html

 

[Phlip]

Ok I just called and they gave us a rate of $184. Does that seem high still? Seems kind of high to me. We booked it but will cancel if something better comes up.

This is for a stay on June 3 (a Friday).

I was quoted 190.00 incl. taxes & fees standard with my AAA. For a 7 nite starting 18th June.

 

[Phlip]

So since I have nothing better to do.....
I was reading the posts about comp'd upgrades. When we go in June we will be traveling with another family-so 2 rooms-and will be celebrating special events. Anyone ever get a comp'd upgrade for their whole ressie? 2 rooms?
Just wonderin'

 

[chicagoshannon]

I was quoted 190.00 incl. taxes & fees standard with my AAA. For a 7 nite starting 18th June.

whoa that's a better rate then us. with taxes/fees ours is 204. UGH i thought the nurse/teacher rate was supposed to be the best deal. I'm guessing we'll be changing our reservation at some point.

 

[kleldridge]

I just booked for October, 2011 and got the teacher rate. It's a resort view with balcony for 219 a night + tax. Seems a little high but hopefully something will come along.

 

[Pooh&OurHunny]

I have been trying for a couple of months booking for a stay Dec 3-11. Last week, my husband was able to book 2 nights at Swan and then we are switching to CSR for rest of our stay (we have to pay next month b/c we booked a package) what our are changes they will be rooms from Dec 5-11. I know Swan/Dolphin is a convention center. He was able to book the 2 nights at the SPG site.
Any insite what convention in Swan for this time period. When do they start release the rooms back to the public?
Thanks