Whoo-hoo!! Upgraded!!

[ofiesty4u]

My TA just called and said we were upgraded from CBR to the Dolphin!! Can I assume that this is very good??

Now I'm going to have do cram for information about the Dolphin!

 

[skiwee1]

Personally I'd rather stay at CBR. The Dolphin just doesn't have the Disney touch. It reminds me of any other hotel. I guess it depends on what you are looking for in a vacation.

 

[ofiesty4u]

Originally posted by skiwee1
Personally I'd rather stay at CBR. The Dolphin just doesn't have the Disney touch. It reminds me of any other hotel. I guess it depends on what you are looking for in a vacation.

hey, thanks for the truth!! Actually that might work out better, my hubby is worried he'll never want to hear the name Disney again after this...

hopefully now we can order a special thing or two for our anniversary, the CBR doesn't have special dining like that.

 

[>>^..^<<]

Congratulations... have fun.

The Dolphin is walking distance to EPCOT and a short boat ride from MGM

>>^..^<<

 

[inaminute]

I'm confused. How could you be upgraded from a Disney hotel to a non-Disney hotel? Isn't the Dolphin a Sheraton?


I've stayed there before, and it's nice. The last I knew you couldn't have packages sent there from the parks and I don't think we could charge things at the parks to our room key. We weren't overly impressed with the room size, but the hotel itself was fine.

 

[ofiesty4u]

Originally posted by >>^..^<<
Congratulations... have fun.

The Dolphin is walking distance to EPCOT and a short boat ride from MGM

>>^..^<<

I'm now gathering info on the dolphin and making mental notes...

BTW... I browsed your pics the other day, they're great!

 

[ofiesty4u]

Originally posted by inaminute
I'm confused. How could you be upgraded from a Disney hotel to a non-Disney hotel? Isn't the Dolphin a Sheraton?


I've stayed there before, and it's nice. The last I knew you couldn't have packages sent there from the parks and I don't think we could charge things at the parks to our room key. We weren't overly impressed with the room size, but the hotel itself was fine.

from what I understand it's located on disney property... it's listed within the "deluxe disney resorts"

my TA said "I just got a call from Disney..."

 

[inaminute]

Here you go. This is from the Starwood/Sheraton site. Might have a little more information for you:

<a href="http://www.starwood.com/sheraton/search/hotel_detail.html?city=&stateProvince=FL&country=US&postalCode=&streetAddress1=&hotelLocationType=&pOI=&arrivalDate=&departureDate=&lengthOfStay=&numberOfRooms=&numberOfAdults=&amenityType1=&amenityType2=&amenityType3=&nState1=&nState2=&nCity1=&nCity2=&requestedChainCode=SI&requestedAffiliationCode=SI&arrivalDateMonth=&arrivalDateDay=&arrivalDateYear=&departureDateMonth=&departureDateDay=&departureDateYear=&hcount=0&ratePlanName=&sortType=null&rpoi=&propertyID=468&rcdi=&linkbrand=&fromSearch=22XX&availURL=%2Fsheraton%2Fsearch%2Fpre_decider_all.html">Click Here</a>

 

[ofiesty4u]

Originally posted by inaminute
Here you go. This is from the Starwood/Sheraton site. Might have a little more information for you:

I've been reading a little on it... we don't mind about the not charging to the room thing, that's ok... anything we buy will be delivered to the "guest services" at the hotel... (from what I'm reading).

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

Swan/Dolphin is not a Disney resort but located on Disney property. Something does not sound right, Disney does not have anything to do with booking S/D. Your TA saying Disney called sounds a little fishy to me. ??
I would rather be at CBR also!

 

[swilphil]

We stayed at the Dolphin this summer. You will love it. The location, as others mentioned, is the best! You are so close to Epcot/MGM/Boardwalk that you can't help feel the Disney Magic. It's so nice to be able to walk or take a short boat ride to those parks, and not have to ride a bus everywhere, although the bus service to AK/MK is very good.

While you can't charge items to your room, I do believe you can have packages sent from the parks. You also have all the other perks that a Disney resort has. Besides Disney transportation, you may want to use Early Entry into the parks. The concierage desk at the Dolphin was very good at getting us PS's for several meals in the parks.

The Dolphin is currently undergoing renovations. If you are going within the next 5 or 6 months, they probably won't be done. I'd highly recommend getting a renovated room. They have the Heavenly Beds that the Swan has. Sign up at spg.com to be a Starwood Preferred Guest. It's free and it may help you get an upgraded room. You might also work with your travel agent on this when it gets closer to your trip.

Have fun!

 

[ofiesty4u]

Originally posted by BibbidiBobbidiBoo
Swan/Dolphin is not a Disney resort but located on Disney property. Something does not sound right, Disney does not have anything to do with booking S/D. Your TA saying Disney called sounds a little fishy to me. ??
I would rather be at CBR also!

I assume she was referring to whomever AAA agents deal with at Disney. Apparently Disney does have something to do with it, you can reserve a room directly from the Disney website.
edited to add: this is also a hotel option when booking a land/sea package.

Disney website

 

[inaminute]

I'm still suspicious of Disney sending guests to a non-Disney resort. It's just not a sound business practice. Were I still a stockholder I would definitely be looking into this.

You can find information about the Swan & Dolphin on the Disney website, but cannot book through them (I just tried it and neither are listed). The last time I tried to book, I had to call the Dolphin directly.

I think it's great if you're happy with the Dolphin. The location can't be beat! You just need to be aware that it's not a Disney hotel, and just didn't want you to be surprised.

Like I said earlier, the Dolphin is nice. You'll still have a good time. I did read about a $10.00 resort fee for each night. You might want to double check with your travel agent about that.

 

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by ofiesty4u
hey, thanks for the truth!! Actually that might work out better, my hubby is worried he'll never want to hear the name Disney again after this...

hopefully now we can order a special thing or two for our anniversary, the CBR doesn't have special dining like that.

LOL! Sounds like my husband! He would be much happier in a non Disney hotel then in one. It might be the best for you. Have a great trip!!

 

[Lori of the Lodge]

It would be difficult to say if one hotel was better than the other because they are so very different. Dolphin is a "resort hotel" with enclosed hallways and resort ammenities like health club & room service. Carribbean Beach is motel-style with room doors that open to the outside, rather than an enclosed hallway. However the theming at CBR makes it unique and magical.

I've stayed at the Dolphin and IMHO the prime location and deluxe accomodations made it more desirable than any of the Disney moderate resorts (CBR, POR or CS). The Grotto pool is really lovely and my nieces couldn't get enough of the waterslide and waterfalls. And when you are ready for some Disney magic just walk on over to the Boardwalk for great food and entertainment.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

The Dolphin is an option for Disney's Land and Sea Package, and is an "upgrade" over CBR. DCL has some arrangement worked out with the S/D, not sure exactly what it is. So, it would be right for Disney (actually, Disney Cruise Line) to call the TA and inform about an upgrade given.

The Dolphin is an excellent hotel, I'm sure you'll love it!

 

[ofiesty4u]

Originally posted by inaminute
I'm still suspicious of Disney sending guests to a non-Disney resort. It's just not a sound business practice. Were I still a stockholder I would definitely be looking into this.

You can find information about the Swan & Dolphin on the Disney website, but cannot book through them (I just tried it and neither are listed). The last time I tried to book, I had to call the Dolphin directly.

I think it's great if you're happy with the Dolphin. The location can't be beat! You just need to be aware that it's not a Disney hotel, and just didn't want you to be surprised.

Like I said earlier, the Dolphin is nice. You'll still have a good time. I did read about a $10.00 resort fee for each night. You might want to double check with your travel agent about that.

I don't know why I feel like I have to defend myself and give you proof of a "relationship".... but here's a quote directly from the disney site. you make my trip sound shady and I don't appreciate that at all.


Your Quote:



Itinerary: 3 Nights on Land / 4 Nights at Sea
Vacation Dates: October 16 - 23, 2003
Resort Stay:
October 16 - 19, 2003
Cruise:
October 19 - 23, 2003
Ship: Disney Wonder
Ship Accommodations: Deluxe Stateroom with Verandah
Resort: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
Party Size: 2 adults
Vacation Protection: Included in price
Ground Transfers: Included in price
Booking Code: Optional
Total Price: $3,239.70 (due now )

 

[inaminute]

Well...sheesh...if you're going on the cruise that makes all the difference! I didn't know that was the case.

All I read was that you were upgraded to the Dolphin from Caribbean Beach. I couldn't figure out how that could happen! Of course, the cruise line is like a different business, so would operate under different rules.

I certainly didn't mean to make you feel bad and I apologize if that is the case.

 

[ofiesty4u]

Originally posted by inaminute
Well...sheesh...if you're going on the cruise that makes all the difference! I didn't know that was the case.

All I read was that you were upgraded to the Dolphin from Caribbean Beach. I couldn't figure out how that could happen! Of course, the cruise line is like a different business, so would operate under different rules.

I certainly didn't mean to make you feel bad and I apologize if that is the case.

Thank you, THAT I do appreciate... I can go back to being excited for my upgrade now that my huffing is over...

We don't have any kids, so the upgrade to a more formal hotel does make the difference, especially as this is a special occassion.

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

If it is part of land/sea then it IS great! Enjoy! That piece of the puzzle was all that was needed .