The *NEW* SWAN & DOLPHIN RESORT Thread ~ April 2009 ~ Please read Post #1! - Page 7 - The DIS Discussion Forums

Mouseteacher · 04-21-2009, 05:41 AM

I believe you must be an AARP member ... same as being an AAA member to get their rate. I have both memberships (oops revealing my age bracket

)

But...

The best rate is the government/teacher/nurse rate. I am so thankful to Starwood for offering this rate. It is a first perk for teachers that I know of! I have used it several times at other Starwood properties and choose a Sheraton or Westin first because of this rate. Oh, and points, too.

LexiC123 · 04-21-2009, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TaraPA

I've always booked online through spg.com...if you see a lower rate & call they will apply the lower rate if it's available, and the same category you have booked.

That's good to know, thanks.

Have you ever made special requests when you book on-line? We'll be celebrating our 20th anniversary, so I was hoping for a little extra pixie dust, if you know what I mean.

Quote:

Originally Posted by anbouk

How do you get a AARP rate, do you have to become a member?

I wasn't asked for DH's membership number when I booked, but I assume that he'd have to produce his membership card when we checked in.

AARP sent DH membership info a week before his 50th birthday...he was not amused, LOL. He was actually going to let his membership lapse until I pointed out how much money we could save. Best $12.95 we ever spent!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mouseteacher

I believe you must be an AARP member ... same as being an AAA member to get their rate. I have both memberships (oops revealing my age bracket

)

But...

The best rate is the government/teacher/nurse rate. I am so thankful to Starwood for offering this rate. It is a first perk for teachers that I know of! I have used it several times at other Starwood properties and choose a Sheraton or Westin first because of this rate. Oh, and points, too.

Save room for me...I join your bracket next year!

TaraPA · 04-21-2009, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LexiC123

That's good to know, thanks.

Have you ever made special requests when you book on-line? We'll be celebrating our 20th anniversary, so I was hoping for a little extra pixie dust, if you know what I mean.

I have made comments on the online reservation (because DH is the actual Starwood Gold member, not me, and sometimes I travel without him - so I make sure my name is on there somewhere as his spouse) - but I've never made a room request on it. If you're an SPG member you'll get an upgrade automatically if one is available, so I just go & hope for the best!

I worked for AARP for 13 years - back then membership was only $5 - it's gone up!

lovingthemouse · 04-21-2009, 05:30 PM

Ok- finally have time to get on the internet. We stayed at the Dolphin on Thursday evening and they upgraded us to an east wing, Swan/Studio view!! Not only that but we had a tray of cheeses and crackers, fruit and a bottle of wine from the Fresh staff. I do have a friend who is an excellent waitstaff there. My late husband and I stayed there on a yearly basis and developed this fwonderful friendship over our stays.
For all of you heading this way, enjoy your trips!!!

MOM POPPINS · 04-21-2009, 05:33 PM

Sounds great Caroline! You deserve a great visit to WDW! I am happy its off to a great start! We are headed down 1 month from tomorrow, not that I am counting. I will cherish every moment of our trip.

Mouseteacher · 04-22-2009, 07:51 AM

Hi, Caroline! What a great way to begin your magical stay!

Deb0323 · 04-23-2009, 02:32 PM

I've read here on the boards that they have recently discontinued the wrist bands for EMH, and we have to show our room keys at every ride. Will this cause problems with CM's who aren't familiar with the Swan/Dolphin EMH policy, you think?

TaraPA · 04-23-2009, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deb0323

I've read here on the boards that they have recently discontinued the wrist bands for EMH, and we have to show our room keys at every ride. Will this cause problems with CM's who aren't familiar with the Swan/Dolphin EMH policy, you think?

I'm sure it won't be a problem. We stayed at The Dolphin in December & had to show our keys for EMH & it wasn't an issue at all.

Deb0323 · 04-23-2009, 02:42 PM

Great - good to know, thanks!

cpbjgc · 04-24-2009, 11:13 AM

I've seen a number of people mention you need to call to get the special rates (in our case, I was hoping to get a government employee rate for next January). For those that have called in the past, do you call the resort directly, or the reservations line?

Thanks!

Mouseteacher · 04-24-2009, 01:08 PM

I usually call the resort directly if I am not using any spg points and just using the teacher rate to book a ressie.

cpbjgc · 04-24-2009, 02:29 PM

Thanks for the tip Mouseteacher,

I just called, and they had a government rate of $209 at the Dolphin for 2 Double beds with a limited view (which was what they had on-line as well). Seems to me it should get better than that. Any thoughts on how far in advance they might release January rates (as there are no government rates or AAA at the Swan showing as yet)?

Mouseteacher · 04-24-2009, 03:42 PM

Hmmm...I called in January 09 for our July 09 ressie and the teacher rate was $149. That was 6 months in advance.

You could wait to book if your January stay isn't during a busy time and you wouldn't risk having the resort filled. However, perhaps it's best to book at the rate you were quoted and keep checking back for lower rates and have it changed then. You can cancel an existing ressie up to 5 days prior to arrival without incurring any penalties.

I am wondering if the rate is over $200 because January is busy and they fill quickly.

cpbjgc · 04-24-2009, 03:56 PM

I had the same thought and did book, with the intention of checking back periodically for lower rates.

We have gone in January several times (2002,2006, and 2007), and generally find it's not very busy at all, but we never stayed at the Swan or Dolphin before, so maybe convention season is in full swing then?

Considering the rates they were offering in June and July of this year, which is way busier than January, I think they will likely release some lower rates (it's just a question of when

)

FlounderFish · 04-26-2009, 11:40 AM

Headed to Swan in July. What is the story with the mini-fridge? Can I use it to store a half-gallon of milk, Juice, etc., for breakfast? Will I get charged if I "break the seal"?

04-21-2009, 05:41 AM	#91
Mouseteacher Being tagged makes you feel warm and fuzzy! Now knows the truth 3 tags = perfection Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Boston Proud Posts: 3,842	I believe you must be an AARP member ... same as being an AAA member to get their rate. I have both memberships (oops revealing my age bracket ) But... The best rate is the government/teacher/nurse rate. I am so thankful to Starwood for offering this rate. It is a first perk for teachers that I know of! I have used it several times at other Starwood properties and choose a Sheraton or Westin first because of this rate. Oh, and points, too. __________________

04-21-2009, 05:30 PM	#94
lovingthemouse You must believe......and then send cold, hard cash!!! ;) magic is in the heart of the beholder... Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: western MA Posts: 4,281	Ok- finally have time to get on the internet. We stayed at the Dolphin on Thursday evening and they upgraded us to an east wing, Swan/Studio view!! Not only that but we had a tray of cheeses and crackers, fruit and a bottle of wine from the Fresh staff. I do have a friend who is an excellent waitstaff there. My late husband and I stayed there on a yearly basis and developed this fwonderful friendship over our stays. For all of you heading this way, enjoy your trips!!! __________________

04-21-2009, 05:33 PM	#95
MOM POPPINS I keep getting SOUVENIRS (wink) when I go to WDW! Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Trenton, Texas Posts: 3,481	Sounds great Caroline! You deserve a great visit to WDW! I am happy its off to a great start! We are headed down 1 month from tomorrow, not that I am counting. I will cherish every moment of our trip. __________________ Me DH DD23 DD18 DD15 DD11 DS9 2000 Dixie Landing HIFS '01 Contemporary/Dolphin 2 Trips '02 Dolphin '03 Dolphin '04 BWV/WLV '05 BWV/BCV 2 Trips '06 BWV/Dolphin/Saratoga/OKW 3 Trips '07 BWV/SSR 2 trips '08 BWV May/November '09 BWV March/May/Nov 2010 20th. POR AKL Villa's May 2011BWV September 2011 BWV January 2012 AKL Villa's May 2012 Saratoga Springs December 2012 May 2013 AKL

04-22-2009, 07:51 AM	#96
Mouseteacher Being tagged makes you feel warm and fuzzy! Now knows the truth 3 tags = perfection Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Boston Proud Posts: 3,842	Hi, Caroline! What a great way to begin your magical stay! __________________

04-24-2009, 11:13 AM	#100
cpbjgc Earned My Ears We cannot lose the kitchen Who knew I had no pictures of Frontierland? Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 1,562	Question on rates I've seen a number of people mention you need to call to get the special rates (in our case, I was hoping to get a government employee rate for next January). For those that have called in the past, do you call the resort directly, or the reservations line? Thanks! __________________ Winnipeg: it may be cold, but Winnie liked it! Feel free to check out my photos, or photos of our last trip to WDW. (Me) (DW) (DS16) (DD10)

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04-23-2009, 02:32 PM	#97
Deb0323 Earning My Ears Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 28	I've read here on the boards that they have recently discontinued the wrist bands for EMH, and we have to show our room keys at every ride. Will this cause problems with CM's who aren't familiar with the Swan/Dolphin EMH policy, you think?

04-23-2009, 02:42 PM	#99
Deb0323 Earning My Ears Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 28	Great - good to know, thanks!

04-24-2009, 01:08 PM	#101
Mouseteacher Being tagged makes you feel warm and fuzzy! Now knows the truth 3 tags = perfection Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Boston Proud Posts: 3,842	I usually call the resort directly if I am not using any spg points and just using the teacher rate to book a ressie. __________________

04-24-2009, 02:29 PM	#102
cpbjgc Earned My Ears We cannot lose the kitchen Who knew I had no pictures of Frontierland? Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 1,562	January 2010 Thanks for the tip Mouseteacher, I just called, and they had a government rate of $209 at the Dolphin for 2 Double beds with a limited view (which was what they had on-line as well). Seems to me it should get better than that. Any thoughts on how far in advance they might release January rates (as there are no government rates or AAA at the Swan showing as yet)? __________________ Winnipeg: it may be cold, but Winnie liked it! Feel free to check out my photos, or photos of our last trip to WDW. (Me) (DW) (DS16) (DD10)

04-24-2009, 03:42 PM	#103
Mouseteacher Being tagged makes you feel warm and fuzzy! Now knows the truth 3 tags = perfection Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Boston Proud Posts: 3,842	Hmmm...I called in January 09 for our July 09 ressie and the teacher rate was $149. That was 6 months in advance. You could wait to book if your January stay isn't during a busy time and you wouldn't risk having the resort filled. However, perhaps it's best to book at the rate you were quoted and keep checking back for lower rates and have it changed then. You can cancel an existing ressie up to 5 days prior to arrival without incurring any penalties. I am wondering if the rate is over $200 because January is busy and they fill quickly. __________________

04-24-2009, 03:56 PM	#104
cpbjgc Earned My Ears We cannot lose the kitchen Who knew I had no pictures of Frontierland? Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 1,562	I did book at that rate I had the same thought and did book, with the intention of checking back periodically for lower rates. We have gone in January several times (2002,2006, and 2007), and generally find it's not very busy at all, but we never stayed at the Swan or Dolphin before, so maybe convention season is in full swing then? Considering the rates they were offering in June and July of this year, which is way busier than January, I think they will likely release some lower rates (it's just a question of when ) __________________ Winnipeg: it may be cold, but Winnie liked it! Feel free to check out my photos, or photos of our last trip to WDW. (Me) (DW) (DS16) (DD10)

04-26-2009, 11:40 AM	#105
FlounderFish Earning My Ears Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 36	Refrigerator at Swan Headed to Swan in July. What is the story with the mini-fridge? Can I use it to store a half-gallon of milk, Juice, etc., for breakfast? Will I get charged if I "break the seal"? __________________ Flounder Glub, Glub!

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