Starwood Preferred Guest - Walt Disney World Dolphin - Orlando [Master Thread]

I've just booked 2 rooms (one Free Friday) on Fri 30th March for the Dolphin at Disney.

Can anyone help with suggstions on the best rooms to request, bearing in mind that the FF room and the other was at lowest rates.

Any other suggestions - we're only at the Dolphin for one night, but are staying in the the Hilton from the previous Tues to Thurs.

Thanx http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Are you any sort of elite with Starwood? If so, it doesn't matter whether you are using a FF or paying. You will generally be treated much better.

Not elite yet, but will try with the JAL JMB promotion !!!!! (Tomorrow !!!) http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Stayed at the Dolphin last year for 3 nights. As a Platinum got access to the hospitality area even on an award stay. Rooms were not huge.

Ask for a room with a view of the park.

The hotel is fine (showing its age a bit, and watch out if there is a huge conference going on) but ithas a great location. You can walk to EPCOT or take a boat to either EPCOT or the Studios. And the activities along the boardwalk are fun.

Enjoy your trip.

Please forgive me in advance if I get my Dolphins and Swans mixed up..LOL.. It's been a year since I last stayed there. I am pretty sure the Dolphin is the one: Request a corner room, with large balcony, facing Epcot, preferably in the wing closest to the Yacht Club. These rooms have large balconies off the sides that have a great view of the fireworks (at least the ones above the ground).. Last year we actually downgraded to these from Club rooms, and went down/up/down to get to lounge.. The Club level rooms had no balconies (last yr) and I feel a balcony is a must, esp with a great view. Doublecheck the room to make sure that it is not at "palm tree level" though, as that will completely block the view! Good luck!

Lol.. Speaking about avoiding conventions.. Last year, there was a group at the Dolphin and they had the Beach Boys playing in a private room.. Since wife and kids are huge fans, (and since I attend these functions constantly), I talked to an attendee in the lobby who walked all of us into the concert.. We had a GREAT time!! Sometimes those conventions aren't really a problem! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

[This message has been edited by Fishbait (edited 02-27-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Fishbait (edited 02-27-2001).]

I don't think you'll be dealing with conventioneers on March 30th. That's the height of Spring Break!!

Heading down to a conference at the Dolphin. Never been to the hotel. Any advice on what type of room to request? Where is the best location in the hotel? View? Quiet and no noise? I am NOT heading down w/the kids or the wife so I hope to get some sun and peace and quiet and avoid the families (if possible). Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

i see that you are new to flyertalk. welcome. bienvenido (sp?).

you might want to do a search on the dolphin using the search key in the upper right corner. there are literally scads of threads on this property. i would venture to say that this property and the NYC properties have the highest post counts.

then, if you don't see your question answered, ask your question in the most applicable thread. that way, all of the posts on this property can be in one (or two) nice, neat, tidy spots.

gracias.

[This message has been edited by fly co to see the yanks (edited 04-03-2003).]

Could use some help. I have reservations for the Walt Disney Dolphin for mid-November of this year for 2 adults and 2 children in a standard room. I already have enough SPG points (I'm a Gold member) for the 1,000 points a night upgrade. Is this the upgrade to Club Level privs or are their other options? I may (just may) be able to get to the next upgrade level of 1,500 points a night. Is this upgrade for a Suite? And if so, do Club Level privs come with this automatically? Or would I need to ask for this as an extra upgrade? Would appreciate any and all help! THANKS, in advance!
Kapp

welcome. i would first do a search on flyertalk for what you are looking for (either using the terms "upgrade and points" or something like that).

the search button is in the upper right portion of the screen.

http://www.starwood.com/preferredguest/starpoints/redeem_landing.html#3

Is there a guest laundry at the Dolphin? I assume we can use the hotel, but we are traveling with a baby and would prefer to clean her clothes, if needed, ourselves. The two older boys are fine, but babies are babies.

There IS a self service guest laundry at the Dolphin... there isn't one at the Swan however, you have to carry it over to the Dolphin.

Thanks!

You won't have any problem getting a washer, but keep an eye (or two or three) out for a dryer. They are very slow and the line gets long.

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mailto:djohnson@TravelFromAtoZ.comdjohnson@TravelF romAtoZ.com</A>

What should I expect to upgrade to? Is their a club level lounge (what amenities)?

Any other info to pass on would help.

Very impressed with Dolphin platinum treatment. Status acknowledged at check-in. Platinum amenity card given. Past stay was upgraded to club floor room with adjoining parlor. Club floor rooms are newly renovated with PT Simmons Beauty Rest mattress for Starwood and Westin type linens. The new decor is very attractive. King room also had sofa bed that opened to twin. Parlor was the size of 2 individual rooms with a double Murphy bed and a sofa that pulled out to about a Queen size bed. Small table and chairs. Parlor had an extra bathroom with a shower/bathtub and an additional minibar, tv, safe, etc. This was our first suite upgrade at Swan/ Dolphin. Other stays always upgraded as platinum to club or given club access. Club is open for breakfast and in eve for appetizers (1 hot), fruit, cheese, veg, soft drinks, etc. Lady working in eve in club went out of her way to help us. Turn down service in evening. Amenity and points posted about 2 days after check out.

The Swan is my favorite, but we are splitting our stay between the two this trip (23 days) so that we can see the upgrades at the Dolphin. The club is great (wish it was open during the afternoon) at the Swan and I expect no less at the Dolphin since Mama T is splitting her days between the two now.

The service from these hotels are wonderful, friendly, happy to help. Like Disney Resorts USED to be. Platinums are always upgraded if possible, I know we have been. This time it's a suite upgrade at both hotels.

All of that and discounts that are not available at any other Disney resort, oh and the all important POINTS of course! ;)

If you get the end room with the balcony, you may want to ask whether it faces Epcot. If so, you can see the fireworks. Our was on the other side of the hall and with a sleeping baby, we were happy with the location.
Also, I think we were on the 6th floor. If we were one floor lower, we would have had the palm trees in the way of our view.
We got the upgrade, even though we were staying on a free night. Very nice.
A couple of complaints. We were there during a convention. They said the self parking was just a few feet away. The lot was packed and I ended up with a space a few feet (about 5000 of them) away. It looked like I got the last space available. Not sure where I would have had to of parked if it was not available. There were other cars circling, looking for spots. I just lucked out.
We had a couple issues with our room. One was corrected, one was not. But at no time did they offer us any compensation. I did not press them or even suggest it.
Overall, the staff and hotel was great. Would go back again.

Since someone mentioned the Swan... We were there over the weekend. I posted some photos online in case anyone is interested.

View WDW Swan Photos (http://public.fotki.com/flyertalk)

We knew in advance we were upgraded by looking at our reservation at spg.com. Thank you Dolphin. Upon check-in our room was not ready. The front desk staff took our cell phone number and called fortunately before we left the property. Was not offered a P amenity and given card after asking. Points please. The Club is located on 12. There are a total of 20 floors. The Club is open for continental breakfest at 7:00 AM until 10:00 AM. On Sunday until 10:30 AM. It does not reopen until 5:00 PM offering some cold items and one hot item. The Club room was newly renovated and nice in that Disney sort of way. The odd number rooms face the Swan. When looking towards the Dolphin try and get a room to the far left side. These rooms overlook the lake and you can see the fireworks from Epcot every evening at 9:00 PM.

Some pointers. Check the mini bar when you arrive into your room. This was our biggest complaint. It took our entire two day stay to get a charge off our room. When we arrived we noted and called down about it having been used. It took three more calls. Also we noted lapses in room cleaning especially with clean but soiled bedsheets and pillow cases.

Have change in the form of dollar bills and quarters before you leave MCO. You will most likely be directed towards the Florida turnpike which means tolls. It was about 30 minutes plus in each direction. If we remember correctly $2 to WDW and $2.50 from WDW. The worst is that when you get on the turnpike from WDW you must deposit 50 cents in cash. No toll attendent. So get or take some change.

Parking. There is no charge for self parking at the Dolphin. Reach the lot by driving to the next entrance AFTER the Dolphin entrance sign. Make a immediate right into lot. The sign does say self parking is to the left. But we have and continue to use this lot with no problem. I think they try to keep it clear to expand their valet section when they wish. A much closer walk to the convention center entrance which winds into the Resort area.

There is a $10 resort fee.

Kimonos is a restaurant located in the Swan. A good value IMHO. Has a short menu but more than enough to make a meal.

The Sheraton Service Promise is quoted even with the Dolphin being a Westin. Press 66 for assistance. I did not test the Promise since we were pretty happy.

Outlets are plentiful in Orlando. There is a Orlando Premium outlet pretty close to WDW and another one down International Drive towards the end of it. At the MCO Premium take your AAA card to the info station in the food court for a discount coupon book. A good value. You can also buy it for $5. The other complex down International Drive is in two different sections. The outdoor one has a Coach, Ann Taylor and Off Saks Fifth. Good size stores. The Coach at this outlet center has a much better selection. Get your discount book at the cashier counter at Off Saks Fifth. Back of this complex. Fortunately we did not make it to the other complex.

Lines at MCO look long but are not that bad. The TSA representative was saying two hours but that would be on the high side. The move pretty efficient. Also UA has a RCC just beyond gate 42. Nice and spacious. The UA line is a problem even for persons in F. Slow as heck. Finally resorted to easy check-in. The line for Y is pretty bad. So try easy check-in.

You will get a USA Today. The Club has the NY Times, WSJ and Orlando Sentinel. So get all you papers there. A strict sign in policy with names/room numbers checked promptly. Free high speed internet access in rooms with a number of wireless connections popping up. A Hess gas station before the Resort offers a good value to fill the tank before you return the car. BTW. I priced my Avis rental again before flying and saved another $30 on our two night rental. FYI. We that is it. If I think of anything else will advise. Oh. The sell park tickets in the lobby. They can also read your old cards and tell you what you have left. Before we needed to visit the park. Good deal. Also I believe on M W and F they have a $12 special for more time in the park if you have a Park Hopper ticket. This is evening bonus time with access to only I believe eight of the most popular rides. Enjoy.

Note: The WDW Dolphin is a Sheraton-branded resort, ergo the mention of the Sheraton Service Promise. The WDW Swan is branded as a Westin resort.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

RTW,
Timely post, my family and I arrive there on June 17th. Appreciate the report.
John

I stand happily corrected again.

BTW. I used to stay at the Swan before "finding" the Dolphin. The rooms above the Club level in the Swan have HVAC units and are rocking/rolling all night long. Hence the Dolphin.

FYI. Our credit card was charged for the mini bar item that went back and forth after we checked out. I called the Resort to get it taken off ala extension 66.

FYI. Our credit card was charged for the mini bar item that went back and forth after we checked out. I called the Resort to get it taken off ala extension 66.

If that doesn't work, call Hotel Customer Service. 800-328-6242.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

If I'm not mistaken, the Coral Cafe at the Dolphin may still have a character breakfast (buffet) on Sunday mornings. Chip, Dale, and Goofy. Since the summer is busy, and you may not be able to get reservations for character dining, this might be a solution.

Disney Dining 407-939-DINE

Dolphin Hotel: 407-934-4000

When we were waiting to get into Kimonos at the Swan Resort I asked the Cafe about Disney friends. The Cafe at the Swan had Disney friends in the evening and at breakfest. FYI.

I've stayed at the Dolphin twice as Platinum SPG and both times recieved a Jr. Suite with CL privs. We requested the far east wing with an Epcot view instead of the club floor. You do have to request these perks or they are not offered to Plats. The Dolphin have several fine restaurants inluding Todd English's new BlueZoo (outstanding). The location is great and you can't beat the Starwood perks! We are headed to the Swan in Feb and booked a studio room. Sadly we are no longer Plat. I have no idea what upgrade I will recieve as Gold at the Swan. Probably zilch!

Mephisto101 - Any update on the upgrade you got at the SWAN? Any trip report?

Mephisto101 - Any update on the upgrade you got at the SWAN? Any trip report?

I don't think they can answer that question yet as I don't think they've stayed there yet:

We are headed to the Swan in Feb and booked a studio room. Sadly we are no longer Plat. I have no idea what upgrade I will recieve as Gold at the Swan. Probably zilch!

We were at the Dolphin during this same time frame. June 4th thru 14th. Both my family, wife, two daughters (3 yrs and 8 months at the time). My mom and my siter and her daughter were there . The first night we had a view of the back of the hotel and the service entrance. My wife got us new rooms the next night. She did very good we had refurbished rooms that faced, epcot and their nightly fireworks. It was on Floor 5, I belive the room number was 5027. We loved and plan on staying either there or at the Swan next time at Disney World. My wife loved the Sheraton bedding. So anytime she talks about staying somewhere else, I remind her about the bedding, that is all it takes.

All - upgraded nicely in advance of arrival to a Club Room Suite at the Dolphin in Orlando. Any recent experiences?

Thx in advance - Jamie

Was there Oct. for a conference for 10 days, got upgrade to Club floor also. Most rooms have been newly decorate. Some rooms even have sofa that open to sleeper beds (these rooms are a little bigger than the normal rooms(could even be a jr. suite on the club floor)) The club has decent breakfast food, breads, pastries, fruit etc. In the evening snacks for cheese & crackers as well as something hot along with fruit, sodas, cookies. I have been at the Dolphin & Swan approx. 8 times in the last 5 years. They have been doing nice work to upgrade things all over the place, every once and awhile something you want maybe closed as a result. The ice cream parlor was closed when I was there, my kids were upset by this. All of the staff I have ever encountered are really nice and try hard to fix whatever maybe wrong or really make your stay enjoyable. If you are doing the mouse thing, you cant beat the shuttle buses outside the front of the hotel or the boat to epcot right from the dock inbetween the 2 hotels. The boardwalk is nice in the evening and you can see the disney fireworks. If you have specific questions let me know and I will try and answer them.

Did not get upgraded to Club floor during my last 2 stays, but did have access to the lounge. Very good b'fast that got my wife and kids through a good part of the day. Staff there even packaged up some stuff for her to take --- milk, water, etc.

Hi all, will be platinum for the first time soon. I was thinking of booking at the Dolphin in Orlando from Dec 30 - Jan 7. What is the best way to get a suite upgrade? Some posts suggests i need to book through SPG.com, thoughts? Also, If I won't be officially platinum until monday, should I wait to book? or does it not matter? Is there a way to check and see what sort of availability there would be for a platinum upgrade or do I need to wait and see?

What is the best way to get a suite upgrade? Some posts suggests i need to book through SPG.com, thoughts? Also, If I won't be officially platinum until monday, should I wait to book? or does it not matter? Is there a way to check and see what sort of availability there would be for a platinum upgrade or do I need to wait and see?

Booking through SPG.com is not essential- IMHO. Your ability to get an upgrade depends on suite availability at the time of check-in. You've probably read the detail here:
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/terms_conditions.html#6
I would book now, and then begin calling 3-days before check-in to see what the availibility looks like for the upgrade. In the end, you are at mercy of guests who arrive before you check-in, and pay for these rooms.

sd

I'd make a room request for a suite, noting your status, via their website: www.swandolphin.com

It's under the "Reservations" button, IRRC.

I'd make a room request for a suite, noting your status, via their website: www.swandolphin.com

It's under the "Reservations" button, IRRC. Thanks for a good idea we are just thinking about going with the kids.

Thanks for the info. I have a couple of followups:

1) Do you guys think there is any benefit to waiting to tommorow to book when I officially have 25 stays for the year? (though they may not have all posted by then) or should I just book now?

2) It is my 1 year anniversary with my girlfriend; would it help to fax or call the hotel with this tidbit?


Thanks!

From what I have heard at the front dresk, rooms are normally assigned in the mornings, not directly at check-in, so checking in early doesn't really do anything. I find that just noting "SPG PLATINUM - UPGRADE IF AVAILABLE PLS" in the special requests box is enough. I don't think faxing a nice letter or whatever is going to make a difference, your upgrade relies on availability.

Some GMs are nice enough to upgrade based on special occasions in advance. If you find out the name of the GM of the Dolphin, it wouldn't hurt to give him/her a call/fax explaining the circumstances. It never hurts to ask.

Realize that you are staying in a PEAK season (over NYE as well as still vacation travellers). So it's important to remember that it is an upgrade to the best available room at the time of check-in. I would suggest that if you need a suite then call the hotel to see if you can use points to upgrade to one (they sometimes have this depending upon the hotel).

Congratulations on making Platinum! And your status isn't reflected in the system until after your 25th stay. Best to call spg and ensure that all of your reservations show the new status.

I am new to Starwood and was recently comped as Platinum. I am not very knowledgeable on the platinum benefits available for starwood so forgive me if my questions reflect this lack of knowledge. I have a 6 night stay at the WDW Dolphin in April. I have reserved the room at a conference rate of $181 per night. The reservation agent told me that I will get stay and point credit because I am reserving and paying for this myself. However, thet said I will not be eligible for any platinum amenities such as fitness center access, room uprade if available or lounge access. Is this information provided to me by the reservation agent accurate? If so, is this the norm for Starwood hotels or specific to the Dolphin? Are only conference rates subject to these limitations? Thanks for any information that can be provided.

I am new to Starwood and was recently comped as Platinum. I am not very knowledgeable on the platinum benefits available for starwood so forgive me if my questions reflect this lack of knowledge. I have a 6 night stay at the WDW Dolphin in April. I have reserved the room at a conference rate of $181 per night. The reservation agent told me that I will get stay and point credit because I am reserving and paying for this myself. However, thet said I will not be eligible for any platinum amenities such as fitness center access, room uprade if available or lounge access. Is this information provided to me by the reservation agent accurate? If so, is this the norm for Starwood hotels or specific to the Dolphin? Are only conference rates subject to these limitations? Thanks for any information that can be provided.

No, that's not accurate. I've stayed at many Starwood hotels on conference rates and this has never been an issue.

The key, as you seem to know, is that you pay for your own stay at the conference rate -- it's not centrally billed to a group. Given that, you should receive stay credit, points and in-hotel amenities.

Has anyone had any experience, good or bad, with attempting to redeem *points at the WDW Dolphin?

I booked a stay at the Swan & Dolphin (actually it was the Swan that we stayed at) last August and had a great time. Using points for the room was the same as for any other hotel that we've stayed at. We were upgraded to a "suite", which was actually two connecting rooms. Our daughter had her room (a big deal for a 3-year old!) and the wife and I were able to have some privacy.

We went to the swan for Spring training. Had a great time, we were upgraded. We were only thier for the weekend and it was a slow time. Service was good. Location is ok. Some people like the Ferry boats, I am not big on that to get to the park. I do like walking arounf the Boardwalk.

Hello everyone (this is my first post),
I am booked for a stay at the Dolphin in Disney World in early Dec. I just noted my reservation with a request and noticed that under SPG info was this line:
"Please note: This hotel does not participate in Starwood Preferred Guest."
What? I booked there partially due the points. If I knew this I would have stayed at the Hilton since I'm HH Gold & SPG Gold. Well, I really would have stayed at a Disney Vacation Club resort but they're all booked on the day I need. Anyhow, is this the case? Do they not partake in SPG? Will I receive points? (More importantly ;) ) An upgrade?
The "Please note: This hotel does not participate in Starwood Preferred Guest." was not shown to me until after I had booked. :eek:
Thanks for any help

First I've heard of this. I just checked out the website homepage and it shows Category 4 and 10,000 SPG points for a free night.

Probably some sort of error or something is getting ready to chang.

Welcome to Flyertalk thedenboers :)

I would suggest you could refer to the master list of non-participating SPG properties :

https://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/legal/spg_terms.html

The Dolphin is not listed, so, according to the T&C's, you should get the points.

Thanks for that list - it will be bookmarked ^

Welcome to FlyerTalk!

Using the search function and entering the keyword 'Dolphin' yielded 95 threads. Here is one that might be useful to you:

http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=736706&highlight=dolphin

Additionally, there could be a change in the hotel's participation since you booked and perhaps the website has not been updated. If they are telling you this information in your reservation I would call the hotel directly to sort things out PRIOR to your stay so that you aren't disappointed and then leaving yourself enough time to switch to Hilton as you mentioned.

Again, welcome to FlyerTalk!

First I've heard of this. I just checked out the website homepage and it shows Category 4 and 10,000 SPG points for a free night.

Probably some sort of error...

Yes, as has been discussed on three other occasions, this is a transient error that we are working to fix.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

What's interesting about the two properties is that the Sheraton Dolphin hold s an AAA 4 Daimond award, but the Westin Swan only holds a 3 Diamond.

At the Dolphin now. Got PLT recognition on checkin (amenity offer). Arrived 10am Sunday, was told my upgraded room wasn't ready yet - but having not slept on a redeye, all I wanted was anything available NOW, so they gave me a "balcony room", which wasn't the upgrade they had blocked me for. Conference rate included bottled water, so no way of checking on that.

One interesting status recognition: when I called for room service, they said "We're running about 30-40 minutes, but since you're Platinum, we'll try to get it to you sooner", and lunch arrived in 28 mins. I'm sure it was just managing expectations, but it was skillfully done.

Any recent stays?

Which is better? Swan of Dolphin? Same?

I recently enjoyed a two night stay at the WDW Dolphin, with an upgrade from a standard king room (booked at a FL resident rate) to an Executive Suite. ^

I won’t go into the virtues of this property, which have been debated at great length on this forum. It is still a Sheraton at heart, which might cause some in this forum to run--across the walkway--to the nearest Westin (which happens to be the Swan). For myself, however, I always welcome the chance to visit the property, especially when my family is along for the trip.

For fans of Epcot, it’s hard to understate the appeal of staying in such proximity, especially at a Starwood resort. Of course, getting a suite upgrade makes that appeal so much greater. For those interested, there was no hesitation about platinum recognition at check in.

I’ll let my photos articulate the rest of the review:

http://tinyurl.com/ofn6q2

Any recent stays?

Which is better? Swan of Dolphin? Same? I prefer the Swan, just because it is smaller. Honestly the best room is a JR suite at the end of the hotel. It is not as nice or large as the suites, but you can watch all the fireworks from your room. The view is great.

For fans of Epcot, it’s hard to understate the appeal of staying in such proximity, especially at a Starwood resort. Of course, getting a suite upgrade makes that appeal so much greater. For those interested, there was no hesitation about platinum recognition at check in.

I’ll let my photos articulate the rest of the review:

http://tinyurl.com/ofn6q2

I agree with you on the location. Disney World is best experienced without leaving the property and having a Starwood option onsite is great. The Epcot area is my preferred location as well as you can walk to the Boardwalk, Epcot, and MGM quite easily.

It looks like it's time for them to upgrade their TVs. I'm guessing that was a 27" tube, but the large suite makes it look about 13".

It looks like it's time for them to upgrade their TVs. I'm guessing that was a 27" tube, but the large suite makes it look about 13".

Yes, that was a 27" tube. Luckily, it wasn't turned on even once during our stay. ^

I prefer the Swan, just because it is smaller. Honestly the best room is a JR suite at the end of the hotel. It is not as nice or large as the suites, but you can watch all the fireworks from your room. The view is great.

There are nice exec suites, too, with just as comprehensive a view of Epcot. Check out the panorama shot here:

http://tinyurl.com/p8um47

I'm here on a three-night points stay. When I checked in, I asked about an upgrade to a room with a view of the Epcot fireworks and a balcony. I would have gotten the upgrade for free (and I'm only AAA preferred status), but with the exception of three rooms that were booked, those rooms are being renovated while business is slow. I did get an upgrade to a large room with a balcony.

The $10/night mandatory resort fee includes high-speed Internet, 2 bottles of spring water per day, admission to the health club, 20 min. of U.S. long-distance calls within a 24-hr. period, and free local and toll-free calls up to 60 min. This same fee and benefits also apply to the Swan.

This is the first room anywhere I've been in that has a paper bag for newspaper recycling and a plastic bag for bottle and can recycling.

I also appreciated the free weekend Orlando papers in the lobby, especially the Sunday paper.

I also appreciated the free weekend Orlando papers in the lobby, especially the Sunday paper.

I was at the Swan in July and they had free NYtimes in the lobby - even the Sunday Times!