controller1

That's a pretty standard Starwood policy. A points stay is for single or double occupancy.

cdancer20

Well there in lies your problem. This is Starwood, not Marriott. Marriott Gold gets a lot better benefits than Starwood Gold. They are not the same.

PHL

Booked 4 nights in late August at the Dolphin for my first time stay. I read on a travel site somewhere that Disney Magicbands are free (~$12 value) for guests. Is this true from any recent experiences?

I confirmed a "resort view with balcony", which I learned could be anywhere on the property. Epcot view rooms are all booked, which is my upgrade preference for the kids. But if we don't get it, not a big deal. Should I throw in my SNA awards for something bigger (but possibly no balcony)? I have 6 left for the year and don't have many plans for leisure travel after this upcoming trip.

writerguyfl

Magic Bands are only free for guests staying at Disney owned and operated resorts. So, you would not get one free by staying at the Dolphin.

ucfjoe

You won't get magic bands. I stayed there earlier in the year and was upgraded to a junior suite (I believe there are multiple layouts) mine did not have a balcony. It was roomy and recently renovated and had handy family features like a sink outside of the shower area. The motion detector directly over the bed was downright creepy (they use this to tell if the room is empty to speed up housekeeping) the weather was cool when I was there so I was sad I didn't have a balcony but in late August after a day at the parks I don't think I'd miss sweating on a balcony at 9pm.

PHL

I'll take a roll of electrical tape to cover the sensor then. I have been in rooms where the blinking red light in a dark room is annoying. I'll also have the green choice tag up anyway, so housekeeping doesn't need to know if I'm there or not.

Nelumbo

I just came back from my stays in Dolphin and Swan. Both charge a resort fee of $20 plus tax ($22.XX) per night for SPG Platinum members.

Vulcan

Really? Is this new? I don't remember this. I usually stay at the Sheraton LBV where they specifically exempt Plats from the resort fee. I will be at the Dolphin in October for the Wine & Food Festival and will see if I get charged this.

Sam P. Goodman

It used to be waived, but recent FT posts have indicated that is no longer the case. Major bummer, but it's still much preferable to an offsite property in my book.

BrightlyBob

I think the resort fee used to to be waived for Plats, now it's a $5 reduction, from $25/day.

Orange County Commuter

I stayed one night last week... Room was nice and I assume I got an "upgrade" to a room with a decent view.

However.... they have a major convention coming so all the self parking is gone. You can pay to valet, and then wait in a HUGE line for your car (no you can't call and request it, "due to the volume we aren't doing that right now" ) or you can park at the Swan where you will get a discount. I chose the later option.

The hotel sent me a nice email requesting info on my check in and check out time. I have no idea why since apparently they don't do anything with that info. I requested a late checkout and the front desk clerk acted as if he was doing me a HUGE favor by giving me until 2 PM (which is all I needed, but his attitude was rather annoying)

You don't get a welcome gift option apparently.

All in all, I felt service has slipped a lot from my prior stays here.

ImprovGal

No welcome gift? I've always elected the 500 starpoints and had no problems with them posting. It's been a while since I opted for the breakfast. What was missing?

I did have a problem with MAGC on my most recent stay there (never received card under the door even though I opted in on my 2-night stay, no clear explanation of when I should have received the card under the door to determine that yes it was missing, points never posted after I mentioned the missing card at checkout).

I'm there again this weekend, so I'll see how my check-in experience is.

Starwood Lurker IV

We'd be happy to look into the missing Make a Green Choice bonus Starpoints for you if you email us with your stay details.

We've confirmed with the hotel they offer the following welcome amenities:
Gold guests - 250 Starpoints or a free beverage
Platinum guests - 500 Starpoints, complimentary breakfast, or a local gift

We welcome the opportunity to help. Feel free to email our team.

Kind regards,

Alexandra Baker
Specialist, Social Media
Starwood Hotels and Resorts

[email protected]

Orange County Commuter

I received the 500 points. But I was not told I would receive them or offered the other options.

miloworld

Has anyone arrived early and utilized the gym/health club showers before hitting the parks?