My Disney Blog

Walt Disney World Swan Deal

The Walt Disney World Swan Resort has a fantastic deal going on rooms this summer and early fall. You must book by June 3rd, and availability is limited. Also, you must pay in full at the time of booking. If you are planning to go to this resort this summer, now is the time to book, as they state that prices will never be so low again. The deal is for the Swan only (not the Dolphin), so if you're a die-hard Dolphin fan, this may not interest you :)

Here are the dates/times with rates starting at $119 per night.

June 5 - 22, 2009
July 5 - 25, 2009
August 7-14, 2009
August 19-September 9, 2009
September 17 - 22, 2009

Upgrades may be available for an additional fee:
Resort View - add $35
Resort View Balcony - add $65
Pool View w/Balcony - add $75

Just call 1-888-828-8850 and ask for rate code: WOW119.

The Walt Disney World Swan Resort is located in between Epcot® and Disney's Hollywood Studios™ and nearby Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park and Magic Kingdom® Park.

Resort guests enjoy special Disney benefits such as:

• Complimentary Scheduled Transportation
• Extra Magic Hours Benefit
• On-Site Disney Ticket Desks
• Disney Character Dining
• Advance Tee Times on Disney Golf Courses

Just wanted you Walt Disney World Swan fans to know in case you wanted to head there this summer. This message has not been paid for by the resort - it is just information for readers of MyDisneyBlog.

Would you believe Disney Dean has never stayed at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin? I've heard a lot of great things about it, but just haven't been there yet. It does look fantastic from the road, though :)

Here is a link to the deal posting on the Swan and Dolphin Resort Website.

--- Disney Dean 

 

Swan and Dolphin for Mother's Day Anyone?

Received this very tempting press release from the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, and thought I would share it with you all. Doesn't sound like it would be too awful, huh? :) Anyway, here is the press release:

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is offering moms a chance to receive the gifts they really want for Mother’s Day – quality family time and quality mom time. The Magical Mother’s Day Weekend Package provides the ideal way to celebrate mom’s special day with a weekend featuring moments dedicated just to her as well as to spending time with those closest to her.
 
Mom can experience a weekend where she can indulge in a quiet, relaxing massage from the on-site, luxurious Mandara Spa; savor delicious chocolates from the two-time world champion pastry chef, Laurent Branlard, and join the entire family for an unforgettable character breakfast at the resort’s whimsical Garden Grove restaurant. And, she and her family can experience it all at a resort located in the heart of America’s favorite family destination, Walt Disney World Resort. 
 
The Magical Mother’s Day Weekend Package, which starts at $499, includes:
 
* 3 day/2 night stay
* One 50-minute Swedish massage for mom at the Balinese-inspired Mandara Spa
* A free meal for mom on Sunday morning at the resort’s character buffet at Garden Grove when she is accompanied by her child(ren)
* A box of chocolates from the resorts two-time world champion pastry chef, Laurent Branlard
* 4 pm late check out (subject to availability)
 
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort offers families the best location and amenities to create an exceptional mother’s day. Situated between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests can take advantage special Disney hotel benefits which include complimentary transportation to Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Attractions, and the Extra Magic Hours benefit in which each day, one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks opens one hour early or remains open up to three hours after regular Park closing time. The resort features a wide-array of dining options with its 17 world-class restaurants and lounges which include Todd English’s bluezoo, Shula’s Steak House and Il Mulino New York Trattoria.  Other amenities families will enjoy include five swimming pools, recreational activities for kids, the Camp Dolphin supervised children’s activity center, a game room, and the near-by mini-golf and Disney’s BoardWalk which are just a short walk away.
 
The Magical Mother’s Day Weekend Package is available for Mother’s Day weekend (May 8th – May 10th).  For more information or to book guests can call 800-227-1500 and refer to rate code “MOTHER” or visit www.swandolphin.com/offers
 
In the heart of the Walt Disney World® Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is your gateway to Central Florida’s greatest theme parks and attractions. The resort is located in between Epcot® and Disney’s Hollywood StudiosTM, and nearby Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park and Magic Kingdom® Park. Come discover our 17 world-class restaurants and lounges, sophisticated guest rooms with Westin Heavenly Beds® and the luxurious Mandara Spa. Enjoy five pools, two health clubs, tennis, nearby golf, and many special Disney benefits, including complimentary transportation to Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Attractions, and the Extra Magic Hours benefit. The resort can be reached at 800-227-1500 or www.swandolphin.com.

--- Disney Dean

FREE Night on Your Birthday at the Swan and Dolphin Resort

This is a fantastic offer from The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort! Check it out!

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is helping guests celebrate their birthday with a free night! 
 
Any guest who books at least a three-night stay over their birthday will receive their birthday night free. And, as an added surprise, birthday guests who dine at one of the resort’s signature restaurants during their stay will receive a complimentary cake prepared by the resort’s executive pastry chef and only two-time world pastry champion Laurent Branlard. The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort’s signature restaurants include the celebrity chef venue Todd English’s bluezoo, the football-themed, award-winning Shula’s Steak House and the acclaimed Il Mulino New York Trattoria.
 
Located in the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort – where this year guests can enjoy a free theme park ticket on their birthday – the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is an ideal place to stay when celebrating a birthday of any age. Visitors can indulge in meals at the resort’s 17 restaurants and lounges, participate in a character dining experience, be pampered at the luxurious Mandara Spa, stay active with nearby championship golf, tennis and mini-golf and enjoy special Disney benefits which include complimentary transportation to Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Attractions, and the Extra Magic Hours benefit in which each day, one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks opens one hour early or remains open up to three hours after regular Park closing time.
 
Guests can find out more information or reserve their “Celebrate Your Birthday” package by calling 1-888-828-8850 or visiting www.swandolphin.com/offers. Guests must bring valid ID including proof of birth date. Offer valid through Dec. 31, 2009.  Based upon availability. 
 
In the heart of the Walt Disney World® Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is your gateway to Central Florida’s greatest theme parks and attractions. The resort is located in between Epcot® and Disney’s Hollywood StudiosTM, and nearby Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park and Magic Kingdom® Park. Come discover our 17 world-class restaurants and lounges, sophisticated guest rooms with Westin Heavenly Beds® and the luxurious Mandara Spa. Enjoy five pools, two health clubs, tennis, nearby golf, and many special Disney benefits, including complimentary transportation to Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Attractions, and the Extra Magic Hours benefit. The resort can be reached at 800-227-1500 or www.swandolphin.com.

--- Disney Dean

Galleriá Sottil at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort Announces Upcoming Art Show Calendar

Three world-renowned artists will visit the hotel and its on-site gallery in February and March to interact with guests and show their art

Artist: James Coleman

When: Sunday, Feb. 22

Time: 3pm – 8pm

Where: Galleriá Sottil, Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort

             1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd.

             Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
SPECIAL OFFER: Those planning on attending can commission a painting to be painted live during the show. 

To RSVP or to pre-order custom painting: 407-934-4495

Cost: Free and Open to Public
 

Artist Bio: James Coleman began his career as a background artist with the Walt Disney Studios.  While there, James styled and worked on 12 films and more than 30 short subjects which included "Mickey's Christmas Carol",  "The Fox and the Hound" and  Academy Award-winning, "Beauty and the Beast". After 22 years with Disney, James left to devote all of his time and talent to fine art. Today he continues to illuminate the art world with vibrant colors, gentle moods, powerful design and exquisite detail. His works are among the few to feature Disney animated characters.

-------------------------

Artist: Luis Sottil

When: Friday, Feb. 27

Time: 6pm - 10pm

Where: Galleriá Sottil, Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort

             1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd. 
             Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
SPECIAL OFFER: Any attendee who has purchased an original Luis Sottil in the last 24 months or who purchases one at the show will receive a free giclee valued at $1,300. RSVP is required to receive the giclee for those with purchases in the last 24 months. 

To RSVP: 407-934-4495

Cost: Free and Open to Public
 

Artist Bio: World-renowned artist Luis Sottil, the namesake of the gallery, is recognized as the creator of the artistic style “Naturalismo”. His original masterpieces are created using minerals, vegetable dyes and natural substances. Sottil uses nature to paint nature. Today Sottil is represented by numerous galleries in the United States and has been the recipient of many achievement awards.

-------------------------
Artist: Michael Godard

When: Sunday, Mar. 29

Time: 2pm - 6pm

Where: Galleriá Sottil, Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort

             1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd.
             Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
SPECIAL OFFER: Those planning on attending can pre-order a custom artwork to be created by Godard live during the show.

To RSVP or pre-order custom work: 407-934-4495

Cost: Free and Open to Public
 

Artist Bio: Michael Godard, known as the "Rock Star of the Art World" is currently the #1 best selling artist in the U.S. Godard has been featured on television in HBO's Cat House, A&E's Criss Angel's Mind Freak, American Casino and Inked. His book, "Don't Drink and Draw", the art and life of Michael Godard, was awarded Art Book of the Year. Godard's work is highly collected by movie stars, rock stars, private collectors, from young to old from all walks of life. His paintings even adorn the walls of the officer's lounge in the Pentagon. Godard's world of art invites us into his lighthearted perspective of life that surrounds us, mirroring our lives through martinis with animated olives, drunken grapes and dancing strawberries. 
 

For more information on any of the art shows please call the Galleriá Sottil at 407-934-4495 for more information on the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort please visit www.swandolphinresort.com.
 

--- Disney Dean

Swan and Dolphin Guests Receive a Presidential Welcome

  

Lori Brewer (center), of Duluth, Ga., receives a red-carpet welcome today (2/20/09) at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort as she accepts her presidential vacation package from Hotel Manager Jim Hogg.  Brewer won the package in a November contest that received thousands of entrees from across the nation.  Her presidential package includes a 3-day/2-night term in the resort’s presidential suite with up to five friends or family, complimentary Walt Disney World theme park passes, and a $250 dining certificate for any of the resort’s 17 restaurants and lounges, which include Shula’s Steak House, Todd English’s bluezoo and Il Mulino New York Trattoria. Joining Brewer on her visit was her family (left to right) Judy Dobbin, Cassidy Brewer, John Brewer, Hayden Brewer and Jim Dobbin.

I can't even imagine how cool that would be to win a package like that! As I look out my window at the piles of snow, I REALLY wish I was there in sunny Florida right now :) This is the first time the resort has offered a presidential suite prize, as the suites range in prices up to $3,100 a night.  Coincidentally, the hotel’s presidential suites have hosted the likes of Presidents H.W. Bush and Clinton, presidential hopefuls like Senator John Kerry and other prominent world leaders. Congratulations to the Brewer and Dobbin families on the start of a wonderful trip!

--- Disney Dean   

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

UPDATE: Within 3 hours of posting this message on MyDisneyBlog, I received a WONDERFUL and apologetic email from the head of PR for the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin. Ya know, Disney Dean hardly ever gets 'cranky', and when I do, it usually ends up backfiring on me! The one thing I failed to judge is that emails sometimes get flagged as SPAM, and that is exactly what happened in this case - at least the emails sent to the PR company for the Swan/Dolphin. Yep, Disney Dean has a little 'egg on his face' and I whole-heartedly apologize for making assumptions and blowing this out of proportion. Thank you SO MUCH for getting back to me and for explaining what happened Treva ;) 


When I started MyDisneyBlog, I swore up and down that I would keep this blog a positive place to hear news and information on Walt Disney World. I just think there is enough bad news out there at any time, and I am very dedicated to keeping this a positive place for anything Disney. So, hopefully you'll forgive me this ONE transgression! :)

MyDisneyBlog is definitely not the biggest or the best Disney-related blog out there, but we have grown nicely and I am so PROUD to be in the company of the other outstanding Disney bloggers out there. I feel like part of a big family, and I am so proud of all the Disney bloggers. I believe that customer service, and business-to-business is the cornerstone for any business, whether it is in an economic downturn, or anytime for that matter. This is one reason I feel so strongly about the Walt Disney Company. I think their business model is absolutely fantastic, and I am so impressed at how they have been reaching out to bloggers over the past 6 months.

Over the past several months, I have been in contact with the Public Relations folks at Disney, Universal, Sea World, Busch Gardens, and most of the major resorts in the Orlando area. They have ALL been wonderful, and are anxious to reach out to the blogging community. EXCEPT ONE! I have emailed and called the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin management, information lines, and their Public Relations company several times asking to be added to their list of people to notify with new press releases. No matter what, I NEVER get a response back! Now I'm not knocking the quality of the hotel at all, as I have never stayed there, but I just find it surprising in this economy that they're not eagerly seeking the help of the blogging community in helping to spread the word on news at their resort FOR FREE!

I guess I didn't bring this complaint about the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort up for any other reason than to vent, but I really hope more places start to take the blogging community more seriously now that the economy is on the downswing. Do you think I'm out of line, or do you think my Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Complaint is viable? You will NOT hurt my feelings if you say I'm being too touchy - I just want to get a conversation going.

Thanks for hearing my thoughts - I guess that's the purpose of a blog afterall :)

--- Disney Dean