Dolphin Getting Internet Enabled TVs

[Horizons '83]

The Swolphin prices have indeed been going up over the past few years. And the amount of points you pay for a 'free' night has also gone up significantly. And there's almost no days left to use the points+$75 thing which was a great discount. Only in mid-Winter, post-Christmas can you find the old prices. The rest of the year is hovering at $300/night. I'm afraid my trip this February will be my last time at the Swolphin exhausting all my points. I've already booked next Fall at Pop because the Swolphin was too dear for me for all of Oct - Dec.

I have noticed ( we are looking to potentially go in September) that those prices are fairly reasonable, sub $200 a night, but I am guessing that's because of lower bookings because folks are scared of another hurricane.

The best was when my sister was working for Starwood, we would get employee rates at $89 bucks plus half off all food and beverage. Oh the good ole days....

 

[LAKid53]

I’m pretty sure the TV’s in the poly bungalows are smart tv’s, or at least have the ability to access Netflix

Provided one has the correct equipment to do so. Samsung Smart TVs have the Hub, which gives you access to Netflix, HBO, YouTube and many other streaming services. But without the proper remote, you can't. I tried when I turned on the TV and saw the Samsung Smart TV logo. But no Hub. I've got 2 Samsungs at home, so am familiar with how they work. Most service providers now have a few streaming services available as an app - Comcast includes Netflix and DirectTV probably does also. But that capability isn't active at Disney.

Trust me, I've tried. Maybe I should just bring my remote from home.

 

[cspencer96]

If you are concerned about account credentials not being wiped and the televisions reset, realize that this is not a manual process. The TVs are connected to a control server and have custom firmware installed that was developed for Marriott/Starwood. The reset happens after checkout automatically, as part of the room being reset for the next set of guests. Remember, this has been in the process of being implemented across nearly every property in the entire Marriott and Starwood portfolio of brands for a while now - any issues we could think of have already been worked out.

 

[Pixieish]

If you are concerned about account credentials not being wiped and the televisions reset, realize that this is not a manual process. The TVs are connected to a control server and have custom firmware installed that was developed for Marriott/Starwood. The reset happens after checkout automatically, as part of the room being reset for the next set of guests. Remember, this has been in the process of being implemented across nearly every property in the entire Marriott and Starwood portfolio of brands for a while now - any issues we could think of have already been worked out.

Good to know! I didn't realize they would customize firmware for such purposes.

 

[cspencer96]

Good to know! I didn't realize they would customize firmware for such purposes.

Most televisions in large hotels or chains are either in hospitality mode or are running custom firmware that prevents the guests from altering settings they shouldn’t. It’s a nice benefit of the “smart TVs” that this can be used for guest convenience as well. Marriott also has used set top boxes that are designed for hospitality purposes to accomplish this.

 

[MinnieWaffles]

Meanwhile WDW still has first generation flat panel sets, Are there still tube sets around?, Guess the SWOLFIN is a charity as it's rates are half that of a Disney 'Moderate'.

When did you last visit WDW, 1998?!