Walt Disney World SWAN, DOLPHIN & SWAN RESERVE RESORTS Information & Questions

[Auntof2]

We were there in November and they did not.

 

[hsmamato2]

....sorry can't delete

 

[BlueFairy]

....sorry can't delete

I believe you have to be sure to enter a 9 digit number that begins with an 8. If you don't have that, call the Dolphin and get the correct number. I had to call. Press 0 and ask for Guest Services. Do not call Reservations since that is SPG and they get things mixed up. You need someone on property.

 

[DJFan88]

So I am planning a split stay at 2 other Disney resorts where I will be making arrangements through them.. However, for the end of our trip after that, we would like to stay at the Dolphin for a few nights as a 3rd place. I have been on Disneys site and they only list packages there. I will already have tickets from getting them earlier, and have been on the Dolphin/Swan official sight. Definetly has the rates I am looking for, although the different booking types are slightly confusing. Do I need to book through them myself (I like that idea) and if I use my AAA to get that rate, I still get the same Disney amenities, like the transportation and Early Entry and Fast Pass. I know that this place does, but the booking categories confused me because they had some kind of a Disney category (although it was only for 2, weird).

Also the link of their site takes you to Sheraton page to book for Dolphine and the Westin page to book for Swan? Are they owned by 2 different companies?

 

[CJK]

Are Chip & Dale still at Garden Grove on Friday nights (in addition to Goofy & Pluto)?

 

[CJK]

Anyone know how far the Dolphin is into the refurbishment? If arriving in early April, is it worth asking for a refurbished room?

 

[iujen94]

Hi! Potential Swan/Dolphin newbie so forgive my basic questions. I've tried to go through this thread but had some trouble finding answers to a few questions -

First, can S/D guests book ADRs 180 days out like regular Disney resort guests?

Second, if my #1 criteria in choosing between Swan and Dolphin is walking distance to Epcot and DHS (with walking distance to Epcot the more important of the two), which resort would you recommend?

Third, I understand that S/D guests don't get magic bands but can purchase those separately. But since you don't have charging privileges, magic bands would just be for park tickets and FP+, correct?

Thanks!!!!

 

[hsmamato2]

Hi! Potential Swan/Dolphin newbie so forgive my basic questions. I've tried to go through this thread but had some trouble finding answers to a few questions -

First, can S/D guests book ADRs 180 days out like regular Disney resort guests?

Second, if my #1 criteria in choosing between Swan and Dolphin is walking distance to Epcot and DHS (with walking distance to Epcot the more important of the two), which resort would you recommend?

Third, I understand that S/D guests don't get magic bands but can purchase those separately. But since you don't have charging privileges, magic bands would just be for park tickets and FP+, correct?
1- Yes
2- I think they're about the same(?)
3-Yes
Thanks!!!!

 

[hsmamato2]

Do I need to book through them myself (I like that idea) and if I use my AAA to get that rate, I still get the same Disney amenities, like the transportation and Early Entry and Fast Pass. I know that this place does, but the booking categories confused me because they had some kind of a Disney category (although it was only for 2, weird).

Also the link of their site takes you to Sheraton page to book for Dolphine and the Westin page to book for Swan? Are they owned by 2 different companies?

I am unsure about things ike 'disney rate' but yes, you book on their site,with whatever rate comes out best for you,like AAA. Yes they're 2 different companies- I usually book thru spg.com, but the swandolphin site works too-

 

[DJFan88]

I am unsure about things ike 'disney rate' but yes, you book on their site,with whatever rate comes out best for you,like AAA. Yes they're 2 different companies- I usually book thru spg.com, but the swandolphin site works too-

!

thanks! I did the booking and it seemed to work out fine. The rate with the AAA was great and so much more affordable for me than BC or BW. We stayed at YC last year and it was okay. I'm really psyched about the Dolphin, my kids will love the BB courts and the tennis courts. Plus, having the food options is the biggie, the fast food option at YC is not real great.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Are Chip & Dale still at Garden Grove on Friday nights (in addition to Goofy & Pluto)?

Only for Sunday breakfast.

 

[Dan Murphy]

my kids will love the BB courts and the tennis courts.

The pools are fabulous also!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Anyone know how far the Dolphin is into the refurbishment? If arriving in early April, is it worth asking for a refurbished room?

I would certainly ask. But based on the time it took to do the Swan (I think more than 12 months) and with the size of the Dolphin, I doubt they are anywhere near finished. But I would certainly ask, both ahead of time and at checkin.

 

[BlueFairy]

So if I were to rent a car on check out day for our trip to the airport, would I be able to get free parking at other Disney resorts (for character meal at GF) as a resort guest? Or is this only for people staying at Disney hotels?

 

[Dan Murphy]

would I be able to get free parking at other Disney resorts (for character meal at GF) as a resort guest? Or is this only for people staying at Disney hotels?

Yes. May be limited to 3 hours.

 

[BlueFairy]

Yes. May be limited to 3 hours.

3 hours would be plenty. We genuinely want to just eat breakfast and *maybe* take a monorail ride, but more likely drive back for a round at Fantasia Gardens and to pick up our luggage.

 

[EDids]

Has anyone tried using Costco Travel to book? We've stayed at S/D several times and always booked the Teacher Rate. Have also used an employer Disney Partner ticket rate for park tickets. Out of curiosity, I priced out a stay at the Swan with the teacher rate in April, along with tickets through my employer and compared that to a package deal currently available through Costco Travel with room and tickets. Saved around $250 in total using the Costco deal over what I thought was already a great deal!! Booked it.

 

[msb578]

Hi! Potential Swan/Dolphin newbie so forgive my basic questions. I've tried to go through this thread but had some trouble finding answers to a few questions -

First, can S/D guests book ADRs 180 days out like regular Disney resort guests?

Second, if my #1 criteria in choosing between Swan and Dolphin is walking distance to Epcot and DHS (with walking distance to Epcot the more important of the two), which resort would you recommend?

Third, I understand that S/D guests don't get magic bands but can purchase those separately. But since you don't have charging privileges, magic bands would just be for park tickets and FP+, correct?

Thanks!!!!

On 180+10... I don't think so. Unless that's changed recently.

I would think Disney would allow it, but the S/D probably wants guests to book the restaurants inside the hotels.

 

[Dan Murphy]

n 180+10... I don't think so. Unless that's changed recently

Yes, just the 180, but not the plus 10.

 

[Clare Voince]

I just added a day to my April trip this afternoon. The confirmation number is the same, and the phone rep told me I did not need to re-link the reservation into MDE. Does anyone know how long this takes? It's still showing the old dates (I know I may be expecting it too fast).