1st timer at Swan NYE - Questions

[esulerzy]

All,

I have booked, for the first time, a stay at the Swan for New Years Eve (Dec. 30 - Jan 2). Having never booked a non-Disney hotel, I have a few questions:

1. The deposit (one night) was charged to my CC. Do I need to pay the rest before arriving? Or when I check in? The confirmation email did not specifically state which.

2. Is it true the Swan does not have refillable mugs but the Dolphin now does? Cost? Where can you refill?

3. Does the Swan provide free cab rides to the Disney golf courses (just as the Disney properties do)? I'm not sure I'll be playing golf that particular trip, but want to keep the option open.

4. Will I be able to get in to Epcot via International Gateway for the NYE celebrations? I was thinking of spending the morning at Animal Kingdom; resting for a few hours; then heading to Epcot around 9 pm.

I am really looking forward to staying at the Swan for NYE - any other comments/suggestions for NYE would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Connears]

We spent last NYE at Swan(CL 11th floor). You do not pay for room accomodations and charges until check-out as with regular hotels. Did not have refillable mugs at that time. Easy walk or boat ride to Epcot or MGM. We spent this NYE at MGM then returned to our room right before 12 and watched the amazing Fantasy in the Sky at MGM from our room(we looked out onto TOT and riverway to MGM); we also caught the illuminations fireworks at Epcot from our window; It is a very convenient location (also can walk to BW BC&YC and the restaurants there)and we loved being there. We were a bit worried because we are dvc members and have only stayed at dvc when we visit wdw since we joined in 1994(some 14 times). Do not know about free cab for golf. Previous NYE we spent morning at MGM then entered epcot around 4pm. They will close any park to visitors if the capacity is filled (even guest staying at wdw hotels), but the past 2 years it has only happened at MK by 10am, but epcot was fine as was mgm. If they close the park, it does not matter if you have a PS at a restaurant ther..you are out of luck.
Connears

 

[esulerzy]

Connears, thanks for the reply. It's comforting to know that I should have access to the park that evening.

Anyone else?

 

[jjskribs]

If you don't mind my asking, were you able to get some kind of a discount for those nights. (December 30- Jan. 2) I have a reservation for December 27-31 at the Swan and I am hoping to add on NYE but have not been able to secure a discount for that night. Thanks........... wear your green ribbon and maybe I will see you there!

 

[jgates]

On our last trip, a ride to the Golf Courses did require a town car. You can visit SD Website and send them a message or question and they can quote the price. Seems like it was $18 then??? - probably wrong - and I think that was 1 way. However, DS said that at the GC it seemed like they were willing to send him back at no charge so I don't know for sure. Just that we would have to pay to get him there. Since we had our own vehicle I just made sure DD and I did not take the car at the times he was playing - he took it.

The mugs are available at the CHECK-OUT at Tubbi's in the Dolphin. From most rooms it is only a 5 minute walk. Even if you only refill a couple of times, they are a lovely souveneir and reasonable enough. You have to go up to the Checkout first to get the mug, then go back and fill it the first time. As of my last knowledge, there was no place in the Swan to refill and you could only do it at Tubbi's in the Dolphin.

 

[BuzzMe]

We had an AP discount at the Dolphin this past New Year's. I think we paid $142.50 plus tax per night.

 

[Connears]

I used teacher's discount.($149 but) we went for CL at $214 . Only discount at WDW at that time. Others needed check-in by 12/23. We also go after christmas.
Connears