Diff in WDW resort vs non WDW resort perks

[comicguy]

Looking for the "perk" difference between WDW resort (Pop) and non WDW resort (Swan/Dolphin)
with all of the upcharges and assorted cost of current WDW trip starting to explore options that may possibly make a stay cheaper (although probably not by much) but looking at how what we have been able to do in the past vs what could be done staying non WDW resort. Thinking about the Swan/Dolphin as a potential option in the future so looking to see if past advatages can still be used or not. TIA

Early check in via MDE app?
Charge back to room via magic band?
Is magic band even really useful at non WDW resort hotel?
Early Entry to theme parks?
60 days for booking dining?
7am booking for LL?

 

[Turksmom]

You can't check in with MDE (unless maybe you book a package through Disney- not sure about that)
You can't use MB for payment anywhere. It doesn't unlock your room. You can't order discounted MB with your stay.
You can use it for park entry and ride access for G+ and ILL$, but you could also use phone or a plastic ticket.
You do get Early Entry and late night hours for deluxe guests.
Everyone can book dining at 60 days, I'm not sure if you can book for length of stay?
Everyone (no matter where) can book G+ at 7 am, Swan/ Dolphin guests can also reserve ILL$ at 7am

 

[comicguy]

You can't check in with MDE (unless maybe you book a package through Disney- not sure about that)
You can't use MB for payment anywhere. It doesn't unlock your room. You can't order discounted MB with your stay.
You can use it for park entry and ride access for G+ and ILL$, but you could also use phone or a plastic ticket.
You do get Early Entry and late night hours for deluxe guests.
Everyone can book dining at 60 days, I'm not sure if you can book for length of stay?
Everyone (no matter where) can book G+ at 7 am, Swan/ Dolphin guests can also reserve ILL$ at 7am

Thanks for the quick reply. These are the answers I was pretty much was thinking/expecting. Someone on The DIS always has the answers! Love it!!

 

[loves to dive]

Swan/Dolphin is walking distance to two parks, that can not be stressed enough. The rooms have inside hallways, lots of food options, bigger pools. Both Swan and Dolphin share their pools and restaurants. Bigger rooms. AAA discount if you have it.

The cons that have been mentioned: no charging back to room, have to use a hotel key to get in your room, no AP discount on food, they do not use Disney buses - they use Mears buses which drop you off at a different location at AK which is a tad closer and drop you off at TTC at MK. They can not use the Disney bus lanes, which means they have to use the lanes that regular guests use when going to the park and it can take a tad longer. They are not as "Disney" as the Disney resorts think more regular Marriot anywhere although they do have Disney touches around. They have a silly add on resort fee so you need to take that into account when running the numbers.

I love Swan/Dolphin and just about stay there all the time now. Every once in awhile I find a Disney moderate resort that is cheaper enough to make me go there but the resorts are sort of deluxe at a moderate price.

 

[Marthasor]

Looking for the "perk" difference between WDW resort (Pop) and non WDW resort (Swan/Dolphin)
with all of the upcharges and assorted cost of current WDW trip starting to explore options that may possibly make a stay cheaper (although probably not by much) but looking at how what we have been able to do in the past vs what could be done staying non WDW resort. Thinking about the Swan/Dolphin as a potential option in the future so looking to see if past advatages can still be used or not. TIA

Early check in via MDE app?
Charge back to room via magic band?
Is magic band even really useful at non WDW resort hotel?
Early Entry to theme parks?
60 days for booking dining?
7am booking for LL?

If you are considering staying at Swan/Dolphin, I highly recommend booking directly through Marriott and, if you haven't already, join the Marriott Bonvoy program (it's Marriott's loyalty program). You can download the Marriott Bonvoy app which is incredibly convenient as you can chat with guest services while onsite, order room service and check in through the app. Marriott Bonvoy members also get better rates. If you are a WDW AP holder, you can see if there is an AP discount on the room. When we stay at Swan/Dolphin, we still use our MBs as we find them still convenient in the parks. I just use a credit card or my Disney Rewards card when making purchases in the park. You get early entry, extra evening hours, 7 am booking for LL and 60+10 booking for dining. Just make sure you link your Swan/Dolphin reservation number in MDE. The biggest downside, IMHO, in staying at Swan/Dolphin right now are the buses to MK and AK. On my last trip to Swan a few weeks ago, I just used lyft to those parks or jumped on YC/BC or BWI buses.