Never thought I'd be asking about...

[Ariel Wanna-be]

You should receive a confirmation email from Dolphin. Just go into MDE about 24 hours after you book Dolphin and go to the link reservation button, put in the Dolphin confirmation #, a new page will appear asking which resort and Swan/Dolphin will be there. It will then link, you don't have to call.

Worked like a charm...thanks! And I appreciate the tip about walking through the YC.

As far as ME, we'll just use Uber/Lyft. That will give us a little more park time anyway!

 

[Ariel Wanna-be]

Unless something has changed I don't think this is correct. While you are entitled to a r/t DME trip and it doesn't have to be check in or check out day it does have to be During your resort stay, not before or after. We often split our stays between a Disney resort and the Dolphin and are only able to use DME one way, either to or from the Disney resort during the Disney resort portion.

During your split stays, have you been successful in having your luggage transferred? I'm hearing "yes" on this thread, but a friend swears that she had to take time from one of her park days to transfer her luggage herself using a taxi (pre-Uber days).

 

[tjmw2727]

During your split stays, have you been successful in having your luggage transferred? I'm hearing "yes" on this thread, but a friend swears that she had to take time from one of her park days to transfer her luggage herself using a taxi (pre-Uber days).

Yes we have many times - both to and from the Dolphin - most recent was December 2016 from POFQ to the Dolphin. I just bring my bags to bell services and ask for the transfer, then later in the day (after official check in time) we check in and pick them up from bell services at the next resort.

 

[Ariel Wanna-be]

Yes we have many times - both to and from the Dolphin - most recent was December 2016 from POFQ to the Dolphin. I just bring my bags to bell services and ask for the transfer, then later in the day (after official check in time) we check in and pick them up from bell services at the next resort.

Perfect...thanks!

 

[Aristo-cat]

You won't be able to charge with your Magic Band once you check out of your Disney resort. You can use any tickets on your magic band and use FP, but that is all. And you can't do online check in at Dolphin.

They also charge for parking, so you are looking at adding $50 a night to the rate for the resort fee and the parking fee.
My DH actually works for Starwood and gets a discount here of $89 a night. With the resort fees included we could stay at Coronado for just a bit more so that is what we did.
Those fees really turned me off.

 

[JerseyJanice]

Unless something has changed I don't think this is correct. While you are entitled to a r/t DME trip and it doesn't have to be check in or check out day it does have to be During your resort stay, not before or after. We often split our stays between a Disney resort and the Dolphin and are only able to use DME one way, either to or from the Disney resort during the Disney resort portion.

A relative of mine, who stayed at Boardwalk Villas then moved to the Swan, was allowed to take the Magical Express both ways. He did have to bring his luggage from the Swan back to BWV, but got a ride from the Magical Express there.

 

[Dean Marino]

Not really a Negative..... just a Heads Up:

The Swan and Dolphin both book a LOT of conventions. It might be a good idea to see what's likely to be hitting you during a potential stay? We've never stayed at either.... but we DINE there often. At times, the place can look like a full tilt trade show .

 

[SharonZ]

Honestly, I'd just take the bags with me and use Uber to Swan/Dolphin.

 

[bumbershoot]

I know somebody who did this for split stay between the Boardwalk and Swan. They were told at the BW that Magical Express is round trip, and it doesn't have to be taken the same days you check into or out of your Disney resort.

A relative of mine, who stayed at Boardwalk Villas then moved to the Swan, was allowed to take the Magical Express both ways. He did have to bring his luggage from the Swan back to BWV, but got a ride from the Magical Express there.

We get that a relative says he got this, but this isn't part of their service and I'm almost frightened to think of how he got them to do this.

We are entitled to a round trip between our resort and mco at some point between check in and heck out days. Doesn't have to be in order. So a person can be taken to the airport shortly after they arrive, say, to get a rental car.

It what your relative says isn't something that's done. At least not for anyone but him.

 

[bryanb]

I also had no problem transferring my luggage from Port Orleans French Quarter (POFQ) to the Swan.

It doesn't bother me that there are conventions at the Swan and Dolphin or Coronado. The same is true in Hawaii or Santa Monica or New York. Those poor unfortunate souls will disappear into their meeting rooms all day looking at PowerPoint presentations and doing team building exercises, while I walk the other direction in my shorts and t-shirt for outdoor fun. (Of course, I've been on the other side at a resort hotel as well.)

The Swan/Dolphin theming is definitely a matter of taste, but honestly I don't think it's that stuffy. Perhaps it's comparable to the original Disneyland Hotel, and with amenities and a view that can't be beat. The location is incredible and the price can be on par with Moderate (or even Value) Resorts depending on when you go.

 

[JerseyJanice]

We get that a relative says he got this, but this isn't part of their service and I'm almost frightened to think of how he got them to do this.

We are entitled to a round trip between our resort and mco at some point between check in and heck out days. Doesn't have to be in order. So a person can be taken to the airport shortly after they arrive, say, to get a rental car.

It what your relative says isn't something that's done. At least not for anyone but him.

There's nothing to be "frightened" about. He stayed at the Boardwalk Villas then moved to the Swan. Whoever he talked to at the BW Villas about transferring his luggage told him that he could take the Magical Express back to the airport, so he did.

 

[writerguyfl]

Two quick notes: First, the Walt Disney World Swan is the nicer of the pair. It has earned a 4-Diamond rating by AAA where the Walt Disney World Dolphin ranks as a 3-Diamond hotel. Some people might not care about (or even notice) the difference. But, it's measureable if you know the standards used.

Second and more importantly, the lobby of the Walt Disney World Dolphin is currently under renovation. According to this article, the renovation is expected to continue through the end of the year.

http://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/...novation-is-coming-to-the-dolphin-hotel-lobby

I was at the Walt Disney World Dolphin last week dropping off a rental car. The bulk of the lobby was inaccessible behind construction walls. I was there on Memorial Day, so there was no work taking place. I don't know if the construction is noisy or if it might be heard in any of the guest rooms.

 

[NancyIL]

1. Maybe. My friend had Yacht Club transfer her luggage to the Dolphin last fall. But, they are practically adjacent, so maybe that is why they were willing to do it? Just ask, chances are, yes they will.

2. Yes, you will need to find your own transportation. We used Uber.

3. Each has its own bus station. They share buses. Buses stop at Dolphin first, then Swan. The boat dock for Epcot/Studios is located midway between the Swan and Dolphin. The Swan has a SLIGHT edge when walking because it's closer to the sidewalk that leads to Epcot/Studios. The Swan has queen beds, but Dolphin has only Full sized. That is the biggest difference.

I love the Swan and Dolphin, and usually stay at the Swan. Unless things have changed since March - the Disney buses stop ar the Swan before going to the Dolphin.

 

[DLgal]

I love the Swan and Dolphin, and usually stay at the Swan. Unless things have changed since March - the Disney buses stop ar the Swan before going to the Dolphin.

You are right. I have that backwards.

 

[Haygar2]

I can't swim in the BW pool because I will be eaten.

That seriously cracked me up.