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

[gottalovepluto]

Was looking at a future booking and saw the resort fee is/will be $50/night?! Insane...

I don’t even look at it as a resort fee, it’s just too dumb. It’s just room cost that needs to be part of math comparisons. Even that part I don’t think about much anymore since Marriott includes resort fees when searching (May 2023 they started).

 

[patty57]

I don’t even look at it as a resort fee, it’s just too dumb. It’s just room cost that needs to be part of math comparisons. Even that part I don’t think about much anymore since Marriott includes resort fees when searching (May 2023 they started).

I do the same.

 

[NothingClever]

Oh wow - this makes me feel better about becoming DVC this year. Had been on the fence for years (and truly love the Swan) but the math is no longer mathing…

This is me - we kept running the numbers for years and DVC never made sense because we regularly got Swan/Dolphin for $250-$350/night. Now that the prices are regularly closer to $400 and $50/night resort fees, DVC made a lot more sense.

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

This is me - we kept running the numbers for years and DVC never made sense because we regularly got Swan/Dolphin for $250-$350/night. Now that the prices are regularly closer to $400 and $50/night resort fees, DVC made a lot more sense.

Exactly! Sometimes there are deals to be had but it takes a ton of patience (and persistence) with the dynamic pricing!

 

[suttonzach]

Looking to book a room at the Dolphin for 2 adults and 2 young kids, and debating between a “Deluxe” Fireworks view room (for the view) or an Alcove room (for the extra space). Any thoughts on which might be best for a 6 night stay? (They are currently the same nightly room rate)

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

Looking to book a room at the Dolphin for 2 adults and 2 young kids, and debating between a “Deluxe” Fireworks view room (for the view) or an Alcove room (for the extra space). Any thoughts on which might be best for a 6 night stay? (They are currently the same nightly room rate)

I’ve stayed in both - I personally find the fireworks views at the Dolphin/Swan Reserve to be the best on property.

The alcove is nice but if you don’t anticipate spending a ton of time in the room, it’s not really worth it IMO.

 

[suttonzach]

I’ve stayed in both - I personally find the fireworks views at the Dolphin/Swan Reserve to be the best on property.

The alcove is nice but if you don’t anticipate spending a ton of time in the room, it’s not really worth it IMO.

Thanks. Yes, my logic was that if we weren’t spending much time in the room, the view would be best to prioritize. Thanks for confirming!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Looking to book a room at the Dolphin for 2 adults and 2 young kids, and debating between a “Deluxe” Fireworks view room (for the view) or an Alcove room (for the extra space). Any thoughts on which might be best for a 6 night stay? (They are currently the same nightly room rate)

There are alcove rooms that do have fireworks views.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Was looking at a future booking and saw the resort fee is/will be $50/night?! Insane...

Yes, resort fee is listed at $50 plus tax on the S/D website

https://swandolphin.com/feedback/reserve/

7. How much does the mandatory Resort Service Package cost and what does it include?
Daily $50 resort service package fee (+ tax) includes daily benefits for two guests:

• In-room wireless internet. (Value $14.99)
• Loyalty Program guests receive enhanced speed in-room wireless internet and daily access to the Balinese Relaxation Areas at Mandara Spa. (Value $20)
• Daily Swan Paddleboat rentals. (Value $25)
• Daily certified instructor led fitness classes. (Value $25)
• Nightly movies and S’mores on the beach. (Value $20)

Value Add:

• $30 off Spa Services of $230 or more during each night of your visit. Excludes Hair & Nail services.
  * with each eligible stay.

Self Parking is now $38 per night, valet $46-$56 per night. all plus tax

https://swandolphin.com/feedback/transportation/

7. Is there a fee for parking at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin?
Yes. The nightly fees for parking are listed below and subject to change.

	Self Parking Fees	Valet Parking (pricing based on availability)
Non-Registered Guest*	$38.00 for each exit	$46.00 – $56.00 for each exit
Registered Guest **	$38.00 + tax per day	$46.00 – $56.00 + tax per day

​

 

[SteveH]

@Dan Murphy thanks for the update, sad they keep jacking up these rates like this. It's the one blemish on the Swan/Dolphin that annoys me and most others. Thankfully we've found a great place in Maui on the beach that doesn't charge either and we enjoy the weeks there now

 

[MarBee]

Loyalty Program guests receive enhanced speed in-room wireless internet and daily access to the Balinese Relaxation Areas at Mandara Spa. (Value $20)

Just curious what the Balinese Relaxation area entails. Has anyone been?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Just curious what the Balinese Relaxation area entails. Has anyone been?

I was interested in that also, tried to find something on it. Nothing that I could find online.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Just curious what the Balinese Relaxation area entails. Has anyone been?

I was interested in that also, tried to find something on it. Nothing that I could find online.

It’s just the area you wait for spa treatments in. It has a faux temple in the middle, spa music, padded chairs and padded loungers. There is infused water and maybe tea. They also have a patio where you can look out at the area between swan and dolphin and it has loungers out there.

There is a small steam room in each locker room and showers.

Value: $0.00

 

[Dan Murphy]

It’s just the area you wait for spa treatments in. It has a faux temple in the middle, spa music, padded chairs and padded loungers. There is infused water and maybe tea. They also have a patio where you can look out at the area between swan and dolphin and it has loungers out there.

There is a small steam room in each locker room and showers.

Value: $0.00

So it's not worth $20?

 

[pixiedust2u]

So it's not worth $20?

Definitely not. I got a manicure on my visit a couple weeks ago. The spa area was lame. Not much relaxing about it. A hammock or lounger on the beach and book in hand is a much better way to relax.

 

[kylenne]

Definitely not. I got a manicure on my visit a couple weeks ago. The spa area was lame. Not much relaxing about it. A hammock or lounger on the beach and book in hand is a much better way to relax.

Yeah I got a massage at Mandara before and while I enjoyed the service the lounge area pales in comparison to the one at the GF spa. I did Mandara back when that one was still closed but I’m not sure I’d go back now that it’s not the only game in town anymore. The biggest selling point of it imo was the much more affordable prices (frequent Groupons helped too) but ever since Covid they jacked the prices up to GF levels.

 

[pixiedust2u]

I will say my manicure and manicurist was fabulous. But the facilities were just meh. If you want a good spa, we did 1 night at the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes before checking into the Dolphin and did a spa day. It’s top notch! The spa facilities, the pool is incredible, great services!! And we got a very good value for our points (we were upgraded to an executive suite)

Even if you don’t want to stay there, it’s a short ride away from Disney resorts and can be a great non park day break! Last year we booked late flights home and spent the day at the spa, had dinner and flew home. Incredible way to end a Disney trip!

 

[gottalovepluto]

I will say my manicure and manicurist was fabulous. But the facilities were just meh. If you want a good spa, we did 1 night at the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes before checking into the Dolphin and did a spa day. It’s top notch! The spa facilities, the pool is incredible, great services!! And we got a very good value for our points (we were upgraded to an executive suite)

Even if you don’t want to stay there, it’s a short ride away from Disney resorts and can be a great non park day break! Last year we booked late flights home and spent the day at the spa, had dinner and flew home. Incredible way to end a Disney trip!

Thanks for the tip about the Ritz! Looks nice, and it looks like they also take SpaFinder* gc like Mandara does (I love a good deal ). Easy enough to Uber over!

*maybe not, reviews say they don’t, website says they do. I’ll give them a call and ask next time I’m looking for a massage in Orlando!

 

[mickey916]

Did Picabu close? I can still see a menu on MDE but wanted to verify the accuracy. I couldn't find it listed anywhere in the Swan/Dolphin app or on the Swan/Dolphin website. Odd. When I Google it, it says "permanently closed".

 

[Dan Murphy]

Did Picabu close? I can still see a menu on MDE but wanted to verify the accuracy. I couldn't find it listed anywhere in the Swan/Dolphin app or on the Swan/Dolphin website. Odd. When I Google it, it says "permanently closed".

Wow, that sure is news!!!!!


Texting them now.