Resort Thread Walt Disney World SWAN, DOLPHIN & SWAN RESERVE Resorts

[TexanInTheMidwest]

While I wouldn't say it's typical, it's not uncommon. Since S/D are not Disney hotels I suspect there are some hicups between things that just don't work right. From what I know from a friend that works around the Disney IT he's amazed anything works

I had that happen for my August trip. I was able to link it and then the morning I was going to book my 60+ADRS, it was no longer listed and I had to link it again....so, it's always good to just check the night before (or early morning) that you need to book something.

As a side note, I had this happen to me with a reservation at I had at the Poly in 2019 - it just went away and then I had to re-add it.

 

[SteveH]

Is it normal that I can't pay the remainder of my Swan Disney package on the MDE app? I made the reservation over the phone as I called in to talk with them about the cancellation policy. Do I have to call in again to pay the remainder? There's no option to pay for it online.

That's odd. I assume you didn't book with a Travel Agent or with Swan, that's the only reason I can see not having access to pay online MDE. Wish I could help, sadly sounds like you'll need to call again.

 

[stacyjoy75]

Is it typical for Swan reservations to disappear from MDE? (In our case Swan Reserve) I logged in today because our 60 day dining window is coming up and I wanted to do some dining research, and while our park reservations were still there the resort listing was gone. I was able to re-add it easily, just thought it was odd.

Mine has disappeared three times. I just relink it and it seems to be fine. I was worried because of linked Boo Bash tickets, but they have remained unharmed during all the disappearances.

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

Is it typical for Swan reservations to disappear from MDE? (In our case Swan Reserve) I logged in today because our 60 day dining window is coming up and I wanted to do some dining research, and while our park reservations were still there the resort listing was gone. I was able to re-add it easily, just thought it was odd.

I don't know if it's typical but we've stayed a few times and most recently back in April at the Swan and our reservations always disappear from MDE. I have always assumed that MDE doesn't like the third party hotels and always have to relink my reservations as this never happens when we stay at any Disney owned properties. Wonder if this happens with the other non-Disney properties??

 

[MarBee]

I have had issues in the past with reservations disappearing from MDE- even from Disney properties. Sometimes it wouldn’t show in the app, but if I logged onto a desktop it would show, and vice versa. Typically, anything missing would pop up in a few days.

 

[Dan Murphy]

For those of you who were just there or currently there. Doest EPCOT really not open till 11 or are there parts that open earlier?

https://www.wdwmagic.com/other/oper...ndful-of-pre-11am-openings-in-august-2021.htm

 

[CJN]

Disney has finally updated their site showing Extended Evening Hours for Swan, Dolphin, Swan Reserve and SoG. Even though those resorts had already confirmed it, whew, it’s a relief to see it official.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/extended-evening/

 

[Seoulbro]

Disney has finally updated their site showing Extended Evening Hours for Swan, Dolphin, Swan Reserve and SoG. Even though those resorts had already confirmed it, whew, it’s a relief to see it official.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/extended-evening/

I agree. I took a big chance and booked our first visit to the Dolphin next spring. I had some points and booked a flight/hotel combo (From Canada) at a price point I was very comfortable at. I was very discouraged at first when the news about the hotel perks did not include Swalphin. I was at least hoping for the early entry, but was overjoyed at the evening inclusion. I checked the rates at the Dolphin after the announcement and already they have gone up substantially (I am going during Spring Break). I feel very lucky, as it easily could have gone the other way.

 

[mickey916]

I agree. I took a big chance and booked our first visit to the Dolphin next spring. I had some points and booked a flight/hotel combo (From Canada) at a price point I was very comfortable at. I was very discouraged at first when the news about the hotel perks did not include Swalphin. I was at least hoping for the early entry, but was overjoyed at the evening inclusion. I checked the rates at the Dolphin after the announcement and already they have gone up substantially (I am going during Spring Break). I feel very lucky, as it easily could have gone the other way.

My thoughts exactly! I too booked early on points and it's gone up substantially. I was feeling bad about the no early entry and now that we get evening too it's bonus time!

 

[Scalemaster34]

My thoughts exactly! I too booked early on points and it's gone up substantially. I was feeling bad about the no early entry and now that we get evening too it's bonus time!

Yeah I did some booking back in Feb, and noticed pricing going up for our April trip.... so went ahead and book some dates later in this year and early next with the Passholder discount. At this point I don't think it's getting any cheaper and rates can go way up.

 

[empedocles]

My thoughts exactly! I too booked early on points and it's gone up substantially. I was feeling bad about the no early entry and now that we get evening too it's bonus time!

In April, I booked a stay at the Dolphin for December. AAA Rate, flexible/cancellable, $239/night. Right now, that rate is $311/night. Swan AAA rate for the same time is $371.

 

[Gitelfor]

As the Disney resort rates continue to climb astronomically, while benefits and services are being reduced, the Swan/Dolphin/Reserve resorts are becoming more desirable options. That is resulting in solid bookings at the three resorts.

Combined with returning group and convention bookings, as well as strong leisure travel, it’s not surprising to see rate increases, and some dates even sold out.

With that outlook, booking a refundable rate now and watching for lower rates seems to be the way to go.

 

[Scalemaster34]

In April, I booked a stay at the Dolphin for December. AAA Rate, flexible/cancellable, $239/night. Right now, that rate is $311/night. Swan AAA rate for the same time is $371.

Got that beat.... Back in March I booked Nov 5th - 13th with Passholder rate for $236..... There are no rooms available for any discounts and the only available room is a Alcove 1 King for $2,642. Rooms aren't just getting more expensive but some dates are selling out.

Didn't know it would be a marathon week...

 

[luvallprincesses]

For comparable points, I'd stay at the Swan Reserve. Five minutes (if that) additional walking is negligible to me. Also, while the Swan's rooms are in good condition and I happily stay there, you're weighing a 33-year old hotel against one that's brand new.

I made the switch to the Reserve. Every night during our 8 night stay at the Reserve is 60,000 points, while the mid week nights at Swan were 50,000 points, so I’m unable to use any 50,000 certificates now but I still think the pros outweigh the cons of the new hotel. The walk across the road to the Grotto pool was another consideration but when I realized we probably won’t use it daily, that became less of a concern. Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[kylenne]

We made the decision tonight to switch from CR CL for the 50th anniversary weekend to the Dolphin! Then we will still be moving to the Poly for the rest of our 2 week trip. We can live with the crazy rack rate for the Poly because it’s our favorite resort and we are absolutely in love with the new rooms, but we frankly couldn’t justify the obscene rack rate of CL for a resort we literally only booked for walking convenience the day of the 1st. I’m willing to trade that for a couple extra thousand in our pocket plus an easier time rope dropping Remy and getting back from Harmonious on their opening weekend. We wanted to do Mandara anyway on this trip so it works out. I’m so excited to finally come back to my old childhood resort!

 

[Dave006]

We made the decision tonight to switch from CR CL for the 50th anniversary weekend to the Dolphin!

Sounds like a sound plan since you are not a fan of the new Incredibles rooms at the CR. Saving thousands and having all the Crescent lake features within walking distance during the busy 50th Kickoff days.

Also Don't forget to take the time to download or update the Swan & Dolphin smartphone app and the Marriott Bonvoy app on your smartphones.

The S&D app will have the latest updates on the resort services that are every changing, menus for the dining options and information on calling or using Opentable for some of the great dining options at the Swan & Dolphin.

The Bonvoy app will allow you to real time message with the hotel staff for any room related issues such as requesting more (towels, water, coffee, etc...).

Don't forget that S&D are covered in the Oct. Extended evening hours at the parks and you may need to show your S&D room key if MDE decides to drop your Dolphin hotel link at the wrong time.

S&D part of Extended Evenings:

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/extended-evening/

The Swan & Dolphin don't have the new Marriott Bonvoy smart key room option yet so if you do online check-in using the Bonvoy app you still need to swing by the Dolphin Front Desk to grab a set of guest room key cards.

Dave

 

[kylenne]

Sounds like a sound plan since you are not a fan of the new Incredibles rooms at the CR. Saving thousands and having all the Crescent lake features within walking distance during the busy 50th Kickoff days.

Also Don't forget to take the time to download or update the Swan & Dolphin smartphone app and the Marriott Bonvoy app on your smartphones.

The S&D app will have the latest updates on the resort services that are every changing, menus for the dining options and information on calling or using Opentable for some of the great dining options at the Swan & Dolphin.

The Bonvoy app will allow you to real time message with the hotel staff for any room related issues such as requesting more (towels, water, coffee, etc...).

Don't forget that S&D are covered in the Oct. Extended evening hours at the parks and you may need to show your S&D room key if MDE decides to drop your Dolphin hotel link at the wrong time.

S&D part of Extended Evenings:

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/extended-evening/

The Swan & Dolphin don't have the new Marriott Bonvoy smart key room option yet so if you do online check-in using the Bonvoy app you still need to swing by the Dolphin Front Desk to grab a set of guest room key cards.

Dave

Thanks, I use the Bonvoy app already but I didn’t know there was a dedicated S&D one. Do they offer late checkout there? Our previous plan for resort switch day is obviously out the window now so it would be nice to be able to hang onto our room a little longer before we move to Poly. I had an extended Residence Inn wfh staycation when my house was being remodeled and actually hit Silver from it, iirc pretty much the only thing you get is priority late checkout.

 

[TexanInTheMidwest]

Thanks, I use the Bonvoy app already but I didn’t know there was a dedicated S&D one. Do they offer late checkout there? Our previous plan for resort switch day is obviously out the window now so it would be nice to be able to hang onto our room a little longer before we move to Poly. I had an extended Residence Inn wfh staycation when my house was being remodeled and actually hit Silver from it, iirc pretty much the only thing you get is priority late checkout.

They sometimes offer late check out. I was Platinum on my last trip to the Dolphin and they gave me a 1 PM check out but they couldn't extend it beyond that (I had hoped for a 2 PM)

 

[Dave006]

I agree with @TexanInTheMidwest 1 PM is the (2 hour free late checkout). I would let them know your preference at the front desk at the start of your stay and again the day before checkout and finally on checkout morning.

You can also use the Bonvoy chat feature as yet another way to check on the status of your late checkout. Technically they can give you until 2 PM but there should be a $40 charge to your folio.

Note: the key to this topic is how many rooms they need to turn on your check-out day for new guest check-in. Busy day less likely of anything beyond 11 AM.

Dave

 

[kylenne]

They sometimes offer late check out. I was Platinum on my last trip to the Dolphin and they gave me a 1 PM check out but they couldn't extend it beyond that (I had hoped for a 2 PM)

I agree with @TexanInTheMidwest 1 PM is the (2 hour free late checkout). I would let them know your preference at the front desk at the start of your stay and again the day before checkout and finally on checkout morning.

You can also use the Bonvoy chat feature as yet another way to check on the status of your late checkout. Technically they can give you until 2 PM but there should be a $40 charge to your folio.

Note: the key to this topic is how many rooms they need to turn on your check-out day for new guest check-in. Busy day less likely of anything beyond 11 AM.

Dave

Thanks for the info. I figure in the worst case scenario we can head somewhere for lunch. When I did my split in June my YC room was ready around 1p. We plan to Lyft our stuff over to the Poly.

Considering the categories there now. I’m looking at the King “Alcove Larger guest room, Sofa bed, limited view”. What’s “limited view” actually entail? We talking BC/YC roof view bad or what?