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

[vicb]

We're home! After 5 nights at Swan then another 3 nights at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort in Clearwater Beach.
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Great report.... glad you had such a successful trip. I especially appreciate the Costco info as that is how I booked my May trip as well. Thanks for posting all this info.

 

[RLGNC]

If you are a Costco member you can get quotes and see the pricing up front so you can verify it's actually cheaper. As a general rule renting a car away from the airport should be cheaper. We had our one way, from Dolphin to the
St. Petersburg airport. The Costco rate beat any other rate I found

Thanks!

 

[hsmamato2]

https://www.swandolphin.com/concierge/index.html

how far in advance should we send this request in?

 

[kboo]

Hi there - we have an upcoming stay with a toddler who is climbing out of her crib. (DD1 never did that!!) We've requested a crib, but may end up trying her in the bed as well. Does the Dolphin provide bed rails, and/or pool noodles? We may need actual bed rails because she's so little. Thanks.

 

[GoofyDad_4427]

Hi there - we have an upcoming stay with a toddler who is climbing out of her crib. (DD1 never did that!!) We've requested a crib, but may end up trying her in the bed as well. Does the Dolphin provide bed rails, and/or pool noodles? We may need actual bed rails because she's so little. Thanks.

We have requested and used bed rails at the Dolphin many times in past trips.

 

[kboo]

We have requested and used bed rails at the Dolphin many times in past trips.

Awesome, thanks!

 

[bathman123]

FYI...if you are planning on booking the Dolphin with SPG points, book soon! The Dolphin is moving to a Category 5 Hotel (same as Swan) on March 6th. it will then be 12,000 points a night instead of the 10,000 it is now.

 

[hsmamato2]

FYI...if you are planning on booking the Dolphin with SPG points, book soon! The Dolphin is moving to a Category 5 Hotel (same as Swan) on March 6th. it will then be 12,000 points a night instead of the 10,000 it is now.

noooooooooooo I was kinda sorta expecting this to happen but I was hoping it wouldn't....

 

[Dan Murphy]

how far in advance should we send this request in?

I would make your requests when you know what they are. Not more than 6 months though.

 

[hsmamato2]

I would make your requests when you know what they are. Not more than 6 months though.

about 2 months....too soon? would it be more noticed if I waited till about 3 weeks?

 

[amalone1013]

FYI...if you are planning on booking the Dolphin with SPG points, book soon! The Dolphin is moving to a Category 5 Hotel (same as Swan) on March 6th. it will then be 12,000 points a night instead of the 10,000 it is now.

Nooooooooooooooooooooo

 

[SteveH]

FYI...if you are planning on booking the Dolphin with SPG points, book soon! The Dolphin is moving to a Category 5 Hotel (same as Swan) on March 6th. it will then be 12,000 points a night instead of the 10,000 it is now.

Good, but sad info. Seeing the Dolphin is still using Double beds that seemed to make sense on the category differences, I wonder/wish/hope they would change to Queen beds.

I'll toss this bit in there too....

Beginning February 11, 2018, SPG is changing its booking window. Previously, the SPG program allowed members to book their future stay a maximum of 550 days in advance, but as of February 11, the program is aligning itself with Marriott and only allowing booking (paid or award) 350 days in advance. If you already have a reservation, it will not be affected by this policy.
From ThePointsGuy; https://thepointsguy.com/2018/02/spg-and-marriotot-changes-2018/

 

[amalone1013]

Good, but sad info. Seeing the Dolphin is still using Double beds that seemed to make sense on the category differences, I wonder/wish/hope they would change to Queen beds.

This is a good point I didn't even think about... are the beds new with the remodel? Then it would seem unlikely to change them out for Queens already to me, but that seems like the biggest difference between the properties currently.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Nooooooooooooooooooooo

Agree

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Good, but sad info. Seeing the Dolphin is still using Double beds that seemed to make sense on the category differences, I wonder/wish/hope they would change to Queen beds.

I'll toss this bit in there too....

Beginning February 11, 2018, SPG is changing its booking window. Previously, the SPG program allowed members to book their future stay a maximum of 550 days in advance, but as of February 11, the program is aligning itself with Marriott and only allowing booking (paid or award) 350 days in advance. If you already have a reservation, it will not be affected by this policy.
From ThePointsGuy; https://thepointsguy.com/2018/02/spg-and-marriotot-changes-2018/

Well, it means I'll be looking at Swan with bigger beds for same points now. I have some points pending and if they hit my account in time, I'll be booking for next year.

 

[happymommy]

IIRC the bathroom is also better for most rooms in the Swan, but it’s been years (and last times at Dolphin I was upgraded).

 

[cbonebt]

Strange question but can I buy a case of water at the dolphin or swan?

 

[SteveH]

Strange question but can I buy a case of water at the dolphin or swan?

I didn't see any, I did intend to check the Screen Door on the Boardwalk but I forgot. In my case I used the Amazon PrimeNow to have it delivered.

 

[cbonebt]

I didn't see any, I did intend to check the Screen Door on the Boardwalk but I forgot. In my case I used the Amazon PrimeNow to have it delivered.

I thought I read you can't have food delivered There?

 

[BlueFairy]

FYI...if you are planning on booking the Dolphin with SPG points, book soon! The Dolphin is moving to a Category 5 Hotel (same as Swan) on March 6th. it will then be 12,000 points a night instead of the 10,000 it is now.

Good, but sad info. Seeing the Dolphin is still using Double beds that seemed to make sense on the category differences, I wonder/wish/hope they would change to Queen beds.

I'll toss this bit in there too....

Beginning February 11, 2018, SPG is changing its booking window. Previously, the SPG program allowed members to book their future stay a maximum of 550 days in advance, but as of February 11, the program is aligning itself with Marriott and only allowing booking (paid or award) 350 days in advance. If you already have a reservation, it will not be affected by this policy.
From ThePointsGuy; https://thepointsguy.com/2018/02/spg-and-marriotot-changes-2018/

We’re considering moving our trip to 3/2019. You both just saved me a bunch of points and hassle. Thank you! Now we need to decide!!

Well, it means I'll be looking at Swan with bigger beds for same points now. I have some points pending and if they hit my account in time, I'll be booking for next year.

Yes! Always wanted to book Swan but we never have quite enough points. I guess Swan will be even harder to find rooms now. Already seemed to sell out faster than Dolphin.