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

[gleddo]

Hi everyone. It's been 7 years since we were last at Disney. Does the transportation to MK via TTC work okay?

We were at the Swan two weeks ago and we always walked over to the Boardwalk bus stop when going to the MK.

 

[niccikatie]

For my recent deposit, they took the total amount due (which included tax and resort fee) and divided by the number of nights of my stay.

This deposit conversation is interesting. I made two reservations on two different days due to finding a better rate. The first reservation was a total of $2116.13 for 3 adults (extra person charge of $35/night) and deposit of $331.13. The confirmation for the first reservation stated my prepayment would be $534.48 and cancellation of $252 if not cancelled 5 days prior to arrival. The second reservation was a total of $1945.35 for the same 3 adults and same 6 nights. The deposit for the second stay was $280.35. Both rates stated a one night deposit. The confirmation for the second reservation stated my prepayment would be $475.20 and cancellation of $224.10 if not cancelled 5 days prior to arrival. It seems like someone at the hotel is doing some sort of manual calculation when the reservation is placed, but I can't figure out how they're getting the deposit amounts.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I found a PH rate for 3 of my nights during Wine &Dine Race weekend. It required--and I received a confirmation showing-- the deposit requirement of one night plus tax listing the specific $$ amount. What they charged me today was not that--they included the resort fee/tax as well . I know it's not a big deal in the overall scheme of things (I'm staying three nights and obviously spending more), however, it bugs me and frankly seems shady. I called and initiated a case to get a credit for the difference.

If you tell people they will be charged "X.XX" then you should charge them just that.

Just to put you at ease a bit about it, they’re just incompetent. I’m NOT excusing them- in this day and age they should have paid to upgrade their IT for this by now- just don’t want you to feel this is the beginning of some shady path for your hotel stay.

 

[gottalovepluto]

… It seems like someone at the hotel is doing some sort of manual calculation when the reservation is placed, but I can't figure out how they're getting the deposit amounts.

New Math

 

[gottalovepluto]

Hi everyone. It's been 7 years since we were last at Disney. Does the transportation to MK via TTC work okay?

Yes, it runs just like AK does with decent frequency.

 

[eticketplease]

With this being considered a "Deluxe" resort by Disney, I know you qualify for the extended evening hours and early entry.

My question is regarding parking.

When staying at Disney Hotels we can drive and park for free at the parks or TTC for MK.

Will the same be true for Swan Reserve, Swan and Dolphin or will we have to pay to park at the theme parks?

 

[dansdad]

With this being considered a "Deluxe" resort by Disney, I know you qualify for the extended evening hours and early entry.

My question is regarding parking.

When staying at Disney Hotels we can drive and park for free at the parks or TTC for MK.

Will the same be true for Swan Reserve, Swan and Dolphin or will we have to pay to park at the theme parks?

From the Swan/Dolphin website.

5. Do I get free parking if I drive my own vehicle to a theme park?
Standard theme park parking is included for registered Guests of the Swan and Dolphin resort.

 

[Dan Murphy]

With this being considered a "Deluxe" resort by Disney, I know you qualify for the extended evening hours and early entry.

My question is regarding parking.

When staying at Disney Hotels we can drive and park for free at the parks or TTC for MK.

Will the same be true for Swan Reserve, Swan and Dolphin or will we have to pay to park at the theme parks?

Yes

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


5. Do I get free parking if I drive my own vehicle to a theme park?
Standard theme park parking is included for registered Guests of the Swan and Dolphin resort. Guests can also choose to enjoy preferred parking by paying the difference in cost between their included standard parking and preferred parking (difference is currently $20-$25 per day*).

*Pricing is seasonal and will vary based on date of visit.

• Preferred parking: car or motorcycle – $45-$50 per day*
• Standard parking: car or motorcycle – $25 per day (included for registered guests of the resort)
• Oversized Vehicle Parking: Shuttle, Limo, Camper Trailer, RV, Bus or Tractor Trailer – $30 per day

 

[eticketplease]

Yes

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


5. Do I get free parking if I drive my own vehicle to a theme park?
Standard theme park parking is included for registered Guests of the Swan and Dolphin resort. Guests can also choose to enjoy preferred parking by paying the difference in cost between their included standard parking and preferred parking (difference is currently $20-$25 per day*).

*Pricing is seasonal and will vary based on date of visit.

• Preferred parking: car or motorcycle – $45-$50 per day*
• Standard parking: car or motorcycle – $25 per day (included for registered guests of the resort)
• Oversized Vehicle Parking: Shuttle, Limo, Camper Trailer, RV, Bus or Tractor Trailer – $30 per day

Thank you!

 

[cariann77]

I am thinking about booking the Swan or Dolphin for an upcoming stay but the reviews that I'm reading really have me torn. I'm leaning towards the Swan since some of the more recent Dolphin reviews were absolutely scathing. Is the Swan still under renovation or was it recently completed? Has anyone stayed recently that can calm my worries? I also need to squeeze in a 5th for 2-nights, we are coming down because my daughter is starting DCP and will only be with us at the start of our stay. Do you think this will go unnoticed? I'm either going to bring an air mattress or do 3 to a bed for a couple of nights (my girls are tiny). Other options that I'm looking at are Home 2 Flamingo Crossings or Port Orleans. Any input is appreciated. Thank you!

 

[SteveH]

@cariann77 Let me guess your read TripAdvisor? If you spend some time here you'll see a different side, and IMHO a more honest side of reviews. While I prefer the Swan over Dolphin, we've stayed at the Dolphin and never experience any of the things I read about on TA. I have to believe these are a lot of unhappy conference attendees. Not saying that any hotel is perfect but some of the review seems very out of line of what we've experienced.

Please don't try to cheat the system. Swan does not allow 5, roll away cots are not an option, only at the Dolphin. Plus, you will pay for additional adults after the first two. This is a fire code rule based on the square footage of the rooms from my understanding. Will you get caught? Maybe, and if you do you'll probably be kicked out without a refund. Not a good signal to your daughter entering the Disney College Program. I'd give them a call and see what options they have based on your needs. You may need to make two reservations since you have somebody only there for part of the stay.

I'd say consider other options that accommodate the guests you have. Not sure about Home2 but we stayed the SpringHill Suites/TownPlace Suites and really enjoyed our stay. But no Disney benefits so it was just a one night stay.

 

[cariann77]

Yes, TripAdvisor! Dolphin was my original choice since it was cheaper and we could get a rollaway but those pictures were awful. Home2 is looking like our best option. I really can't justify over $1000 more to stay at a moderate.

 

[maxiesmom]

Yes, TripAdvisor! Dolphin was my original choice since it was cheaper and we could get a rollaway but those pictures were awful. Home2 is looking like our best option. I really can't justify over $1000 more to stay at a moderate.

Keep in mind you get all the disney delxue resort perks at the dolphin. Extra morning hours and extra evening (if they happen during your trip). And you can't beat being within walking distance of Epcot and the Disney Studios.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Keep in mind you get all the disney delxue resort perks at the dolphin. Extra morning hours and extra evening (if they happen during your trip). And you can't beat being within walking distance of Epcot and the Disney Studios.

That 5th person only gets perks if they don’t attempt to cheat the system as all guests must be registered to connect on MDE…

 

[gottalovepluto]

Yes, TripAdvisor! Dolphin was my original choice since it was cheaper and we could get a rollaway but those pictures were awful. Home2 is looking like our best option. I really can't justify over $1000 more to stay at a moderate.

Can your College Daughter stay for her 2 nights at a value on her own? Or do 2 rooms Value then xfr to Swolphin?

TripAdvisor scared me away from Dolphin for years- and those are years of spending money elsewhere I wish I’d spent at Dolphin! Once I started staying there it became my go-to. None of the reviews were my reality and I was an idiot to give them the weight I did.

(Keep in mind Dolphin is Double Beds, if you want Queens that’s Swolphin.)

 

[cariann77]

That 5th person only gets perks if they don’t attempt to cheat the system as all guests must be registered to connect on MDE…

She's not going to the parks with us, only needs a bed for 1-2 nights. We just don't want to drive in on her arrival day.

 

[SteveH]

@cariann77 I'd suggest giving them a call, ideally M-F, use the local number. They have a bunch of room options, I would mention your daughter is starting the DCP - who knows they might want to help you out. But if you look at the various rooms some are large and could better accommodate you. Worth a try in my book.

 

[Dan Murphy]

@cariann77 I'd suggest giving them a call ideally M-F, use the local number. They have a bunch or room options, I would mention your daughter is starting the DCP - who knows they might want to help you out. But if you look at the various rooms some are large and could better accommodate you. Worth a try in my book.

Great advice, Steve.

 

[beebee2786]

We've never had problems at Dolphin. We split stay there fairly often to save money. Always clean, staff is wonderful and friendly, kid loves the pool. We're staying there over spring break after a stay at Saratoga to save some cash!

 

[kylenne]

I've never had anything but great experiences on my Dolphin stays. The very rare times I've had issues with the room they were immediately fixed by a 2 second chat on the app. Staff is great. Facilities are kept well.

In general I would totally ignore general travel review sites like TripAdvisor, Yelp, etc when it comes to anything at Disney. 99% of the complaints are dumb or nonsensical gripes from people who didn't do basic research before they booked and got something that didn't line up with their unrealistic expectations (eg. people complaining about business people being all over the bars when it's a convention hotel). Tbh even with non Disney travel I take it with a boulder of salt because I find TA reviews in general to be a cesspool of entitlement and ignorance about how anything operates. I've seen people give 1 star reviews on there for excellent hotels because the front desk line was too long.