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

[glocon]

Nothing has been shared beyond the initial plans so far.

Hopefully it will be done sometime this year… hopefully by my September Sisters’s Trip .

 

[Dan Murphy]

Hopefully it will be done sometime this year… hopefully by my September Sisters’s Trip .

I woukd not count on either, September or this year.

 

[glocon]

I woukd not count on either, September or this year.

Boooo.
Good to know though.

 

[SteveH]

@glocon I agree with Dan, no way it will be ready for September. A project this scale will take longer. There is potential it could impact your stay if they start construction in the Fall. You can try to use the SwanDolphin app to text them, but doubtful the staff know a start date yet.

 

[glocon]

@glocon I agree with Dan, no way it will be ready for September. A project this scale will take longer. There is potential it could impact your stay if they start construction in the Fall. You can try to use the SwanDolphin app to text them, but doubtful the staff know a start date yet.

OK- I guess I thought the waterfall being worked on was the project. So it seems like it is bigger than that!
Thanks for the heads up.
Did they announce what exactly they are doing?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Did they announce what exactly they are doing?

https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2022...ld-permit-hints-at-huge-hotel-pool-expansion/

 

[Huskyfan860]

I've got a stay at the Dolphin in May coming up that I booked through AmexTravel (so I'll theoretically get a slight upgrade if one's available) and I'm also a Marriott Gold Elite member, if that helps with my request.

I've currently got a room booked with two double beds - typically what are the chances I can get a King Bed "upgrade" when I check-in?

 

[Dave006]

I've currently got a room booked with two double beds - typically what are the chances I can get a King Bed "upgrade" when I check-in?

Very low unless the hotel is not busy. However you can always ask for a King room at the front desk. Since it is a Resort vs a normal tier Bonvoy Marriott your status is not very high vs all the other higher tier Bonvoy staying at the Resort.

Double rooms and King rooms are 2 different categories. What did you book A Double Traditional No View room or a higher category?

Dave

 

[SteveH]

@Huskyfan860 if you booked a double chances are that's what you will get. If it's slow and they have an abundance of King rooms you might get one, but I wouldn't count on it. One thing many of us have learned with SDR is you need to book what you want, then take an upgrade if available. I have no idea what likelyhood the Amex deal will get you though.

 

[Huskyfan860]

Yup I booked a double traditional no view, so if that's what we get, that's totally fine - I just wanted to set expectations accordingly before we arrived. Last time (late 2021) we booked the Swan through Amex and got a slight upgrade to a better view, so I wasn't expecting any miracles but I didn't know it worked at the Dolphin.

Sounds like I might get a double with a slightly better view at best.

 

[SteveH]

@Huskyfan860 we booked through Costco and booked a double, asked about a King but were declined. There was also a large food service convention going on at the time so the Kings were in big demand. Still had a great room with 2 Queens. It never hurts to ask but as you said its about expectations. Have a great trip!

 

[Grabnar]

I'll be staying here for the first time in January In an Epcot view room. What're the odds I can see some of the fireworks from my room?

 

[superchime]

I'll be staying here for the first time in January In an Epcot view room. What're the odds I can see some of the fireworks from my room?

I'd say pretty good. I had a ground floor room in January and could see the top of Spaceship Earth and some fireworks. I only paid for a traditional guest room (although it's possible I got upgraded, I'm not sure). If you get a higher floor with a guaranteed view, your odds would be even better.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I'll be staying here for the first time in January In an Epcot view room. What're the odds I can see some of the fireworks from my room?

As said, you should be able to see some of the higher fireworks, not the lower ones though. If room is higher, all the better.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Points Advance will end 3/28 link

I know it didn’t lock in rates but it was nice to lock in a points room.

 

[SteveH]

Thanks for sharing @gottalovepluto it's sad they are removing a benefit, even though small. I wonder if it was just tine consuming on their end, or if there was abuse or just not used much.

I bought a few points instead of using this feature for our last trip to Hawaii - I burned though all my points so my loyalty with Marriott is now gone.

 

[austinelsa]

Hi all!

2 quick q's:

1) Purely from a walking distance perspective to both HS and Epcot, is dolphin or swan better? Or are they basically the same?

2) Is it impossible to get a minnie van around 7am to get to AK early entry? Or will it be generally doable?

THANKS!

 

[maxiesmom]

Hi all!

2 quick q's:

1) Purely from a walking distance perspective to both HS and Epcot, is dolphin or swan better? Or are they basically the same?

2) Is it impossible to get a minnie van around 7am to get to AK early entry? Or will it be generally doable?

THANKS!

I think the walking distance is basically the same. Swan may be a smidge closer to Studios, Dolphin a smidge closer to Epcot. Not enough to make me pick one over the other.

I wouldn't bother with a minnie van to AK. The bus from the Swan and Dolphin drops you off as close if not closer than the Disney buses. And the bus stop at the park has a roof and seating.

 

[SteveH]

@austinelsa
#1 it's really a toss up; Dolphin to International Gateway .8 miles and Swan .7 miles and to DSH its 1.3 miles from the Swan.

#2 Hard to say what availabllity is like for the Minnie Vans would be. I agree with maxiesmom the bus is just as good as the Disney run buses for AK. Unless you need car seats I'd take an Uber/Lyft over the expense of a Minnie Van if you are looking to avoid the bus.

 

[austinelsa]

I think the walking distance is basically the same. Swan may be a smidge closer to Studios, Dolphin a smidge closer to Epcot. Not enough to make me pick one over the other.

I wouldn't bother with a minnie van to AK. The bus from the Swan and Dolphin drops you off as close if not closer than the Disney buses. And the bus stop at the park has a roof and seating.

thanks for the response!

re the minnie vans - im basically trying to avoid having to get up earlier then we already have to to wait in bus lines and such. imy husband *will* be cranky when i inform him of the time we must leave the room for AK EE lol (also our trip is around the daylight savings switch and it will not be fully light out yet.) Would the van help with timing at all? If not, i really dont need to spend the extra money. Just trying to make the whole thing more palatable for him and the kids.