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

[sconnell]

Definitely Rosa Mexicano! Also, since you mentioned using points for your stay, just wanted to mention that if you are Bonvoy Platinum or above, you get a voucher for free breakfast and Rosa's breakfast buffet is excellent!

Oh cool! Thanks! Business travel with a Marriott loyal company helps rack up the points.

 

[TheDailyMoo]

I can't remember if anyone has shared this recently, but we left the Dolphin Saturday, and I noticed on our way out that the car rental desk is back open! There is an Enterprise/Alamo/National desk in the main lobby. Posted hours are Mon-Fri from 8-2.

It is showing up as a pick-up/drop-off location through Costco Travel too! Happy its back, it was a huge reason we loved staying there after my conferences in Clearwater Beach/Tampa.
View attachment 902332

Would you mind telling me a bit about this? So lately I've been getting used to renting a car from MCO as I have free parking being DVC. Our next trip has a Swan split stay and I noticed they charge guests for parking. Is there any way around that parking fee? Would the car rental at the hotel help me in any way? If I have to pay a daily parking fee I'll just go back to a car service. Does anyone here rent a car and just pay nightly but find it worthwhile?

 

[Dave006]

Is there any way around that parking fee?

No other than not having a car.

Would the car rental at the hotel help me in any way?

No but you could always drop off the car you rent at MCO at the Dolphin. No need for a car service and the option to stop for any items / shopping on your way to the Swan / Dolphin / Swan Reserve.

Does anyone here rent a car and just pay nightly but find it worthwhile?

Have not for many years since we don't like to drive while on vacation. With RS and MV if you need a private ride they are easy to use. Worst case you can always rent a car at the Dolphin if you really find a need.

Dave

 

[Dan Murphy]

Does anyone here rent a car and just pay nightly but find it worthwhile?

I rented a car many times but it generally sat in the lot unused until I was heading back to MCO. Tears back, I would do a day at USF/IoA, but in later years did not. My last half dozen or so stays there I used a limo.

 

[CJK]

I hadn't realized that the car rental desk is back at the Dolphin. That's great news!

 

[Dave006]

I hadn't realized that the car rental desk is back at the Dolphin. That's great news!

Yes many of us gave up on it returning to the Dolphin until last week when DIS member @Karalee402 posted last Thursday this welcome news about the return of the Dolphin Rental Car desk.

Dave

 

[Dan Murphy]

I hadn't realized that the car rental desk is back at the Dolphin. That's great news!

https://swandolphin.com/more/carrental/

 

[SteveH]

@TheDailyMoo - as mentioned already, there is no way "around" their parking fee. That's why havning the return desk at the Dolphin was so great, I'd rent from Tampa/Clearwater airport, do a gocery stop, pick up my wife from the airport then drop at the Dolphin and either use Uber/Lyft to get back to the airport when we were done.

 

[TheDailyMoo]

@TheDailyMoo - as mentioned already, there is no way "around" their parking fee. That's why havning the return desk at the Dolphin was so great, I'd rent from Tampa/Clearwater airport, do a gocery stop, pick up my wife from the airport then drop at the Dolphin and either use Uber/Lyft to get back to the airport when we were done.

So that's a real possibility...rent at MCO and literally drop the car off right away and basically pay for only one day? Is it a specific company because I've been using Hertz.

 

[Dave006]

So that's a real possibility...rent at MCO and literally drop the car off right away and basically pay for only one day? Is it a specific company because I've been using Hertz.

Sorry but no Hertz. The Car Rental Desk at Dolphin is only for the Enterprise Family: Alamo, Enterprise, and National. These are the same options as available at the Disney Car Care Center by MK.

Dave

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

Here you go, Mrs. Milo. I have a few of the small candle in a tin candles. I don't even burn them. I just take the top off and take a good whiff. Makes me feel like I am checking in in the lobby.

Good to see you, @Mrs.Milo.

https://www.westinstore.com/category.aspx?white-tea-home-fragrance

Love these candles!

 

[gottalovepluto]

Sorry but no Hertz. The Car Rental Desk at Dolphin is only for the Enterprise Family: Alamo, Enterprise, and National. These are the same options as available at the Disney Car Care Center by MK.

Dave

I’m not seeing them pop up online with National specifically, anyone had better luck?

 

[Dave006]

I’m not seeing them pop up online with National specifically, anyone had better luck?

What are you searching for? Try this link https://partners.rentalcar.com/swan-and-dolphin-resort-guests/
Here is the information for the Dolphin location


Dave

 

[gottalovepluto]

What are you searching for? Try this link https://partners.rentalcar.com/swan-and-dolphin-resort-guests/
Here is the information for the Dolphin location

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Dave

Yes, I’m seeing it on that partner site but not direct with National. The Dolphin does not appear to be loaded into National’s app or website as a location? (which is a bummer for those with National specific discounts and/or those looking for Emerald Aisle cars)

 

[Dave006]

Yes, I’m seeing it on that partner site but not direct with National. The Dolphin does not appear to be loaded into National’s app or website as a location? (which is a bummer for those with National specific discounts and/or those looking for Emerald Aisle cars)

OK more confusion since the screen shot I posted was from the National Site.

Try this link with the search to select the Dolphin location on the National site: https://www.nationalcar.com/en/car-...do-walt-disney-world-dolphin-resort-07nb.html

Dave

 

[jmasgat]

I’m not seeing them pop up online with National specifically, anyone had better luck?

When I do a search for return of "Lake Buena Vista", they show up (Orlando Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort). But keep in mind they are only open 8-2 pm.

 

[wannabee]

is full payment when booking on AP rate always required? I could have sworn when I first started checking AP rates a month or so it wasn't, but now it is.

 

[SteveH]

@wannabee in my quick check of AP, AAA & Standard rates it looks like all are requiring prepayment. Unsure when that changed or if like the rates if its dynamic. I looked at a couple nights in Feb 2025 for my test. Might be worth a call to see if they offer deposit only rates. Curious what others have to say on this.

 

[jmasgat]

I booked a PH rate in July for W&D race weekend (and did it without actually then being a PH, which I am now). I only had to put down a deposit--which was the first nights room+resort fee+tax (although that was not what it said they would charge in the confirmation email--that amount was more.) The deposit was charged the day after the reservation.

When I look for similar dates now, it shows that it wants a deposit, although again, the amount shown is not 1st night+tax.

 

[gottalovepluto]

When I do a search for return of "Lake Buena Vista", they show up (Orlando Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort). But keep in mind they are only open 8-2 pm.

Bam! That was the key. Now it shows in the app. Gotta quit thinking WDW is in Orlando