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

[el_tigre]

Really?! How does that work?

Just log into your account on spg.com and book your points reservation for five nights. SPG will automatically only charge you for four nights. More info can be found at:

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/account/starpoints/redeem/rooms.html#fifthNightFree

 

[mommyrosa2]

Calling on the Swan experts....

Given the lack of discounts in October and the fact there are no rooms in any of the Epcot resorts for mid October at all, would a resort view room at the Swan be worth $327/nt. if I could get it? Never stayed here and not even sure what a decent rate would be at the Swan for mid October. Right now, neither the swan or dolphin show any availability for our dates through their website BUT I may be able to get it for this price from another agency- just not sure if it's worth it.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Calling on the Swan experts....

Given the lack of discounts in October and the fact there are no rooms in any of the Epcot resorts for mid October at all, would a resort view room at the Swan be worth $327/nt. if I could get it? Never stayed here and not even sure what a decent rate would be at the Swan for mid October. Right now, neither the swan or dolphin show any availability for our dates through their website BUT I may be able to get it for this price from another agency- just not sure if it's worth it.

Not sure your dates, but I put in 10-11/10-16. Shows $224.

 

[mommyrosa2]

Not sure your dates, but I put in 10-11/10-16. Shows $224.

I'm looking at 10/17-10/20.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Yep, 17th and 18th not available. Maybe try calling direct?

 

[TNkidspt]

I would always call direct. I looked for weeks online and it always said unavailable for our May dates, but when I called for the advertised "flower" rate, they had rooms.

 

[kayteekt]

Just log into your account on spg.com and book your points reservation for five nights. SPG will automatically only charge you for four nights. More info can be found at:

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/account/starpoints/redeem/rooms.html#fifthNightFree

Thank you!!

 

[nemofans]

Looking at booking Swan for Oct & I have a couple of questions.

Do stays at Swan include Magical Express transportation and luggage transfer?
When can you book fastpasses? 60 or 30 days?

Thanks!

 

[el_tigre]

Looking at booking Swan for Oct & I have a couple of questions.

Do stays at Swan include Magical Express transportation and luggage transfer?
When can you book fastpasses? 60 or 30 days?

Thanks!

Stays at the Swan do not have access to Magical Express.

You can book Fastpasses 60 days out.

 

[Shock13]

Hello, I'm planning a trip to WDW in November for my 2nd solo trip. I originally booked POFQ but realized for a few dollars more a night (using the teacher's rate), I can stay at the Swan which is in a MUCH better location and since I only do half days at the parks, the Swan/Dolphin have that more resort vibe. I've stayed at the Swan before about 5 years ago and loved it so looking forward to another stay.

I do have a couple of questions if someone could confirm...
1) I'll be spending my first night at Pop before heading over to the Swan. Will Pop send my luggage over for me?
2) Does the resort fee still include 2 bottles of water daily?

Random note: I originally looked at the rates for Dolphin and for some reason the rate was $94/night more than the Swan. I'm perfectly fine staying at the Swan. I just thought Dolphin was always cheaper?

 

[Dan Murphy]

I do have a couple of questions if someone could confirm...
1) I'll be spending my first night at Pop before heading over to the Swan. Will Pop send my luggage over for me?
2) Does the resort fee still include 2 bottles of water daily?

Random note: I originally looked at the rates for Dolphin and for some reason the rate was $94/night more than the Swan. I'm perfectly fine staying at the Swan. I just thought Dolphin was always cheaper?

Yes, they will move your luggage. And yes, 2 bottles of water per day. They probably would give you more if you asked.

Not sure why Dolphin is higher priced. Similar room?

 

[Shock13]

Thanks for confirming, Dan!

Yes both rooms are listed Traditional.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I prefer the Swan, even if same price. For $94 less, I really would.

 

[Shock13]

Done and done. I'm booked at the Swan for the week after Thanksgiving.

 

[Okiechick80]

Yes, they will move your luggage. And yes, 2 bottles of water per day. They probably would give you more if you asked.

Not sure why Dolphin is higher priced. Similar room?

No way! I'm staying the first night at AoA - will all the Disney properties transfer to the Swan? I'm so excited if so! How/when do I set that up?

 

[Dan Murphy]

No way! I'm staying the first night at AoA - will all the Disney properties transfer to the Swan? I'm so excited if so! How/when do I set that up?

Yes, all will. And the reverse also. Not sure what needs to be done, I have never done it. But have read it here many times. I would suspect you would be best talking to bell services.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Done and done. I'm booked at the Swan for the week after Thanksgiving.

Now that is great!!!!!!

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

Keep in mind that if you have enough points for four nights at the Dolphin, you actually have five, as the fifth night is free.

I personally much prefer the Swan to the Dolphin for many of the reasons listed above, but not sure I would pay the points premium needed. I value each Starpoint at 2.5 cents each. So to stay at the Swan over the Dolphin, you are basically spending an additional $50 worth of points per night (and actually much more than that if you are visiting during "peak" season).

All that said, although there is usually much more of a convention/business vibe to the S&D, I've never quite seen the raucous scene described by the OP. Given the points required for free nights at each property, I'd probably choose the Dolphin again and hope for the best.

I thought Swan and Dolphin were both 10,000 points a night. How is Swan more?

 

[Dan Murphy]

I thought Swan and Dolphin were both 10,000 points a night. How is Swan more?

They recently changed the Swan from a class 4 to a class 5.

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

They recently changed the Swan from a class 4 to a class 5.

Wow that is crazy. I have stayed there, it's a class 4 in my opinion.