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

[RachelTori]

Yes ESPN is the back up plan but if me and the kids are swimming trying to find my husband some place in house to watch. Weird that these two large hotels have no sports bar.

The bar at the pool will have games on! Depending on the game, it could be difficult to get a seat at the bar!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Anywhere to watch sports in the Swan or the Dolphin? Somewhere that would have the NFL Package?

None that I know of. ESPN Club may have that package. Other than that, I doubt any hotels on site would have that.

 

[belle7708]

Apologies if this question has been answered before, but I read somewhere that SPG platinum members don't have to pay the $25 resort fee at the Dolphin. Is this true? I'm considering using points to book 3 nights during Food and Wine in November (at 10,000 points/night, seems like a pretty good deal to me compared to other 10,000/night redemption options). Are there any other perks I should be aware of as a platinum member that might help sway my decision to cancel my stay at POFQ and book here instead?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Apologies if this question has been answered before, but I read somewhere that SPG platinum members don't have to pay the $25 resort fee at the Dolphin. Is this true? I'm considering using points to book 3 nights during Food and Wine in November (at 10,000 points/night, seems like a pretty good deal to me compared to other 10,000/night redemption options). Are there any other perks I should be aware of as a platinum member that might help sway my decision to cancel my stay at POFQ and book here instead?

I have seen it posted here by a poster that s/he had resort fee waived for platinum level. I would call to confirm.

 

[lizabu]

Apologies if this question has been answered before, but I read somewhere that SPG platinum members don't have to pay the $25 resort fee at the Dolphin. Is this true? I'm considering using points to book 3 nights during Food and Wine in November (at 10,000 points/night, seems like a pretty good deal to me compared to other 10,000/night redemption options). Are there any other perks I should be aware of as a platinum member that might help sway my decision to cancel my stay at POFQ and book here instead?

There is an spg thread on the flyertalk website and they have a thread dedicated to swan and dolphin. There were platinum members saying they did not pay the resort fee. They also said they got breakfast and there was a basic continental breakfast which was included or they could upgrade for something like $6 or $8 per day to the hot breakfast and I think one of the options was the character breakfast. I'm not sure if they were using breakfast as their platinum welcome amenity or if this was a benefit on top of the 500 points, I would probably ask at check in to be certain.

 

[belle7708]

Thanks! Checked out the flyertalk site and it was very informative!

 

[happymommy]

Staying at the Dolphin Nov 13-18 with starwood points. My husband's starwood points finally came through for the 11th and 12th but now the Swan and Dolphin have no availability so I have to get a Disney room for two nights. Was thinking Caribbean Beach for the price and proximity to the dolphin. Anyone have experience with transferring stuff from a disney resort to the swan? Do you just get Uber to take your luggage and stuff over?[/QUOTE

I'd take an Uber over and keep my luggage with me, but many folks like to have Disney transfer. It takes some time, though, and I'm a control freak.

Pop Century is also very close, if you're interested in a value resort. I really like it there (going again in August)!

 

[momtoprincesses]

Hi all! Are there any rooms at the Swan and Dolphin that could comfortably sleep 5--2 adults and 3 children (ages 8, 6, and almost 3)? Also, does anyone know when the Educator Discount usually becomes available? We are hoping to travel October 2017. Thank you for your help!

 

[happymommy]

I'd look into the suites. For pricing, you generally need to call to ask about them!

Not sure when teacher rates come out.

The Dolphin has rooms with two double beds, and you can get a rollaway. My friend did this when we went together once (she was in a room with her 4 boys, and I was in a room nearby just with my 2 kids). Her room was quite full, but they were only there to sleep. Comfort to some is relative - it would have been a bit cramped to me, but she took the rollaway and the boys slept fine (ages were 6 - 9, yes she had 2 kids 2 years apart then a year later twins).

Not sure if the suites are offered with teacher discounts, but they sometimes have a special with a second connecting room at a deep discount for families.

 

[momtoprincesses]

I'd look into the suites. For pricing, you generally need to call to ask about them!

Not sure when teacher rates come out.

The Dolphin has rooms with two double beds, and you can get a rollaway. My friend did this when we went together once (she was in a room with her 4 boys, and I was in a room nearby just with my 2 kids). Her room was quite full, but they were only there to sleep. Comfort to some is relative - it would have been a bit cramped to me, but she took the rollaway and the boys slept fine (ages were 6 - 9, yes she had 2 kids 2 years apart then a year later twins).

Not sure if the suites are offered with teacher discounts, but they sometimes have a special with a second connecting room at a deep discount for families.

Thank you! This is very helpful!

 

[ImprovGal]

Apologies if this question has been answered before, but I read somewhere that SPG platinum members don't have to pay the $25 resort fee at the Dolphin. Is this true? I'm considering using points to book 3 nights during Food and Wine in November (at 10,000 points/night, seems like a pretty good deal to me compared to other 10,000/night redemption options). Are there any other perks I should be aware of as a platinum member that might help sway my decision to cancel my stay at POFQ and book here instead?

When I've stayed as an SPG Platinum member, my resort fee has been waived.

You have the option of choosing daily breakfast as your welcome amenity instead of the standard 500 points. You have the option of the continental buffets (cold items + oatmeal/grits) at Fresh or Garden Grove, and I believe if you have more than one person in the room, it's good for you and one guest. You have the option of paying the small surcharge mentioned if you want to buy up to the full buffet. You can make that decision each day; you don't have to buy up for every day. Since my stays are usually 1-2 nights and solo, I prefer to take the 500 points, but if you've got a multinight stay with your family, the breakfast option is a much better value.

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

Hi! I know this has been addressed before but I cannot find it. I want to book a room on points at the Swan but I want a balcony. How many points extra does that cost? Also, I cannot do this online, is there a certain number I need to call to do this? THANK YOU!

 

[lizabu]

Hi! I know this has been addressed before but I cannot find it. I want to book a room on points at the Swan but I want a balcony. How many points extra does that cost? Also, I cannot do this online, is there a certain number I need to call to do this? THANK YOU!

You have to call spg. The number is 1-888-625-4988. It's something like 1000 or 1500 starpoints extra (each night). I can't recall exactly.

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

You have to call spg. The number is 1-888-625-4988. It's something like 1000 or 1500 starpoints extra (each night). I can't recall exactly.

Thank you! It was 54,000 points for 5 nights w resort view balcony room Would have cost 2,500 cash since it is during a very busy time.

 

[luvallprincesses]

Thank you! It was 54,000 points for 5 nights w resort view balcony room Would have cost 2,500 cash since it is during a very busy time.

So since redeeming 4 nights with the 5th free at 40,000 points, it ended up being 3,500 points per night for the balcony and resort view? Or did I read the Swan is more than 10,000 points/night now?

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

Swan is 12000 points now, 5th night free makes 1500 points per night for the upgrade. I really need a balcony so it is worth it. Cash price is insane though IMO.

 

[amyy]

Does anyone know how many points for a balcony at the Dolphin? thanks

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

Does anyone know how many points for a balcony at the Dolphin? thanks

Probably 1500 since it is 1500 at the Swan. Call the number a few replies up to be sure.

 

[ckelly14]

Swan is 12000 points now, 5th night free makes 1500 points per night for the upgrade. I really need a balcony so it is worth it. Cash price is insane though IMO.

If the cash price is $500/night, yes I agree it is insane. When are you going??

 

[Airship Ariadne]

Wife and I are looking at seeing how many nights of our 20th anniversary trip we will be able to book using her Starwood points (not sure how many she will end up with after this summer's work travel, but looks like 2-3 days worth). I did have a transportation question. I know there is a boat to EPCOT, HS...but how are the buses for MK and AK? are the bus pick up areas leaving the parks close to the front? Last trip we stayed at CBR and I swear it was farther than any resort at all parks...kind if want to avoid that sort of thing.