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

[ckelly14]

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.

Our last stay (2 years ago), the bus transportation was great. During busy times, the S&D had a dedicated MK and AK bus, although it will occasionally share with the Yacht and Beach club and the Boardwalk. The only horrendous experience I had was taking the bus to DTD (now Disney Springs). That bus is always shared with all those resorts AND typhoon lagoon. Took us about an hour to get back.

I think transportation options are great at the S&D and would consider it a plus not a minus.

 

[Airship Ariadne]

Our last stay (2 years ago), the bus transportation was great. During busy times, the S&D had a dedicated MK and AK bus, although it will occasionally share with the Yacht and Beach club and the Boardwalk. The only horrendous experience I had was taking the bus to DTD (now Disney Springs). That bus is always shared with all those resorts AND typhoon lagoon. Took us about an hour to get back.

I think transportation options are great at the S&D and would consider it a plus not a minus.

Thanks...and that DTD trip was back in the crazy construction time right? I'm sure that didn't help.

 

[Dan Murphy]

On my many trips to S/D I've never had any bus concerns. Top wait has been maybe 20 minutes, most less. Disney Springs, as with almost all of the resorts, is a more slow go.

If I recall, the bus locations are mid point in the lineup. But that can change at any time.

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

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

Week before Easter

 

[PackYourPixieDust]

Thanks...and that DTD trip was back in the crazy construction time right? I'm sure that didn't help.

Don't forget you can uber back from Disney Springs. In my experience it's always been like $10 or less and like 10- 15 minutes. It's a beautiful thing!

 

[rabidstoat]

Do they sell bread (like, for sandwiches) at the resort store there? If not, they surely would have some for sale at the general store on the Boardwalk, right? Thinking of packing some PB&J, for quick lunches, but the bread would squish!

Also, does the resort (or general store) sell fruit? Bananas, apples, oranges?

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

They give you an empty refrigerator at the Swan, right? They only stock it if you request personal pantry, right?

One time we stayed someplace and they only had a fridge w stuff you had to buy. We wanted an empty fridge!

In 2013 the Swan had an empty fridge when we were there...just want to make sure they still do.

 

[Tess]

Do they sell bread (like, for sandwiches) at the resort store there? If not, they surely would have some for sale at the general store on the Boardwalk, right? Thinking of packing some PB&J, for quick lunches, but the bread would squish!

Also, does the resort (or general store) sell fruit? Bananas, apples, oranges?

The Screen Door on the Boardwalk or Marketplace in the Beach Club sell all of the above. Picabu at the Dolphin would have the fruit, but not sure about the bread. There is also the private pantry option at the resorts--I have never seen the complete list of items offered, but I have spoken with people who have ordered through the hotel pantry and they remarked that the prices were not bad. There is also the Speedway Station/Store (formerly known as Hess Station) across the street from Boardwalk Inn. A bit of a hike, but it has many convenience store items you are seeking at reasonable prices.

Perhaps someone else can provide you with more information about the private pantry offerings.

 

[lizabu]

Do they sell bread (like, for sandwiches) at the resort store there? If not, they surely would have some for sale at the general store on the Boardwalk, right? Thinking of packing some PB&J, for quick lunches, but the bread would squish!

Also, does the resort (or general store) sell fruit? Bananas, apples, oranges?

I would check picabu. They had a lot of stuff. I saw boxes of cookies and crackers and cereal. I'm not sure about bread but I wasn't looking for it either. Also if you're using the transfer set up by swan/dolphin it includes a grocery store stop. They've stopped at Walmart or publix for us.

 

[lizabu]

They give you an empty refrigerator at the Swan, right? They only stock it if you request personal pantry, right?

One time we stayed someplace and they only had a fridge w stuff you had to buy. We wanted an empty fridge!

In 2013 the Swan had an empty fridge when we were there...just want to make sure they still do.

Yes. I think what you're referring to is what they call a minibar. I don't like them either. Your fridge will be empty.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Perhaps someone else can provide you with more information about the private pantry offerings.

http://www.swandolphin.com/pantry/pantry_menu.pdf

 

[PackYourPixieDust]

Do they sell bread (like, for sandwiches) at the resort store there? If not, they surely would have some for sale at the general store on the Boardwalk, right? Thinking of packing some PB&J, for quick lunches, but the bread would squish!

Also, does the resort (or general store) sell fruit? Bananas, apples, oranges?

If you have the luggage space, You could always get out an old shoe box and put the bread in there.

http://www.swandolphin.com/pantry/pantry_menu.pdf

Interesting choices. What kind of people stay at this hotel? it looks like a lot of drinking people!

 

[Dan Murphy]

If you have the luggage space, You could always get out an old shoe box and put the bread in there.


Interesting choices. What kind of people stay at this hotel? it looks like a lot of drinking people!

Disney folks on vacation, like my family and me. Also folks stay there while on business conventions, similar to the Contemporary, Yacht and Beach, Boardwalk, Grand Floridian and Coronado Springs. All eight of these resorts are considered convention resorts.

On the Personal Pantry menu, I did notice two items with beer, if 'drinking people' refer to drinking alcohol in some form. If by 'drinking people' you mean drinking liquids of any type, I can see twelve items.

 

[PackYourPixieDust]

Disney folks on vacation, like my family and me. Also folks stay there while on business conventions, similar to the Contemporary, Yacht and Beach, Boardwalk, Grand Floridian and Coronado Springs. All eight of these resorts are considered convention resorts.

On the Personal Pantry menu, I did notice two items with beer, if 'drinking people' refer to drinking alcohol in some form. If by 'drinking people' you mean drinking liquids of any type, I can see twelve items.

I was being sarcastic. Sorry it didn't come through. I just found it interesting g that there's a hangover package and a couple of options for alcohol delivery when there's like 12 options total. (I'll be staying there in late August- so in one of the people staying there )

 

[lizabu]

I was being sarcastic. Sorry it didn't come through. I just found it interesting g that there's a hangover package and a couple of options for alcohol delivery when there's like 12 options total. (I'll be staying there in late August- so in one of the people staying there )

I think due to meetings and conventions you might get more adults staying. Some of the other Disney hotels are really child focused. I'm thinking of properties with oversized cartoon characters outdoors. Swan and dolphin are great hotels for families and kids but they're not completely all about the kids. You can have a nice dinner, a massage or a cocktail which appeals to many adults.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I'll be staying there in late August- so in one of the people staying there

 

[MarBee]

I know that staying here we cannot take the Magical Express. However, can you tell me if there is a way to have our luggage taken directly to the resort or not?
Also, what mode of transport do you recommend from the airport for a family of 4 (two kids who would need boosters) and a ton of luggage?
Thanks in advance!

 

[MarBee]

Also, does anyone know if the mini fridges in the rooms have a freezer compartment? (Just want to keep ice packs cold.)

 

[lizabu]

I know that staying here we cannot take the Magical Express. However, can you tell me if there is a way to have our luggage taken directly to the resort or not?
Also, what mode of transport do you recommend from the airport for a family of 4 (two kids who would need boosters) and a ton of luggage?
Thanks in advance!

Every time I've stayed here I've set up a private transfer through the swan/dolphin concierge service. This is their website: http://swandolphin.com/concierge/ . They send a driver who meets you at luggage claim and he will have a sign with your name on it. He helps you collect your bags and helps you bring them to the car. It's a very nice car or van depending on the size of your party. He puts all the bags in the car for you and there's a tv screen with cartoons for the kids. He will stop at the grocery store or Walmart on the way to the hotel. It's a really great way to start your vacation. You feel like you're taken care of right from the start.

Also, does anyone know if the mini fridges in the rooms have a freezer compartment? (Just want to keep ice packs cold.)

The fridges are minisized and I think they actually might not have freezer.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Every time I've stayed here I've set up a private transfer through the swan/dolphin concierge service. This is their website: http://swandolphin.com/concierge/ . They send a driver who meets you at luggage claim and he will have a sign with your name on it. He helps you collect your bags and helps you bring them to the car. It's a very nice car or van depending on the size of your party. He puts all the bags in the car for you and there's a tv screen with cartoons for the kids. He will stop at the grocery store or Walmart on the way to the hotel. It's a really great way to start your vacation. You feel like you're taken care of right from the start.

The fridges are minisized and I think they actually might not have freezer.

I agree on both points. Make sure to request the booster seats.

http://swandolphin.com/feedback/transportation.html

An alternative that I and others have used is Tiffany.

http://www.tiffanytowncar.com/rates.html

I have used both services mentioned here, both were very good, no problems.