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

[hsmamato2]

Hi I realize that you have to pay st the resort daily to park a rental car but do you have to pay to park at the theme parks?? Thanks

nope theme parks included

 

[LuvAriel]

nope theme parks included

Thanks!

 

[mbdavidson]

I thought I remember reading on here that some of the restaurants offer a 20% AAA discount. Does anyone know which ones specifically? Thanks!

 

[sara_s]

Just booked an impromptu trip, staying at the Dolphin! 13 days to go!

 

[shoreward]

I thought I remember reading on here that some of the restaurants offer a 20% AAA discount. Does anyone know which ones specifically? Thanks!

I believe you can save 20% on food (not beverages), when showing your AAA membership card at:

Cabana, Fountain, Fresh, Garden Grove, Picabu and Splash.​

 

[Dan Murphy]

not beverages

Just a technical bit, not alcoholic beverages. Non-alcoholic do get the discount.

 

[SteveH]

Can you help me with this? I want to move our reservation to March 2019. That is past 365 but inside the 550 days. But on spg.com I cannot book Dolphin past 2/8. So am I looking at this the wrong way? Is there something special about S/D that keep me inside 365 days? Or did they already change the policy before thepointsguy's prediction? .

I wonder if either somebody jumped the gun or if S/D already had a policy in place. All I can think to do is call them.

 

[gulliesmom]

For people who typically stay here, any idea transportation options and costs from MCO to the hotel?

 

[CyndiLouWho]

For people who typically stay here, any idea transportation options and costs from MCO to the hotel?

Depends a bit on time of day. I've paid $25-35 for Uber/Lyft

 

[Lpamama]

Disney first timer here- mom, dad, 3 boys- 20, 10, and 8. We are tagging along with DH who is attending a conference in April. Since there are 5 of us, we know we'll be in the Dolphin.

A few questions:
We love having the option to take the stairs. Can someone verify that stairs are only the option on 3rd and 4th floors? Can you take stairs both up and down?

We plan to go heavy on snacks to save money (as this trip was completely unplanned and unbudgeted until mid-last week!). How much room is there in the fridge.

If we go Green, how does the $5 credit get credited to us

Are we able to charge food to the rooms easily, even with the 20% AAA discount?

Thanks so much in advance for your help. I've had quite the crash course in WDW and the Swolphin in the last 5 days and this board has been very helpful! Currently on hold with WDW getting our reservation linked so we can get the 60 day window for Fast Passes...

 

[GoofyDad_4427]

If we go Green, how does the $5 credit get credited to us

If you are SPG members, you should seriously consider taking the 500 SPG points instead of the $5 credit. Everyone's value per point will be different depending upon how you use the points, but my calculations tell me that an SPG point for me personally is worth 3.3 cents. So 500 SPG points are worth over $16 to me. Even at the lowest utilization rate, the 500 points is probably worth more than $10.

 

[vicb]

For people who typically stay here, any idea transportation options and costs from MCO to the hotel?

We have used Tiffany Towncars twice to Dolphin from MCO. I just looked up their rates... $130 round trip and includes a 30 min grocery stop if you request in advance. Of course you need to tip both ways so that is extra. In the past they have had coupons so check for that. Uber and Lyft were not that widespread when we went almost four years ago so not sure how that works now. You can do a ride estimate on Lyft but I doubt that would include a grocery stop if you want that.

 

[SteveH]

For people who typically stay here, any idea transportation options and costs from MCO to the hotel?

You can get the RideGuru app on your phone or go to their website, it can help estimate many options but it excels at Lyft & Uber. https://ride.guru/

If you are SPG members, you should seriously consider taking the 500 SPG points instead of the $5 credit.

I honestly felt the $5 was insulting on a $300/room, the points is a better deal if you will use them.

 

[JJ2017]

Will there be an issue with our friends who are staying at a different hotel coming to visit us and use the pool?

 

[pepperandchips]

Will there be an issue with our friends who are staying at a different hotel coming to visit us and use the pool?

There are no gates or anything but to get towels I recall needing a room key. Not trying to spark an ethical debate but I think this would be fine as long as you are sensitive to how many guests you have (bearing in mind the Swolphin guests have paid to get to enjoy the amenities there, not hogging too many chairs, etc).

 

[vicb]

Will there be an issue with our friends who are staying at a different hotel coming to visit us and use the pool?

 

[Tess]

Will there be an issue with our friends who are staying at a different hotel coming to visit us and use the pool?

There are no gates or anything but to get towels I recall needing a room key. Not trying to spark an ethical debate but I think this would be fine as long as you are sensitive to how many guests you have (bearing in mind the Swolphin guests have paid to get to enjoy the amenities there, not hogging too many chairs, etc).

The Swolphin really doesn't have the same "drama" about pool hopping, but I would point out that if they are driving, there will be a parking fee at either resort.

 

[SteveH]

Will there be an issue with our friends who are staying at a different hotel coming to visit us and use the pool?

Possibly. You might not have any issue, or you might. Be prepared for being told no, that way you won't be disappointed. Generally pools are for registered guests. However, I'd be more inclined to call and ask, I'd rather have permission then face disappointment. During peak season it might be more of an issue.

 

[JJ2017]

Whoops - should have realized my question a bit more before posting! Totally understood. I've seen some heated debates, especially in regards to some other properties. We are just so used to traveling together and visiting each other at each of our hotels - never to Disney though. Sorry!

 

[pepperandchips]

Whoops - should have realized my question a bit more before posting! Totally understood. I've seen some heated debates, especially in regards to some other properties. We are just so used to traveling together and visiting each other at each of our hotels - never to Disney though. Sorry!

I don't think there's any need to apologize! All the regulars on this thread are pretty kind and helpful. We don't see too much drama around these parts (searches for wood upon which to knock). Better to ask than wonder, I should think!