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

[FireflyTrance]

Yes, I have done this. I called DSS and set it up (with my Dolphin suite reservation linked to MDE). AFAIK, you have to call, I don't think that you can book it online.

Thanks for your insight! What room category did you end up booking? I am trying to figure out if the "Family Room" would qualify. I am fairly certain “Grand Suite” would qualify, but those rooms are more expensive.

 

[LabMouse]

I did a search in the thread and couldn't find any info on this, so here's hoping you lovely folks can help me out. For anyone who's stayed recently, do Swan and Dolphin still have actual DND signs that are respected, or have they gone the way of the official Disney resorts with the "room occupied" signs and daily room check dance? I saw someone post about their recent Dolphin/BWV split stay over in the room check thread and couldn't quite tell if their comments were only about BWV.

We had an awesome stay at the Swan last summer, and booked at the Dolphin for June 2019, because on last year's trip we were able to sleep in *super* late, take a resort rest day, putter around post-shower in a towel, etc, without worry of being interrupted by staff. They serviced the room while we were out at the parks and didn't have the DND sign up. Really hoping this is still the case!

 

[Babsy]

We booked a Deluxe Alcove 2 bedroom suite. I believe, but I'm not certain, that the deluxe alcove suite is the lowest category that qualifies for the CLFP+. We ended up being upgraded to a larger suite, though, which was very nice! It was huge!

 

[Babsy]

I'm pretty sure that our Dolphin doortag had "Do not Disturb" on it in February. Whatever it said, we were never disturbed when in our room. Then again, we were never disturbed by room checks while in the AKL either. They only have the 'Room Occupied' tags. Perhaps we were just lucky, though.

WE always get housekeeping, so I don't know if that makes any difference?

I wouldn't worry about it. A non event for us.

 

[Mrs. W]

Thanks for your insight! What room category did you end up booking? I am trying to figure out if the "Family Room" would qualify. I am fairly certain “Grand Suite” would qualify, but those rooms are more expensive.

I was told by a rep at Dolphin that Grand Suites do not qualify. They cost a little more than Alcove rooms, but I wanted a fireworks view room. The "lowest" room category that's eligible for the CL fast pass program are the Alcove rooms so I booked an Alcove room for December. The rep did say the Family suites DO qualify but even the Alcove suites are way too big for just my husband and I.

If you're unsure, you can call Dolphin directly. The woman I spoke with was very knowledgeable about the program and the qualifying rooms.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Has anyone booked the Swan using the double run of house option for a room?

seeing that is the only option available using dh Ff miles

times have sure changed as now we also have to pay $100 plus the miles each night. I don't even know if that includes the resort fee sigh.

I am concerned about room view/location

bumping my own post. Anyone book this option and have any info TIA.

 

[SteveH]

@luvmarypoppins sorry I can't help, I actually had to google what the term meant. My understanding is that you will get whatever they have available. I would doubt that includes the resort fee though. But I would think if you dig deep enough into the Frequent Flyer mileage program it might state if parking and resort fees are included. Which airline are you using?

Yelp has some interesting room view photos, its the risk we take when we don't book a view room. But if I'm not paying for a view I let it go, gives you reason to spend more time in the parks! But if the view really matters the you might want to book that type of room, or call and see if you can pay to upgrade.

 

[shoreward]

@luvmarypoppins

Yelp has some interesting room view photos, its the risk we take when we don't book a view room. But if I'm not paying for a view I let it go, gives you reason to spend more time in the parks! But if the view really matters the you might want to book that type of room, or call and see if you can pay to upgrade.

The first photo’s view looks very familiar!
https://www.disboards.com/threads/w...tion-questions.3264274/page-369#post-59759398

 

[Dan Murphy]

double run of house option

I actually had to the term meant.

I've never heard of that term either. Googled to find out. Knowing what it means, I doubt a view would be a priority in the booking.

if parking and resort fees are included.

Parking and resort fees are charged in almost all cases. Rarely waived.

 

[SteveH]

The first photo’s view looks very familiar!
https://www.disboards.com/threads/w...tion-questions.3264274/page-369#post-59759398

Thanks for posting on Yelp too. It's my go to source when I explore a hotels.

I guess the good thing about S/D is there are more good view rooms then bad ones, but I think it also shows the architect of the property was going for more style then being practical as they ended up with some really really bad views. I guess my chief complaint/frustration is the S/D puts these rooms in the regular rotation. It seems like those rooms should be what I call the "Priceline" rooms not ones you pay full price for.

 

[marymoo86]

I've never heard of the CLPFP+ option! Is there a particular CSR you need to chat with to see if room qualifies?

I have a 1 bed king premium deluxe reserved and would love to know if it qualifies.

 

[shoreward]

Thanks for posting on Yelp too. It's my go to source when I explore a hotels.

I guess the good thing about S/D is there are more good view rooms then bad ones, but I think it also shows the architect of the property was going for more style then being practical as they ended up with some really really bad views. I guess my chief complaint/frustration is the S/D puts these rooms in the regular rotation. It seems like those rooms should be what I call the "Priceline" rooms not ones you pay full price for.

That actually was not my post on Yelp. It just happened to be the same room assigned from one of my stays at the Swan.

 

[pepperandchips]

That actually was not my post on Yelp. It just happened to be the same room assigned from one of my stays at the Swan.

Well obviously I think we can all see why such a view would be in high demand

 

[amalone1013]

The first photo’s view looks very familiar!
https://www.disboards.com/threads/w...tion-questions.3264274/page-369#post-59759398

At least my rooftop view didn't have jail bars over it?

Hey look, Google photos made me a panorama of our view

 

[SteveH]

That actually was not my post on Yelp. It just happened to be the same room assigned from one of my stays at the Swan.

LOL just the quick glance I thought it was your photo!

 

[shoreward]

LOL just the quick glance I thought it was your photo!

That’s understandable. It is a one-of-a-kind view!

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Thanks for posting on Yelp too. It's my go to source when I explore a hotels.

I guess the good thing about S/D is there are more good view rooms then bad ones, but I think it also shows the architect of the property was going for more style then being practical as they ended up with some really really bad views. I guess my chief complaint/frustration is the S/D puts these rooms in the regular rotation. It seems like those rooms should be what I call the "Priceline" rooms not ones you pay full price for.

I agree with the idea that those really bad views should be discounted rooms. But the Swolphin design is by far the only one with bad rooms. One of the worst we had was not only a bad view (bushes and walkway) but was right behind the elevator and outside exit. The elevator dinged every time it’s doors opened. All. Night. Long. That was at RPR at Universal. We also had a really bad view at a Hilton in Flagstaff with a view of the roof thru half a window.

 

[msb578]

Thanks for posting on Yelp too. It's my go to source when I explore a hotels.

I guess the good thing about S/D is there are more good view rooms then bad ones, but I think it also shows the architect of the property was going for more style then being practical as they ended up with some really really bad views. I guess my chief complaint/frustration is the S/D puts these rooms in the regular rotation. It seems like those rooms should be what I call the "Priceline" rooms not ones you pay full price for.

I’m booked via Hotwire (hot rate). I’m prepared for anything!

 

[patty57]

I had a Priceline Express at the Swan in December 2017. I had a beautiful room with a balcony overlooking the west courtyard. You just never know.

 

[msb578]

I had a Priceline Express at the Swan in December 2017. I had a beautiful room with a balcony overlooking the west courtyard. You just never know.

Maybe some managers view it as a way to get people hooked on their hotel. “If they have a great stay, maybe they’ll book directly next time”.