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

[Dan Murphy]

Hi,
I am new to this board and we are booking a trip for the end of next month. My husband has a work thing at the Swan but they are full. We are looking at the boardwalk because it looks to be the next closest hotel. Is there an easy way for him to walk from the Dolphin/Swan to the Boardwalk each day?

These approximate times and distances may be of help.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/walking-distances.htm

And welcome to the dis, jlcog1.

 

[jlcog1]

Thank you Tess and Dan Murphy!

 

[gdrj]

We stayed at the Dolphin for 4 nights in Mid December and it was GREAT. Reading some of the comments on the board about room condition concerned us.

While the room would be considered dated (bathroom decor/style), it was far from being substandard. The room was clean and bedding and bed was fine. Hotel employees at desk were very pleasant and helpful. Unlike some hotels in DTD area, here you felt you were staying on property (of course being able to jump on a boat to EPCOT helps!)

While we usually stay at DVC (BLT, VGF, BWV) or Moderate Resorts (Port Orleans), we would definitely consider staying here again.

The only drawback for us was no Magical Express.

 

[Disneyfeb15]

We are staying at the Swan for 1 week at the end of February. What would you recommend for transportation to and from the airport? Thank you.

 

[SA mom]

We are staying at the Swan for 1 week at the end of February. What would you recommend for transportation to and from the airport? Thank you.

We've done it two different ways. We've used a car service, which stopped at a grocery store for us to shop. We've also rented a car and returned it at the Dolphin, using a car service for the return trip. We did this because we wanted to spend one night at Universal.

I don't remember the car service, but I'm sure Dreams Unlimited Travel could recommend one. I really liked the car service.

Have a great trip!

 

[Dan Murphy]

We are staying at the Swan for 1 week at the end of February. What would you recommend for transportation to and from the airport? Thank you.

Welcome to the dis, 15.

I have rented a car many times (Alamo or National) but last two trips used limo service.

Once was with Tiffany

http://www.tiffanytowncar.com/

and once with the S/D's own service

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

Both were excellent.

 

[bs672]

Hi,

We will be staying for a week at the Swan in July. Any idea if we can buy Disney Gift Cards in the Swans gift shop and charge them to our room?

Thanks

 

[ckelly14]

Hi,

We will be staying for a week at the Swan in July. Any idea if we can buy Disney Gift Cards in the Swans gift shop and charge them to our room?

Thanks

I assume so. Room charges are acceptable at all the in-house shops.

 

[vicb]

We used Tiffany many times, most recently for our stay at Dolphin. The grocery stop is so worth it for water bottles alone! We also buy grab and go stuff for breakfast and a few snacks. It can really save money. However we learned one year that if you fly in late (like after 10pm) it is super hard to find a grocery store that is open. That year we had to settle for the Hess station outside the Boardwalk but it still was a savings.

 

[ecmommytp]

I love this thread! We are in the middle of planning our first stay at the Swan and it's been so helpful. Does anyone know when most of the renovations at the Swan will be done? We are staying there in August and I'm wondering what our chances of getting a newly renovated room are. Thanks!

 

[LexiC123]

This is a great deal...we booked it a few years ago when the Giants won the Super Bowl. Now it's even better because residents of both areas represented by the Super Bowl participants can take advantage of it!

The winners of this year's big game between Seattle and New England will celebrate their victory in style -- and now their fans can, too. The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel, is once again rewarding fans with the “I'm off to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel!” deal for residents of each team's state.

Residents of both Washington and New England (valid New England states include Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Connecticut) will receive a free night at the Walt Disney World hotel when booking two nights at the standard price before March 1 for stays through Feb. 3, 2016.

For additional information or to make reservations guests can call 1-800-227-1500 and mention their home state -- Washington or New England (valid New England states include Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Connecticut).

Guests must have valid appropriate state identification to present upon check-in. Based on rate schedule availability. Offer is not valid Dec. 22 - 31, 2015. Taxes, resort services fee and gratuities not included. Not valid with any other special offers, promotions, or for existing reservations or groups.
​

Here's the link to the S/D offers page: http://swandolphin.com/offers/biggame.html

 

[Dan Murphy]

I love this thread! We are in the middle of planning our first stay at the Swan and it's been so helpful. Does anyone know when most of the renovations at the Swan will be done? We are staying there in August and I'm wondering what our chances of getting a newly renovated room are. Thanks!

Welcome to the dis, ecmommytp.

Most for the Swan should be done this year, Dolphin starts next year and completed in 2017.

 

[thebs19]

Hey all, checking in again. I currently have a Swan 2Q standard room booked for Easter week (4th - 11th) on points. However, with our 2 year old daughter, going to be walking on eggshells at night/naptime a bit so was thinking of trying to upgrade to the Deluxe Alcove rooms and we can put her portacrib in the "table" area at least based on the floorplans I've seen. (Based on the floorplans for the Dolphin alcove rooms, I don't know if we get any additional "space" off to a side or whatever that would accomplish the same thing - right?)

2 questions:

- If I wanted to upgrade on points (I know people get different answers about ability to do this) would I call SPG or the hotel directly? I think its got to be SPG, but I've seen people elsewhere talk about "putting the request on the reservation" for an upgrade as well as discussing pre-arrival upgrades (without paying/points charged) which I would've thought would be the hotel directly, which leads me to my next question...:

- I'm Gold status and while I know mileage varies on "status upgrades" for Gold, if I were to check on the possibility of a pre-arrival status upgrade (or really just inquire on the possibility/likelihood of such an upgrade, and maybe even note I'd be willing to do it on points as well to see if I got someone friendly on the phone...) would that be through the hotel directly or SPG?

I guess the questions are kind of linked. Bottom line, if I wanted to call somewhere today and discuss upgrading my room to an alcove while checking to see if they might have the ability to do a status upgrade before using more points, should I try the hotel directly (would assume they are in charge of ultimately giving upgrades) or the SPG line (know you have to go through here to book on points)? Thanks!

 

[amberpi]

Hey all, checking in again. I currently have a Swan 2Q standard room booked for Easter week (4th - 11th) on points. However, with our 2 year old daughter, going to be walking on eggshells at night/naptime a bit so was thinking of trying to upgrade to the Deluxe Alcove rooms and we can put her portacrib in the "table" area at least based on the floorplans I've seen. (Based on the floorplans for the Dolphin alcove rooms, I don't know if we get any additional "space" off to a side or whatever that would accomplish the same thing - right?)

2 questions:

- If I wanted to upgrade on points (I know people get different answers about ability to do this) would I call SPG or the hotel directly? I think its got to be SPG, but I've seen people elsewhere talk about "putting the request on the reservation" for an upgrade as well as discussing pre-arrival upgrades (without paying/points charged) which I would've thought would be the hotel directly, which leads me to my next question...:

- I'm Gold status and while I know mileage varies on "status upgrades" for Gold, if I were to check on the possibility of a pre-arrival status upgrade (or really just inquire on the possibility/likelihood of such an upgrade, and maybe even note I'd be willing to do it on points as well to see if I got someone friendly on the phone...) would that be through the hotel directly or SPG?

I guess the questions are kind of linked. Bottom line, if I wanted to call somewhere today and discuss upgrading my room to an alcove while checking to see if they might have the ability to do a status upgrade before using more points, should I try the hotel directly (would assume they are in charge of ultimately giving upgrades) or the SPG line (know you have to go through here to book on points)? Thanks!

I'm platinum with SPG (there should be something after that like geeze, I'm sorry status) and almost always get upgraded or am offered really crazy cheap upgrades on check-in so I just book the cheapest and role the dice. I've had amazing luck at both Swan and Dolphin. The one time we got stuck with a lousy first floor room was when we were just a few doors down from my SIL's family and it was their first time. Lol, but that's my luck, there were no upgrades to be begged borrowed or stolen that time! OTOH, I've twice gotten the suite above the fountain at the Dolphin, so I don't complain at all!

 

[patty57]

This is a great deal...we booked it a few years ago when the Giants won the Super Bowl. Now it's even better because residents of both areas represented by the Super Bowl participants can take advantage of it!

The winners of this year's big game between Seattle and New England will celebrate their victory in style -- and now their fans can, too. The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel, is once again rewarding fans with the “I'm off to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel!” deal for residents of each team's state.

Residents of both Washington and New England (valid New England states include Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Connecticut) will receive a free night at the Walt Disney World hotel when booking two nights at the standard price before March 1 for stays through Feb. 3, 2016.

For additional information or to make reservations guests can call 1-800-227-1500 and mention their home state -- Washington or New England (valid New England states include Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Connecticut).



Here's the link to the S/D offers page: http://swandolphin.com/offers/biggame.html​

Ooohh...all of New England. I think the last time it was only going to be for MA residents. This is better (for me, anyway).​

 

[thebs19]

I'm platinum with SPG (there should be something after that like geeze, I'm sorry status) and almost always get upgraded or am offered really crazy cheap upgrades on check-in so I just book the cheapest and role the dice. I've had amazing luck at both Swan and Dolphin. The one time we got stuck with a lousy first floor room was when we were just a few doors down from my SIL's family and it was their first time. Lol, but that's my luck, there were no upgrades to be begged borrowed or stolen that time! OTOH, I've twice gotten the suite above the fountain at the Dolphin, so I don't complain at all!

I've read so many stories like this I feel like I'm setting myself up for disappointment on check-in, but at the same time, hesitant to just give points away for no reason.

Have you ever called ahead of time and seen about a pre-checkin upgrade? I read on other boards built around the SPG program (not specific to Disney) that status members had done this and had some luck doing so.

Are your upgrades always to bigger rooms, or just "improved views", etc? I gotta be honest, I don't anticipate ever being in the room enjoying the view - I'll be either in the parks, at the pool, or likely passed out/trying to get my kids to sleep (and a great view of Fantasmic isn't going to help that anyway!!)

 

[amberpi]

I've read so many stories like this I feel like I'm setting myself up for disappointment on check-in, but at the same time, hesitant to just give points away for no reason.

Have you ever called ahead of time and seen about a pre-checkin upgrade? I read on other boards built around the SPG program (not specific to Disney) that status members had done this and had some luck doing so.

Are your upgrades always to bigger rooms, or just "improved views", etc? I gotta be honest, I don't anticipate ever being in the room enjoying the view - I'll be either in the parks, at the pool, or likely passed out/trying to get my kids to sleep (and a great view of Fantasmic isn't going to help that anyway!!)

I've never called ahead to see about upgrades domestically. I have internationally and had some success but that's such a totally different mixed bag...

I go to check-in and just ask if their is any availability for upgrade for members or for a preferred rate. I ALWAYS phrase it like that. It gives off less of an "asking for something for nothing" and sometimes, they'll tell me I've been upgraded already to a better view/bigger room, etc. and then go on to tell me about even better upgrades with some cash thrown in (usually like $50 a night for a room that went from the worst to the best). I can honestly say I've gotten every kind of upgrade ever through SPG - CL, suites, views, etc. I've also gotten nothing or spent a week at the W on Lexington overlooking an ac unit and hearing the sounds of the trash man. So, if its really important to you - upgrade before. I'm pretty roll with the punches and its kinda a game with me at this point - what can I get or what can buy for a steal! I've also had a LOT of free deliveries at SPG properties all over the world including the Swan and Dolphin. For instance, my last girls trip to WDW - late Fed. 2013, they apologized they didn't have any available upgrades and sent us champagne, fruit, brie, chocolates, a whole crap load of things. It was such a nice guesture, but I don't go expecting a gosh darn thing, so if its important to you then go ahead.

Ugh, sorry to ramble, got lots of free time until Monday, but the point I was getting to is the one thing I notice with SPG and now with Marriott as I've been having to stay at a lot of them recently, is that upgrades are all about occupancy and checkin time. Sure, they can't upgrade you when the joint is packed, makes sense, but it also has to do with the type of packed. If their is a conference going on you can pretty much guarantee you won't get upgraded to a suite - those are all going to be taken by the corp types hosting small events or for workspace, but you might get a view upgrade. Don't check in super early, but don't wait until check in time. I think 11ish is a great time. Tell them you can wait for a room if they have any availablity opening up later. And NEVER ask for an upgrade when check in is busy - or well, I guess you could, but its never happened to me. They don't have time to look through inventory when their is a huge que, and I've seen it, definitely at the Dolphin. One of the times my now DH and I got the mega upgrade we checked in pretty early after a late night stay at the Hyatt and then taxiing over to the Dolphin to make RD at MK. There was NO one in the lobby, maybe someone buying a pastry. I think all 6 reps helped check us in as they were bored. If it matters to me a little more (like on vacation vs. business) I've even just stored my luggage and gone back after the rush. I save time waiting in line and feel like it ups my chances.

Again, sorry this is rambling and sorry I don't have a more definite answer. I don't think there is a definite answer even from us poor road warriors I know you'll love it at the resort though and the restaurants are really some of the best on property - the drinks at Bluezoo are especially amazing. My DH gets a little misty eyed when we talks about their Manhattans.

 

[thebs19]

Thats a ton of great info, amberpi! I appreciate your perspective. Yeah, the whole calling ahead of time thing does reek a bit of "give me something now!" which is why I was thinking of calling to "inquire" about upgrading to an alcove on points but also phrasing somehow about the chances of a status upgrade on check-in - and maybe if I got lucky, the agent would take a peek at availability then. I think maybe I'll call the hotel directly first and expect them to ultimately direct me back to SPG.

As far as "needing" the upgrade versus rolling with the punches, I do think the extra space would be a pretty good thing to have for us, with our infant who usually is a great sleeper but we've had trouble in standard hotel rooms (we stayed at CBR, for instance, last year) where I've put her in a portacrib and then she can just see us right next to her - thats doesn't work so well. If we can create a quieter dark nook, I think we'll all sleep better.

I do think I'll probably just look to book the upgrade - I have the points anyway. Just would kick myself if we were going to get the upgrade anyway and I gave away an extra 10K for no reason. But maybe we'll even get upgraded to a balcony suite or something on check-in.

Thanks a lot!

 

[Melany502]

I just found out I can't get groceries delivered to the Dolphin. I was going to get a towncar that stops at a grocery store, but none seem to have 3 toddler seats available and I don't feel comfortable with my kid in a booster yet. Are there places around WDW where I can get some grocery items?? Can I ship food to myself at the Dolphin? I will do some as carry ons.

 

[vicb]

There were a small amount of grocery items in the store on the BW. The Hess gas station is very close by (not sure if you can easily walk or should take a cab over and have the cab wait for you). One year we bought cases of water, yogurts, bananas, granola bars, pretzels etc... at the Hess station. Sometimes I pack non-perishables in a suitcase or bag to take with me. Also in the Dolphin you can get some grocery type items in the take out place, like cereal and milk.