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

[SugarSweetLee]

My second question is, I am debating just changing our reservation to be Swan the whole time (although since we are arriving so late the first night, I'm not sure it's worth it), but when I check the website now, the room type we reserved (King no view) is no longer available at the same rate we booked.

If I called, do you know if they would be able to add a day to the front of our reservation for the same rate?

 

[SteveH]

@SugarSweetLee If It were me I'd pack up drive to the Swan, check-in and leave bags with them. That way you can take your car or the bus, and not worry about your baggage. As to staying the first night, by all means call the S/D direct 407.934.4000 ask for in-house reservations, matching the rate will depend on availability at the time. Hopefully the can make it happen.

If you are asking for a room request within the category that you paid you can even send them in advance. If you're asking for an upgrade, I'd say those are better off when you check-in. You can send room requests from this page.

 

[MarBee]

My second question is, I am debating just changing our reservation to be Swan the whole time (although since we are arriving so late the first night, I'm not sure it's worth it), but when I check the website now, the room type we reserved (King no view) is no longer available at the same rate we booked.

If I called, do you know if they would be able to add a day to the front of our reservation for the same rate?

I really don’t love doing split stays and try to avoid them where I can. For me, I just like getting in and setting up shop. They’re not the worst thing in the world, but it’s definitely an inconvenience. Also, I find checking in on a Saturday can take quite some time. So not having to wait for a room would be worth it to me. Just my two cents.
Congratulations and have a great time!

 

[Rich M]

Well I made the plunge and booked to the Swan for 10/23 to 10/31. We have never stayed at the Swan but have stayed at Beach Club, Yacht Club, and Boardwalk and have noticed how close it was and how much cheaper it is so we figured with no dining plan option now was a perfect time to do this stay. Is there anything else I should know about my stay there?

 

[SugarSweetLee]

I really don’t love doing split stays and try to avoid them where I can. For me, I just like getting in and setting up shop. They’re not the worst thing in the world, but it’s definitely an inconvenience. Also, I find checking in on a Saturday can take quite some time. So not having to wait for a room would be worth it to me. Just my two cents.
Congratulations and have a great time!

Thank you!

Honestly, if we weren't going to be getting in so very late on our arrival day, I would 100% book Swan for the whole trip and be done with it. I just feel like it's a $ wasted day for us to get in and go straight to bed though...but not totally ruled out yet. Thanks for your perspective.

 

[SugarSweetLee]

@SugarSweetLee If It were me I'd pack up drive to the Swan, check-in and leave bags with them. That way you can take your car or the bus, and not worry about your baggage. As to staying the first night, by all means call the S/D direct 407.934.4000 ask for in-house reservations, matching the rate will depend on availability at the time. Hopefully the can make it happen.

If you are asking for a room request within the category that you paid you can even send them in advance. If you're asking for an upgrade, I'd say those are better off when you check-in. You can send room requests from this page.

Thanks, great info! .

I feel like I read a post some pages back from a recent visitor who said that during their stay they were told to use the app for requests and that the page submissions weren't being monitored. Can't remember where I read it though.

An upgrade would be nice, though it certainly isn't expected. That was another reason I thought a split stay might have an edge, if they might be more able to fulfill a request/preference if we are checking in early in the morning or afternoon vs when we arrive around 10pm the first night...

 

[shoreward]

An upgrade would be nice, though it certainly isn't expected. That was another reason I thought a split stay might have an edge, if they might be more able to fulfill a request/preference if we are checking in early in the morning or afternoon vs when we arrive around 10pm the first night...

I would definitely let them know (in advance) that you will be on your honeymoon. That may add a little pixie dust to your stay.

 

[MarBee]

Well I made the plunge and booked to the Swan for 10/23 to 10/31. We have never stayed at the Swan but have stayed at Beach Club, Yacht Club, and Boardwalk and have noticed how close it was and how much cheaper it is so we figured with no dining plan option now was a perfect time to do this stay. Is there anything else I should know about my stay there?

I love the Swan! You know the location is great. But I actually like the food choices there better than the other Boardwalk area resorts. (I’m not sure exactly what will and won’t be open then though.)
I’d also plan some serious pool time if I were you. The pool is huge, and great drinks and food are served all around it.
Enjoy!

 

[Dan Murphy]

We are planning for a honeymoon trip in December

Congratulations, SSL and Mr. SSL Enjoy your Swan stay.

 

[SteveH]

Thanks, great info! .

I feel like I read a post some pages back from a recent visitor who said that during their stay they were told to use the app for requests and that the page submissions weren't being monitored. Can't remember where I read it though.

An upgrade would be nice, though it certainly isn't expected. That was another reason I thought a split stay might have an edge, if they might be more able to fulfill a request/preference if we are checking in early in the morning or afternoon vs when we arrive around 10pm the first night...

You could be totally right on the web pages, when in doubt call or send to both I'd say. And by all means let them know you're on your honeymoon. In fact I'd call to see if they can get you the 1st night at the other rate and mention it's the 1st night of your honeymoon! Never hurts .

 

[shoreward]

Hi! We are planning for a honeymoon trip in December with 1 night at Pop on our arrival day (driving 10 hrs) and 6 nights at Swan.

Make sure to ask for a couple of “I’m celebrating.....” buttons and have the Cast Member add “my honeymoon.” You can ask for the buttons when you check in at the front desk, at the concierge desk, or at most Disney shops, including at the hotel. You need to share your good news.

https://www.wdwinfo.com/celebration-buttons.htm

 

[shoreward]

Use corporate code QRI by this Sunday to save about 25% on non-refundable, prepaid reservation, for select dates. Checking a few dates, I found the Dolphin for $109 and the Swan for $112, + fees and taxes.

 

[shoreward]

For those who are counting on using the Mears shared shuttle to/from the Swan or Dolphin after December, you will probably need to change your plans. The Mears website has the following message:

IMPORTANT: We are not accepting shared ride shuttle reservations, to or from Orlando International Airport after 12/31/2020

 

[djmeredith]

I have a reservation for Oct 11-18 so I am past my change/cancel date. However, I called tonight to try to switch to the more expensive Double/Double Alcove room at Dolphin. The agent said he couldn't waive the 1 night penalty unless the accounting department authorized it, but they are not open tonight so I have to call back tomorrow morn. Anybody have any idea if they are likely to waive the fee? Or any suggestions for how to modify the res without the penalty?

 

[Dan Murphy]

I have a reservation for Oct 11-18 so I am past my change/cancel date. However, I called tonight to try to switch to the more expensive Double/Double Alcove room at Dolphin. The agent said he couldn't waive the 1 night penalty unless the accounting department authorized it, but they are not open tonight so I have to call back tomorrow morn. Anybody have any idea if they are likely to waive the fee? Or any suggestions for how to modify the res without the penalty?

I would think they would waive, if asked nicely, since you are spending more money.

 

[shoreward]

I have a reservation for Oct 11-18 so I am past my change/cancel date. However, I called tonight to try to switch to the more expensive Double/Double Alcove room at Dolphin. The agent said he couldn't waive the 1 night penalty unless the accounting department authorized it, but they are not open tonight so I have to call back tomorrow morn. Anybody have any idea if they are likely to waive the fee? Or any suggestions for how to modify the res without the penalty?

Do you know if you spoke with onsite reservations or if you spoke with someone at the Marriott call center? Onsite reservations has more control over modifications. Their department closes early evening.

 

[djmeredith]

Do you know if you spoke with onsite reservations or if you spoke with someone at the Marriott call center? Onsite reservations has more control over modifications. Their department closes early evening.

Thanks, I just spoke with the call center. I will try onsite tomorrow morning first.

 

[djmeredith]

Thanks for the tip about calling onsite reservations. They were very nice and I was able to switch to the upgraded room with no penalty. So now I am really excited to stay in the larger Double/Double Alcove room at the Dolphin! The extra space and bed will allow the 3 kids (boys ages 12-17) and I to have more room. 3 days and counting!

 

[hedberg1661]

Thanks for the tip about calling onsite reservations. They were very nice and I was able to switch to the upgraded room with no penalty. So now I am really excited to stay in the larger Double/Double Alcove room at the Dolphin! The extra space and bed will allow the 3 kids (boys ages 12-17) and I to have more room. 3 days and counting!

Yep I always call directly to the Swalphin. They have the best understanding of the room types, location, fees, etc. Enjoy your trip.

 

[Rich M]

As a new person to the Swan and a standard room does it make a difference on location to request or anything? I do have to work from Florida on one day of my trip so I hope WIFI is dependable.