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

[SteveH]

So are the Mears shuttles significantly worse than disney transportation? We will have a car. Should we just stick to driving to the parks? Also, do you get free disney parking if you are staying at Swan? Now, I'm wondering if we end up not using buses if we should just do a cheaper (using points) marriott or do JW Bonnet Creek. We will not be doing Epcot and only one day at HS.

Nevermind. I saw a few pages back answered some of my questions. Luckily you still get free Disney parking.

You found your answer, but I will say other then MK I don't think its a big difference, plus you can always opt to walk to BW or YC/BC and take the bus. The drop at TTC is the big downer, but if you take your own car you're going to TTC anyway. Only you can decide what location is going to be best for you. If your not doing Epcot, and once at DHS then the value of location isn't as strong.

... But, the bus change is a bummer for me. I like to get to the parks for rope drop. I will walk to DHS and EPCOT. But to the MK? Not only is the drop-off at TTC bizarre, but the bus doesn't leave the hotel early enough to get to MK for the real opening [8:15 - not the scheduled 9 am]. So, I guess I'll Uber to TTC at 7:30 and walk through the Poly and GF, get to security at 8 and be ready for the early opening.

I've heard various reasons for TTC, biggest was the larger Mears bus are not Disney owned so not allowed, and union issues but mostly since S/D didn't agree to the Disney contract all the bus drop zones are where the charter buses go. Another option would be to walk to BC/YC or BW and take the Disney bus to MK, or get a mobile order breakfast at CR or GF and then Uber there.

 

[mfly]

I've heard various reasons for TTC, biggest was the larger Mears bus are not Disney owned so not allowed, and union issues but mostly since S/D didn't agree to the Disney contract all the bus drop zones are where the charter buses go. Another option would be to walk to BC/YC or BW and take the Disney bus to MK, or get a mobile order breakfast at CR or GF and then Uber there.

FYI - recent reports are pretty consistently stating that people are being denied from getting dropped off by Uber at resorts, even with a mobile order.

It seems the only guaranteed way right now is to have a dining reservation at the resort.

Lots of reports in the Here Now & Just Back thread, if you want to explore: https://www.disboards.com/threads/h...g-park-hopping.3807247/page-399#post-62754965

 

[slyster]

When you go to the dolphin/swan website, it will take you to the Marriott/Westin website where you select your dates and travel party. Then, it will automatically default to the Prepay/save tab which only shows the non-refundable rate. However, if you hit the "standard rates" tab (right under the date and party size) it will give you refundable rates. Hope that helps. Also right now they are not using Disney busses but are using the Mears busses so they will be different. I'd check on Mears busses to see how the scooter accessibility is.

Do you purchase separately from the Marriott/Westin website?

 

[Tom_E_D]

We love the entire resort and have stayed there many times. I can't wait to stay at the new Swan Reserve this coming Fall. It's hard to beat the location, price, and some of the top restaurants at WDW. But, the bus change is a bummer for me. I like to get to the parks for rope drop. I will walk to DHS and EPCOT. But to the MK? Not only is the drop-off at TTC bizarre, but the bus doesn't leave the hotel early enough to get to MK for the real opening [8:15 - not the scheduled 9 am]. So, I guess I'll Uber to TTC at 7:30 and walk through the Poly and GF, get to security at 8 and be ready for the early opening.

I don't think Uber can drop you off at TTC until the parking lot opens, and that isn't until later than 7:30. It's more like 8:00.

 

[lap1072]

My sister and I have a trip planned in early May at ASMovies but I’ve since started looking at the Swan/Dolphin. I know we will love being able to walk to Epcot and HS. Only problem is I can’t decide which one to book! The Dolphin is about $200 less than Swan for the week but is there enough difference in the 2 that makes it worth it to pay more? I know the double vs. queen beds but that doesn’t matter to us. Someone please help me make a decision lol

 

[Dan Murphy]

Is the spa open?

I just called Guest Services.

Yes it is. 9-5:30, every day.

 

[mickey916]

Do you purchase separately from the Marriott/Westin website?

I plan on it since right now it appears that you can only get a package (not room only) from the WDW site. I already have tickets from a canceled May 2020 trip so I plan on booking directly from that website as soon as May 2022 is available to book.

 

[lluv3971]

I just called Guest Services.

Yes it is. 9-5:30, every day.

Wow. Thank you so much!

 

[Dave006]

I plan on booking directly from that website as soon as May 2022 is available to book.

Marriott starts booking 50 weeks in advance. So about 2 weeks after what would be your date in 2021 for your 2022 reservation.

Dave

 

[mickey916]

Marriott starts booking 50 weeks in advance. So about 2 weeks after what would be your date in 2021 for your 2022 reservation.

Dave

Good to know. I could see that they were only open til about mid-February last I checked. I'm thinking it may make sense to join AAA around that time too before I book 'cuz it appears the AAA discount is pretty good.

 

[Dave006]

AAA is a good rate for a one time purchase and has benefits beyond just the room discount. You also get discounts at dining locations at the Swan & Dolphin. Not to mention normal AAA options for a year.

Note: you don't actually need a AAA membership card number until you check-in unless you try to book the AAA rate online then you will be prompted to enter a AAA membership number.

Dave

 

[MarBee]

My sister and I have a trip planned in early May at ASMovies but I’ve since started looking at the Swan/Dolphin. I know we will love being able to walk to Epcot and HS. Only problem is I can’t decide which one to book! The Dolphin is about $200 less than Swan for the week but is there enough difference in the 2 that makes it worth it to pay more? I know the double vs. queen beds but that doesn’t matter to us. Someone please help me make a decision lol

I personally like the rooms better at Swan but the hotel better at Dolphin. The lobby is way bigger and cooler, and there are more restaurants and other things to do in the Dolphin. If the double beds don’t matter, and you don’t need the extra sink that the Swan provides, then I would definitely book the Dolphin and save the money.
Have a great trip!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Does anyone have any experience of sleeping on the rollaway bed? Hoping to visit 2022 but my 2 sons, aged 23 & 15, need separate beds so I was wondering if this would be an option or if there are rooms with daybeds/3 sleeping surfaces?

 

[tippity]

Stayed at the Dolphin 2/28/21- 3/4/21. Everything was fine, but it was challenge to find site staff.
I would highly recommend downloading the Swan/ Dolphin app since it's a great resource for up to date resort information.
Throughout our stay, the only 2 restaurants open at the Dolphin were Schula's and Fuel, the grab 'n go. So options were very limited.

 

[happymommy]

Does anyone have any experience of sleeping on the rollaway bed? Hoping to visit 2022 but my 2 sons, aged 23 & 15, need separate beds so I was wondering if this would be an option or if there are rooms with daybeds/3 sleeping surfaces?

One trip was me and my 2 kids, and we were in a King room so I got a rollaway for the one who was a kicker at night, and the other slept with me. My friend was a few doors down with her 4 kids (all our kids were pretty young that trip) at the Dolphin. Rooms with 2 doubles at the Dolphin can accommodate a rollaway bed, so she slept in the rollaway and said it was comfortable. Back then they didn’t charge for them, but now I see they do charge a bit extra. So if you’re at the Dolphin, you can fit a rollaway bed in the room with 2 doubles (the Swan cannot as they have queen beds and say no rollaways allowed in those rooms).

There are alcove rooms that have 2 doubles and a sofa sleeper at the Dolphin I believe (never stayed in one of those), which cost a bit more but would have more space for sure. I’d go on their website and compare all room types to see what might work.

 

[aj24]

Does anyone know if Swan/Dolphin will validate self-parking for takeout orders from Il Mulino or bluezoo? or an expensive breakfast order from Java in the Swan Lobby? Thanks!

 

[Dave006]

A few more details would be helpful. You can always call the Swan directly at (407) 934-3000 to inquire if they still allow 20 minute free access to the self-parking area. They used to in the past.

You should not need to park for takeout pickup if you have more than 1 person in the vehicle. Just drive up and drop someone to pick-up food and you can pull around the very large circle drive to wait for them to return to the front doors for pickup.

Dave

 

[supamaki]

I've got a free night certificate from the Bonvoy CC, does anyone know if I should call Marriott or The Swan directly to try and use it. I couldn't figure it out online

 

[aj24]

A few more details would be helpful. You can always call the Swan directly at (407) 934-3000 to inquire if they still allow 20 minute free access to the self-parking area. They used to in the past.

You should not need to park for takeout pickup if you have more than 1 person in the vehicle. Just drive up and drop someone to pick-up food and you can pull around the very large circle drive to wait for them to return to the front doors for pickup.

Dave

We are looking to park and walk around the Boardwalk area for a couple hours, and most likely get takeout from bluezoo or il Mulino. Traditional dine-in has always gotten validated, just curious if anyone had experience with takeout. We feel more comfortable eating outside around the pool for now.

 

[aj24]

I've got a free night certificate from the Bonvoy CC, does anyone know if I should call Marriott or The Swan directly to try and use it. I couldn't figure it out online

It should be loaded into your Bonvoy account, and when you get to the final page of your booking you'll see the option to use it or Points. Make sure it's a Points booking first.