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

[mickey916]

Ooh. I like the zip lining suggestion!

 

[luckydriver]

newbie here arriving tuesday for a few nights at swan

1. are there any sit down restaurants that dont require a reservation?

2 since magic bands cannot be used at swan i figured no real reason to buy them. other than getting in the park what could i use them for?

3. ill be dropping off a rental at the car care site, im' assuming the bus will first go the the transportation center then another to swan?

4. i have the cheapest king bed room booked. im a marriott member but no status . just a few thousand points, does it pay to tell them about the membership to try to get an upgrade of some kind. i dont want a view of a dumpster if i can help it

5. will mears pick me up right at the hotel to get back to the airport? unsure if theres a special waiting area for them

6. does my disney ticket get loaded on my room key. i have a bar code email and the reservations are on my app but i dont see a way to scan in with the app.

7, i have a few hours after checking out to burn until a flight. what there in the area do you recommend? i know mini golf is there and would do that. also assuming i can check my luggage at the desk for later pickup?

 

[hedberg1661]

Just arrived and I can’t tell you how great it is to be HOME. There is major construction around the pools and beach area. That small hole being worked on a few weeks ago is now some crazy scrim farm. Speculating: looks like they are doing something over where the pedestrians would come in from the Reserve so stay tuned.

 

[OKW Lover]

newbie here arriving tuesday for a few nights at swan

1. are there any sit down restaurants that dont require a reservation?

2 since magic bands cannot be used at swan i figured no real reason to buy them. other than getting in the park what could i use them for?

3. ill be dropping off a rental at the car care site, im' assuming the bus will first go the the transportation center then another to swan?

4. i have the cheapest king bed room booked. im a marriott member but no status . just a few thousand points, does it pay to tell them about the membership to try to get an upgrade of some kind. i dont want a view of a dumpster if i can help it

5. will mears pick me up right at the hotel to get back to the airport? unsure if theres a special waiting area for them

6. does my disney ticket get loaded on my room key. i have a bar code email and the reservations are on my app but i dont see a way to scan in with the app.

7, i have a few hours after checking out to burn until a flight. what there in the area do you recommend? i know mini golf is there and would do that. also assuming i can check my luggage at the desk for later pickup?

1. You can try walking up. You'll have the best luck if you go before the busy meal times. For example, try getting ti Il Mulino (recommended) about 5 pm. Also, be willing to eat at the bar.

2. No real need for a MB at all.

3. I'm not clear about what you are asking here. The Car Care Center is different from the TTC. They aren't walkable. Perhaps Uber/Lyft?

4. It won't hurt. But just about everybody is a member of their program.

5. Don't know

6. I don't think so, but really don't know.

7. How about going to Disney Springs for a while? And yes, bell services will hold your luggage until you actually leave.

 

[SteveH]

newbie here arriving tuesday for a few nights at swan

Welcome, glad you posted over here.

2. Not really much use IMHO.
3. If you’re not opposed to it you might take a Lyft/Uber and save the time.
4. Always let them know your Marriott # - if you have an account and you made the reservations through them they will already have it. If you made it with another site like a discount site it never hurts, but you probably won’t earn nights or points. If you get a horrible view, never hurts to call and see if they can move you.
5. Unsure where they will pick up, but the Front Desk can let you know.
6. Do you have the My Disney Experince (MDE) app already, do tickets show there? This page can help; Having trouble linking to My Disney Experience? Sometimes it takes a call to either S/D or Disney to get things linked. I think I mentioned the Swan/Dolphin app in your other thread, but also get the Marriott app to.
7. You’ve got the Boardwalk to explore, you can check out the other resorts, mini-golf, pool time, Swan boats (if they are running are free). You can ask about a late check out if you want to just chill.

 

[Dan Murphy]

newbie here arriving tuesday for a few nights at swan

does my disney ticket get loaded on my room key. i

Welcome to the dis and this S/D thread, luckydriver.

I think you have your answers here from OKW and Steve. To your specific question if your tickets get loaded on to your key card, the answer is no.

 

[cgattis]

that's fantastic as it will be WAY over $100! raising girls is pricey, lol

Never saw any response regarding spa reviews, so thought I’d share mine FWIW. My girlfriends and I booked massages for after the Star Wars half marathon one year. The relaxation room looks so dark and cozy and gorgeous in the pics, but it has floor to ceiling windows and they the curtains wide open when we were there, so it was very bright and not relaxing in my opinion. (Don’t think we realized there were curtains at the time or we’d probably have asked to close them.) The massage rooms are tiny, more like a long bathroom stall, basically just enough room to walk around the table. They also had louvered doors, so I could see people’s feet as they passed outside. Again, hard to lose yourself in the moment there. The place is gorgeous and smells amazing, but it was definitely no better than any other spa experience I’ve had and it was quite pricey. But, it was “worth it” in the moment cuz my legs were tired and we were having a fun girls weekend. I think as long as you go with that same mindset, you’ll enjoy it.

 

[Tess]

newbie here arriving tuesday for a few nights at swan

1. are there any sit down restaurants that dont require a reservation?

2 since magic bands cannot be used at swan i figured no real reason to buy them. other than getting in the park what could i use them for?

3. ill be dropping off a rental at the car care site, im' assuming the bus will first go the the transportation center then another to swan?

4. i have the cheapest king bed room booked. im a marriott member but no status . just a few thousand points, does it pay to tell them about the membership to try to get an upgrade of some kind. i dont want a view of a dumpster if i can help it

5. will mears pick me up right at the hotel to get back to the airport? unsure if theres a special waiting area for them

6. does my disney ticket get loaded on my room key. i have a bar code email and the reservations are on my app but i dont see a way to scan in with the app.

7, i have a few hours after checking out to burn until a flight. what there in the area do you recommend? i know mini golf is there and would do that. also assuming i can check my luggage at the desk for later pickup?

1. Be safe and not sorry--if you want to dine somewhere specific and ADRs are accepted--make one!
2. Agreed
3. The CCC used to provide shuttle transportation to all of the Disney area hotels. I'm sure you can call ahead and verify that is still the case, but that is how it worked pre-Covid.
6. Stop at Guest Services at any park and request a hard copy of the ticket (bring your bar code email along) since you will not be opting for a MB and there is no need to purchase one. You could also check this out with Disney Planning Services at the Swan. Back in the days prior to MB, the room key would only provide you access to early entry hours within the park and you needed your actual Disney ticket to tap in. We have always had MBs from other stays and never had to cross this bridge since the inception of the bands.
7. If it is a nice day, we always enjoy hanging out at the pools prior to departure. The fitness centers at both resorts offer facilities for showering and changing--although again, may want to check because while it says open on the App, it doesn't mean those facilities are open.

 

[Dave006]

@luckydriver

Just to add to @Dan Murphy quote. While you can't link your Disney park ticket to your Swan & Dolphin room room key card.

You can get a Disney Keys to the Kingdom (KttK) RFID card at any Guest Services window at any park. You might also be able to get this KttK RFID card at gift stores in the Swan & Dolphin if you ask. They have Disney CMs for help with your Disney plans.

The KttK card will be linked to your MDE account to provide access to your Disney park ticket and any Disney Park reservations.

Just announced last week: Later this year you will be able to your use your smartphone to create a Disney MagicMobile pass through the My Disney Experience app and add it to their smart device’s digital wallet.

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...w-way-to-experience-walt-disney-world-resort/
Note: these KTTK RFID cards are interchangeable with a MagicBand at any Park tapstile location.

Dave

 

[SMRT-1]

newbie here arriving tuesday for a few nights at swan

1. are there any sit down restaurants that dont require a reservation?

2 since magic bands cannot be used at swan i figured no real reason to buy them. other than getting in the park what could i use them for?

3. ill be dropping off a rental at the car care site, im' assuming the bus will first go the the transportation center then another to swan?

4. i have the cheapest king bed room booked. im a marriott member but no status . just a few thousand points, does it pay to tell them about the membership to try to get an upgrade of some kind. i dont want a view of a dumpster if i can help it

5. will mears pick me up right at the hotel to get back to the airport? unsure if theres a special waiting area for them

6. does my disney ticket get loaded on my room key. i have a bar code email and the reservations are on my app but i dont see a way to scan in with the app.

7, i have a few hours after checking out to burn until a flight. what there in the area do you recommend? i know mini golf is there and would do that. also assuming i can check my luggage at the desk for later pickup?

2. A small number of ride photos (ex. Haunted Mansion, Mine Train) require a MB. If you don't care about ride photos, then there's not really a need for a MB.

4. It may not get you anything, but it doesn't hurt to mention. The last time we stayed at the Swan, being loyalty members got us a free upgrade to a room with a view of the Tower of Terror and the DHS fireworks.

6. You will get a separate ticket card that you can pick up when you arrive. I don't recall exactly, but I think it's either at the Disney store in the lobby or the concierge desk. As others have said, though, the front desk can direct you where to pick up your ticket card.

 

[SteveH]

2. A small number of ride photos (ex. Haunted Mansion, Mine Train) require a MB. If you don't care about ride photos, then there's not really a need for a MB.

Great point!!! I can't believe I forgot about that aspect.

 

[pix13dust]

Never saw any response regarding spa reviews, so thought I’d share mine FWIW. My girlfriends and I booked massages for after the Star Wars half marathon one year. The relaxation room looks so dark and cozy and gorgeous in the pics, but it has floor to ceiling windows and they the curtains wide open when we were there, so it was very bright and not relaxing in my opinion. (Don’t think we realized there were curtains at the time or we’d probably have asked to close them.) The massage rooms are tiny, more like a long bathroom stall, basically just enough room to walk around the table. They also had louvered doors, so I could see people’s feet as they passed outside. Again, hard to lose yourself in the moment there. The place is gorgeous and smells amazing, but it was definitely no better than any other spa experience I’ve had and it was quite pricey. But, it was “worth it” in the moment cuz my legs were tired and we were having a fun girls weekend. I think as long as you go with that same mindset, you’ll enjoy it.

Thanks so much! I checked YouTube and there was only 2 reviews. Both were similar to yours. I think we might forgo the facials and just do mani/pedi

 

[milea]

Just arrived and I can’t tell you how great it is to be HOME. There is major construction around the pools and beach area. That small hole being worked on a few weeks ago is now some crazy scrim farm. Speculating: looks like they are doing something over where the pedestrians would come in from the Reserve so stay tuned. View attachment 563430View attachment 563431

Can you get to the beach? What about Swan boats? We check in tomorrow, so wanted to set expectations

 

[luckydriver]

ill get to the above replies in a minute but just thought of something. would it be ok to drive my rental to swan and get there around 1 , unload luggage and then drop off the car at the disney car care. then find the bus back? i dont see why not but wanted to make sure. also on the way we are gonna stop at a store and get cheaper water/snacks and coudl carry that on the bus vs all our luggage. i do wish the rental at dophin was open.sigh

 

[Dave006]

would it be ok to drive my rental to swan and get there around 1 , unload luggage and then drop off the car at the disney car care. then find the bus back?

Yes as long as you have a rental from Enterprise, Alamo or National. You can read all the details about the Car Care Center and shuttle options back to the hotel or a Theme park.

I always drop off and join the family at the day's theme park.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/car-rental-services/

Dave

 

[luckydriver]

The reason I asked about what requires no reservations is because all is booked. We got 1st night and that’s it. So just curious what other options we had other than the snack bars or whatever they have.

I made the reservation thru hotel.com because of the fantastic rewards program. I normally get no points from any hotels I visit thru there. but ill mention marriott then

On the Disney app under my plans it clearly shows my reservations for all the parks but when I click on a park it says head to the entrace and ur card linked to your account. I assume they mean credit card but unsure why they don’t say that. When I click on tickets and passes it shows my name and 3 day ticket. But theres nothing to scan etc. when I go to link to account and scan my barcode it says already linked to an account.

So now that I’m sure MBs aren’t really necessary. Just curious do they sell them at swan? if they get you into the park and if I could charge all my food with MB I may get one

I read the comment above about the RFID cards and that they can link the tickets and get me into the park. Can I also use the RFID card to charge all my meals and gift purchases in the park?

I just really wanna avoid my gf having to pull out the email bar code, govt id and CC to get IN the park every day. That seems like a PITA

 

[luckydriver]

Yes as long as you have a rental from Enterprise, Alamo or National. You can read all the details about the Car Care Center and shuttle options back to the hotel or a Theme park.

I always drop off and join the family at the day's theme park.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/car-rental-services/

Dave

see that page is clear about getting FROM any hotel to the car rental but mentions nothing about getting from the rental place to the hotels if you have to go the transportation center first or direct to every hotel. also i read this: Alamo offers an after-hours drop box for Guests to return rental-car keys outside operating hours. Please note that after depositing your keys and vehicle, you will need to arrange private transportation back to your hotel as the shuttle service will not be available and the Car Care Center is not on any Disney Transportation bus route.

and it almost seems like theres no way from the car rental TO disney

found another page

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/car-care-center/
omplimentary Shuttle Service
The Care Center offers complimentary shuttle service to the Transportation and Ticket Center at Walt Disney World Resort, which offers complimentary transportation to the theme parks and Resort hotels.

Depending on availability, transportation to and from select Walt Disney World Resort hotels may also be arranged.

 

[Dave006]

it almost seems like theres no way from the car rental TO disney

From the link I provided:

Theme Park Pickup/Drop-Off Locations
You can also arrange for shuttle transportation to or from the Parks:

• Magic Kingdom park/Transportation & Ticket Center
• Epcot: Taxi and shuttle parking
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Bus parking charter C-8
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom park: Disabled parking
• Disney’s Blizzard Beach: In front of main Guest entrance
• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon: In front of main Guest entrance
• Disney Springs area: Between AMC Theatres and Planet Hollywood
• ESPN Wide World of Sports: In front of the main entrance

Dave

 

[Nabas]

Just arrived and I can’t tell you how great it is to be HOME. There is major construction around the pools and beach area. That small hole being worked on a few weeks ago is now some crazy scrim farm. Speculating: looks like they are doing something over where the pedestrians would come in from the Reserve so stay tuned. View attachment 563430View attachment 563431

Thanks for the photos!

We're staying at the Swan next week. How is the construction affecting the pool that is shared with the Dolphin?

Do you have any current closer photos of that pool?

 

[Nabas]

Can you get to the beach? What about Swan boats? We check in tomorrow, so wanted to set expectations

Please post what the pools are like? We arrive next week and would really like to know how construction is affecting the Grotto pool.