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

[Nabas]

I’ve heard from The Points Guy that there are now lines to get into the pool due to Social Distancing
Any issues at S/D? Especially during Spring Break?

we are going on June.

We were at the Swan for spring break.

Construction was everywhere but we saw a handful of chairs available on the edges even during the busiest time of day.

 

[Tigerlulu]

Sure call 407-934-4000 press Zero and the operator will help direct your call. Just plan to call during normal business hours.

Dave

I did that. The operator sent me right back to the reservation line who told me to call back do that again and so went the viscious circle.

 

[Gitelfor]

Does anyone have a good direct number for Dolphin? I have a reservation that can’t be canceled through the reservation line, only by the front desk or someone directly involved at dolphin in making the convention block reservations. And I keep getting transferred in circles on the phone. It’s terrible and I’ve spend so much time on this. It’s as bad as trying to call Disney! (I have emailed them but haven’t heard back from anyone either. )

How was the reservation originally made? Is there any way to contact someone via the original booking method/contact, to at least give you info on how to cancel? What about contacting the entity that holds the block of rooms for assistance or direction?

 

[Dave006]

You stated you needed the Front desk. That's who you need to ask the operator to connect you to the "Front Desk".

Dave

 

[Tigerlulu]

How was the reservation originally made? Is there any way to contact someone via the original booking method/contact, to at least give you info on how to cancel? What about contacting the entity that holds the block of rooms for assistance or direction?

We made it through a reservation form online that went through the dolphin office. That’s why I emailed them, but I haven’t heard back from them.

You stated you needed the Front desk. That's who you need to ask the operator to connect you to the "Front Desk".

Dave

I’ll try again tomorrow. The reservation line gave me specific verbiage to tell the operator and he used that to send me right back to them. Something about having a resort restricted reservation I think. (It’s written down in the other room—I can’t remember off the top of my head.)

 

[Sweetbeans]

Just a final update:

Very sad to be leaving today. POFQ is my favorite resort on property, but my time at Swan was practically perfect. The beginning of the week was just sublime, and I won’t allow my gripes with the teams showing up detract from my overall stay experience. Someone on the trip with me had dinner at Kimonos on Friday night, was seated immediately, and very much enjoyed the sushi (and this is a picky (read:snooty) person. We each had a king alcove room, and his view was just spectacular, facing out towards the Epcot area. Mine was a lower floor, with a lot of roof, but ToT and Galaxy’s Edge made up for it. I also love the view I had of the Dolphin; the evening lights were just lovely.

Hoping to go back in December. Does anyone have any tips on securing better rates? I could have a gold Bonvoy make the booking if it would make a difference? I also have AAA. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! The convenience of being so close to Epcot and DHS may just be too good to pass up, especially with those Westin beds. Thanks everyone!!

I have used CostCo Travel twice to get really good deals, one at the Swan two years ago and another at the Dolphin in a couple of weeks. I had a complementary resort-view room upgrade, but nothing with a balcony or like what you describe, so I'm not sure if good deals are available for higher-end rooms. We LOVED the Swan and hope the Dolphin won't disappoint us.

 

[Sweetbeans]

Should be fine in June. Right now there are Cheer groups at the Swan & Dolphin making the resort pools quite busy that should be heading home by May 16th or with a few days of that.

Dave

Those groups must have really filled up the Swan. I tried getting Swan reservations last month for May 13-16 (last minute, I know) and rooms were almost $1,000 a night. The Dolphin rates were normal so I booked there instead. I've heard stories of how disruptive these groups can be at the All-Stars resorts in the past. Have you heard any information on their impact at the S/D lately?

 

[Tigerlulu]

I’ve heard from The Points Guy that there are now lines to get into the pool due to Social Distancing
Any issues at S/D? Especially during Spring Break?

we are going on June.

Should be fine in June. Right now there are Cheer groups at the Swan & Dolphin making the resort pools quite busy that should be heading home by May 16th or with a few days of that.

Dave

Beware the National Beta Club Conventions in June.
Elementary will be there a week, High School has a week and Junior has the last week.
They are pretty booked up during those times. Our dates are sold out but I’m trying to cancel.

 

[SMRT-1]

I have used CostCo Travel twice to get really good deals, one at the Swan two years ago and another at the Dolphin in a couple of weeks. I had a complementary resort-view room upgrade, but nothing with a balcony or like what you describe, so I'm not sure if good deals are available for higher-end rooms. We LOVED the Swan and hope the Dolphin won't disappoint us.

I think the Resort View upgrade is the standard Costco perk, but from time to time they do have special offers. We booked our trip that was supposed to happen May 2020 through Costco and they had a special offer at the time that included a free balcony upgrade.

 

[SteveH]

Been a few years since stayed at the Swan but have booked Dolphin for this October. Am I correct in saying both have better 'quick service' options than they did 5 years ago ? The Swan basically had a kiosk selling coffees. Do either of the resorts offer a refillable mug for the duration of the stay, similar to Disney hotels ? Many thanks

Yes with the Chill & Java & the Swan and Fuel at the Dolphin I think they've made big strides in grab and go type of options. Unsure still on the mugs, few have asked here but so far no updates.

 

[swummyh20]

Thanks for this tip! Will keep my eye out with Costco now!!

 

[Gitelfor]

Beware the National Beta Club Conventions in June.
Elementary will be there a week, High School has a week and Junior has the last week.
They are pretty booked up during those times. Our dates are sold out but I’m trying to cancel.

Thanks for the heads up. It looks like there is a reservation deadline later this week. So, if not all of their room block is booked, some availability may improve.

FYI, they pay a $20 resort fee.

 

[Tigerlulu]

Thanks for the heads up. It looks like there is a reservation deadline later this week. So, if not all of their room block is booked, some availability may improve.

FYI, they pay a $20 resort fee.

yes, $20 resort fee, $12 daily parking is what we’ve been told.
They have a waitlist going as well for some of the dates. I know when I cancel it will free up a couple nights for their waitlist. But I just am jumping through hoops trying to cancel. Reservation and cancelation deadline is the 15th.

 

[Lucys dad]

Yes with the Chill & Java & the Swan and Fuel at the Dolphin I think they've made big strides in grab and go type of options. Unsure still on the mugs, few have asked here but so far no updates.

Many thanks.

 

[Scalemaster34]

Many thanks.

I didn't see any signs of MUGS or dispensers for them... but never found those very useful at moderates or deluxe.

Again Chill and Java seem to be more geared to the business traveler on their own looking for a quick grab and go snack or light meal. So very basic options that might not fit well for a family looking for a meal. Place out by the pool had better fast food options - when it's open. But really are a lot of options if you consider there five resorts there together.

 

[carlosalonsor]

Beware the National Beta Club Conventions in June.
Elementary will be there a week, High School has a week and Junior has the last week.
They are pretty booked up during those times. Our dates are sold out but I’m trying to cancel.

Hi! I have a reservation for the last week of June at Dolphin. I don't know what BetaClub is. What does this convention implies?

 

[SteveH]

@carlosalonsor
you can read all about National Beta Club from that link.

 

[LovesDisney55]

That happened to us at YC last October. We were out there at the crack of dawn along with three others and waited and waited and waited. First bus finally arrived at 8:20 a.m. for a 9:00 opening. By the time we arrived, the cars were entering, security was backed up and the FOP queue was already at 80 minutes. We were pretty ticked since we were where we needed to be well before the time necessary and were let down by the Disney bus system. Moral to the story--there is no guarantee you are going to be further ahead walking to BW or YC?BC versus riding the Mears transport at Swan/Dolphin.

Hi! I have a question for you - did you walk over to the Yacht Club from the Swan/Dolphin? I think I'm going to use the Boardwalk bus to get to MK but didn't know how early I could actually walk over there. It says the boardwalk's operating hours begin at 6:30am and didn't know if that's the earliest I could access it to walk over. Of course I know there is no guarantee that the bus will come early, I have also had some terrible experiences with Disney busses!

 

[Dave006]

Hi! I have a reservation for the last week of June at Dolphin. I don't know what BetaClub is. What does this convention implies?

National Beta Club is the largest independent, non-profit, educational youth organization in America. And for more than 80 years, it has prepared today's students to be tomorrow's leaders.

Schedule:
6/25/21 - 6/28/21 (Senior)
6/28/21 - 6/29/21 (Elementary)
6/29/21 - 7/2/21 (Junior)

What does this convention implies?

Lots of school age children at the Swan & Dolphin with Parents and other sponsors the last week of June. Many will add time for the parks a couple days before or after to enjoy WDW.

Dave

 

[Scalemaster34]

Hi! I have a question for you - did you walk over to the Yacht Club from the Swan/Dolphin? I think I'm going to use the Boardwalk bus to get to MK but didn't know how early I could actually walk over there. It says the boardwalk's operating hours begin at 6:30am and didn't know if that's the earliest I could access it to walk over. Of course I know there is no guarantee that the bus will come early, I have also had some terrible experiences with Disney busses!

We did Boardwalk - seemed to be less crowded.

You don't need to enter the building, there is a open staircase near the lobby to take you from the "boardwalk" to the front of the building where the buses are.

Will say we had great experiences with Disney busses this trip... no long waits, no crowds and no standing.