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

[jhlmendez]

Does anyone know of a good email address for Swan and Dolphin management or guest relations that I could use to raise my concerns about the loss of onsite benefits?

Not sure about rules for posting links here but the official S&D site has a "Contact Us" page w/ email addresses for reservation info and general info. Can't say for certain how effective those contact methods may be but they could be a good place to start.

 

[amalone1013]

Another couple data points to add to the confusion about when the one-night deposit is charged.

- Reservation made May 16th for an end of July stay at the Dolphin - still no charge.
- Reservations made yesterday at the Swan and the Swan Reserve for marathon weekend in January - deposits pending on my credit card account today.

I'm a little behind but I had this same kind of situation in 2019. Booked a stay for less than 2 months out and never had a deposit charged. Booked way ahead of time for another stay and had deposits charged right away.

 

[jbock]

I just got back from a trip that I stayed the last night at the Dolphin and wanted to post a note to all in the event it's useful info. Right after Disney announced fireworks were back, I started calling the Dolphin to get a fireworks view room. After a few days a really helpful agent hand picked a particular room for us (I didn't ask him to- I just asked about fireworks view) and he went into great detail about where it was, how it had two balconies, was amazing, etc etc -- he got me pretty excited and said he locked it in for us. When I arrived they had given it away to someone else. After a bit of back and forth about why I would be frustrated (they didn't seem to get it at first bc their position is he shouldn't have been able to promise me a room (again I didn't ask for this, he offered it)) they got me something else (not as good apparently but admittedly still great). So in the end, not a massive deal, but frustrating - just don't let agents promise specific rooms if you're going to give them away.

So, in short, I share this not that it was a huge problem, but to save yourself frustration, if you book a room and an agent promises you X, don't expect it to be a reality, unless you're higher up on the Marriott food chain than I apparently am.

Oh, and minor annoyance - hallway was *filled* with trash in the AM that clearly had been left out overnight and not addressed. I used to be a big advocate for Dolphin, but I probably will try something else out next trip, FWIW.

 

[katyjeka]

jbock- I appreciate your review and can understand the disappointment. I'm in the minority but I don't care about our view as we spend little time in the room. We consider Swan/Dolphin the best secret in WDW. I HATE exterior hallways and love being able to walk to Epcot!! The prices are less than moderates with Disney. I love the pool area and find the grounds as nice as Disney. The restaurants are plentiful and good. I love the CR but Disney deluxe rates this December are over $700 and we refuse to pay it. I hope you enjoyed your vacation.

 

[jbock]

jbock- I appreciate your review and can understand the disappointment. I'm in the minority but I don't care about our view as we spend little time in the room. We consider Swan/Dolphin the best secret in WDW. I HATE exterior hallways and love being able to walk to Epcot!! The prices are less than moderates with Disney. I love the pool area and find the grounds as nice as Disney. The restaurants are plentiful and good. I love the CR but Disney deluxe rates this December are over $700 and we refuse to pay it. I hope you enjoyed your vacation.

I will definitely agree with the sentiment - if you're not going to be in the rooms very much and just want a clean room and a comfy bed the S/D are the probably the best value on property...Add in not caring about the view, and you can priceline or hotwire a room there for $150-250 ($200-300 after resort fee/parking if applicable) depending on season/demand while a Disney boardwalk would be $400-550... So while I wasn't thrilled with the room outcome (more how they handled it) it shouldn't really stop anyone else from considering staying there.

The only wrinkle I can see is Disney stripping magic hours (confirmed) or fast pass benefits (rumored) from S/D -- that could change things a bit in terms of value.

Oh - and we had an amazing time, thanks! We stayed off-property at Lakeshore Reserve for all but the last night- I was worried about staying off site but found it not a big deal. A 2BR there (w/ kitchen/laundry/etc) was $1200 for a week. I couldn't justify paying ~5x that to stay at an on-site equivalent DVC. We did spring for premium parking on-site Crowds were minimal -- weather was a mixed bag but didn't get in the way...

Anyway, not related to this thread but I have nothing but great things to say about Lakeshore if anyone wants any info send me a note.

 

[ckelly14]

Just another chapter in the Marriott take-over saga. Not surprising that benefits are going away. We have a big family celebration In April with a split stay (Swan/Poly) and I'll have to think carefully about it.

ETA: Who am I kidding...just looked up alternates and the beach club is $2500 for 3 nights and I need three rooms! I'll take the perk downgrade for a 3 room suite for points and $750 in cash!

 

[CogsworthTN]

Not sure about rules for posting links here but the official S&D site has a "Contact Us" page w/ email addresses for reservation info and general info. Can't say for certain how effective those contact methods may be but they could be a good place to start.

I contacted them about my concerns of losing Disney perks, but all the Hilton hotels and a Holiday Inn were keeping the perks.

I am more concerned that more perks may be going as well. Such as booking fast passes at. 60 days (these will be returning).

 

[Gitelfor]

Does anyone know of a good email address for Swan and Dolphin management or guest relations that I could use to raise my concerns about the loss of onsite benefits?

Sean Verney is the Area General Manager for the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, the iconic property located in the heart of Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

He oversees all aspects of the 2,270-room resort with 333,000 square feet of meeting space and all cast members. He will also be responsible for managing the resort’s upcoming expansion, a 349-room, 14-story tower scheduled to open in 2021.

When I had several issues of concern during a Disney resort stay, I sent an email to the GM of that resort, as directed in the GM’s “Welcome” letter, which was left in each guest room. I received a short reply, and the GM turned over my concerns to a CM on her staff, to follow up. The follow-up, in the form of a phone call, was excellent, with a very satisfactory outcome. In most instances (at least pre-pandemic), Disney has been very good at communication and taking care of their guests, resolving issues and concerns, to encourage return business.

Possible email for Mr. Verney:
sean.verney@swandolphin.com

 

[katyjeka]

Jbock I'd love to see pictures of your off-site stay . The only perk I wanted was early mornings which they seem to be keeping. I'm glad your trip was a success!

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

When I had several issues of concern during a Disney resort stay, I sent an email to the GM of that resort, as directed in the GM’s “Welcome” letter, which was left in each guest room. I received a short reply, and the GM turned over my concerns to a CM on her staff, to follow up. The follow-up, in the form of a phone call, was excellent, with a very satisfactory outcome. In most instances (at least pre-pandemic), Disney has been very good at communication and taking care of their guests, resolving issues and concerns, to encourage return business.

Possible email for Mr. Verney:
sean.verney@swandolphin.com

Thanks for sharing this. I sent an email to the "info@" email address and also to the GM. Until I see it all in practice, any hotel without early entry is a non-starter for me sadly... and we did enjoy Swan when we gave it a shot back in January so this is kinda sad. Well that and the fact that it was a decent use for my million Marriott points that are sitting around, LOL!

 

[mefordis]

I'm sorry if this has been addressed recently but has the Dolphin started doing room service again?

TIA!

 

[Dan Murphy]

I'm sorry if this has been addressed recently but has the Dolphin started doing room service again?

TIA!

This was posted about one month ago.

 

[sheri18]

Beauty Pageant, Dance Competition, next it will be Cheer leading, PopWarner Football and the bazillion Brazillions so much for the quiet S/D Defiantly time for Disney to open more of their resorts up.

is there a way to see what type of large events are going to be there and when

 

[mefordis]

This was posted about one month ago.

Someone who posted above stayed at the Swan mid June said they did not have room service at that time. Hoping Dolphin does.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Someone who posted above stayed at the Swan mid June said they did not have room service at that time. Hoping Dolphin does.

Screen shot from S/D app a few moments ago

 

[Gitelfor]

Screen shot from S/D app a few moments ago

View attachment 587685

It is a very good, diverse menu, IMO.

Swan/Dolphin in-room dining menu

 

[Dan Murphy]

It is a very good, diverse menu, IMO.

Swan/Dolphin in-room dining menu

I thought so also. And the prices, while high for everyday at home fare, did not seem exorbitant hotel high.

 

[Gitelfor]

One of the listed properties looks familiar.
From Business Insider:
16 of the best Marriott hotels in U.S.

 

[SteveH]

is there a way to see what type of large events are going to be there and when

I've never found a great list, at one time I had a site showing all the Orlando Conventions but I must have deleted it at some point. If I find it again I'll post it.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Thanks for sharing this. I sent an email to the "info@" email address and also to the GM. Until I see it all in practice, any hotel without early entry is a non-starter for me sadly... and we did enjoy Swan when we gave it a shot back in January so this is kinda sad. Well that and the fact that it was a decent use for my million Marriott points that are sitting around, LOL!

Got a response... but not sure how to believe it. The fact that they call it EMHs and not the new name worries me here that this isn't a full response. So the plot thickens...