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

[gottalovepluto]

Anyone here with Bonvoy status, what are the odds of an upgrade for Gold status members (or even Platinum)? I've booked for next September for a week on points.

These properties are notorious for not upgrading for status of any kind.

Gold here, stayed in Sept. Had a low floor view of AC/parking lot or something lousy in my first room. (The room was unacceptable due to the state of the tub, rendering the shower unusable and I was then moved/upgraded to a much higher floor facing the boat dock. But I know the only reason I got “upgraded” was because of them originally putting me in a room that never should have been in circulation- not because of my status.)

 

[Nastasya]

Another Reserve booked guest here. I’m not sure if this was mentioned, but the S&D reservation line told me the new opening date is Nov. 4th. This is a week later than the previous opening date. Hopefully they open on the 4th, because our reservation is for the 7th!

Then, I see the opening date as the 12th on Google’s reservation compilation page. I hope that isn’t indicative of anything…

 

[gottalovepluto]

Another Reserve booked guest here. I’m not sure if this was mentioned, but the S&D reservation line told me the new opening date is Nov. 4th. This is a week later than the previous opening date. Hopefully they open on the 4th, because our reservation is for the 7th!

Then, I see the opening date as the 12th on Google’s reservation compilation page. I hope that isn’t indicative of anything…

Marriott is showing 11/4 on their website fwiw (it hasn’t be worth much in the past though). This hotel opening has been such a disaster I can see why third party booking sites might push it off further.

Crazy this is still happening

 

[Disneyfan754321]

Another Reserve booked guest here. I’m not sure if this was mentioned, but the S&D reservation line told me the new opening date is Nov. 4th. This is a week later than the previous opening date. Hopefully they open on the 4th, because our reservation is for the 7th!

Then, I see the opening date as the 12th on Google’s reservation compilation page. I hope that isn’t indicative of anything…

This is why I'm here.. I just bought a one night on the 6th from Priceline... surely they would not sell nights one week away.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Maybe something equally memorable will occur this Thursday

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Even though at times it may seem like an endless hallway.

​

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

How would you get hot enough water in the room?

You would run their coffee machine without coffee- dispensing just steaming hot water. Put that in your french press with the coffee you bring along.

 

[Disneyfan754321]

How do you get in early to the parks?
I tried to link to the MDE but it does not work

 

[TexanInTheMidwest]

Last week room service was 45-60 minute wait, and that was right at dinner opening.Opted to run down to fuel instead.

For those who like a specific coffee, I’d encourage you to travel with a small, inexpensive french press and your own coffee. Game changer.

Ikea has ones for $8 or $9.
View attachment 617893

I second just buying/bringing a coffee pot. But instead of a French press, I'd do a regular drip coffee maker which allows for using your preferred coffee. We (used to) travel frequently and would purchase a cheap coffee maker that I was willing to leave behind. My driver (kindly) keeps my coffee pot for me after me abandoning 2 of these. This is the one I have in

https://www.target.com/p/mr-coffee-5-cup-switch-coffee-maker-black/-/A-78604175#lnk=sametab

 

[jimrpa]

Do you know if Swan Reserve (or Dolphin/Swan) will have morning busses to the Wine Dine Races?

The Swan Reserve Welcome Ambassador who reached out to me confirmed that Swan Reserve guests will use the Race transportation over at the Swan (it’s always in front of the Swan convention center).

 

[jimrpa]

Another Reserve booked guest here. I’m not sure if this was mentioned, but the S&D reservation line told me the new opening date is Nov. 4th. This is a week later than the previous opening date. Hopefully they open on the 4th, because our reservation is for the 7th!

Then, I see the opening date as the 12th on Google’s reservation compilation page. I hope that isn’t indicative of anything…

I think the 4th is fairly solid since they have their Welcome Ambassadors reaching out to guests. One reached out to me and I’m checking in on the 4th. I didn’t try pressing on upgrade availability though - I figured I’d see what happened when I arrived (lifetime titanium so we will see).

 

[CBMom01]

I second just buying/bringing a coffee pot. But instead of a French press, I'd do a regular drip coffee maker which allows for using your preferred coffee. We (used to) travel frequently and would purchase a cheap coffee maker that I was willing to leave behind. My driver (kindly) keeps my coffee pot for me after me abandoning 2 of these. This is the one I have in

https://www.target.com/p/mr-coffee-5-cup-switch-coffee-maker-black/-/A-78604175#lnk=sametab

That seems like a terrible waste and brilliant idea at the same time.

 

[TexanInTheMidwest]

That seems like a terrible waste and brilliant idea at the same time.

When you look at the cost of buying coffee (average of $4 per cup) PLUS how many people will be drinking it (me and DH is $8/day though he really likes to have a 2nd cup) I feel like we always come out ahead. Especially if you're there a week or more. We started doing this when DH would travel for work - he would bring both a reusable cup and a thermos to take to the office (which is about 3 cups of coffee) PLUS I got a cup too.

And leaving it behind is gifting it to the hotel staff (Or if they leave it in the room for the next guest).

 

[CBMom01]

When you look at the cost of buying coffee (average of $4 per cup) PLUS how many people will be drinking it (me and DH is $8/day though he really likes to have a 2nd cup) I feel like we always come out ahead. Especially if you're there a week or more. We started doing this when DH would travel for work - he would bring both a reusable cup and a thermos to take to the office (which is about 3 cups of coffee) PLUS I got a cup too.

And leaving it behind is gifting it to the hotel staff (Or if they leave it in the room for the next guest).

I'd bet anything it gets thrown away if left in the room.

 

[mickey916]

This made me think I should bring along my single cup Keurig...it's small and has no water reservoir, you add water each time you make a cup. Both my DS and I would use it everyday and he's not a fan of using the ones in hotel rooms as it's tough to say how often they're cleaned...

 

[TexanInTheMidwest]

This made me think I should bring along my single cup Keurig...it's small and has no water reservoir, you add water each time you make a cup. Both my DS and I would use it everyday and he's not a fan of using the ones in hotel rooms as it's tough to say how often they're cleaned...

I HEAR you on not being sure about using the pot in the room

We DO keep a travel coffee pot with our suitcases for the trips when there is room (or weight allowance) in one of our bags! (AND if we drive, we take our bigger grind & brew pot ). But this solution of the 5 cup pot has been a Godsend this year.

It just nice to have coffee in the room that we like AND without having to get dressed. Plus it saves time and money for us. On this last trip I was awake by 5:30 AM most days and FUEL doesn't open til 6....

 

[CBMom01]

Oh - it's been at least 20 years since used a washable cup or a coffee pot in a hotel room without cleaning it myself first. Ditto with bathtubs if I want to have a soak. I'm not particularly germaphobic but those are two that just weird me out.

ETA: I would never drink out of a reusable glass or coffee cup in a hotel that doesn't have a restaurant because lord knows if they even have a working dishwasher on property.

 

[summerlvr]

Did they scan everyone in your party?

It was just me, but at some rides I saw the CMs scan everyone and other rides they just scanned one person and sent their whole party through.

 

[SarahC97]

It was just me, but at some rides I saw the CMs scan everyone and other rides they just scanned one person and sent their whole party through.

Thanks! Luckily, I was able to link my Dolphin reservation to My Disney Experience and we'll have magic bands, so no matter what we're OK. I'm pretty stoked about access to Extended Evening Hours when we go during Thanksgiving week, especially for the price I got a room at the Dolphin!

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

I think the 4th is fairly solid since they have their Welcome Ambassadors reaching out to guests. One reached out to me and I’m checking in on the 4th. I didn’t try pressing on upgrade availability though - I figured I’d see what happened when I arrived (lifetime titanium so we will see).

If it's not too much trouble while you're on vacay, would you mind popping in and sharing with us all of the deets? Can't wait to hear how your stay goes. I think it's really cool to be the inaugural guests.

 

[letsgobirds]

Just got the welcome ambassador email for the 4th also, fingers crossed.