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

[SteveH]

Thanks, maybe I should just do that. It still hasn't linked (from Sunday). I called into Disney yesterday and they were going to open a ticket on it. I would normally worry about it, but it was a last minute trip for next month (actually a little less than a month now). Anyway, I figured I needed to make park reservations.

If you booked through SwanDolphin then no need to call Disney, call SwanDolphin direct at 407-934-4000 M-F 8-5 and ask for In-House Reservations. This is not totally uncommon but they should be able to assist you.

 

[Aela]

You can still make park reservations if you have tickets. Is there any advantage these days to having your resort linked?

Don’t you need that for ILL early/late entry?

 

[DCLMP]

If you booked through SwanDolphin then no need to call Disney, call SwanDolphin direct at 407-934-4000 M-F 8-5 and ask for In-House Reservations. This is not totally uncommon but they should be able to assist you.

When I did that they told me to call Disney for MDE support.

 

[SteveH]

@DCLMP - that's new, at least for those that didn't get code... which S/D should make sure you get. Did you happen to have asked for in-house reservations?

 

[DCLMP]

@DCLMP - that's new, at least for those that didn't get code... which S/D should make sure you get. Did you happen to have asked for in-house reservations?

Yes, I talked to someone at the front desk of the Dolphin. They assured me the reservation number should work and I should call Disney MDE support and they gave me the number. I never called though.

 

[SteveH]

@DCLMP thanks I can see the Front Desk saying that, all reports have said the team in the in-house reservations has been great. Sad they are passing the buck.

 

[kayteekt]

least 48 hours if after 72 hours it doesn't link then call at 407-934-4000 M-F 8-5 and ask for In-House Reservations and they can help you. Enjoy your trip.

I had that problem, After a week I still couldn’t link so I cancelled it an rebooked. The new one linked immediately. I wasn’t charged a deposit for either one. I booked through Marriott.

You can still make park reservations if you have tickets. Is there any advantage these days to having your resort linked?

Were you charged a deposit? If not it might be worth canceling and rebooking.

If you booked through SwanDolphin then no need to call Disney, call SwanDolphin direct at 407-934-4000 M-F 8-5 and ask for In-House Reservations. This is not totally uncommon but they should be able to assist you.

Yes, I talked to someone at the front desk of the Dolphin. They assured me the reservation number should work and I should call Disney MDE support and they gave me the number. I never called though.

Thanks everyone! I did break down and call Disney yesterday afternoon (at just over 72hrs). They couldn't find the reservation at all and the rep said she was going to open a ticket where they would contact the hotel to see what the issue was. It just showed up in my MDE this afternoon, so I guess whatever they did worked. I'm actually surprised they took care of it that quickly. Now to plan a last minute trip!

 

[DCLMP]

Thanks everyone! I did break down and call Disney yesterday afternoon (at just over 72hrs). They couldn't find the reservation at all and the rep said she was going to open a ticket where they would contact the hotel to see what the issue was. It just showed up in my MDE this afternoon, so I guess whatever they did worked. I'm actually surprised they took care of it that quickly. Now to plan a last minute trip!

Glad up you got it fixed. I think the issue I had with my first reservation is I put 2 adults instead of one adult and a 17 year old so it didn’t match my party in MDE. I just noticed there’s a message on the Marriott booking site that says to make sure your reservation matches the party listed in your MDE.

 

[Aela]

I’m trying to attach my Dolphin reservation and it’s not working either. Tried app and website, and tried adding a 0 in front of the confirmation number. No idea.

I don’t feel like calling right now to do it since we are probably going to change the reservation if I can get an AP or they add a special. Unless I’m missing something I can just wait i guess.

 

[mom2febgirls]

I have a question about booking an AP rate at the Swan. I usually book the Gov rate but I have an AP this year and it is a bit cheaper. However, the AP rate doesn't give me a King bed option but the Gov rate does. If I call do you think it might be an option or is it just not available for AP rooms?

Thanks

 

[SteveH]

@mom2febgirls that's odd but yes I'd call. Call 407-934-4000 during the day M-F and ask for In-House reservations, you want to avoid the Marriott call center.

 

[Eastern]

Glad up you got it fixed. I think the issue I had with my first reservation is I put 2 adults instead of one adult and a 17 year old so it didn’t match my party in MDE. I just noticed there’s a message on the Marriott booking site that says to make sure your reservation matches the party listed in your MDE.

Is there a place on the Marriott website in the reservation where you can add in names? I have the correct number of adults on the reservation but it seems like they only give you the option to have a lead name on the reservation. I cannot add the other 3 people.

 

[DCLMP]

Is there a place on the Marriott website in the reservation where you can add in names? I have the correct number of adults on the reservation but it seems like they only give you the option to have a lead name on the reservation. I cannot add the other 3 people.

When it links to MDE you add the names.

 

[Eastern]

When it links to MDE you add the names.

Ok I had it linked to MDE and when I went to check it was gone. So I re-linked it. But there is only one name listed on the Marriott site reservation, is that right?

 

[lfcfan]

Hi all,
Staying at swan 5/17-5/22. New Bonvoy cc holder (got specifically for making this trip happen), and trying to use points I am about to earn with minimum spend. Any advice is much appreciated.
150,000 points once I hit min spend = 3 free nights
Booked 5 nights, so one night should be free.
Will need to earn/purchase the points for remaining night.
I called Bonvoy to make sure I am doing this right, and they said yes but didn't inspire confidence.
Ideally we want to upgrade to alcove suite (staying with our college age son). She said she "put in the request for me."
Has anyone had success with upgrading to a suite with points (willing to pay difference, but booking a suite through points was not available on website.) Any more steps I can take to try to make this happen?

Any other suggestions or advice? Thank you!

 

[SteveH]

@lfcfana IMHO you are best to book what you want, hoping for a upgrade could lead to disappointment. I would call the local number and talk to somebody at SwanDolphin, you want to avoid the Marriott call center. This might be a time to ask for in-house reservations (I posted contact info a few posts above)

One thing to know is that the Marriott hotel properties do no get paid the full price of a room when you redeem points. Thus, the # of rooms available for points is limited and on a big weekend you'd be hard pressed to get a free upgrade. Many people over the past few years have complained about use of free nights at SwanDolphin or suite upgrades.

 

[lfcfan]

@lfcfana IMHO you are best to book what you want, hoping for a upgrade could lead to disappointment. I would call the local number and talk to somebody at SwanDolphin, you want to avoid the Marriott call center. This might be a time to ask for in-house reservations (I posted contact info a few posts above)

One thing to know is that the Marriott hotel properties do no get paid the full price of a room when you redeem points. Thus, the # of rooms available for points is limited and on a big weekend you'd be hard pressed to get a free upgrade. Many people over the past few years have complained about use of free nights at SwanDolphin or suite upgrades.

Thanks! I guess I am not clear on who makes the decisions on using points--the hotel or marriott bonvoy? So I am never sure who to talk to (and you can probably tell I am very new to this whole concept).

There is no way I am booking Swan without redeeming points, so I am not gonna book an alove suite and pay for the whole thing with cash. I would just book a disney resort if I was paying with cash.
We will be just fine with a mostly free hotel room, but are willing to pay the differenced for an upgrade if it is available. However, since it is not available to book with points, I expect I will get the same answer if I call--can't use points for suite. But maybe can hope for a miracle when it gets closer if there is availability. I don't think our weekend is a "big weekend" but who knows with events, etc.

 

[SteveH]

@lfcfan it's a confusing mess. This is why some get upset at SwanDolphin over the suite night rewards (and not just SD). This is why I suggest calling direct, if they can get you what you want they will or they can offer you options. I've always found the in-house team very helpful. Also they suites are popular and does seem they are not always an option that shows up, I don't know if its by design or if they are all really just that popular that they book up.

 

[Dave006]

Ok I had it linked to MDE and when I went to check it was gone. So I re-linked it. But there is only one name listed on the Marriott site reservation, is that right?

Yes only the number of guests (adults / children) need to be correct on the Marriott site. MDE is where you assign the individual names for your party based on your MDE Friends & Family or members listed under your MDE account.

Dave

 

[Aela]

Hi all,
Staying at swan 5/17-5/22. New Bonvoy cc holder (got specifically for making this trip happen), and trying to use points I am about to earn with minimum spend. Any advice is much appreciated.
150,000 points once I hit min spend = 3 free nights
Booked 5 nights, so one night should be free.
Will need to earn/purchase the points for remaining night.
I called Bonvoy to make sure I am doing this right, and they said yes but didn't inspire confidence.
Ideally we want to upgrade to alcove suite (staying with our college age son). She said she "put in the request for me."
Has anyone had success with upgrading to a suite with points (willing to pay difference, but booking a suite through points was not available on website.) Any more steps I can take to try to make this happen?

Any other suggestions or advice? Thank you!

also check your app. I just registered for the card, got the Bonvoy Boundless which should have had a new cardholder bonus of 150,000/3 nights after 3k spent. But instead it says it has a 30,000 point new cardholder bonus after 3k spent. Now I have to call them when my card shows up