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

[Dan Murphy]

Looking for opinions from anyone that has stayed in the newly refurbished Swan rooms. I am looking at either a balcony and fireworks view room at the Dolphin or a Crescent lake view room with balcony at the Swan. Currently, the Swan is about $10 more per night.

What would you do?

I would totally go with the Swan. Queen size beds (or king if you book that) and totally renovated rooms! Plus, two sinks.

I've always preferred the Swan over the Dolphin, but have enjoyed both. I thought the old decor, though, was kind of "Golden Girls" colored. I'm looking forward to seeing the new decor!

I agree for the same reasons. Plus it is not so huge as the Dolphin. Both are equidistant from the pools.

 

[Dominion]

I agree for the same reasons. Plus it is not so huge as the Dolphin. Both are equidistant from the pools.

Another benefit is that the buses stop at the Swan first and it's a slightly shorter walk to the Boardwalk.

 

[ImprovGal]

Can housekeeping be declined for some days for points and used some days? We don't like cleaning every day anyway, but with a 10 day stay will need it a few times. How many points? Do I need to let them know at check in?

The rules on Make a Green Choice (declining housekeeping for $5 f&b credit or 500 points per day) are that there is a maximum number of consecutive nights you can do the opt-out. (In other words, housekeeping has to come in at some point and clean to make sure the rooms are maintained.) I usually only stay 1 or 2 nights at Swan or Dolphin before I hop to the sister property, so I don't know what the policy is there.

 

[Dan Murphy]

The rules on Make a Green Choice (declining housekeeping for $5 f&b credit or 500 points per day) are that there is a maximum number of consecutive nights you can do the opt-out. (In other words, housekeeping has to come in at some point and clean to make sure the rooms are maintained.) I usually only stay 1 or 2 nights at Swan or Dolphin before I hop to the sister property, so I don't know what the policy is there.

Yes, at least every 4 days......

BE GREEN AND SAVE GREEN!
We are pleased to offer you the option to decline housekeeping service during your stay, excluding the night prior to checkout. Service will automatically be provided every fourth day of your stay. For each day you help us conserve natural resources, we will provide a $5 food and beverage voucher for use at our resort OR 500 SPG ® Starpoints™ redeemable at check out. To opt-in to this program, dial extension 5678 from your guest room telephone by 2am. If you decide to resume service, please contact Guest Services at extension 0.

http://www.swandolphin.com/aboutus/green.html

 

[luvallprincesses]

Yes, at least every 4 days......



http://www.swandolphin.com/aboutus/green.html

Thank you for that information!

 

[KonaKaiTom]

We are just back from 4 nights/5 days at the Dolphin. A wonderful way to start our vacation was being told upon check-in that we have been upgraded to the 11th Floor, Lake View!!!! We had a great stay, enjoyed every inch of F&W at Epcot -- didn't partake in the Swan/Dolphin version but it looked very nice. We ate at Garden Grove, Picabu and had drinks in the Cabana pool bar -- enjoyed all of the above. Great bloody marys in the morning at Garden Grove!

Tom

 

[Dan Murphy]

Welcome home, Tom, glad to hear you had a good stay.

 

[jessily]

If anyone has a stay booked in mid-December, check out the current rates. They recently dropped and I was able to get a lower rate for my stay starting on 12/12. $159/night at the Swan (AAA with $50 resort credit)... very happy with that rate! Just wanted to give a heads up.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Some items from S/D recent email.

Sit back, enjoy yourself and we'll take care of everything. Celebrity chef Todd English's bluezoo is serving special Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve dinners. The exceptional Il Mulino New York Trattoria and the famed Shula's Steak House are featuring unique prix fixe New Year's Eve menus.

So come join us and we'll make your holidays as easy as pie!
And, we'll even do the dishes.

2015 is the final year to marvel at millions of glittering lights perfectly synchoronized to holiday music. Share in an awe-inspiring seasonal treat for the entire family. Brilliant multi-colored bulbs wrap the buildings, changing hues and brightness throughout the show at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Remember, we are within walking distance.

Santa named us his favorite resort! He, Mrs. Claus, and their helper Elf Kandy Kane are here every year for some much deserved down time before the busy holiday season. Book a stay now to relax in the Florida sun and meet Santa himself along with special holiday activities, our giant tree-lighting, and more! Be sure to use code SANTA when booking.
​

Learn more: www.santasfavoriteresort.com​

CALL NOW 888.828.8850 or 407.934.4000
​

 

[TheSpooph]

Any update on the refurbishment status for the Swan? I am thinking about booking rooms for next May (2016) and was curious if they will all be completed by then.

Thanks!

 

[Lauren Strittmatter]

Does anyone know the options for connecting rooms at the Dolphin? My family of 3 booked a room and my parents also booked a room separately. We were hoping at check-in to request connecting rooms if at all possible. Is the Dolphin like most hotels where they don't have any King / King connecting rooms, only King / 2 Doubles? We'd prefer 2 Kings if they have it. It looks like currently we have a Resort View w/ Balcony category room while my parents are showing as Traditional but are SPG Gold so should get an upgrade at check-in.

 

[luvallprincesses]

What is the best/most convenient/economical method for a single person to return to MCO from the Swan?

 

[pepperandchips]

What is the best/most convenient/economical method for a single person to return to MCO from the Swan?

Barring surge prices, I would say uber (pick the uberX for just one person). The fare estimate says $23-30. Hard to beat that!

 

[Lauren Strittmatter]

Barring surge prices, I would say uber (pick the uberX for just one person). The fare estimate says $23-30. Hard to beat that!

I thought that Uber was barred from MCO?

 

[pepperandchips]

I thought that Uber was barred from MCO?

They can't pick you up from the airport but they can drop you off. I'm attempting to post a screen shot from the app...

 

[Lauren Strittmatter]

They can't pick you up from the airport but they can drop you off. I'm attempting to post a screen shot from the app...

Ah! Good to know!!

 

[Momtomouselover]

Does anyone know the difference between the traditional and the grand deluxe rooms? The descriptions don't make it obvious. Is it just view or floor? Thanks for any help.

 

[Disbug]

Just returned from the Swan and Dolphin Classic weekend... what a blast! I would say it was the best one yet! Our family stayed in a One-Bedroom Grand Suite at the Swan. Although we had a few problems, the Front Desk compensated us satisfactorily and we did have an enjoyable stay overall. The hotel itself and the renovated decor is elegant and lovely! Our view from the windows was of the causeway straight across from the Dolphin on the 10th floor. It has been a number of years since we have stayed at the Swan and we truly loved it! If anyone is on the fence between the Swan and Dolphin, I don't think you can go wrong with either one...

 

[Disbug]

Does anyone know the difference between the traditional and the grand deluxe rooms? The descriptions don't make it obvious. Is it just view or floor? Thanks for any help.

I think the Grand Deluxe rooms are the renovated rooms? It may also involve the location, and/or view... (not sure). But it sounds like how Disney is calling the DVC studios "Deluxe Studios" now...

 

[happymommy]

Does anyone know the options for connecting rooms at the Dolphin? My family of 3 booked a room and my parents also booked a room separately. We were hoping at check-in to request connecting rooms if at all possible. Is the Dolphin like most hotels where they don't have any King / King connecting rooms, only King / 2 Doubles? We'd prefer 2 Kings if they have it. It looks like currently we have a Resort View w/ Balcony category room while my parents are showing as Traditional but are SPG Gold so should get an upgrade at check-in.

I'd call the hotel. They offer a family deal with a second connecting room at a discount, so you should ask about that! It may end up that you cancel one room and rebook it this way. I've done this a couple of times, as we've really outgrown all 4 sharing one room. The second room was very cheap.

This is one thing I like that Disney doesn't offer which is connecting rooms being a bookable category.