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

[Disbug]

... I don't understand people who leave negative reviews about the parking fee and the resort fee. These are clearly disclosed when you make your reservation and should be factored in when choosing which resort to stay at. Anyone who is surprised by these fees just hasn't done their research...

I think the biggest problems with these "fees" is that they are not included in the price. They are trying to make their rates more competitive-looking by taking out these extra costs instead of adding them in up front. The parking fee is only saved by those who do not have a vehicle to park. The resort fee is mandatory for all except platinum SPG members, so why not just include it in the cost per night? When you add up all the extra taxes and fees, you can end up with a rate that is 30 to 50% more than you initially thought you would be spending. An advertised price of $129 per night looks a whole lot more appealing than the $190 it will actually cost you...

 

[Dan Murphy]

I read construction is noisy and there are power outages

Construction (refurbishment) is generally done on a floor by floor basis. A complete floor is shut down so as to not disturb guests. I have been there during construction, never heard a thing.

 

[sharona]

I think the biggest problems with these "fees" is that they are not included in the price. They are trying to make their rates more competitive-looking by taking out these extra costs instead of adding them in up front. The parking fee is only saved by those who do not have a vehicle to park. The resort fee is mandatory for all except platinum SPG members, so why not just include it in the cost per night? When you add up all the extra taxes and fees, you can end up with a rate that is 30 to 50% more than you initially thought you would be spending. An advertised price of $129 per night looks a whole lot more appealing than the $190 it will actually cost you...

I agree that it's a ploy to make the rates more competitive but it's not a unique ploy. Many non Disney resorts do this - the Disney resorts just build parking and "resort" fees into the nightly price and many people like that better but in the end the only thing that matters is how much you actually have to pay per night including all fees and that is what you have to use when you are comparing prices - much like checked bag fees when comparing airfares...

 

[BadDad]

My final thought on resort and parking fees: All >>Disney<< run resorts do not have resort or parking fees. Neither do most of the Downtown Disney hotels. So, it was a surprise. Doing research? Yikes! What a vacation Wonder if they charge toilet paper usage. (That's a joke)

Question: In the photos, there was a great photo of the Epcot fireworks. Is that a lookout like at the CR or from a room?

 

[RachelTori]

Construction (refurbishment) is generally done on a floor by floor basis. A complete floor is shut down so as to not disturb guests. I have been there during construction, never heard a thing.

Dan, when we stayed there earlier this month, we were on floor 7. Part of that floor was blocked off, the hallway A/C's were off, and there was noise during the day. From what staff told me, they are currently doing electrical/plumbing upgrades on multiple floors and not yet the rooms themselves. There was a power outage overnight one of our nights there, but we only found out since it affected a friend staying on floor 9; we didn't experience an outage.

I still wouldn't hesitate to stay there during the refurbishment, but if I had a toddler who needed an afternoon nap I might think twice!

 

[RachelTori]

My final thought on resort and parking fees: All >>Disney<< run resorts do not have resort or parking fees. Neither do most of the Downtown Disney hotels. So, it was a surprise. Doing research? Yikes! What a vacation Wonder if they charge toilet paper usage. (That's a joke)

Question: In the photos, there was a great photo of the Epcot fireworks. Is that a lookout like at the CR or from a room?

There is a room category "Epcot Fireworks View" where that photo was likely taken. Aside from being in the park, it's my favorite place to watch Illuminations (you can also hear the music very clearly)! I'm not aware of any lookout at either Swan or Dolphin -- at least not with the view you get from those rooms!

 

[OKW Lover]

Resort fee $25 + parking $18 = $43 extra per day ( bummer)

All clearly stated before you make your reservation. Even after adding these fees (and parking won't necessarily apply to all) the price of a room at the Swolphin still comes out to less - perhaps significantly less - than what you would pay at BW/BC/YC next door.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Question: In the photos, there was a great photo of the Epcot fireworks. Is that a lookout like at the CR or from a room?

There is a room category "Epcot Fireworks View" where that photo was likely taken. Aside from being in the park, it's my favorite place to watch Illuminations (you can also hear the music very clearly)! I'm not aware of any lookout at either Swan or Dolphin -- at least not with the view you get from those rooms!

If this is the photo you are speaking of, I would agree with Laura here. An upper floor, Epcot view room. I have had rooms on the upper floors of the Swan, had a nice view of Illuminations. And the buildings do shake with the major shells when they explode, nice effect.

Thanks for the heads up on the construction, Laura. I have seen that also, where they will block like half a floor, usually split at the elevators.

 

[disneyhorselover]

Hi everyone!

I am planning a trip to WDW for the Wine and Dine Half marathon in 2016. My sister and I have been toying with the idea of trying to stay at the Swan or Dolphin (leaning towards the Dolphin since we've never stayed there!) for proximity to Food and Wine. Is there a good way to get an idea of prices for that time? I've noticed most of the Disney hotels have charts showing all of their regular rates but nothing for the Dolphin. I just want to price some things out before we make any decisions.

Also, my sister is an RN-is there still a nurses discount, and how much is it?

Finally, I read about the Mears shuttle to/from MCO-is this the cheapest/easiest way to get back and forth?

I only read through a few pages so I apologize if these have been answered anywhere-thanks for your help!

 

[april8986]

Disney's Swan & Dolphin among 11 hotels part of Marriott-Starwood deal.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/brinkmann-on-business/os-starwood-marriott-orlando-post.html

 

[ImprovGal]

Alert! Several Starwood hotels had a breach with malware placed on their POS systems. According to the list of affected properties, the Walt Disney World Dolphin was one of the affected properties from 11/5/14 - 4/13/15.
More information can be found at https://starwoodhotels.allclearid.com/

 

[Donald - my hero]

Hi everyone!

I am planning a trip to WDW for the Wine and Dine Half marathon in 2016. My sister and I have been toying with the idea of trying to stay at the Swan or Dolphin (leaning towards the Dolphin since we've never stayed there!) for proximity to Food and Wine. Is there a good way to get an idea of prices for that time? I've noticed most of the Disney hotels have charts showing all of their regular rates but nothing for the Dolphin. I just want to price some things out before we make any decisions.

Also, my sister is an RN-is there still a nurses discount, and how much is it?

Finally, I read about the Mears shuttle to/from MCO-is this the cheapest/easiest way to get back and forth?

I only read through a few pages so I apologize if these have been answered anywhere-thanks for your help!

HI, I'm new here but figured i could jump in and at least answer the question about the shuttle from MCO ... YUP Mears is the service the Dolphin recommends and a RT rate for 2 is about $65.00 if you book on-line or $72.00 walk up rate.

 

[MarkE83]

Hi all! I'm staying over the way at YC in August 2016, and have a quick question regarding hire cars - I understand there is an Alamo car hire place here? Is that correct? Is it right within the hotel, or nearby? We are planning on only renting a car for the middle part of our stay, so thought picking it up and dropping it off here would be ideal. Thanks!

 

[Tess]

Hi all! I'm staying over the way at YC in August 2016, and have a quick question regarding hire cars - I understand there is an Alamo car hire place here? Is that correct? Is it right within the hotel, or nearby? We are planning on only renting a car for the middle part of our stay, so thought picking it up and dropping it off here would be ideal. Thanks!

The Alamo rental desk is right inside the Dolphin in the same area as the Disney World customer service desk. It is on the main level of the hotel (which is floor 3) and easily located. It is a very easy process to rent and return right there--we've done it on a number of occasions.

 

[RobinEJ]

Hi everyone! I have a question about the parking fee, is it per room or per car?? I am staying with a friend and we may both have our cars, would we be charged the fee twice?? Please let me know so I'm prepared

 

[Dan Murphy]

per car

It is per car.

 

[hsmamato2]

Just returned from a stay at Dolphin last week we stayed on floor 7,it seemed like the floor was pretty full.... we were given a nice epcot fireworks view room waaaay off in the back corner of the hotel,which provided out great view over Boardwalk/Epcot- but it was about as far from the elevator on East as you could get
We stayed in our room till 11-12 daily,and on only one day I could hear some sort of muffled construction noise from one of the hallways.... Our room hadn't been renovated yet,and could use a refresh, but overall it was wonderful as usual! This is truly our favorite resort on property...and the pool area is just the BEST.
The view was a nice perk since we stayed on points,and don't expect great views for points stays.
We never have a rental car while here -buses/boats/walking were all just fine! And since the fees are right there on the booking page I don't see a reason for complaint about them either. The front desk is usually pretty busy, but the staff are invariably polite and helpful!
Wish I could go back right now!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Welcome back, hsmamato. Sounds like another great visit to WDW and the Dolphin. Nice.

 

[Clare Voince]

Thanks for sharing the fireworks picture. I had a partial view of the fireworks when I stayed at BWI last year, and I loved it. So I was wondering what the view from the Dolphin was like, and if it was worth the extra money. Looks like it is!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Thanks for sharing the fireworks picture. I had a partial view of the fireworks when I stayed at BWI last year, and I loved it. So I was wondering what the view from the Dolphin was like, and if it was worth the extra money. Looks like it is!

Just remember, that photograph is a S/D produced photo from their website.