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

[sharona]

Thank you so MUCH Sharona! Your comment about the rental car sent my head spinning and I've just finished booking a car thru Airmiles for both directions. Cost me 18.70 US, 775 AM and 22.60 CDN loyalty fee. SOO much better than what Mears was gonna run us and since i have US cash i won't get hit with the exchange rate.

THANK YOU!!!

Great tip! Just set up a rental for my arrival and it was only $20!

Glad to know that my review was helpful. Enjoy your trip!!!

 

[emilymad]

I am sure that has already been discussed but are all the rooms at the Swan renovated now?

 

[Tess]

I am sure that has already been discussed but are all the rooms at the Swan renovated now?

I believe that is the case.

 

[happymommy]

We just returned from a 5 night stay at the Dolphin. Loved it! Would stay there again in a heartbeat. Some random info from our stay

We were on 9th floor with a balcony overlooking the resort - just a few rooms from the elevators. There was some construction going on on floor 9 in the other wing. We saw them but never heard them, even on our sleep in day. Our room (not yet renovated) was just fine. No issues with the room, beds, bathroom or balcony. Beds were super comfortable. The rollaway was also not an issue - there was plenty of room for it in the corner by the balcony door. We've traveled as a family of 5 many times and had no problems with privacy or personal space. The balcony helped a lot in that regard - making the room seem bigger and giving a space to get away from everyone if needed. We had originally planned to use an air mattress for my nephew since we were already paying the 5th person charge of $25/night we didn't want to also pay the $25/night rollaway charge. When checking in the bellman offered to get us the rollaway at no charge. In the end we weren't charged for either of these things. On check out, the only charges we had were the resort fees (the room was paid for with SPG points).

Housekeeping - the first morning I ran back up to the room after breakfast (about 830am) and our room was already cleaned!!!! Wow. Unfortunately, that was the only day they cleaned our room before 3pm. Once day she came and knocked at 4 and we were showering and getting ready to head back out so the night crew came in while we were at dinner. I will say though that the woman who was assigned to our room during the day was super nice and helpful when she saw us return and hadn't done our room yet she hurried over with clean towels and offers to get us anything we needed. When they did clean, they did a great job, no complaints. All in all, we were happy with the housekeeping services.

Restaurants - We ate at Fresh the first morning. Overpriced is the word the comes to mind. Most of the group had the buffet. My mistake, I confused Picabu and Fresh and by the time we realized it we were already seated and drinking our coffee... Picabu was great for a quick bite or a late night snack. The pizza was not bad - no slices so we had to get the whole pie. Much better than the hockey rink quality pizza served at the place on the Boardwalk. We spent most of our time in the parks so didn't have a chance to try any of the other restaurants.

Pools - For December we had Spring type weather with 80s during the day and 60s at night. The kids swam just about every day, the pools were warm and they enjoyed going from one pool to the next. We adults used the hot tubs. The pools were pretty empty, especially at night. 9pm is a bit early to close a pool at a resort but it was helpful in getting the kids back up to the room.

Transportation - We rented a mini van from National @ MCO and returned it using the National service at the hotel. Dropped it off with the valet on check in. Easy as pie, cheaper than a shuttle or car service for 5 people and we had control of our stops for snacks, water and sunblock plus a quick lunch along the way. Also no parking charge while we were there. We did the same for our return. I picked up the keys from the National desk in the lobby and the valet brought it around and loaded it up. Drove it straight to the airport and dropped it off after dropping family and bags at the curb. Total cost of both 1 day/1 way mini van rentals was $108.

We took the bus to MK the afternoon of our arrival. It took about 20 minutes including the wait for the bus. DHS we took the boat both ways on Friday. No issues going over in the morning about 9:00 but coming back at 8pm was at least a 40 minute wait for a boat. We didn't make the cut off for the first full boat then 2 boats came and dropped off but didn't pick anyone up!!! Lots of boos from the 150+ people in the boat queue. I really felt bad for the ones who didn't make it onto the boat that finally came as their wait was easily over an hour. EPCOT we were tired so took the boat over and then walked back. It's interesting how the CMs try to convince you to walk instead of taking the boat ride because it's "at least 15 minutes longer". For us, it was a nice 15 minute rest. For our return that night we walked both ways due to a long line at the boat dock and a big crowd after the fireworks. AK we had an early breakfast ADR so we called to the valet for a taxi/car. It was waiting when we got downstairs and was about $20 + tip. Worth it. On the way home from AK, two of us took the bus and the other 3 went on a 2nd safari ride and then took a taxi. They arrived less than 1/2 hour after we did. Wilderness lodge for our dinner ADR we took a taxi to the lodge (again about $20 + tip and very quick) then the boat to MK after dinner. Waited about 20 minutes for the boat to arrive. There was quite a big line waiting by the time it arrived and not everyone fit so some were left to wait even longer for the next one.. Took the bus back to the Dolphin from MK 2 late nights (12am Christmas party and 12am regular park close) and both times the bus was pretty painless. One night it stopped at the Swan first and the other it stopped at the Dolphin first. Not sure why the different route.

All in all, we had a great trip and really enjoyed the Dolphin. The location was stellar and every single person we dealt with was pleasant and friendly and helpful. If I can answer any questions, just let me know.

Sorry I'm too lazy to parse down your wonderful report!

First of all, awesome deal on the van! I used to frequently rent a car one way, to stop and shop on our way in, and drop off at the Dolphin. You got a very good deal!!

Second, the housekeeping, I must say, goes out of their way to be so kind at the Swan & Dolphin. I had issues with my DD getting ill (barfing), and called them. They came and took our messy sheets and re-made the bed (I had stripped it) and she was shocked as I offered a (nice amount) tip. They seemed to always be honestly sometimes more conscientious than some Disney resort housekeeping staff. I did make it a point sometimes to call when we were leaving the room to let them know we wanted the room made up, so I knew it would be done when we returned. I think that's a good practice, since they don't know if you'll be back at noon or 8pm.

Sorry to hear about leaving DHS! If that were the case, I would have walked, or taken a $5 taxi. No way they should have had the wait so long. I have definitely walked but only going over, took the boat back.

 

[sharona]

Sorry I'm too lazy to parse down your wonderful report!

First of all, awesome deal on the van! I used to frequently rent a car one way, to stop and shop on our way in, and drop off at the Dolphin. You got a very good deal!!

Second, the housekeeping, I must say, goes out of their way to be so kind at the Swan & Dolphin. I had issues with my DD getting ill (barfing), and called them. They came and took our messy sheets and re-made the bed (I had stripped it) and she was shocked as I offered a (nice amount) tip. They seemed to always be honestly sometimes more conscientious than some Disney resort housekeeping staff. I did make it a point sometimes to call when we were leaving the room to let them know we wanted the room made up, so I knew it would be done when we returned. I think that's a good practice, since they don't know if you'll be back at noon or 8pm.

Sorry to hear about leaving DHS! If that were the case, I would have walked, or taken a $5 taxi. No way they should have had the wait so long. I have definitely walked but only going over, took the boat back.

No way my nephew could have walked back. He has problems with his feet due to a tissue disorder and we had to take frequent breaks to accommodate him. I didn't think of the taxi but, as boats kept coming into view we kept thinking "ok, we're on the next one.." but then it would drop off a full load of people and drive away!!!! Not sure what was going on.

 

[happymommy]

So sorry to hear about your nephew! My DD has a connective tissue disorder which was only diagnosed this year when she was 15. She now cannot walk a lot either, so the last two trips we rented a wheelchair (first time we did it at the parks; last trip we rented from an offsite place that delivered to the bell services then we returned it there - so nice!). After the first day over spring break 2015, she had partially dislocated her shoulder, so had a ton of pain. Her ankles hurt a lot when she walks.

We learned that when you have a chair, they are so nice at Disney! She was so much more comfortable this past trip! And she can walk pretty normal at home, so just throwing that out there, that for a trip with lots of walking, it's so nice to have a chair.

 

[Donald - my hero]

Just a quick question here as i put the last few pieces of this trip into place. Anyone who has recently been to the Dolphin know what the laundry facilities are like? Our last stay was at CBR just after they switch to credit card ONLY and i really don't want to pay the exchange AND foreign transaction fee on a load of laundry! I like to go home with clean clothes since that's just one more sad chore to remind me that the trip is over. If i do it there i can read, wander or get a drink whilst it spins around!!

We leave home mid afternoon Saturday, get to MCO at midnight and will be checking in bright and early Sunday before we hit EPCOT (in what now looks like pouring rain all day) so we can get in as many rides as possible on SOARIN before it closes for renovations. I'm already not sleeping cause i'm so excited!!

 

[SRUAlmn]

Where can I find the most up to date renovation information? It sounds like the swan is completed and the dolphin started in mid-December? Is there an estimated completion date? Is it soft goods in all rooms? Thanks!

 

[texaslady22]

This is our first stay at the Dolphin. I've been looking at the Prime Pantry information and Cartoon Breakfast sounds like a pretty good deal. Does anyone know what the cereal choices are? Also, is that menu it or is there a more extensive one?

 

[Dan Murphy]

is that menu it or is there a more extensive one

As far as I know, that is it.

 

[doctorintheTARDIS]

Staying at the Dolphin on Jan 14-18th.

Was a bit confused as I booked into it thinking it was a proper Disney resort (silly me!) but got a really good deal with Travelocity for this hotel+flight. Now that I've got it all sorted.

As my trip is ~10 days away (woo!) is it worth it to try to ask for a room with a view of Epcot... or is that just not going to happen now (do enough people know about it?)

and...does anyone know if the balcony charge is extra? Even if I don't get a view of the parks, I'd love to just be able to see something when I look out my room and a balcony would make everything more awesome!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Sure, I would request a view, both ahead of time and at checkin. A balcony would normally be an extra charge, however they are sometimes part of an upgrade.

Enjoy your trip, you'll love the S/D.

 

[MomtoGKC]

We are heading to the Dolphin in 9 days. Where is the best spot to watch a football game? Looked into ESPN but the premium seats are sold out (and it took 3 people on the Disney dining line to have any idea what I was talking about) Is there a good spot at any of the Boardwalk hotels where we could watch/eat/drink? I live in FL now but am from MA and my MA family is coming down - can't miss the Patriots play off game! Luckily I had planned a 1/2 day at HS that day with an evening at Downtown Disney (which we don't really care about) so our plans didn't get screwed up at all.

 

[Tess]

We are heading to the Dolphin in 9 days. Where is the best spot to watch a football game? Looked into ESPN but the premium seats are sold out (and it took 3 people on the Disney dining line to have any idea what I was talking about) Is there a good spot at any of the Boardwalk hotels where we could watch/eat/drink? I live in FL now but am from MA and my MA family is coming down - can't miss the Patriots play off game! Luckily I had planned a 1/2 day at HS that day with an evening at Downtown Disney (which we don't really care about) so our plans didn't get screwed up at all.

You don't need to do the premium seating at ESPN to watch the game--get there early and snag a table. ESPN is our favorite spot for football viewing. Shula's also does special game day appetizers, etc. in the bar and you can reserve a table as well. At least this was the case last fall. Might be worth it to check that out. Crew's Cup at YC has a TV in the bar and that may be another possibility.

 

[Dan Murphy]

ESPN but the premium seats are sold out

premium seating at ESPN

There are seating tiers at ESPN club?

 

[dansdad]

There are seating tiers at ESPN club?

Yup.

Reserve a space for the duration of a game from the comfort of ESPN Club VIP Premium Club Seats!

Finally, fans can kick back and relax during any game playing on the big screen at Sports Central. No matter if it’s the opening kick-off of an all-new season or the last remaining seconds of the final broadcast, enjoy first-class food and beverage service without ever worrying about someone stealing your chair—it’s a sporting chance to live in the lap of luxury!

Reservations
Advance reservations are highly recommended. For booking, please call (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463 up to 180 days prior to your visit.

Please Note: ESPN Club VIP Premium Seats include all food and beverages up to a designated minimum amount; additional charges will apply for orders exceeding this minimum amount per individual Guest. Tax and gratuity are not included. In addition, VIP Premium Seats are only valid for the game in which you have booked your reservation.

 

[MomtoGKC]

There are seating tiers at ESPN club?

They have something called VIP Premium Seats. Not sure exactly what it is (because the Disney people knew nothing - first lady told me she couldn't even book it and I got sent to 2 more people before one realized she could make ADRs for it) From what I read on the Disney site yet is just an ADR (which you can't usually get at ESPN) but you are booked for the entire game. Myst be a set price because it mentioned you could eat and drink up to the amount you paid up front then after that you pay more, but the Disney person couldn't help with that information either.

Last time I went by ESPN during college football and the line was out the door - they told me it was over an hour wait so i don't want to deal with that again.

Shula's might be nice- I know I like the food!

 

[Dan Murphy]

I learn every day here, thanks.

 

[dansdad]

I learn every day here, thanks.

 

[Rene23]

Hi all!

We are currently booked at the Dolphin in a few weeks for a 3 night stay. This was kind of a last minute trip to surprise my niece who is in a college dance nationals competition. I am using my SPG points for a points & cash stay. Having never stayed at either the Swan or Dolphin before, I'm very excited for the great location, pools and convenience. My concerns are more about some of the recent trip reports I've read about the Dolphin. I know it's currently being refurbished, but I'm wondering if I should try and change my reservation over to the Swan instead. We have 3 adults in the room (myself, my sis-in-law, and adult daughter), so a bigger bathroom with the extra sink would be useful.

I thought I'd ask for some input from all the helpful regulars here who are more experienced with both of the hotels.

Also, has anyone had any recent experience with SPG gold status and whether or not one hotel is more generous with perks/upgrades than the other?

Thank you!