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

[bjakmom]

They were waiving the resort fee for gold members through August, 2013. After that date, they quit waiving the fee for gold. I have seen it posted here that it still can be waived for platinum members.

My understanding is that if the internet access is a stand alone charge, it could still be waived. But since S/D bundles it with the water bottles and health club access, that allows them to be selective as to whom they offer the waiver.

As gold members, we have always received the free wifi option. Although......the charge usually shows up on the final bill - then when we point out the error and they remove it. But that isn't just at the Dolphin, they seem to have sticky fingers at most SPG hotels that we stay at.

Thanks for the info update - disappointing that they have done away with this perk - I'll see what they say at check-in, but good to be prepared for no waiver.

 

[ImprovGal]

They were waiving the resort fee for gold members through August, 2013. After that date, they quit waiving the fee for gold. I have seen it posted here that it still can be waived for platinum members.

My understanding is that if the internet access is a stand alone charge, it could still be waived. But since S/D bundles it with the water bottles and health club access, that allows them to be selective as to whom they offer the waiver.

S/D does still waive the resort fee for SPG Platinum members. It's supposed to be automatically done, but I always confirm it when I check in. Free internet and health club access is a benefit for platinum members, rather than an amenity we have to choose.

I thought I saw someone earlier refer to the bottles of water as "large". They are standard 20 oz bottles of Dasani. Two per day are replenished next to the ice bucket, but I sometimes discover extras are left in the fridge as well.

 

[ocalla]

Is there a charge for parking if you are just driving there for an ADR?

TIA

 

[Dan Murphy]

....I thought I saw someone earlier refer to the bottles of water as "large". They are standard 20 oz bottles of Dasani. Two per day are replenished next to the ice bucket, but I sometimes discover extras are left in the fridge as well.

I think they are now generically S/D labeled bottles of water.

Is there a charge for parking if you are just driving there for an ADR?

TIA

Yes.

However, if dining at one of the signature restaurants, along with the Garden Grove, ask for a parking lot validation when you are entering the restaurant. They do have a limited number each day/night, and if asking after your meal, they may be out. This should be correct, unless they have changed the perk.

 

[parkhopmom]

Has anyone had the experience of being a Marathon spectator at the Dolphin? I booked the Dolphin specifically so I could just walk out and see my daughter run by (lol-right!) now I'm thinking of trying to get to Animal Kingdom first (won't have a car) then back to the Dolphin to catch her again. I'm thinking it doesn't sound do-able. Any thoughts?

 

[wdisneyaholic]

I just booked the Dolphin deluxe alcove room for July with nurses discount. The reservation person said to call back periodically to check to see if the room rate drops. Is this pretty common that the rate drops? We usually stay at the YC, we love the pool and the location. However, I cannot see paying almost $500 a night just for a room, it's crazy. With staying at the dolphin, we still get the great location and a very nice pool, and a much bigger room for a lot less.

 

[patty57]

I just booked the Dolphin deluxe alcove room for July with nurses discount. The reservation person said to call back periodically to check to see if the room rate drops. Is this pretty common that the rate drops? We usually stay at the YC, we love the pool and the location. However, I cannot see paying almost $500 a night just for a room, it's crazy. With staying at the dolphin, we still get the great location and a very nice pool, and a much bigger room for a lot less.

It's common that S/D rates drop. On my last stay, the rate dropped three times.

 

[wdisneyaholic]

It's common that S/D rates drop. On my last stay, the rate dropped three times.

Wow, how often should I call?

 

[SingingMom]

Wow, how often should I call?

Once a month is a good rule of thumb.

"SingingMom" ....Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[wdisneyaholic]

Once a month is a good rule of thumb.

"SingingMom" ....Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Thanks!!

 

[ImprovGal]

I think they are now generically S/D labeled bottles of water.

I forgot when they switched to Dasani bottles, but it was Dasani as of Sunday.

 

[patty57]

Wow, how often should I call?

I look online to see if there is a price drop, and then call to have the adjustment made.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I forgot when they switched to Dasani bottles, but it was Dasani as of Sunday.

Oh that's good to hear, an upgrade of sorts. Thanks, IG.

 

[rcraw45425]

I think they are now generically S/D labeled bottles of water.

Yes.

However, if dining at one of the signature restaurants, along with the Garden Grove, ask for a parking lot validation when you are entering the restaurant. They do have a limited number each day/night, and if asking after your meal, they may be out. This should be correct, unless they have changed the perk.

Dan, it was Dasani last week and they did indeed have some extras both in the fridge and on the counter for us

 

[SingingMom]

Dan, it was Dasani last week and they did indeed have some extras both in the fridge and on the counter for us

I had extra water when we checked out so I left it in fridge for housekeeping or next guest.

"SingingMom" ....Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[wahmtexas]

New to Swan just booked 2 nights to extend our trip we booked a standard 2 queen room the picture shows a couch in room does anyone know if all rooms have a small couch??

 

[jeanylaser]

Can we see Fantasmic in the Dolphin? I really wanted to stay in 2015!

 

[NancyIL]

New to Swan just booked 2 nights to extend our trip we booked a standard 2 queen room the picture shows a couch in room does anyone know if all rooms have a small couch??

A king room usually has a sofa, and a 2 queen bedded room usually has a chair. However, those are the unrenovated rooms.

 

[SingingMom]

Can we see Fantasmic in the Dolphin? I really wanted to stay in 2015!

You can't see it, but sometimes you can hear bits of the music.

"SingingMom" ....Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[rcraw45425]

A king room usually has a sofa, and a 2 queen bedded room usually has a chair. However, those are the unrenovated rooms.

We were in a king room, I'm thinking renovated, gray and white sort of palette. No sofa, but a desk and chair and then another chair, not technically a desk chair but not necessarily an easy type chair. It was comfortable enough for reading though. We did have a TPV room though, with small balcony with two chairs and a table. This was an SPG upgrade as I booked a standard.

ETA: just saw some renovated room pics and I'm thinking ours was a renovated one but we had a crazy accessible shower, not tub, drain went all the way across below where the shower curtain and there was a fold down seat. Maybe it was an accessible room, even though we did not request one......