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

[rcraw45425]

Passing through Florida, we booked at the Dolphin for two nights (we are there now and depart tomorrow) for the first time.

The hotel's assets include a wonderful grand Christmas tree display in the lobby, a first rate breakfast buffet at the Fresh Mediterranean Market (superb scrambled eggs and Mickey waffles!), and a helpful staff. Hopefully, a major room refurbishment is scheduled. Our tiny bathroom area needs to have its chipped bathtub replaced, and new floor tiles are needed; the ripped curtains in the main room need to be replaced now (we reported their condition to the concierge desk), and the rug has seen better days.

All the best.

We had two rooms at the Dolphin on 1/1/13 before moving to AKL (Disney couldn't touch the <$200 per room rate Dolphin had) andI agree, our rooms were pretty sad. We had a refurbished room at the Swan last month and it was quite nice.

 

[beachfan]

If you book a resort view room does that automatically include a balcony? No information is given for this room description regarding balconies. Do you specifically request a balcony and what room categories have them? Have been to the Swan before and enjoyed it and have decided to spring for a balcony/view this time. Also, what is the extent of the construction going on around the Swan/Dolphin complex? We are planning a mid-March stay. thanks, Beachfan

 

[MaryKatesMom]

If you book a resort view room does that automatically include a balcony? No information is given for this room description regarding balconies. Do you specifically request a balcony and what room categories have them? Have been to the Swan before and enjoyed it and have decided to spring for a balcony/view this time. Also, what is the extent of the construction going on around the Swan/Dolphin complex? We are planning a mid-March stay. thanks, Beachfan

It has to say on the description Balcony or there is only a window. The Swan has far fewer balconies than the Dolphin which is why we prefer the Dolphin over the Swan.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Hello I am new here

We are wanting to book a suite with a balcony and an Epcot view for next December. Each time I have called, I am told there isn't an Executive Suite or Grand Suite at either Swan or Dolphin that has both balconies and views. Does anyone have experience with either?

I believe that is correct. There are only rooms with views. The suites have resort views.

Welcome!

 

[thebs19]

That cast member was wrong!

Just got back from a quick weekend stay, we were impressed by the Dolphin. I had booked a standard room on Orbitz for $108. We were upgraded to a water view room with a balcony. It was such a short trip that we didn't truly get to take advantage of any of the hotels many amenities, but were very pleased by the room size and the overall feel of the resort. We were challenged on Saturday night by a cast member during EMH at MK. He told me that the Swan/Dolphin weren't included, and I politely informed him that we had actually already rode several rides and that I was under the impression that it was included. He said we could ride, but was just told they weren't participating
All in all...two thumbs up!

Sorry to pull up this old post...but how did that cast member even know you were staying at the Swan/Dolphin?

I've actually always wondered this (always stayed in a Disney resort before we try the Swan this time) - how do the cast members know who is allowed to stay/needs to leave for evening EMH's? I assume they control the morning via the scans on the way in, but how do they ensure non-resort guests leave when they are supposed to? Kind of always thought it was just the honor system...

 

[rcraw45425]

IN the past you had to show your room key when boarding a ride for evening EMH. We have not stayed for evening EMH since the advent of Magic Bands, I assume they scan them and can determine if you're onsite or not

 

[thebs19]

IN the past you had to show your room key when boarding a ride for evening EMH. We have not stayed for evening EMH since the advent of Magic Bands, I assume they scan them and can determine if you're onsite or not

We were there last year and I can say we definitely did not scan our magic bands on rides during EMH (at least not that I remember...?) and previously I can't remember ever being asked to show a room key...

 

[rcraw45425]

Waaaaaay back in the day they even used to issue wrist bands to onsite guests. You would have to see a CM at certain locations to get a wrist band and you had to have a room key for every member of your party.

 

[francie]

hi, i'm currently booked at the swan for april. i understand that you can link your tickets to mde and get fast pass plus reservations, and i understand that there won't be any free magic bands coming in the mail from the swan. so if i have a fast pass plus reservation for an attraction in the park, but no magic band, do i show my room key or my "paper" ticket in the fast pass plus line when i get up to the little "mickey head ball"? anyone know how that works without the bands? tia

 

[Dr Gunnie]

We just got back from our vacation where we stayed at the Port Orleans Riverside and wanted to book another trip right before Christmas 2015. We liked POR, but it was very spread out and it was a lot of walking. After looking at our options, we were torn between staying at another moderate (around $260 a night) or paying quite a bit more for a deluxe ($450+ a night). Took a chance and looked at the Dolphin/Swan and ended up booking a room at the Swan for $288 a night.

I think I know the answer to this, but the Swan is going to be a better pick than going back to a moderate like the Coronado, correct?

 

[parkhopmom]

hi, i'm currently booked at the swan for april. i understand that you can link your tickets to mde and get fast pass plus reservations, and i understand that there won't be any free magic bands coming in the mail from the swan. so if i have a fast pass plus reservation for an attraction in the park, but no magic band, do i show my room key or my "paper" ticket in the fast pass plus line when i get up to the little "mickey head ball"? anyone know how that works without the bands? tia

Use your linked ticket that you entered with. Hold it up to the Mickey in the FP line, it will turn green and you're in.

 

[cinderella'smommy]

We just got back from our vacation where we stayed at the Port Orleans Riverside and wanted to book another trip right before Christmas 2015. We liked POR, but it was very spread out and it was a lot of walking. After looking at our options, we were torn between staying at another moderate (around $260 a night) or paying quite a bit more for a deluxe ($450+ a night). Took a chance and looked at the Dolphin/Swan and ended up booking a room at the Swan for $288 a night.

I think I know the answer to this, but the Swan is going to be a better pick than going back to a moderate like the Coronado, correct?

YES! You will love the location. I think its the best value there is for on-site accomodations.

 

[LexiC123]

We just got back from our vacation where we stayed at the Port Orleans Riverside and wanted to book another trip right before Christmas 2015. We liked POR, but it was very spread out and it was a lot of walking. After looking at our options, we were torn between staying at another moderate (around $260 a night) or paying quite a bit more for a deluxe ($450+ a night). Took a chance and looked at the Dolphin/Swan and ended up booking a room at the Swan for $288 a night.

I think I know the answer to this, but the Swan is going to be a better pick than going back to a moderate like the Coronado, correct?

You won't regret staying at the Swan. The location, the amenities, the restaurants will win you over.

Oh, and a word of advice: go on line once in a while and re-check your rates...there's a good chance that rate will go down between now and next Christmas. When I booked our most recent stay at the Swan (Dec 11-15), the rate was $279. That rate dropped several times and by the time our trip was 6 weeks out, the rate was $179. Even with the taxes and fees, it was still hundreds of $$ less than any of the other Epcot resorts.

 

[hsmamato2]

I am wondering ,can I just stop at Fresh to order a fresh pressed juice to go? Or do I have to go in and sit down?

 

[airhead]

I have looked everywhere to find out if retired teachers can still receive the fantastic rates at the Swan/Dolphin. What documentation is needed? Can someone help me out? Thanks

 

[luvallprincesses]

I just called and was told Teacher Discount rates are not yet available for our late November trip. She told me they are running late on opening this rate this year and to try back next week. Can anyone verify that this is true, or should I call back and speak to another agent? I went ahead and booked through SPG for my points nights and rack rate room for the rest. I hope it's as easy as the agent assured me it is to adapt this reservation to the lower teacher rate as well as adding another free night when I accumulate more points before then.

 

[vicb]

You won't regret staying at the Swan. The location, the amenities, the restaurants will win you over.

Oh, and a word of advice: go on line once in a while and re-check your rates...there's a good chance that rate will go down between now and next Christmas. When I booked our most recent stay at the Swan (Dec 11-15), the rate was $279. That rate dropped several times and by the time our trip was 6 weeks out, the rate was $179. Even with the taxes and fees, it was still hundreds of $$ less than any of the other Epcot resorts.

Yes, do this! My rate dropped several times for my last stay, including three weeks prior to our arrival date! It costs nothing but a little time to check rates but can save $$.

 

[Dr Gunnie]

I just called and was told Teacher Discount rates are not yet available for our late November trip. She told me they are running late on opening this rate this year and to try back next week. Can anyone verify that this is true, or should I call back and speak to another agent? I went ahead and booked through SPG for my points nights and rack rate room for the rest. I hope it's as easy as the agent assured me it is to adapt this reservation to the lower teacher rate as well as adding another free night when I accumulate more points before then.

I called last week and got a teacher rate for December, so I would try again if I were you.

I have looked everywhere to find out if retired teachers can still receive the fantastic rates at the Swan/Dolphin. What documentation is needed? Can someone help me out? Thanks

They told me I would have to bring a school ID or a paystub, so I'm not sure if retired teachers would qualify. You might want to call.

 

[luvallprincesses]

Thanks, Dr. Gunnie, I will call. Would you mind sharing the amount of the teacher rate that you got?

 

[airhead]

I called the Swan this a.m. and made my reservations! Teacher rate will be applied!!!!
Wicked happy!!!!!!!