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

[Clare Voince]

Oh yeah, I don't expect it to be that good. I was just wondering how much of the fireworks were visible.

 

[crazymomof4]

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...

Following bc we are looking into the possibility of having Dolphin as our "plan B" IF Free Dining is not offered for Sept 2016.
Question-- When you use the wdw official website to work up a price for your traveling party and dates.... does the price include the "service package" fee of $25/nite or not?

 

[patty57]

Following bc we are looking into the possibility of having Dolphin as our "plan B" IF Free Dining is not offered for Sept 2016.
Question-- When you use the wdw official website to work up a price for your traveling party and dates.... does the price include the "service package" fee of $25/nite or not?

I don't know the answer to that, but you will probably do better to look at the Swan and Dolphin site directly. The site offers discounts such as AAA, teacher, nurse etc.

 

[sharona]

Following bc we are looking into the possibility of having Dolphin as our "plan B" IF Free Dining is not offered for Sept 2016.
Question-- When you use the wdw official website to work up a price for your traveling party and dates.... does the price include the "service package" fee of $25/nite or not?

Sorry, I don't know. I booked with points using the spg website. I wasn't even aware you could use the WDW site to book at the S/D!!

 

[lovemygoofy]

Good Morning everyone! So excited to check into the Dolphin this weekend! This will be our first time in this hotel and first trip back to the World in almost 8 years. I'm sure I"ll be overloaded with pictures of this hotel as well if anyone needs updated pictures for this thread or questions.

 

[CJK]

Am I correct in thinking that parking is not included in the resort fee? If you have a car, you must pay the $25 resort fee AND $18 parking fee? Just trying to figure out finances. Thanks!

 

[Tess]

Am I correct in thinking that parking is not included in the resort fee? If you have a car, you must pay the $25 resort fee AND $18 parking fee? Just trying to figure out finances. Thanks!

That is correct.

 

[CJK]

Does anyone know where the AAA discounts are offered at the Swan/Dolphin? Which restaurants (table service and/or quick service)?

 

[Clare Voince]

Well, I just booked my spring trip! I'll be staying at the Dolphin Apr 25-29th! Got a fireworks view for $240 AAA rate.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Good Morning everyone! So excited to check into the Dolphin this weekend! This will be our first time in this hotel and first trip back to the World in almost 8 years. I'm sure I"ll be overloaded with pictures of this hotel as well if anyone needs updated pictures for this thread or questions.

That's great, Tina!! Enjoy your time there, it is great. And pass on another shout out of thanks to your hubby. And to you also.

Looking forward to hearing all about it.

Am I correct in thinking that parking is not included in the resort fee? If you have a car, you must pay the $25 resort fee AND $18 parking fee? Just trying to figure out finances. Thanks!

Plus tax

Does anyone know where the AAA discounts are offered at the Swan/Dolphin? Which restaurants (table service and/or quick service)?

The non signature restaurants...Picabu, Garden Grove, Fresh, Fountain, and I think the Cabana Bar and Grill and the Splash Terrace.

Well, I just booked my spring trip! I'll be staying at the Dolphin Apr 25-29th! Got a fireworks view for $240 AAA rate.

Sounds great, Clare. Start that planning!!!

 

[CJK]

The non signature restaurants...Picabu, Garden Grove, Fresh, Fountain, and I think the Cabana Bar and Grill and the Splash Terrace.

Fantastic! Thanks, Dan!!

 

[Dr.Mickey]

Question: I'm seeing MUCH lower rates for a February trip at the Dolphin vs the Swan. I've stayed at both, and I always thought they were similarly priced. Why the big discrepancy? It's nearly 100 per night less. Is it a construction issue? If so, just how bad is it?

 

[CJK]

Sorry for yet another question! If you purchased your tickets in advance, but need to pick them up at a will call window, is there such a place at the Swan/Dolphin to pick them up, or would we have to go to guest services outside Epcot or Hollywood Studios?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Sorry for yet another question! If you purchased your tickets in advance, but need to pick them up at a will call window, is there such a place at the Swan/Dolphin to pick them up, or would we have to go to guest services outside Epcot or Hollywood Studios?

Questions are great, good.

Both hotels have a Disney ticket desk, located near the concierge desk.

http://swandolphin.com/aboutus/benefits.html

Ticket desks are located in the lobby of each Disney resort hotel. This provides our guests the opportunity to avoid long lines and purchase park tickets before leaving the hotel.

 

[CJK]

Questions are great, good.

Both hotels have a Disney ticket desk, located near the concierge desk.

http://swandolphin.com/aboutus/benefits.html

Thank you! Does this include the ability to pick up will call tickets? I thought we'd have to go to Epcot for that, but if we can do it at the hotel, that's much better! Thanks, Dan!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Thank you! Does this include the ability to pick up will call tickets? I thought we'd have to go to Epcot for that, but if we can do it at the hotel, that's much better! Thanks, Dan!

I just called, yes. Have your confirmation number, photo ID and good also if you have the credit card you used.

 

[CJK]

I just called, yes. Have your confirmation number, photo ID and good also if you have the credit card you used.

Oh my goodness, thanks so much for calling!!!! This is wonderful news! I can't thank you enough!!!

 

[loves to dive]

After much back and forth and angst, I have booked a split stay with CBR and Dolphin March 6-11. Will be at Dolphin March 8-11. Got the AAA discount and booked a resort view with a balcony because I have to sit on my balcony and drink my coffee every morning. I'm assuming a resort view is not going to be great but I'm o.k. with that. We almost always stay at BC/YC but I just couldn't pass up the savings for this trip since I know we will be back for F&W later in the year. I'm driving down so I know I'll have to pay the parking fee and even factoring that and the resort fee into the price I still got a better deal than with the YC. I could have gotten AK for less, I know weird, but since we are going specifically for F&G the proximity to Epcot was a must. Looking forward to trying out two new resorts.

 

[happymommy]

Question: I'm seeing MUCH lower rates for a February trip at the Dolphin vs the Swan. I've stayed at both, and I always thought they were similarly priced. Why the big discrepancy? It's nearly 100 per night less. Is it a construction issue? If so, just how bad is it?

The Dolphin is supposed to be started to undergo the renovations that are completed at the Swan. It's a total redo of the rooms (which I am very happy about - I've never loved the pastel Golden Girls theme, but have loved loved loved most of my stays there anyway!). The new rooms at the Swan are very nice looking in photos. Worth $100 more? It don't think in my budget yes. Queen beds at the Swan versus double at the Dolphin does make a difference to some, although a double room at the Dolphin has an advantage in that you can get a rollaway (that used to be free, not any more I think). One stay my dear friend and her 4 young boys and me and my two kids stayed at the Dolphin, so it worked well for her to do the double beds for her boys and she (only 5' tall or so) took the rollaway.

I'd say if the location is important, and the Dolphin suites your needs, and you don't want to shell out an extra $100 then no it's not worth it. If double beds are okay with you as well. Or King bed which both have. To me, no it's not really. I've always used Starpoints when I stay, so it's no difference in points, so I'd choose the Swan if I could. But not for $100 more. I'm a bit cheap!

 

[Clare Voince]

Question: I'm seeing MUCH lower rates for a February trip at the Dolphin vs the Swan. I've stayed at both, and I always thought they were similarly priced. Why the big discrepancy? It's nearly 100 per night less. Is it a construction issue? If so, just how bad is it?

In my experience, the Swan has always been more expensive than the Dolphin. I have no idea why. I thought about staying at the Swan in 2012 & 2014, and the Dolphin was always cheaper.. In fact in 2014, BWI was cheaper than the Swan, although not by much.