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

[lizabu]

Yes, you have in/out privileges. And the $20 is also plus tax, so probably about 21-22.

Just to add on that if you pay for parking at the swan or dolphin you don't have to pay again at the parks if you decide you would like to drive

 

[Violet Parr]

It is my understanding that the fridges in the Dolphin rooms are not real fridges but just drink coolers, is that correct? We are platinum SPG members...can we get a real mini fridge sent to the room? Thanks!

 

[Dan Murphy]

It is my understanding that the fridges in the Dolphin rooms are not real fridges but just drink coolers, is that correct? We are platinum SPG members...can we get a real mini fridge sent to the room? Thanks!

They are real refrigerators. On the smaller side, like all resorts have (other than long term suite types like Residence Inns), but real nonetheless. They are not freezers.

 

[Violet Parr]

Oh, that's great! I just want to keep milk and yogurt cold! And maybe a few beers.

VP

 

[Dan Murphy]

Oh, that's great! I just want to keep milk and yogurt cold! And maybe a few beers.

VP

You'll be fine. Enjoy.

 

[iheartglaciers]

I called Swan today to add my mom's name to our reservation (in order to book 60 day FPs), but they said it wasn't necessary to add names. So how will MDE know which people are staying at the resort?

 

[Dan Murphy]

I called Swan today to add my mom's name to our reservation (in order to book 60 day FPs), but they said it wasn't necessary to add names. So how will MDE know which people are staying at the resort?

As far as I know, the proper number of people need to be on the reservation in order for MDE to set up properly.

 

[lizabu]

As far as I know, the proper number of people need to be on the reservation in order for MDE to set up properly.

Yes. That's right. The swan doesn't need the names. You just need the correct number of guests. Once you are in my Disney experience you will be able to select which guest is which. I found I had issues on my iPad but on my laptop it was no problem. By default it says something like SD guest adult and SD guest child etc. there will be a drop down where you select which guest is which.

 

[Violet Parr]

I know upgrades are not a given, but what kind of upgrades have been known to happen at Dolphin? My husband is platinum SPG, and on the upgrade request, we selected "largest room." Is there even a remote chance of getting an upgrade to a larger room from a standard? If there really is no shot, I would rather make our upgrade request for a better view or higher floor. If there is a shot, I would rather have a larger room because we are a family of 5 and extra space would be greatly appreciated.

VP

 

[ImprovGal]

I know upgrades are not a given, but what kind of upgrades have been known to happen at Dolphin? My husband is platinum SPG, and on the upgrade request, we selected "largest room." Is there even a remote chance of getting an upgrade to a larger room from a standard? If there really is no shot, I would rather make our upgrade request for a better view or higher floor. If there is a shot, I would rather have a larger room because we are a family of 5 and extra space would be greatly appreciated.

VP

It's all subject to availability, of course, but I had rather good upgrades as a spg platinum at both the Swan and dolphin. If your stay is longer than a couple of nights or overlaps with a conference, availability on the suites is really dicey. As 5, your upgrades would be limited somewhat by bedding as well. I usually book as 1K since it's just me.

 

[aspen10]

Are guests of other Disney resorts permitted to rent watercrafts from the Swan, or are the rentals limited to Swan/Dolphin guests only? Thank you.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Are guests of other Disney resorts permitted to rent watercrafts from the Swan, or are the rentals limited to Swan/Dolphin guests only? Thank you.

What kind of watercraft were you planning on renting? They don't have any to take out on the waterway.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Are guests of other Disney resorts permitted to rent watercrafts from the Swan, or are the rentals limited to Swan/Dolphin guests only? Thank you.

I am pretty sure anyone can rent.

What kind of watercraft were you planning on renting? They don't have any to take out on the waterway.

The only watercraft I am aware of at S/D are the swan paddle boats.

http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/09/swan_dolphin_part_two.html

 

[Deb & Bill]

That's what I was thinking as well, Dan. But those cannot leave the property.

 

[Dan Murphy]

That's what I was thinking as well, Dan. But those cannot leave the property.

Yes, they can only be used in the Crescent Lake area between the two resorts. The walkway between the resorts prevents them from exiting out further.

 

[TeresaWen]

Has anyone stayed at the swan or dolphin for NYE. Thinking of next year

 

[andyman8]

Has anyone stayed at the swan or dolphin for NYE. Thinking of next year

I stayed for NYE in 2014 (meaning I checked out in 2015; always confuses me a bit!) and loved it. I'm a big fan of the Disney theming at the other resorts, especially around the holidays, so when I can, I opt for them, but the price difference for a comparable location was staggering. In my opinion, none of the Disney-owned Epcot area resorts are worth $650 a night plus tax. The Dolphin gave me that same location for less than half of that price. And being so close to Epcot right after NYE was amazing!

The Dolphin does decorate for the holidays, but I'll admit not nearly as elaborately as some of the Disney resorts do. But, being so close, I could go grab breakfast (I rarely actually each in the Dolphin) at Trattoria al Forno on the BW and pop in to see those holiday decorations. One night, I booked an ADR at Narcoossee's and got to see the GF decorations.

I enjoyed it so much that I'll be heading down in December for a 5-night stay ending on NYE (heading down to the Keys to celebrate NYE itself with some family down there), but I'd highly recommend NYE at the Dolphin. Great value!

 

[TeresaWen]

I stayed for NYE in 2014 (meaning I checked out in 2015; always confuses me a bit!) and loved it. I'm a big fan of the Disney theming at the other resorts, especially around the holidays, so when I can, I opt for them, but the price difference for a comparable location was staggering. In my opinion, none of the Disney-owned Epcot area resorts are worth $650 a night plus tax. The Dolphin gave me that same location for less than half of that price. And being so close to Epcot right after NYE was amazing!

The Dolphin does decorate for the holidays, but I'll admit not nearly as elaborately as some of the Disney resorts do. But, being so close, I could go grab breakfast (I rarely actually each in the Dolphin) at Trattoria al Forno on the BW and pop in to see those holiday decorations. One night, I booked an ADR at Narcoossee's and got to see the GF decorations.

I enjoyed it so much that I'll be heading down in December for a 5-night stay ending on NYE (heading down to the Keys to celebrate NYE itself with some family down there), but I'd highly recommend NYE at the Dolphin. Great value!

Thanks! I have the dolphin booked for NYE!! Just starting to research but the price is awesome. I stayed at the swan & dolphin a lot when I traveled frequently for business and was platinum in their rewards program.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Thanks! I have the dolphin booked for NYE!! Just starting to research but the price is awesome. I stayed at the swan & dolphin a lot when I traveled frequently for business and was platinum in their rewards program.

That's great! You'll enjoy all the Christmas stuff both resorts put up. At the Dolphin, they have a gigantic white tree in the lobby with a train set, that's almost big enough to ride on, going around the tree, along with many boxes of big presents. And over at the Swan is a great display of lifesize Santa, tree, presents and all.

And then the Dancing Lights on the walkway between the resorts. Not quite the Osbornes, but they are pretty darn neat.

Enjoy!!

http://www.disneyeveryday.com/1200-pounds-of-chocolate-on-display-at-the-walt-disney-world-swan/

http://santasfavoriteresort.com/index.html

http://www.mousesteps.com/christmas...y-tree-lighting-ceremony-with-santa-mrs-claus

 

[TeresaWen]

That's great! You'll enjoy all the Christmas stuff both resorts put up. At the Dolphin, they have a gigantic white tree in the lobby with a train set, that's almost big enough to ride on, going around the tree, along with many boxes of big presents. And over at the Swan is a great display of lifesize Santa, tree, presents and all.

And then the Dancing Lights on the walkway between the resorts. Not quite the Osbornes, but they are pretty darn neat.

Enjoy!!

http://www.disneyeveryday.com/1200-pounds-of-chocolate-on-display-at-the-walt-disney-world-swan/

http://santasfavoriteresort.com/index.html

http://www.mousesteps.com/christmas...y-tree-lighting-ceremony-with-santa-mrs-claus

Thank you! It has been a dream to be in Epcot on New Years eve! The dolphin is making it a reality. Beautiful property, walking distance to Epcot, Disney privileges, and an amazing rate. And I get to plan for 14 months