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

[Dan Murphy]

Yes sir. A wonderful walk through Epcot to get to the monorail for the MK. Don't mind walking at all. We even walked to and from HS. It's great to be able to take in the entire Disney theme when you walk. My DS and I ended up walking a total of 10 miles when we were finished for the day. Coming from New England, it was great to take advantage of the warm weather.

Yes!! I am wishing I was there now doing that.

And welcome back home.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

We just got back from the Swan trip of Dec. 12-17 and here is the report...

We booked the cheapest room and we had 3 separate reservations. Our sweet check in girl said, well let me link those together. Great as we didnt have to change rooms. Dh asks for room close to elevator. I say no dh. That would guarantee a crappy room. I said about 8 away would be ok. She did offer to show us a map but I wanted dh to pick it. I dont know what she offered him. Considering the last room we had in Oct. that dh thought was wonderful I wasnt holding my breath about this one.

Our room was on the 9th floor and the view was of the roof of the entrance and the bus stop to the left. You could see alot of palm trees.

If dh is a starwoods member is he suppose to ask for an upgrade or do they just give it? We always never seem to get a better room from what we booked lately. Well at was around 10:30 am and our room was ready. 1st time ever and we were shocked and happy.

They were painting the railings near the boat dock.

There is a list of daily christmas activities in the lobby and boy do they keep busy there. Dh saw the cookie decorating area.

We ate in the Garden Grove for the character breakfast on Sat. 17th. Let me tell you as I said before. If I was a parent I would be totally disappinted in the character interaction. One guy next to us was complaining about it, not to a staff member but it was like he felt he disappointed his family. Pluto didnt even stop at our table, just went past twice, go figure. But we were there for the food. I honestly dont think they should advertise this as its barely the minimum and not up to disney standards at all. It was the most crowded I have seen it in quite a while. In the glass baking area the bakers had elf hats on, so cute.

Found out why we couldnt get the room that was totally booked and thank heavens we could use dh ff points to get the sold out room. The giant sign said "Welcome Kent State University School of Podiatric Medicine!"

Buses ere good though we did have 2 issues with drivers not pulling colose enough to the curb even with the ramp. One looked like he didnt even want t be there and one was an old, old guy who said, wel I didnt think you needed it, um just because zi walk the wheelchair on doesnt mean i cant step down off the ramp into the street and try to step up on the curb again, sigh. My balance is not all that good and the dark and my vision is not the greatest either.

Only houseeeping issue we had was Friday. We left at 9 am, came back around 1 and left about 2 or 3. Cant remember exactly, But whe we came back around 10 pm. Our room was not made up. Glad we had 2 towels left. Dh didnt want to call housekeeping because we both were not feeling well and just wanted to rest.

Sat. we sw wedding. I mde dh take a pic. Dont know how to post it. They had a little cocktail reception right in the alcove area. Not in the smoking area outside but to the left when you are walking out to the boat dock. We heard some of the guys say - they wanted to go to Atlantic Dance hall, so I dont know if there was an actual sit down reception somewhere. There were about 16 people in the wedding party so I was just wondering how would they squeeze all those people into the tiny place. They had lots of drink stuff set up.

Our room was 957 east wing. Again, not the greatest view but its the standard view.

 

[ImprovGal]

We just got back from the Swan trip of Dec. 12-17 and here is the report...

We booked the cheapest room and we had 3 separate reservations. Our sweet check in girl said, well let me link those together. Great as we didnt have to change rooms. Dh asks for room close to elevator. I say no dh. That would guarantee a crappy room. I said about 8 away would be ok. She did offer to show us a map but I wanted dh to pick it. I dont know what she offered him. Considering the last room we had in Oct. that dh thought was wonderful I wasnt holding my breath about this one.

Our room was on the 9th floor and the view was of the roof of the entrance and the bus stop to the left. You could see alot of palm trees.

If dh is a starwoods member is he suppose to ask for an upgrade or do they just give it? We always never seem to get a better room from what we booked lately. Well at was around 10:30 am and our room was ready. 1st time ever and we were shocked and happy.
...

Found out why we couldnt get the room that was totally booked and thank heavens we could use dh ff points to get the sold out room. The giant sign said "Welcome Kent State University School of Podiatric Medicine!"

If your husband is an spg member without status, his program benefits do not include any sort of upgrade. If he is an elite member, then upgrade benefits depend on status -- gold member benefits include an "enhanced room at check-in" while platinum member benefits are for "best available room upgrades at check-in, including standard suites". All upgrades are dependent on room availability, however. Conferences can certainly book up rooms greatly limiting to what's available.

Many non elite spg members may have had previous experience with room upgrades, but that's purely property generosity, and not a written benefit.

 

[Mom loves Disney]

Are the dolphin rooms renovated yet?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Are the dolphin rooms renovated yet?

Many are, some are not.

 

[Dan Murphy]

We just got back from the Swan trip of Dec. 12-17 and here is the report...

We booked the cheapest room and we had 3 separate reservations. Our sweet check in girl said, well let me link those together. Great as we didnt have to change rooms. Dh asks for room close to elevator. I say no dh. That would guarantee a crappy room. I said about 8 away would be ok. She did offer to show us a map but I wanted dh to pick it. I dont know what she offered him. Considering the last room we had in Oct. that dh thought was wonderful I wasnt holding my breath about this one.

Our room was on the 9th floor and the view was of the roof of the entrance and the bus stop to the left. You could see alot of palm trees.

If dh is a starwoods member is he suppose to ask for an upgrade or do they just give it? We always never seem to get a better room from what we booked lately. Well at was around 10:30 am and our room was ready. 1st time ever and we were shocked and happy.

They were painting the railings near the boat dock.

There is a list of daily christmas activities in the lobby and boy do they keep busy there. Dh saw the cookie decorating area.

We ate in the Garden Grove for the character breakfast on Sat. 17th. Let me tell you as I said before. If I was a parent I would be totally disappinted in the character interaction. One guy next to us was complaining about it, not to a staff member but it was like he felt he disappointed his family. Pluto didnt even stop at our table, just went past twice, go figure. But we were there for the food. I honestly dont think they should advertise this as its barely the minimum and not up to disney standards at all. It was the most crowded I have seen it in quite a while. In the glass baking area the bakers had elf hats on, so cute.

Found out why we couldnt get the room that was totally booked and thank heavens we could use dh ff points to get the sold out room. The giant sign said "Welcome Kent State University School of Podiatric Medicine!"

Buses ere good though we did have 2 issues with drivers not pulling colose enough to the curb even with the ramp. One looked like he didnt even want t be there and one was an old, old guy who said, wel I didnt think you needed it, um just because zi walk the wheelchair on doesnt mean i cant step down off the ramp into the street and try to step up on the curb again, sigh. My balance is not all that good and the dark and my vision is not the greatest either.

Only houseeeping issue we had was Friday. We left at 9 am, came back around 1 and left about 2 or 3. Cant remember exactly, But whe we came back around 10 pm. Our room was not made up. Glad we had 2 towels left. Dh didnt want to call housekeeping because we both were not feeling well and just wanted to rest.

Sat. we sw wedding. I mde dh take a pic. Dont know how to post it. They had a little cocktail reception right in the alcove area. Not in the smoking area outside but to the left when you are walking out to the boat dock. We heard some of the guys say - they wanted to go to Atlantic Dance hall, so I dont know if there was an actual sit down reception somewhere. There were about 16 people in the wedding party so I was just wondering how would they squeeze all those people into the tiny place. They had lots of drink stuff set up.

Our room was 957 east wing. Again, not the greatest view but its the standard view.

Overall sounds like a good trip, with a few hiccups along the way, Mary, welcome home.

 

[ckelly14]

Many are, some are not.

Here now. All West and Central rooms have been renovated. Manager told me the East Wing rooms will be started this spring and finished by July. There is no renovations going on now. Request a central or west wing room if you are looking for rennovated room.

Had quite a few issues at check-in. Seems they are now calling the Alcove rooms "Jr. suites", which they confused with my Executive Suite reservation. Also had a non-rennovated room with ants then a room next to the elevator. After 2 moves and more complaining then i've done in my past 10 trips combined, I was stuck with an alcove room and kids in across the hall in a double. Managers were quite nice and gave me all my suite points back, so it didn't damper what's been another great trip. Plan on a detailed trip report when I get home. Unfortunately the Dolphin won't be on my highlight list...

 

[MarBee]

Here now. All West and Central rooms have been renovated. Manager told me the East Wing rooms will be started this spring and finished by July. There is no renovations going on now. Request a central or west wing room if you are looking for rennovated room.

Had quite a few issues at check-in. Seems they are now calling the Alcove rooms "Jr. suites", which they confused with my Executive Suite reservation. Also had a non-rennovated room with ants then a room next to the elevator. After 2 moves and more complaining then i've done in my past 10 trips combined, I was stuck with an alcove room and kids in across the hall in a double. Managers were quite nice and gave me all my suite points back, so it didn't damper what's been another great trip. Plan on a detailed trip report when I get home. Unfortunately the Dolphin won't be on my highlight list...

I'm super nervous about staying at the Dolphin in June. It seems the TripAdvisor reviews constantly repeat how dated and dirty it is. There is no availability at Swan for my dates. Should I just cancel and stay at a true Disney property? (I stayed here once about ten years ago and can't remember much about it.)

 

[Dan Murphy]

If your nervousness does not subside by June, I know you will be fine. Also, I am confident some rooms would become available in the Swan by then. As of the moment, about 2/3's of the Dolphin rooms had just been renovated. The remainder will probably be close to complete by then. Just ask for a newly renovated room.

I have never had a problem with either resort, they are both excellent.

TripAdvisor, or similar, tend to bring out the super critics of anything.

 

[Violet Parr]

My husband is platinum SPG. We would REALLY like some extra room since we are a family of five, but we'd also like a renovated room. I'm thinking now that we'd be better off with the extra space. We have an 8 night reservation. When we check in, what room would we be asking to upgrade to? I'm thinking of changing our upgrade request on our reservation. Any suggestions? What are the designations larger than a standard, most basic room at the Dolphin?

Thanks

 

[Violet Parr]

My husband is platinum SPG. We would REALLY like some extra room since we are a family of five, but we'd also like a renovated room. I'm thinking now that we'd be better off with the extra space. We have an 8 night reservation. When we check in, what room would we be asking to upgrade to? I'm thinking of changing our upgrade request on our reservation. Any suggestions? What are the designations larger than a standard, most basic room at the Dolphin?

Thanks

I'm looking at what is still available for our dates and the premium studio room looks very spacious. I have not seen pics of an updated one, but the sice is double the regular room, right? Would you take a standard renovated room, or a dated larger one? (I know upgrades aren't guaranteed but I want to know if it is even worth trying for.) Thanks!

VP

 

[DVCMinnie2532]

I'm looking at what is still available for our dates and the premium studio room looks very spacious. I have not seen pics of an updated one, but the sice is double the regular room, right? Would you take a standard renovated room, or a dated larger one? (I know upgrades aren't guaranteed but I want to know if it is even worth trying for.) Thanks!

VP

I just booked using AA points a resort room swan wing. I'm sure it's standard but does that mean anything to you?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Well, you can't go wrong with a suite at either resort, the Swan or the Dolphin, whether it is new or not. If at the Swan, it would for sure to be new, at the Dolphin, maybe not. As an SPG Platinum, I would think you would be able to request the new.

Here are all the suites.

http://www.swandolphin.com/accommodations/exec.html

And you can request here.

http://www.swandolphin.com/concierge/index.html

 

[ImprovGal]

I'm looking at what is still available for our dates and the premium studio room looks very spacious. I have not seen pics of an updated one, but the sice is double the regular room, right? Would you take a standard renovated room, or a dated larger one? (I know upgrades aren't guaranteed but I want to know if it is even worth trying for.) Thanks!

VP

Deluxe alcove rooms at the dolphin are 470 sq ft. Premium studio rooms are 700 sq ft. Both are considered "junior suites". I recently had a couple of trips (3 nights October, 3 nights November). One of my October nights was at the Dolphin booked into a deluxe alcove room. I was assigned a renovated one. The other trip was a single 3-night stay booked at the Dolphin, reserved as a deluxe alcove but found at checkin that they'd upgraded me into one of the larger premium studios (also a renovated room). They are indeed very spacious (well, especially so as a single), but bedding setup varies. If you book one of those categories on the spg website, they are offered as a 1 king or 2 double bed room with the bed setup requested but not guaranteed. You may be able to lock in one of the 2 double setups if you call and speak to a human. I would book into whatever room category is the minimum you will be happy with. If the 360 sq ft of a normal room is too tight for a family of 5, then book into the larger family rooms I mentioned.

Also, note that on the spg website if you select "promotions & packages", there is a Suite Temptation offer currently available on both of those categories. It gives you 3,000 bonus starpoints for the stay, and the price premium differential may be worth it to you if you want to accrue starpoints. For that 3-night October stay I mentioned earlier, I was looking to maximize my points and stay counts so I booked junior suites 1 night Swan - 1 night Dolphin - 1 night Swan and got 9,000 bonus points in addition to the regular revenue points + elite amenity for the weekend.

 

[ckelly14]

Deluxe alcove rooms at the dolphin are 470 sq ft. Premium studio rooms are 700 sq ft. Both are considered "junior suites". I recently had a couple of trips (3 nights October, 3 nights November). One of my October nights was at the Dolphin booked into a deluxe alcove room. I was assigned a renovated one. The other trip was a single 3-night stay booked at the Dolphin, reserved as a deluxe alcove but found at checkin that they'd upgraded me into one of the larger premium studios (also a renovated room). They are indeed very spacious (well, especially so as a single), but bedding setup varies. If you book one of those categories on the spg website, they are offered as a 1 king or 2 double bed room with the bed setup requested but not guaranteed. You may be able to lock in one of the 2 double setups if you call and speak to a human. I would book into whatever room category is the minimum you will be happy with. If the 360 sq ft of a normal room is too tight for a family of 5, then book into the larger family rooms I mentioned.

Also, note that on the spg website if you select "promotions & packages", there is a Suite Temptation offer currently available on both of those categories. It gives you 3,000 bonus starpoints for the stay, and the price premium differential may be worth it to you if you want to accrue starpoints. For that 3-night October stay I mentioned earlier, I was looking to maximize my points and stay counts so I booked junior suites 1 night Swan - 1 night Dolphin - 1 night Swan and got 9,000 bonus points in addition to the regular revenue points + elite amenity for the weekend.

What exactly is the premium studio? Never heard of it before. Is it just the "parlor" portion of the old executive suites that they renovated?

As previously posted, I booked a executive suite but was placed in a number of different room combinations during my stay. None of renovated room looked exactly like the non-renovated executive suites. I assume one was a "deluxe studio" with a King connected to another regular room with 2 doubles. This was very nice, with a walk-in glass shower and two small closets but didn't have a wet bar- do you think they got rid of the wet bar in order to expand the bathroom? I had another room that was clearly an alcove room with a combo bath\shower and 2 doubles, with a king room across the hall.

 

[ImprovGal]

What exactly is the premium studio? Never heard of it before. Is it just the "parlor" portion of the old executive suites that they renovated?

As previously posted, I booked a executive suite but was placed in a number of different room combinations during my stay. None of renovated room looked exactly like the non-renovated executive suites. I assume one was a "deluxe studio" with a King connected to another regular room with 2 doubles. This was very nice, with a walk-in glass shower and two small closets but didn't have a wet bar- do you think they got rid of the wet bar in order to expand the bathroom? I had another room that was clearly an alcove room with a combo bath\shower and 2 doubles, with a king room across the hall.

Consistency doesn't seem to exist in suite layouts there. When I was a platinum, there were times when I would get upgraded to some sort of suite that had a Murphy bed in the parlor and was perhaps a deluxe alcove when booked on its own without the extra bedroom lockouts. The 700 ft premium studio I had was on the 3rd floor and actually had a separate mini bedroom attached that had no independent entrance, nor even a window. That was all in the large parlor area.

 

[ckelly14]

Consistency doesn't seem to exist in suite layouts there. When I was a platinum, there were times when I would get upgraded to some sort of suite that had a Murphy bed in the parlor and was perhaps a deluxe alcove when booked on its own without the extra bedroom lockouts. The 700 ft premium studio I had was on the 3rd floor and actually had a separate mini bedroom attached that had no independent entrance, nor even a window. That was all in the large parlor area.

The Murphy bed in the parlor with an attached bedroom with 2 doubles (executive suite) has been my go to room since 2004. Not sure what I had this time post renovation...

 

[ImprovGal]

The Murphy bed in the parlor with an attached bedroom with 2 doubles (executive suite) has been my go to room since 2004. Not sure what I had this time post renovation...

That's not the only exec suite configuration, though. Sometimes the parlor is just a parlor with no Murphy bed, although the couch may be a foldout. I usually travel solo, so I don't pay attention to the number of beds.

 

[Dan Murphy]

When I was a platinum,

You no longer are, ImprovGal? You have to get that back!!!

 

[ImprovGal]

You no longer are, ImprovGal? You have to get that back!!!

I dropped down to gold March 1 since I didn't requalify for platinum last year. Don't worry. I've got a couple of stays locally this weekend that will make #24 and #25 so I'll be platinum once they post.