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

[Ahabart]

I did a search, but did not see a definitive answer. With the limited capacity on buses and lots of people trying to hit rope drop, are the buses filling up at Swan in the morning before they get to Dolphin?

We stayed at the Swan last week. We only rode the bus one day for AK. There were approx 15 families waiting for the bus. I *think* there is room for 6 families on the bus. It stopped first at Swan and the bus driver allowed 4 families on. We were one of the "lucky" ones who got on, so I cannot say how long the rest of the families had to wait. We had been waiting 45 minutes (arrived 7:45, bus came at 8:30 for 9:00 park open). It was a tense scene as there were definitely people who jumped in front of others. There is no "line" just a bunch of circles and the minute a bus pulls up, people started bunching up. There were 2 or 3 families that made it uncomfortable for everyone else as they strolled up and jumped in front of everyone who had been waiting without any regard. My husband and the dad of another family who arrived a few minutes after us made sure we got on the bus, but I know for sure that family #3 to the line did NOT get on the bus while family #14 did. At the very least, I feel like they should number the circles.

After the Swan, the bus stopped at Dolphin. There was only one family waiting, so our bus actually had extra room. I don't know about this week, but I can say that the hotel was A LOT busier when we left on Saturday than it had been. I can't imagine counting on bus service right now. If we were still there, we would 100% plan to Uber.

 

[Dan Murphy]

We stayed at the Swan last week. We only rode the bus one day for AK. There were approx 15 families waiting for the bus. I *think* there is room for 6 families on the bus. It stopped first at Swan and the bus driver allowed 4 families on. We were one of the "lucky" ones who got on, so I cannot say how long the rest of the families had to wait. We had been waiting 45 minutes (arrived 7:45, bus came at 8:30 for 9:00 park open). It was a tense scene as there were definitely people who jumped in front of others. There is no "line" just a bunch of circles and the minute a bus pulls up, people started bunching up. There were 2 or 3 families that made it uncomfortable for everyone else as they strolled up and jumped in front of everyone who had been waiting without any regard. My husband and the dad of another family who arrived a few minutes after us made sure we got on the bus, but I know for sure that family #3 to the line did NOT get on the bus while family #14 did. At the very least, I feel like they should number the circles.

After the Swan, the bus stopped at Dolphin. There was only one family waiting, so our bus actually had extra room. I don't know about this week, but I can say that the hotel was A LOT busier when we left on Saturday than it had been. I can't imagine counting on bus service right now. If we were still there, we would 100% plan to Uber.

And no Minnie Vans any more, at least for now.

 

[djmeredith]

We stayed at the Swan last week. We only rode the bus one day for AK. There were approx 15 families waiting for the bus. I *think* there is room for 6 families on the bus. It stopped first at Swan and the bus driver allowed 4 families on. We were one of the "lucky" ones who got on, so I cannot say how long the rest of the families had to wait. We had been waiting 45 minutes (arrived 7:45, bus came at 8:30 for 9:00 park open). It was a tense scene as there were definitely people who jumped in front of others. There is no "line" just a bunch of circles and the minute a bus pulls up, people started bunching up. There were 2 or 3 families that made it uncomfortable for everyone else as they strolled up and jumped in front of everyone who had been waiting without any regard. My husband and the dad of another family who arrived a few minutes after us made sure we got on the bus, but I know for sure that family #3 to the line did NOT get on the bus while family #14 did. At the very least, I feel like they should number the circles.

After the Swan, the bus stopped at Dolphin. There was only one family waiting, so our bus actually had extra room. I don't know about this week, but I can say that the hotel was A LOT busier when we left on Saturday than it had been. I can't imagine counting on bus service right now. If we were still there, we would 100% plan to Uber.

That stinks because the on-site guest service told me it was different buses. We only plan on using the bus for MK so Uber is not a great option of you want to be there before opening.

We checked in yesterday at the Dolphin. I booked a Double/Double Alcove with limited view and they “upgraded” me to a higher floor. We are in a great location near the top of the pyramid overlooking the porte-cochere. That’s fine because I could care less about the view.

Overall, I really like the hotel (at the pool now). But I’m disappointed in the room. The room is huge and as pictured except there are NOT 2 sinks as depicted (for King rooms). Someone earlier said 2 sinks were present in all Dolphin Alcove rooms (not blaming that person but just wanted others to be aware that earlier info is incorrect). That is a very big disappointment for rooms this size. In addition, no rain head shower as described and depicted. Carpet has some large stains but otherwise the room looked fairly clean. I did Clorox wipe EVERYTHING but I do it that anyway. It also has a musty smell that’s a little bothersome. And the bed is hard as a rock. Overall, If me and 3 teen boys weren’t already unpacked, I would probably switch rooms. If I had paid full price, I would def ask to be switched. What’s up with the hard bed? I thought they had the Heavenly beds at the Dolphin as well as Swan?

 

[shoreward]

More photos of construction progress at Swan Reserve:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1315367315018522625

https://twitter.com/x/status/1315366362202734592

Does anyone know or have a guess if there will be a walkway connecting to Swan and Dolphin?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Great pictures, shoreward. bioreconstruct's aerials are always so good.

Regarding your question, I think there would have to be some sort of walkway. Maybe even an elevated overpass walkway. I think too dangerous with the road there.

The layout there reminds me, in a way, of the Fontainebleau in Miami.

 

[shoreward]

Great pictures, shoreward. bioreconstruct's aerials are always so good.

Regarding your question, I think there would have to be some sort of walkway. Maybe even an elevated overpass walkway. I think too dangerous with the road there.

The layout there reminds me, in a way, of the Fontainebleau in Miami.

View attachment 531886

I was also thinking some kind of an overpass or bridge that will provide a direct path, without concerns about street traffic.

Ohhh, I remember when the Fountainebleau was the most glamorous hotel in FL, with all of the celebrities and movie stars staying there. Its design was so unique, that I don't think there was any signage out front, identifying the hotel.

 

[SMRT-1]

Does anyone know or have a guess if there will be a walkway connecting to Swan and Dolphin?

Regarding your question, I think there would have to be some sort of walkway. Maybe even an elevated overpass walkway. I think too dangerous with the road there.

Not sure if they'll add anything more, but the Swan Reserve is where the Swan's tennis courts used to be, so there's already a crosswalk and path leading to the rest of the Swalphin property.



https://www.google.com/maps/@28.364...04.770676&pitch=0&thumbfov=100!7i16384!8i8192

 

[Dan Murphy]

I would think that eventually there would be a lot more foot traffic with the hotel than when the tennis courts were there. But, maybe not.

Not sure if they'll add anything more, but the Swan Reserve is where the Swan's tennis courts used to be, so there's already a crosswalk and path leading to the rest of the Swalphin property.

View attachment 531902

https://www.google.com/maps/@28.364...04.770676&pitch=0&thumbfov=100!7i16384!8i8192

 

[shoreward]

I would think that eventually there would be a lot more foot traffic with the hotel than when the tennis courts were there. But, maybe not.

I agree. The Swan Reserve is being marketed to groups, conferences, etc., either as a primary location, or for overflow for the Swan and Dolphin - just like when there are attendees staying at both the Swan and Dolphin (plus sometimes at the Disney EP resorts, as well), but having meetings and events at the Swan or the Convention Center. That sometimes could mean fairly heavy foot traffic.

The other group being targeted for the Swan Reserve is large families, as the Swan Reserve guest rooms will have much greater occupant limits, than at either the Swan or Dolphin. It simply would not be safe, IMO, to have all of that foot traffic, including lots of kids, only have that crosswalk for accessing the other two resorts and the FriendShip boats.

 

[Sara W]

Any rumors on when The Fountain might reopen?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Ohhh, I remember when the Fountainebleau was the most glamorous hotel in FL, with all of the celebrities and movie stars staying there. Its design was so unique, that I don't think there was any signage out front, identifying the hotel.

Part of Goldfinger filmed there.

I stayed there once for a company convention. Not overly impressed. Tired and old at the time, maybe 15 years ago.

 

[Ahabart]

Any rumors on when The Fountain might reopen?

We ate there last week. Check the S/D app for updates, but as of this weekend they were open Thursday-Sunday.

 

[Sara W]

We ate there last week. Check the S/D app for updates, but as of this weekend they were open Thursday-Sunday.

Thank you! That’s so weird bc when I looked at MDE it says “no times available” in the hours section under the calendar.

 

[Dug720]

If a guest sees others handing tips to the driver, however, it is not ignorance.

Maybe I'm stupid but I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt that they did not know it was expected and did not have small bills with them. Not everyone travels with a roll of $1s or even $5s.

I don't automatically jump to evil intent.

 

[shoreward]

Maybe I'm stupid but I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt that they did not know it was expected and did not have small bills with them. Not everyone travels with a roll of $1s or even $5s.

I don't automatically jump to evil intent.

Unfortunately, I have seen so many drivers get "stiffed" over the years, that although some guests may not have smaller bills on them, I don't think that's the main reason. The driver would gladly give change, just like when you tip a cab driver or server, and ask for change back. There are just some people who do not believe in tipping drivers, housekeeping, etc., saying that they've already paid for the service.

I would not say you are "stupid," just a positive person. My comment was based on observation over many years, not based on jumping to "evil intent."

 

[pepperandchips]

WDW Magic is reporting that all bus transportation is now Mears Shuttles rather than official WDW buses. Is anyone there who can confirm? Specifically wondering if the Mears buses are still dropping off and picking up in the "official Disney" bus stalls or having to use the offsite/charter bus areas. According to WDWMAGIC this is new, different than just Epcot and DHS Mears Shuttles that were reported at reopening.

https://www.wdwmagic.com/resorts/wa...rs-shuttles-for-theme-park-transportation.htm

 

[shoreward]

WDW Magic is reporting that all bus transportation is now Mears Shuttles rather than official WDW buses. Is anyone there who can confirm? Specifically wondering if the Mears buses are still dropping off and picking up in the "official Disney" bus stalls or having to use the offsite/charter bus areas. According to WDWMAGIC this is new, different than just Epcot and DHS Mears Shuttles that were reported at reopening.

https://www.wdwmagic.com/resorts/wa...rs-shuttles-for-theme-park-transportation.htm

I wonder if Swan and Dolphin had a contract with Disney to provide the buses. Disney has had so many layoffs recently, including drivers. It will be interesting to see if Mears will be providing park transportation for any other resorts/routes.

Maybe this is what is happening:
https://www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com/map-and-directions/transportation/

 

[Peather]

Do you want to be at the Dolphin or the Swan bus pick up for AK? If the park opens at 8am, how early should we be in line for the buses at the hotel?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Do you want to be at the Dolphin or the Swan bus pick up for AK? If the park opens at 8am, how early should we be in line for the buses at the hotel?

Swan. First pickup before Dolphin. Unless changed under current conditions.

 

[scrappinginontario]

WDW Magic is reporting that all bus transportation is now Mears Shuttles rather than official WDW buses. Is anyone there who can confirm? Specifically wondering if the Mears buses are still dropping off and picking up in the "official Disney" bus stalls or having to use the offsite/charter bus areas. According to WDWMAGIC this is new, different than just Epcot and DHS Mears Shuttles that were reported at reopening.

https://www.wdwmagic.com/resorts/wa...rs-shuttles-for-theme-park-transportation.htm

I read this report on the Cruise and Theme Park Operational Updates thread:

We got caught by surprise with this. We weren’t staying there but had dinner reservations at Il Mulino after our DHS day. After a long, hot day in the sun we thought it would make sense to grab the bus over there as the Friendship boats aren’t running. Big Mistake.

There was no signage for a Swan/Dolphin bus directing you to a bus slot. We finally found the one and only CM (that we saw anyway) working the bus area, and even he wasn’t sure where we should wait. He thought it was the charter area so we headed that way. Fortunately we found some other guests waiting on a different charter who had seen one for Swan/ Dolphin earlier. We waited 45 minutes for the bus, only to have it drive right by the Swan, go to Epcot (no one there there be picked up) and then finally back to the Swan.

The whole time we were waiting we kept debating amongst ourselves whether we should give up and walk or surely a bus will be here soon.

Shoulda walked.