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

[Dan Murphy]

Yes, we share feelings on the behavior. I do have a high tolerance for groups of athletes (being a former athlete who took trips like this) but also because of my current job. I read in another thread these aren’t team trips, the cheerleaders are here with parents, but competing with their teams. I have to imagine this is part of the issue. The parents are on vacation while the kids are on work trips, and the two conflict. The coaches should be doing more to police the behavior of their teams, bottom line. Could the swan do more? Maybe, but the coaches are the leaders and should be demonstrating to both athletes and parents the way to behave (which is nuts to think but it’s true).

Thankfully the Pop Warner football kids are no longer at WDW in December, now driving USF/IoA nuts.

 

[MegaraWink]

There is a gas station with a small convenience store across from BWI that is walkable. Not the most ideal food choices, I’m sure, but it’s something that doesn’t need to be driven too.

Yeah I don't mind driving at that point. I guess I'm just surprised a hotel that doesn't have a mini bar, and doesn't have 24-hour food service, also doesn't have vending machines.

 

[CJN]

Quick question to the experts: does it make sense to book a balcony room in December/January? I have never been to Florida during that time of the year so I don’t know if it makes sense to upgrade from standard view to resort view with balcony.

We loved our balcony in December 2018. We just like balconies in general and usually book one no matter the time of year.

 

[swummyh20]

Just to add, I did find the number to text the resort (thanks to this thread!):

I just asked about the noise policy on deck, and mentioned the outside speaker. By that point a second speaker had been brought out, so it was doubly annoying. They responded and were very polite but the two groups left before I noticed security come around. Which is fine! I’m thrilled with the response by the hotel and how helpful they were willing to be. I just have never been to a Marriott property where a speaker (besides someone’s iPhone so it can’t be that loud) was allowed, so this experience was a good one!

 

[empedocles]

Quick question to the experts: does it make sense to book a balcony room in December/January? I have never been to Florida during that time of the year so I don’t know if it makes sense to upgrade from standard view to resort view with balcony.

Winter in central Florida can be unpredictable. I've been in both November and December, and it is generally 70s during the day and 50s at night, but they do get cold snaps. The high was in the 30s December 25 last year. ️

 

[backformore]

We loved our balcony in December 2018. We just like balconies in general and usually book one no matter the time of year.

Thanks. I'm thinking of splurging on a balcony on our next trip. What view do you recommend? I read that Crescent Lake view is preferred, but does anyone have a photo of the view? The balcony views on the S/D website seem to be of the striped "circus tent" roof, and I don't want to look at that.

 

[bavarian princess]

We loved our balcony in December 2018. We just like balconies in general and usually book one no matter the time of year.

I guess it really is matter of personal preference. I like being able to get some fresh air into my room even if it’s cold outside. But I don’t sit on the balcony for more than 5 minutes when it’s cold outside.

Winter in central Florida can be unpredictable. I've been in both November and December, and it is generally 70s during the day and 50s at night, but they do get cold snaps. The high was in the 30s December 25 last year. ️

Now that you mention it I saw pictures of people wearing gloves in WDW last December Hoping for a milder winter

 

[mousegear]

Hi! Just wanted some moral support from the people who understand.... I booked our trip, April 3, right after our second COVID vaccine. I felt more relieved and safe and finally able to travel without constantly thinking about dangers. At the time I offered my parents to join us, however, they declined since they were closing their business. They were thinking of retiring but the pandemic really hurt their business so, after 30+ years, they decided to close. Now that they wrapped things up, they informed me that they would like to join me. I am so glad that they could join us to celebrate DS's graduation and my birthday together at WDW but the park tickets are the issue.
Thankfully, I was able to find my parents on the same flight as us which is not an issue anymore.

I just bought them 3-day PH since that's what I could get max due to some unavailable days during our stay. The only park currently available is Epcot. I will be checking the park availability like a crazy addict but the worst-case scenario is that my parents will have to go to Epcot during the day on their own. We usually take an afternoon break and they could go to the park with us in the evening.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I guess I'm just surprised a hotel that doesn't have a mini bar, and doesn't have 24-hour food service,

They did have in-room mini-bars but they got rid of them probably about 15 years ago. I suppose little used and guests preferences were to have mini-fridges.

As for the 24-hour service, they always have had 24 hour, Picabu. However that was temporarily suspended due to the ongoing CIVID pandemic.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Now that you mention it I saw pictures of people wearing gloves in WDW last December

Anybody who was at WDW in early December, 2010 will never forget it. I was, and never will forget it. Evening temperatures got down to the mid to upper 20's. Decorative water fountains were turned of so as to not damage the plumbing. Plants all over the place were covered up. Heavier clothing and beach towels were sold out everywhere. It was frigid.

 

[mickey916]

Hi! Just wanted some moral support from the people who understand.... I booked our trip, April 3, right after our second COVID vaccine. I felt more relieved and safe and finally able to travel without constantly thinking about dangers. At the time I offered my parents to join us, however, they declined since they were closing their business. They were thinking of retiring but the pandemic really hurt their business so, after 30+ years, they decided to close. Now that they wrapped things up, they informed me that they would like to join me. I am so glad that they could join us to celebrate DS's graduation and my birthday together at WDW but the park tickets are the issue.
Thankfully, I was able to find my parents on the same flight as us which is not an issue anymore.

I just bought them 3-day PH since that's what I could get max due to some unavailable days during our stay. The only park currently available is Epcot. I will be checking the park availability like a crazy addict but the worst-case scenario is that my parents will have to go to Epcot during the day on their own. We usually take an afternoon break and they could go to the park with us in the afternoon.

When is your trip? Hopefully they'll increase capacity by then and open up a few more park reservations by then so you can all be together but the back-up plan with them starting at Epcot each day at least is a solution for now.

 

[mousegear]

When is your trip? Hopefully they'll increase capacity by then and open up a few more park reservations by then so you can all be together but the back-up plan with them starting at Epcot each day at least is a solution for now.

We fly down 5/15. I've already seen the park reservations open up last week. In fact, I switched a few days of DS and my park reservations. However, right now, only Epcot is available for the third week of May. I am really praying that at least AK or MK will open up so that they could join us those three days.

Any suggestions on what they could do other days? They are in their mid-seventies. They drive here at home but do not like to drive in a new environment so despite the fact that we have a rental car, driving out is not an option. Other than that, they are very active as they hike miles every other day so probably could do more physical stuff than I can.

 

[StaceyHSD]

Any suggestions on what they could do other days?

They could take advantage of the resort amenities in the morning like going to the pool. My understanding is that the Mandara Spa is open so maybe something like that. Then there are all the EPCOT area resorts they could explore, get a nice breakfast, take the skyliner around to see the sights or go check out the Riviera or something. They will neec to swipe in at EPCOT everyday so they could explore that at their own pace.

They can use the Disney transportation at the Disney resorts so could use that to go to Disney Springs one day if that’s something they’d be interested in doing.

 

[Dave006]

I just bought them 3-day PH since that's what I could get max due to some unavailable days during our stay. The only park currently available is Epcot. I will be checking the park availability like a crazy addict

Make sure you are actually trying to assign a Disney Park Pass and not just looking at the Calendar view. It is not dynamically updated throughout the day.

How do your parents handle the heat as that may be more of an issue by mid May?

Dave

 

[Gitelfor]

We fly down 5/15. I've already seen the park reservations open up last week. In fact, I switched a few days of DS and my park reservations. However, right now, only Epcot is available for the third week of May. I am really praying that at least AK or MK will open up so that they could join us those three days.

Any suggestions on what they could do other days? They are in their mid-seventies. They drive here at home but do not like to drive in a new environment so despite the fact that we have a rental car, driving out is not an option. Other than that, they are very active as they hike miles every other day so probably could do more physical stuff than I can.

You can visit all parks (subject to capacity) after 2:00 PM with PH tickets, so they can meet you at another park in the afternoon/evening. The park capacity is not the same as availability when making park reservations; capacity is not often met, except, perhaps, during very busy holiday weeks. They would just need to visit a different park (i.e.Epcot), before park hopping and joining you.

 

[samsonjs]

Today I noticed a security guard permanently stationed around the pool deck. Things seemed better today, despite being busier. I’m happy with Marriotts response to make it more enjoyable for everyone.

 

[mousegear]

How do your parents handle the heat as that may be more of an issue by mid May?

They have been to WDW in July and early September so I think they will be fine in terms of the heat. However, their last visit was 7 years ago. My dad has several herniated disks due to a car accident since and I am wondering if I should rent a scooter. He is doesn't need it normally but it's lots of walking in the parks. Also, they speak very little English... so I'm worried about how they'll do on their own. They do fine normal lives but I do take care of all their papers and appointments.

 

[patty57]

Anybody who was at WDW in early December, 2010 will never forget it. I was, and never will forget it. Evening temperatures got down to the mid to upper 20's. Decorative water fountains were turned of so as to not damage the plumbing. Plants all over the place were covered up. Heavier clothing and beach towels were sold out everywhere. It was frigid.

I was there. It was freezing, and I'm from New England and used to cold.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I am wondering if I should rent a scooter. He is doesn't need it normally but it's lots of walking in the parks.

If he has any problem at all, tiring, etc., rent the scooter. I have a bad back and have used a scooter the last half dozen trips. We all know how much walking there is at WDW, it's a LOT!

 

[Dan Murphy]

I was there. It was freezing, and I'm from New England and used to cold.

Yes, Chicago here. We have our below temps every year. But, at WDW, we are outside a lot, walking here and there, waiting in lines outside, etc. Plus wind or just breezes coming off the bodies of water everywhere makes it feel colder. When home and it's cold out, we go from house to car to inside. Not walking in the cold temperatures too often. 2010 there was brutal.