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

[SteveH]

@JulieODC Swan Dolphin operates on a dymnamic pricing system as the hotel fells, prices go up. It's possible people could cancel and you might get a good rate. If there is a conference usually 30 days out rooms are returned. If you have other nights booked try calling the SwanDolphin Direct and see if they can do anything.

 

[redmister]

It's President's Day weekend - so a 3 day weekend for most schools in the US.

 

[melking23]

Any guesses as to why 2/19 Dolphin rates are ~$509 a night, and the several dates after are ~$300?

I’m trying to add 2/19 on to our Feb tripand hoping the price drops in line with the other nights!

wondering if it’s a conference or just more full that night overall?

That’s the weekend before President’s Day so a long weekend for school aged children. In metro Atlanta that week is winter break for many school systems. I have friends in the Midwest whose kids are also out that whole week. It’s a very popular week to travel to warmer climates.

 

[JulieODC]

Having a “duh” moment since we are traveling before and during our school winter break - I didn’t realize it was common for other areas to break then, beyond the Northeast/MA.

I’m going to keep checking and hope the rates for that one might drop (otherwise, we’ve got that night already booked as part of a split stay at POR - just one less day to earn some Marriott points).

 

[dbb727]

Can anyone confirm if the pools are heated at S&D? Thx

 

[Dan Murphy]

Can anyone confirm if the pools are heated at S&D? Thx

Yes, they are.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I’m going to keep checking and hope the rates for that one might drop (otherwise, we’ve got that night already booked as part of a split stay at POR - just one less day to earn some Marriott points).

I’m the exact opposite. With Marriott going to dynamic awards I feel I can’t spend my points fast enough now

 

[JulieODC]

I’m the exact opposite. With Marriott going to dynamic awards I feel I can’t spend my points fast enough now

guess I need to look into this! We’ve been able to really effectively use points in the past (way back in the day at S/D, but more recently at hotels in other places). Any recs for a link that does a nice summary of the changes?

 

[Gitelfor]

guess I need to look into this! We’ve been able to really effectively use points in the past (way back in the day at S/D, but more recently at hotels in other places). Any recs for a link that does a nice summary of the changes?

Not the OP, but you may want to look at:

Bonvoy 2022 changes to program

Bonvoy changes to T&C in 2022

Of note:

An upcoming change called a Free Night Award Top Off will allow Bonvoy members to combine up to 15,000 points with certificate values to achieve stays worth a higher number of points. While this sounds good at first, it’s difficult to assess the value since we don’t know what 15,000 points will be worth under the renewed Marriott Bonvoy program sans award chart.

 

[gottalovepluto]

guess I need to look into this! We’ve been able to really effectively use points in the past (way back in the day at S/D, but more recently at hotels in other places). Any recs for a link that does a nice summary of the changes?

Link

Of particular note is:
-no more award charts
-starts March 2022
-97% of hotels are supposed to stay in their current points range for 2022. No word on who comprises the special 3% that will be released fully
-Full dynamic for all hotels starts 2023

To me this gives me 2022 to use my points, I’m trying to make sure all bookings are made by end of Feb and then 2023 sounds to me like when the race to deval the points really kicks off.

 

[Kjdisney]

We just got back from a 5 night stay at Swan Reserve and really enjoyed our stay. I am only a gold elite so was very surprised we were upgraded to an Epcot view room. We had very nice view of the fireworks, and while our floor was fairly filled, we found it to be quiet. The room itself was nice size, though it does lack storage. We would normally unpack, but there were only 2 drawers. It would have been perfect if they had put a shelf unit in the closet.

I really liked having the walk-in shower vs tub/shower combo. Housekeeping came everyday, and we always had lots of complimentary water. Buses were prompt, longest we waited was 10 minutes. We did take YC/BC bus back from MK to avoid lines at monorail at park closing. Very easy walk, and much faster Than going through TTC!

We had breakfast at Amare each morning which was very good. They have a buffet, but we only ordered off menu. The breakfast bagel sandwich is very good. Didn’t care for their potatoes but was able to substitute with fruit. Excellent service and very quick!

We would stay there again. My favorite is still the Swan, but like the Reserve better than the Dolphin.

 

[luvallprincesses]

We just got back from a 5 night stay at Swan Reserve and really enjoyed our stay. I am only a gold elite so was very surprised we were upgraded to an Epcot view room. We had very nice view of the fireworks, and while our floor was fairly filled, we found it to be quiet. The room itself was nice size, though it does lack storage. We would normally unpack, but there were only 2 drawers. It would have been perfect if they had put a shelf unit in the closet.

Only 2 drawers?! Do you think it would work to bring a foldable hanging shelf unit for the closet (was there a solid hanging bar in the closet that one could attach to?) A family of 4 for 9 days with no clothes storage room sounds terrible.

 

[Lady Hiss]

We just got back from a 5 night stay at Swan Reserve and really enjoyed our stay. I am only a gold elite so was very surprised we were upgraded to an Epcot view room. We had very nice view of the fireworks, and while our floor was fairly filled, we found it to be quiet. The room itself was nice size, though it does lack storage. We would normally unpack, but there were only 2 drawers. It would have been perfect if they had put a shelf unit in the closet.

I really liked having the walk-in shower vs tub/shower combo. Housekeeping came everyday, and we always had lots of complimentary water. Buses were prompt, longest we waited was 10 minutes. We did take YC/BC bus back from MK to avoid lines at monorail at park closing. Very easy walk, and much faster Than going through TTC!

We had breakfast at Amare each morning which was very good. They have a buffet, but we only ordered off menu. The breakfast bagel sandwich is very good. Didn’t care for their potatoes but was able to substitute with fruit. Excellent service and very quick!

We would stay there again. My favorite is still the Swan, but like the Reserve better than the Dolphin.

 

[Kjdisney]

Only 2 drawers?! Do you think it would work to bring a foldable hanging shelf unit for the closet (was there a solid hanging bar in the closet that one could attach to?) A family of 4 for 9 days with no clothes storage room sounds terrible.

I know there’s a solid bar, but can’t remember thickness. I think the foldable shelf unit would be great idea. The one I have attaches with Velcro, and would have worked perfectly if I had thought to bring it!
There is a lot of room under the bed to store suitcases, and you could probably put those single collapsing cubes there for clothes storage as well.

 

[Lady Hiss]

Please tell me there’s a closet with at least a little bit of storage space? Also just to confirm: buses at The Reserve only go to TTC?
Glad to hear you enjoyed the resort. We’re encouraged by your post as we’ve decided to try this hotel and fingers are crossed that it’s a great place to stay since we’ve been spoiled at DVC resorts in the past.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Please tell me there’s a closet with at least a little bit of storage space? Also just to confirm: buses at The Reserve only go to TTC?
Glad to hear you enjoyed the resort. We’re encouraged by your post as we’ve decided to try this hotel and fingers are crossed that it’s a great place to stay since we’ve been spoiled at DVC resorts in the past.

All Swan/Dolphin/Reserve buses to MK only go to TTC. When Disney and Marriott ending the bus contract Marriott buses lost access to Disney-only locations and joined the buses from the other area hotels.

At AK they don’t drop off in the Disney bus area either. But that one is actually good because it’s a shorter walk than like half the Disney bus stalls to the gate

 

[luvallprincesses]

There is a lot of room under the bed to store suitcases, and you could probably put those single collapsing cubes there for clothes storage as well.

That’s a great idea, too. Thanks!

My other concern about SR is the lack of the nice comforters. How did you feel about that? I may either buy some cheapies, pack and leave them (and use the suitcase space for souvenirs on the return) or pick up some on the way from the airport.

 

[jolene63]

Any guesses as to why 2/19 Dolphin rates are ~$509 a night, and the several dates after are ~$300?

I’m trying to add 2/19 on to our Feb tripand hoping the price drops in line with the other nights!

wondering if it’s a conference or just more full that night overall?

It could be because of President's Day weekend. Our school system has a five day weekend then. I'm sure prices are higher on school holidays.

 

[jemjem]

Does anyone know if you can get rollaway beds at the Reserve? Have tried to email/ text etc but can’t get through to anyone and I don’t want to call as in the UK! My kids can share a sofa bed if necessary but a rollaway would be great!

 

[SteveH]

Also just to confirm: buses at The Reserve only go to TTC?

You already got a good response, this post may shed a bit more light

Does anyone know if you can get rollaway beds at the Reserve? Have tried to email/ text etc but can’t get through to anyone and I don’t want to call as in the UK! My kids can share a sofa bed if necessary but a rollaway would be great!

It's on the option list when booking under Room Features, but it's listed as "Rollaway bed - Request Only" meaning they don't guarantee it. I've found good replies from the texting option, email has been pretty poor for me over the years. You also might try this General Contact Form too, I'd keep sending texts though too. Also from the FAQ pages they have mom info here; Special Room Request (but that spot seems to have disappeared after their website update). Keep sending emails and texts until they get back to you.