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

[lowlight]

I booked 5 nights at a regis for 295 points right before the change, after the change it went to 360k points. Not the end of the world, but 20% rate hike seems excessive.

Oh I totally agree. I didn’t mean they were acceptable changes, just that most are speculating they were tempered and 2023 will be much worse comparatively as the gloves come off. Swolphin and other Orlando area resorts has never been a great points deal, but we could likely see 80k+ nights next year.

 

[Dan Murphy]

A quick review of our stay at the Swan, 4/19-4/28.
There were 3 of us-- my husband, our adult daughter and me.
We reserved an Executive Suite which was a regular queen/queen room and a parlor with a sleeper sofa, which is where our daughter slept.
Our room wasn't ready upon our arrival so we checked our luggage and headed off to the park.
We received a text around 330 that it was ready and we could pick up our room keys at any time.
When we did go to our room there was no linen for the sleeper sofa. Michelle sent a message via the app and had her linen and they made up the sofa for her.
She has Lupus and fibromyalgia. In order to get comfortable enough to sleep she uses multiple pillows. They were happy to provide as many pillows as she needed.
I don't know if it was because we had a suite or if things are getting back to normal but the housekeeper came daily.
Mike and Michelle drink a lot of coffee and she left extra coffee pods after being asked for extras once.
She also left 5 or 6 waters every day.
My daughter mentioned to her once that she really liked the shampoo. The next day she left several sets of the toiletries for her.

I have to tell you I can't tell when or how often linens were changed and I have to tell you why.

A few days before we left I had a bad fall at home and injured my neck. I had a CT scan in the ER and it didn't show any injury, but it still hurt.
Our first day we went to Magic Kingdom with plans to go to Epcot after we got settled in the hotel.
Well stupid me decides to ride my very favorite MK ride, BTMRR. And I cried and begged God to stop the ride. The pain shooting through my neck with every bump was excruciating.
We left the park after that.
The next morning I had pains shooting down my arms. Trying not to ruin this trip-- due to her illness, Michelle had not been to WDW for 17 years-- I man up to go to AK . My husband insisted on renting a wheelchair for me. This was a mistake. At the end of the day, the shooting pain was also in my legs. Before it was over I couldn't get out of the bed by myself.
I wasn't able to go back to the parks. I wasn't hungry. I ate 1 sandwich the entire week. 1/2 on 2 different days only because my husband kept trying to get me to eat.
It was miserable.
Anyway that's why I don't know about linens being changed. I only had my daughter take the trash into her room to be emptied.

Our bathrooms were the older ones with the tubs, per my request. I really didn't notice any signs of aging.
I saw mention earlier of ants? I think. We didn't see any bugs of any sort.
We had a resort view which was a view of TOT.
Mike and Michelle went to Picabu and both commented on how it's just not a good as it used to be when there was a big selection of food.
They did stop at the Fountain and enjoyed their cheeseburgers and sandwiches but commented on how food is cheaper in the parks.

Disney did convert my unused days to a Disney gift card, which totally surprised me.

Hi, Sue. Thanks for your review. Sounds like the Lemonade Stand is still doing reasonably well. But you!!! Goodness, what an experience! Hopefully you have seen a doctor on your return. Necks and spines are not anything to take lightly.

Great to see you again.

 

[RunWI1265]

Has anyone recently had trouble buying Genie+ while staying at Dolphin? My reservation is still in MDE so it’s not an issue with it dropping off. I’ve tried using the link via the tip board and when I try to click the purple “get genie+ service” button it’s non- responsive, like it’s not a button. I’ve tried searching genie+ and when I click that link to buy it brings me to a page to buy park tickets.

 

[Meglen]

Has anyone recently had trouble buying Genie+ while staying at Dolphin? My reservation is still in MDE so it’s not an issue with it dropping off. I’ve tried using the link via the tip board and when I try to click the purple “get genie+ service” button it’s non- responsive, like it’s not a button. I’ve tried searching genie+ and when I click that link to buy it brings me to a page to buy park tickets.

Is your app updated?

 

[JJ2017]

We try to stay at Swan/Dolphin as much as possible on our trips, specifically b/c we love the property and the location, but the more so because we use Marriott points. Past couple trips, rooms have been 60k points/night during our dates. I've been anxiously awaiting Marriott to open up the Free Certificate+top off points (up to 50k/night) and they finally did 5/1. I searched that day for the one night we need in November, and all nights were 60k - negating my ability to use the certificate+points. I gave up for a couple of days, and then just checked again yesterday, and Swan only was down to 45k. So I booked using my Free Night Certificate, plus 10k points. FYI - Dolphin today down to 44k. I think Marriott is definintely playing around with point values. Trying to figure out if this was a good "deal?" Cash price was in the $400s, so using that as a benchmark.

 

[lfcfan]

Swan Reserve in room coffee question...

hi all,
i feel silly asking this, but then again, why not? so many great suggestions here.
Help me make use of the in-room coffee
SR 5/12-17.
I understand they have keurigs in the room. K-cups? Pods?
Here is my thing. I can only enjoy coffee with real milk or cream (not coffee mate, powdered etc., and not black.)
How can I make this work to use the in room coffee maker for our early morning caffeine fix? Will head to starbucks at some point in the day, but prefer not to hit up the coffee shop on property due to lines and prices.
I will not be doing a grocery stop, etc. I am flying so can't bring milk with me.

Can I bring my fixed coffee to the coffee shop to put in a little milk on the way to the park? Or, can I buy some milk or cream somewhere on property to have in the mini fridge? Where? Or...anyone bring latte cups or something with them? I think I like those "fine," as it seems like real powdered milk versus a fake creamer. Not my fave, but will do to get me through the early morning until I can get my iced coffee fix.

Or, should I just give up and use the onsite coffee shop--if so, any reviews on lines, etc at 7:30am?

Thank you! Any tips are much appreciated.

 

[Best Aunt]

Or, can I buy some milk or cream somewhere on property to have in the mini fridge? Where?

The gift shop in the Beach Club and the big gift shop on the BoardWalk both should have milk, half & half and Coffee Mate French Vanilla creamer. Those are DVC resorts, meaning they have some rooms with full kitchens, so the gift shops carry grocery items.

I don't know about the gift shops in the Yacht Club, Swan, Dolphin, or Swan Reserve. Somebody else will have to answer.

 

[RunWI1265]

Is your app updated?

Up to date, un-installed and reinstalled, logged in and out. Nothing. I was able to purchase *at* 7am but not before. I’m going to stop at guest services to find out why I wasn’t able to purchase after midnight/before 7am. We’re at Epcot today so it wasn’t a big deal but I want it ready to go for HS day.

 

[lfcfan]

Up to date, un-installed and reinstalled, logged in and out. Nothing. I was able to purchase *at* 7am but not before. I’m going to stop at guest services to find out why I wasn’t able to purchase after midnight/before 7am. We’re at Epcot today so it wasn’t a big deal but I want it ready to go for HS day.

Good luck! Can you update us after speaking to guest services? Getting nervous for our 5/12 stay at SR. I am not super tech savvy to begin with, and it will all be on me, so I could do without any major G+ hiccups!

 

[patty57]

Can I bring my fixed coffee to the coffee shop to put in a little milk on the way to the park? Or, can I buy some milk or cream somewhere on property to have in the mini fridge? Where?

I haven't stayed at the SR, however I know that Fuel sells milk. I'm betting that the equivalent at the SR will sell milk as well.

 

[RunWI1265]

Good luck! Can you update us after speaking to guest services? Getting nervous for our 5/12 stay at SR. I am not super tech savvy to begin with, and it will all be on me, so I could do without any major G+ hiccups!

Absolutely! Hopefully there is a fix. I’ll update later today.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I haven't stayed at the SR, however I know that Fuel sells milk. I'm betting that the equivalent at the SR will sell milk as well.

Good to know, Patty. I was going to suggest the Stage Door store at the Boardwalk, but in-house is even better. Thanks.

 

[SteveH]

@Poohlovr that sounds like a very painful trip, I'm sorry to hear what you went through. I know for us on our last 2019/2020 Disneyland and WDW we've since ruled out riding on either Space Mountain or Matterhorn due to feeling like I needed a Chiropractor after. Sad to hear your comments on Picabu but that is sort of what I've read too, just not the same anymore.

@JJ2017 thanks for sharing, I really hate having to track and play games but appears that's the way it will have to be. I know I'm using the last of my Bonvoy points for our stay in Oahu, not sure I'll be building up points again any time soon. We bailed on the SPG Amex Card years ago and moved to the Costco card for cash back, which has been pretty freaking amazing for us.

@RunWI1265 what phone do you have? I've read some Droid based phones having issues, but did appear to be some of the more "off brand" ones not Samsung or Motorola - but I'm not sure if that is your issue or not. Thanks for sharing what you learn with the group!

@lfcfan I do recall seeing milk in the various locations at S&D, including Picabu and 99% sure you'll find it at Fuel too. The Screen Door at Boardwalk will have it for sure, and larger sizes.

 

[Erica Ladd]

Just an FYI after reading the post about having trouble with G+ I checked MDE and my Swan reservation was gone! Glad I thought you check as we arrive tomorrow. I had to call to get the right reservation number again but this time I wrote it down AND took a pic in case it happens again.

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

Has anyone recently had trouble buying Genie+ while staying at Dolphin? My reservation is still in MDE so it’s not an issue with it dropping off. I’ve tried using the link via the tip board and when I try to click the purple “get genie+ service” button it’s non- responsive, like it’s not a button. I’ve tried searching genie+ and when I click that link to buy it brings me to a page to buy park tickets.

Just saw your response now. Good luck!!

Was able to buy G+ at Dolphin 2 weeks back no issue. Make sure your app is updated. Presume you have park reservations and tix? Also, can you try from a computer in the business center or if you have a laptop? It sounds like your park reservation and tix are not linked correctly in MDE. Also, you can only purchase it after midnight the night prior to your park ticket. Are you in that time window?

 

[mickeyluv'r]

They used to use regular Disney buses, but since reopening have been using Mears buses. For MK, they drop at the TTC. Recommendation is to walk over to Boardwalk and use that bus. And for return, any, BW or Y&BC are fine.

For AK, Mears drops roughly at Uber/Lyft location, which is equal or maybe even better than the Disney bus drop-off location.

Another forum member said they did this at 8am, but so did everyone else. The bus stop was so crowded they got an Uber instead. Leaving MK, they just got an Uber direct to Swan and saved themselves the walk. Might be worth considering.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Swan Reserve in room coffee question...

hi all,
i feel silly asking this, but then again, why not? so many great suggestions here.
Help me make use of the in-room coffee
SR 5/12-17.
I understand they have keurigs in the room. K-cups? Pods?
Here is my thing. I can only enjoy coffee with real milk or cream (not coffee mate, powdered etc., and not black.)
How can I make this work to use the in room coffee maker for our early morning caffeine fix? Will head to starbucks at some point in the day, but prefer not to hit up the coffee shop on property due to lines and prices.
I will not be doing a grocery stop, etc. I am flying so can't bring milk with me.

Can I bring my fixed coffee to the coffee shop to put in a little milk on the way to the park? Or, can I buy some milk or cream somewhere on property to have in the mini fridge? Where? Or...anyone bring latte cups or something with them? I think I like those "fine," as it seems like real powdered milk versus a fake creamer. Not my fave, but will do to get me through the early morning until I can get my iced coffee fix.

Or, should I just give up and use the onsite coffee shop--if so, any reviews on lines, etc at 7:30am?

Thank you! Any tips are much appreciated.

Long ago i discovered shelf stable milk in single-serve milk boxes for WDW trips/coffee. It should be available in most grocery stores Horizon is a popular brand. The trick is finding it in the grocery store. It is often with juice boxes, or kid lunch snacks. Sometiems in the Organic section. There ar eother brands, but for some reason most are organic. Fairlife is another shelf-stable brand, but that one might be in with lactose free milk.

If you can't bring them in packed luggage, I have sometimes found them in the airport. the places that offer milk w/kid's meals sometimes have them. they are cooled in the airport, but are still shelf stable. In the airport though they will cost like $2.50 each.

Option 3 might be to have them delivered to the hotel. I'm not 100% sure about Swan/Dolphin.

Option 4 is to buy a milk the night before, and store in your fridge. The parks sell milk if nothing else. Get one on your way out of Epcot maybe? or stop in Fuel.

Option 5 is to stop off at an Orlando grocery store if you have a car or do (drive-up) pick-up order at Target. I did this for water on a recent trip and it was very quick.

 

[Disneyfan754321]

Has anyone recently had trouble buying Genie+ while staying at Dolphin? My reservation is still in MDE so it’s not an issue with it dropping off. I’ve tried using the link via the tip board and when I try to click the purple “get genie+ service” button it’s non- responsive, like it’s not a button. I’ve tried searching genie+ and when I click that link to buy it brings me to a page to buy park tickets.

I did not have an issue yesterday at HS,
But on wendsday I checked more than once to see if everything was good on the app and it was untill 11:15pm I scanned my MB at my first afterhours ride and it didnt work... looked and sure enough the res was gone. So start early.

 

[farfaraway]

Currently we have are staying offsite before our stay at The Swan. However, AK hours just changed to even earlier than expected. I can get a room at Dolphin for one night before Swan stay. IF I do this, will they transfer our luggage for us? IF not, is it an easy walk with all of our luggage?

 

[Jillfo]

Currently we have are staying offsite before our stay at The Swan. However, AK hours just changed to even earlier than expected. I can get a room at Dolphin for one night before Swan stay. IF I do this, will they transfer our luggage for us? IF not, is it an easy walk with all of our luggage?

Very easy. The hotels are 150ish yards apart.