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

[BeachMouse1]

I am checking into Dolphin for Princess next week and it has been interesting watching the rates. I got my lowest AP rate in late September (280/night including fees) and suddenly these past few days it dropped a few more bucks. Usually race weekends are so busy it surprised me there's still availability and at such a low rate. Yesterday even the regular refundable rate was only 300/night including fees for Thursday check-in, probably the most popular day for those checking in for the challenge (10k + half on Saturday/Sunday). More days than not the rates have been significantly higher (even 100/night more), but the low rates pop up for those that check regularly like me, even last minute.

I actually decided to book through the Amex Travel portal since I got an Amex plat. The S/D are part of their Hotel Collection which comes with a $200 annual statement credit if you stay 2+ nights and a $100 resort credit that it sounds like people have been successful in just applying towards the invoice (resort fees) rather than towards dining/spa/etc. The Amex Travel price was about $170 more total than my AP rate, but the $200 credit will cover that and I have no other stays this year where I would be able to use it. Plus, the $100 credit on top of that would definitely make it worthwhile.

The Amex Travel benefits include Marriott Gold status and a room upgrade when available, now I know that even the top Marriott status members have a tough time getting upgrades at the S/D but in my digging it does seem like the Amex Travel status often is prioritized over regular Marriott status, so I will definitely report back if I have any luck. All room types still being available and heavily discounted is a good sign. I will also request the 2pm check out, which also seems to be rare, but we shall see. I linked my Marriott number in the Amex portal and it immediately showed up in my Marriott account so I'm definitely confident I'll get both the Marriott points and the 5x MR points for booking via portal. I have a free night promo with each stay too that I'm hoping this qualifies for even though I didn't book direct.

Not trying to sound like an Amex ad But hoping this works out well so I can report back if it's worth booking via portal or not, since it seems like hardly anyone gets upgraded on Marriott status alone.

Thanks for this info. I wish I would have known this before staying

 

[Disneyhanna]

Thanks! I'll be there Thurs - Mon, so I bet that's my problem. I'll definitely keep checking, though.

I am seeing Dolphin rates again for Thursday to Monday. The Marriott member flexible rate is $369/night including fees and AP rate is $313 for the record. Not sure if it is too late for you but wanted to let you know!

For my check-in day the rates are back to their lowest I've ever seen again (at Dolphin and Swan), and my cancellation window is through 2/19. So never hurts to check last minute for good rates in general!

 

[SteveH]

In another thread somebody had asked about Car Rental at the Dolphin, I reached out to see if it might reopen, here is the reply.

"Our resort does not offer a car rental option anymore. We have discontinued that service."

 

[melking23]

Anyone on here stayed in (or near) 712 East before? I took a chance with online checkin and that’s what was assigned. The only points room option I had was no view but a resort view would be lovely. I got a notification from the Bonvoy app about being upgraded but when I clicked on it nothing came up in the app. I wish I had taken a screenshot and not clicked it so hastily. lol

ETA: My phone was acting crazy so I had to restart it. After I did the room type updated. We’ve been upgraded to a resort view!

 

[moosemouse]

Is there a microwave in the rooms at Dolphin?

 

[Dan Murphy]

I'm coming soon with a baby that's doing Baby Led Weaning. Think steamed carrots, pieces of toast, cut up grapes, etc. It looks like Fuel may have some options but I think I should plan on grocery delivery. I will ask for a mini fridge for bottles. Is there a microwave in the rooms at Dolphin?

Welcome to the dis, @moosemouse. There is a mini fridge in the rooms, but no microwave. There are public use microwaves in the Dolphin, located in both wings on the 6th and 9th floors near the ice machines.

Download the S/D app for your phone, lots of information there. If you download the app and use it, click to indicate that you are "On Property".

Have a great trip with your little one.

 

[buzz1fan]

Is the main pool going to be open in June?

 

[mystery222184]

Does anyone roughly know what the room discount is when booking the Food & Wine Classic event? Assume I’m better off using Amex but worth checking.

 

[blbrodger1]

Is the main pool going to be open in June?

Is the pool closed now?

 

[buzz1fan]

I thought I read they are working on waterfall pool are- I maybe completely incorrect- that is why I asked

 

[Dan Murphy]

Is the main pool going to be open in June?

Is the pool closed now?

The pool is currently open. See reply from S/D using text in the S/D app. They are so responsive. Texted at 2:31 PM, had reply at 2:42 PM.

 

[disneydabs]

I booked Swan through Costco and the fine print said what I paid Costco includes the daily resort fee. When I link my Costco reservation and search my reservation through Marriott Bonvoy, the app references the daily resort fee. Does anyone have any experience with this and having to argue on check in / check out that Costco included the resort fee? Appreciate any insight!

 

[sjuncfan]

I booked Swan through Costco and the fine print said what I paid Costco includes the daily resort fee. When I link my Costco reservation and search my reservation through Marriott Bonvoy, the app references the daily resort fee. Does anyone have any experience with this and having to argue on check in / check out that Costco included the resort fee? Appreciate any insight!

We booked through Costco and stayed about a month ago. No issues with the Swan trying to charge the resort fee. Since it was all prepaid, all that was on our folio at checkout were charges for food during our stay.

 

[SteveH]

@disneydabs just like @sjuncfan we were never charged any resort fee either. We had zero issues. It was just my wife and I and ended up with a two queen beds and asked about a King but didn't get it. Had a nice quiet corner room with double windows over looking the waterway facing the Boardwalk.

 

[Sunshine11]

Hi. Quick question - have Marriott bonvoy reservations for Swan Reserve held for two rooms for December. I know I read somewhere here that you need to call Marriott and give them exact names on each reservation so then to link to your MDE account. Always stayed in Disney resorts but can't not take advantage of using points over the holidays. Just wondering if anyone knew where to call the marriott to get the proper names on the reservations so can link to MDE. Total S/D/SW newbie here.

Thanks.

 

[disneydabs]

@disneydabs just like @sjuncfan we were never charged any resort fee either. We had zero issues. It was just my wife and I and ended up with a two queen beds and asked about a King but didn't get it. Had a nice quiet corner room with double windows over looking the waterway facing the Boardwalk.

Thank you!!!

 

[Grasshopper2016]

The pool addition / refurb looks to be a major, major endeavor. Has anyone heard anything about when it is expected to be completed? (Of course, nothing ever finishes on time. But it would be nice to at least have an idea what they're shooting for.)

 

[Dave006]

I know I read somewhere here that you need to call Marriott and give them exact names on each reservation so then to link to your MDE account.

No Marriott only need to show the correct number of Adults / Children. Then you need to enter the Marriott Confirmation number to link your reservation to your MDE Account.

In MDE once you link the reservation you will be able to assign names for anyone else on your Marriott reservation. Just make sure your MDE account has all the other guests listed on your MDE Profile or Linked as Friends and Family.

Dave

 

[Sunshine11]

No Marriott only need to show the correct number of Adults / Children. Then you need to enter the Marriott Confirmation number to link your reservation to your MDE Account.

In MDE once you link the reservation you will be able to assign names for anyone else on your Marriott reservation. Just make sure your MDE account has all the other guests listed on your MDE Profile or Linked as Friends and Family.

Dave

Thank you. That makes sense.

 

[SteveH]

The pool addition / refurb looks to be a major, major endeavor. Has anyone heard anything about when it is expected to be completed? (Of course, nothing ever finishes on time. But it would be nice to at least have an idea what they're shooting for.)

Nothing has been shared beyond the initial plans so far.