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

[DISNEYNY]

I’m guessing it’s the same as through the chase portal. We booked through chase and paid the resort fees additionally when we got to the hotel. So yes, you will be hit with those additional resort fees as well.

Thanks! I ended up chatting and they told me the same thing. My Annual Pass discount booked directly ends up being cheaper then.

It's frustrating that Capital One doesn't mention that anywhere. A lot of people are probably blind sided when they checkout.

When I use other 3rd party sites like working advantage they always note what additional fees you will have to pay at the hotel.

 

[SteveH]

@DISNEYNY - glad you found out for sure. I was going to stay if it's not clearly stated its an extra. I know that Costco Travel states that, "Daily mandatory resort fee included" but most other sites don't.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Thanks! I ended up chatting and they told me the same thing. My Annual Pass discount booked directly ends up being cheaper then.

It's frustrating that Capital One doesn't mention that anywhere. A lot of people are probably blind sided when they checkout.

When I use other 3rd party sites like working advantage they always note what additional fees you will have to pay at the hotel.

Did you make it all the way to the checkout page on Cap1?

 

[lmross]

Did you make it all the way to the checkout page on Cap1?

I actually just went through this process - no mention at all of the fees on the last page where you confirm your booking.

If I get charged $45 that puts me at $255 vs the $231 AP rate... which I might do anyway since I have a $300 credit that I don't have a great use for at the moment...

 

[DISNEYNY]

Did you make it all the way to the checkout page on Cap1?

Yes I had already booked it and had a confirmation email. No mention of fees in email either. It was free cancelation.

 

[lmross]

Yes I had already booked it and had a confirmation email. No mention of fees in email either. It was free cancelation.

I've stayed using the capital one travel portal before and they've been good about mentioning additional fees... wondering if it would be worth pushing back after a stay and asking for a credit

See this breakdown from a previous stay-

 

[gottalovepluto]

On my trip I had a mix of Amex 3rd party and 1 night direct on an AP rate. I booked the same room type

• they honored my request to not change rooms
• I was able to pay room charges and resort fees on the 3rd party booking with Marriott gift cards
• I had to check in/out at the front desk at the end of each stay
• The AP rate was one night with a CC deposit but on check-out they were able to refund the cc and allowed me to pay with a Marriott gc

After that stay they accommodated a completely separate, extremely last minute direct AP booking as I was unhappy at CSR (not gonna go into it here, covered it on the CSR thread). Made the booking online mid-afternoon and arrived about 30 mins later and they had a room ready for me.

Ultimately- I was REALLY happy at Dolphin. Totally surprised me. The room was sized fine, I found the bathroom easier to navigate than Swan’s with that weird sink for some reason, and while the walk to the room was long it was air conditioned. I’m now torn. I also love SR but I might be #TeamDolphin…

 

[DISNEYNY]

I've stayed using the capital one travel portal before and they've been good about mentioning additional fees... wondering if it would be worth pushing back after a stay and asking for a credit

See this breakdown from a previous stay-

Good to see they have it added for some listings.

it was odd. I even called Capital One travel they were not helpful. Basically just that he didn't know anything we are just travel agents. I said their company needs to be more transparent. They then also mentioned it is through the hopper site.

 

[lmross]

On my trip I had a mix of Amex 3rd party and 1 night direct on an AP rate. I booked the same room type

• they honored my request to not change rooms
• I was able to pay room charges and resort fees on the 3rd party booking with gift cards
• I had to check in/out at the front desk at the end of each stay
• The AP rate was one night with a CC deposit but on check-out they were able to refund the cc and allowed me to pay with a gc

After that stay they accommodated a completely separate, extremely last minute direct AP booking as I was unhappy at CSR (not gonna go into it here, covered it on the CSR thread). Made the booking online mid-afternoon and arrived about 30 mins later and they had a room ready for me.

Ultimately- I was REALLY happy at Dolphin. Totally surprised me. The room was sized fine, I found the bathroom easier to navigate than Swan’s with that weird sink for some reason, and while the walk to the room was long it was air conditioned. I’m now torn. I also love SR but I might be #TeamDolphin…

I'm guessing these were marriott giftcards you used?

This is good to hear about the room swap. Due to how the points shook out it made sense to do a 5 night stay on points + another on the AP cash rate.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I'm guessing these were marriott giftcards you used?

This is good to hear about the room swap. Due to how the points shook out it made sense to do a 5 night stay on points + another on the AP cash rate.

Yes, Marriott gift cards. (I’ll clarify that)

 

[kylenne]

Ultimately- I was REALLY happy at Dolphin. Totally surprised me. The room was sized fine, I found the bathroom easier to navigate than Swan’s with that weird sink for some reason, and while the walk to the room was long it was air conditioned. I’m now torn. I also love SR but I might be #TeamDolphin…

I love it solo tbh. I don't even mind the full beds because I sleep at one at home. But it's an ideal size for a solo person. I would still prefer a king with my gf but the price was definitely right with that AP discount.

I find they are really good at honoring room requests too. Last trip, when I went to the front desk to complete my mobile check in, I was asked if I had any requests and I asked to be closer to the elevator to avoid long walks. I was put maybe 4 doors down from one on the 4th floor, it was great.

 

[Bird003]

FYI, dolphin still cheaper with their AP discount for week of Christmas than the one just released by Disney. It’s cheaper than riverside priced out!

 

[Sandi]

We stayed at the Swan in the summer of 2022 and are returning later this month with the same party of 4 women (me, my sister, and our daughters who are 29 and 19). My recollection is that the USB ports didn't work so we had to plug electronics into outlets -- even unplugging lamps to do so which made the room dark. Also, even though there are 4 drawers and a place to hang some clothes, storage was not great. I think we couldn't store luggage under the beds. Anyway, I'm wondering if anyone who has recently stayed in a Swan traditional 2 Queen room can address the following:

1) Are USB ports generally working?
2) Would you suggest bringing extension cords and/or a power strip?
3) Are any doors metal such that you can attach magnetic hooks, etc.?
4) Can luggage be stored under the beds?
5) Is there a clothes line in the shower to dry swimwear?
6) Any suggestions for storage workarounds?

I wish I remembered more about our 2022 stay. I know we had a great time and are eager to return, I just can't recall some particulars that aren't issues at the WDW resorts I've stayed at since then.

Thanks for any help!

 

[gottalovepluto]

We stayed at the Swan in the summer of 2022 and are returning later this month with the same party of 4 women (me, my sister, and our daughters who are 29 and 19). My recollection is that the USB ports didn't work so we had to plug electronics into outlets -- even unplugging lamps to do so which made the room dark. Also, even though there are 4 drawers and a place to hang some clothes, storage was not great. I think we couldn't store luggage under the beds. Anyway, I'm wondering if anyone who has recently stayed in a Swan traditional 2 Queen room can address the following:

1) Are USB ports generally working?
2) Would you suggest bringing extension cords and/or a power strip?
3) Are any doors metal such that you can attach magnetic hooks, etc.?
4) Can luggage be stored under the beds?
5) Is there a clothes line in the shower to dry swimwear?
6) Any suggestions for storage workarounds?

I wish I remembered more about our 2022 stay. I know we had a great time and are eager to return, I just can't recall some particulars that aren't issues at the WDW resorts I've stayed at since then.

Thanks for any help!

Side thought- Travel power banks are probably something you should look into. Gotta charge the bank but multiple devices (depending on what you buy) can connect and you can place it anywhere.

 

[Sandi]

Side thought- Travel power banks are probably something you should look into. Gotta charge the bank but multiple devices (depending on what you buy) can connect and you can place it anywhere.

Thanks. I have a couple of power banks that we take into the parks. I just hate having to crawl around to unplug lamps to get them powered up. I remember doing that at Swan. Even Pop Century has a better set up for electronic devices! Between iPhones, computers, iPads, and Apple Watches, we have so many devices to charge overnight. I know everyone else is in the same boat.

 

[elvispursley]

I’m planning to bring a power strip that has outlets and numerous USB ports. I did buy one of those 3-in-1 charges and despite the reviews, is crap! I have too many things that need charging to risk not enough ports or outlets

 

[champagne&disney]

We stayed at the Swan in the summer of 2022 and are returning later this month with the same party of 4 women (me, my sister, and our daughters who are 29 and 19). My recollection is that the USB ports didn't work so we had to plug electronics into outlets -- even unplugging lamps to do so which made the room dark. Also, even though there are 4 drawers and a place to hang some clothes, storage was not great. I think we couldn't store luggage under the beds. Anyway, I'm wondering if anyone who has recently stayed in a Swan traditional 2 Queen room can address the following:

1) Are USB ports generally working?
2) Would you suggest bringing extension cords and/or a power strip?
3) Are any doors metal such that you can attach magnetic hooks, etc.?
4) Can luggage be stored under the beds?
5) Is there a clothes line in the shower to dry swimwear?
6) Any suggestions for storage workarounds?

I wish I remembered more about our 2022 stay. I know we had a great time and are eager to return, I just can't recall some particulars that aren't issues at the WDW resorts I've stayed at since then.

Thanks for any help!

I was just in a 2 queen (with a balcony) the weekend of 21-23 - it was a renovated room and all the plugs worked, including the USB ports. If you have a lot of devices, it is a good idea to have more access to power.

I can't recall if the doors are metal but the doors to the closet are accordion doors so a little magic can be worked. It is FOR SURE going to be tight for 4 adults. There are only a few hangers for clothes.

The new beds are like Disney beds where they are platform so depending on the size of the suitcase, there is a chance.

I do not recall seeing a clothesline, but I could have missed it.

There is more storage than there was previously but will be tough for 4 people. I was only with 1 other friend (female) and we used every nook and cranny. The only place to hang towels was in the bathroom which is rough when you really want them to dry and you are using multiples.

I absolutely love the Swan though and I am sure you all will make it work!

 

[dancergirlsmom]

We currently have a reservation at Pop for Dec 26 - Jan 2 at regular rate. Not sure if there will be an AP rate offered at all. I was looking at Swan Reserve and The Dolphin using AP rate and they had a rate that was doable. I haven't stayed in any of them before so am clueless. There will be 3 adults in the room. I am looking at a balcony room at Dolphin or Epcot view at Swan Reserve. Anybody have any experience with either type room. I love a balcony for sitting out and drinking my coffee. But what is the view of? Is it just the hotel? Also I see the Dolphin has double beds instead of Queen. Are there places to eat there? I love the location. Yacht Club is my favorite resort. How is the bus service to MK and AK? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[gottalovepluto]

We currently have a reservation at Pop for Dec 26 - Jan 2 at regular rate. Not sure if there will be an AP rate offered at all. I was looking at Swan Reserve and The Dolphin using AP rate and they had a rate that was doable. I haven't stayed in any of them before so am clueless. There will be 3 adults in the room. I am looking at a balcony room at Dolphin or Epcot view at Swan Reserve. Anybody have any experience with either type room. I love a balcony for sitting out and drinking my coffee. But what is the view of? Is it just the hotel? Also I see the Dolphin has double beds instead of Queen. Are there places to eat there? I love the location. Yacht Club is my favorite resort. How is the bus service to MK and AK? Any help would be appreciated.

Bus service to MK is to the TTC. You can order a Minnie Van (about $35/one way) or walk to YC or BWI to bus straight to MK if you prefer.

2 adults sharing a double bed is a dealbreaker to me so I’d go SR. A lot more food options within the Dolphin hotel but even if you stay SR you can eat at Swan & Dolphin and use their pools (important to me as SR doesn’t have a hot tub) as these three sister resorts share their facilities for their guests.

 

[Jillfo]

We currently have a reservation at Pop for Dec 26 - Jan 2 at regular rate. Not sure if there will be an AP rate offered at all. I was looking at Swan Reserve and The Dolphin using AP rate and they had a rate that was doable. I haven't stayed in any of them before so am clueless. There will be 3 adults in the room. I am looking at a balcony room at Dolphin or Epcot view at Swan Reserve. Anybody have any experience with either type room. I love a balcony for sitting out and drinking my coffee. But what is the view of? Is it just the hotel? Also I see the Dolphin has double beds instead of Queen. Are there places to eat there? I love the location. Yacht Club is my favorite resort. How is the bus service to MK and AK? Any help would be appreciated.

Are you looking at the AP rate through Disney or the Marriott website? Rates change somewhat frequently at the Swolphin hotels and you can often rebook at a lower rate through Marriott (just make sure the rate you're booking is refundable).

The three hotels have eight to ten restaurants between them, not counting the quick-service coffee shops. I consider several of the restaurants superior to their Disney peers (e.g., Il Mulino is my favorite Italian restaurant at WDW). Swolpin has its own app which details all the restaurants.