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

[Tiggr88]

You’re not very deep into the Bonvoy world are you? #Bonvoyed became a saying for a reason. Absolutely you pay resort fees on points stays.

Hilton and Hyatt waive resort fees on point stays- although with the rate of Hilton inflation you better earn like 100k points more than you think you’ll need because the price will get jacked up before you’re able to book…

Nope. I don’t travel a lot but I have diamond status at Hilton so I tend to use that more when I do. I’ve accumulated Marriott points at swolphin stays but used them elsewhere. I think this is the first time I looked to use points at swan and was surprised.

 

[Cfabar1]

Generally Swan & Dolphin is a terrible use of points through Marriott...Some properties like RC in Orlando can actually be a good value.

However, if this is where you want to be, sometimes it is worth it to spend the points if you have them...

 

[Dave006]

Generally Swan & Dolphin is a terrible use of points through Marriott...Some properties like RC in Orlando can actually be a good value.

@Tiggr88 is using premium points due to the Disney on-site location vs at the RC which is lovely but not on-site within WDW.

Dave

 

[Best Aunt]

How is Bell Services at the Swan?

My Owner's Locker will be delivered to Bell Services. I will need Bell Services to bring it up to my room. I have a bad back, so I can't take it up to the room myself.

Also, I plan to do a grocery stop on the way to the hotel. Does the Swan have employees out front who will load stuff onto a cart to bring up to the room?

 

[gottalovepluto]

How is Bell Services at the Swan?

My Owner's Locker will be delivered to Bell Services. I will need Bell Services to bring it up to my room. I have a bad back, so I can't take it up to the room myself.

Also, I plan to do a grocery stop on the way to the hotel. Does the Swan have employees out front who will load stuff onto a cart to bring up to the room?

Yes, they have full bell services who load and deliver things to your room. However, if you arrive at a very busy time when they are backed up you may need to wait for assistance.

 

[Best Aunt]

Yes, they have full bell services who load and deliver things to your room. However, if you arrive at a very busy time when they are backed up you may need to wait for assistance.

Thanks!

 

[Dave006]

Also, I plan to do a grocery stop on the way to the hotel. Does the Swan have employees out front who will load stuff onto a cart to bring up to the room?

Just a little extra information to add to @gottalovepluto's great comments.

At the Swan / Dolphin the entry drop off has Valet team members that often will unload your items to a BS cart, offer to park your vehicle in the Valet lot, and then you will get a BS team member inside the lobby to either store your items (no cold storage) if your room is not ready.

Dave

 

[AussieFan8]

FYI if you have a reservation around Thanksgiving, the rates dropped today. I was able to save $400 and now have a room which I think is an upgrade from what I previously booked. I originally had "Deluxe Resort View, Guest Room, 2 Queen, Balcony" and now I have "2 Queen Beds, Resort View, Balcony, Deluxe Guest Room". The difference is $20/night. I didn't even notice that these were two separate categories the first time I booked. Does anyone know what the difference is and if it's worth it?

 

[jmasgat]

FYI if you have a reservation around Thanksgiving, the rates dropped today. I was able to save $400 and now have a room which I think is an upgrade from what I previously booked. I originally had "Deluxe Resort View, Guest Room, 2 Queen, Balcony" and now I have "2 Queen Beds, Resort View, Balcony, Deluxe Guest Room". The difference is $20/night. I didn't even notice that these were two separate categories the first time I booked. Does anyone know what the difference is and if it's worth it?

Thank you!!! I am going for W&D race weekend, and I have a AP rate--still saved $240 for my 3 nights. Now I just wish that Sunday opens up.

 

[AussieFan8]

I originally had "Deluxe Resort View, Guest Room, 2 Queen, Balcony" and now I have "2 Queen Beds, Resort View, Balcony, Deluxe Guest Room". The difference is $20/night. I didn't even notice that these were two separate categories the first time I booked. Does anyone know what the difference is and if it's worth it?

In case I confused anyone with this, I found the answer. When using the educator discount in the app, it showed two separate rates for the same room type, one with special rate applied and one without, but the room rate is worded slightly different. The original rate I booked was the one without, so I was able to switch it today and save another $100+!

 

[summerlvr]

I just booked the Dolphin for mid June and got the lowest I've seen in a long time. AP rate of $196/night (that includes the $50 resort fee). That doesn't include tax, which is an additional $98 for 4 nights.

 

[Dave006]

I just booked the Dolphin for mid June and got the lowest I've seen in a long time. AP rate of $196/night (that includes the $50 resort fee). That doesn't include tax, which is an additional $98 for 4 nights.

That's a good rate. Do you happen to know what the rate was at the SWAN, and is there any reason you would chose the Dolphin over the Swan?

Dave

 

[summerlvr]

That's a good rate. Do you happen to know what the rate was at the SWAN, and is there any reason you would chose the Dolphin over the Swan?

Dave

I believe Swan was $225 +tax. I usually pick Dolphin over the Swan because it's almost always cheaper. Plus I've never had a bad room at Dolphin, so keeping my fingers crossed that it continues. Last time I stayed there was last October 31st for just 1 night because I extended my trip when I decided I didn't want to fly home on Halloween. Asked for a room with a nice view and got upgraded to a 1BR suite and it was ready at 10AM! Spent most of the day in that awesome suite, which was a good thing, because I unfortunately brought Covid home with me. I feel really bad about exposing folks, especially on the plane, but I had no idea until the day after I got home.