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

[SteveH]

Updated photos for Bourbon Street at the Dolphin...
View attachment 971180

I'm curious what it will really look like, thinking the Bourbon image is just an AI render.

 

[swummyh20]

Does anyone have any experience in riding out a hurricane at The Swan? I guess after being there during Milton, it’s a factor I’ll now consider. We were at AKL and felt very safe and well cared for—can the same be said at Swan? I totally and fully recognize and respect the effort it takes for cast members and employees to work these events, and I am well aware it’s hard to really plan ahead. Any thoughts? We are hard-stuck to our dates, last week of September, and now I’m overthinking (Milton…)

 

[SteveH]

@swummyh20 here is a search in this thread for the word hurricane, which may help. Also a member, Tess shared this post on her experience. All in all I think S&D does a good job during those challenges, they are well prepared.

 

[snoopy two]

So…no length of stay drink cup, correct? I do like having that at the Disney resorts. And, did I read something about grocery deliveries not allowed? Trying to figure out how to get my drinks.

 

[maxiesmom]

So…no length of stay drink cup, correct? I do like having that at the Disney resorts. And, did I read something about grocery deliveries not allowed? Trying to figure out how to get my drinks.

You can get groceries delivered. However they will not keep cold things cold for you--you will need to meet your grocery service.

 

[Karalee402]

Does anyone have any experience in riding out a hurricane at The Swan? I guess after being there during Milton, it’s a factor I’ll now consider. We were at AKL and felt very safe and well cared for—can the same be said at Swan? I totally and fully recognize and respect the effort it takes for cast members and employees to work these events, and I am well aware it’s hard to really plan ahead. Any thoughts? We are hard-stuck to our dates, last week of September, and now I’m overthinking (Milton…)

We were at The Dolphin and my in-laws were at The Swan during Hurricane Ian. I can't say enough about how incredibly well-prepared they were, how kind the cast members were (remember that their actual homes and lives are potentially being uprooted while they're trying to focus on keeping guests safe and happy), and how cared for we felt. They had games for the kids in the lobby and ran specials on food. It was an adventure, that's for sure, but we were nothing but impressed with the resort and with Disney, in general, for how well they handled the storm.

 

[swummyh20]

We were at The Dolphin and my in-laws were at The Swan during Hurricane Ian. I can't say enough about how incredibly well-prepared they were, how kind the cast members were (remember that their actual homes and lives are potentially being uprooted while they're trying to focus on keeping guests safe and happy), and how cared for we felt. They had games for the kids in the lobby and ran specials on food. It was an adventure, that's for sure, but we were nothing but impressed with the resort and with Disney, in general, for how well they handled the storm.

Thank you!!! This is very helpful.

 

[rangerxenos]

Thanks for the reminder to check rates, I just switched over to the Swan Reserve from the Dolphin for my December trip and saved over $300!

Wow, prices really do go up and down depending on the day, I just switched back to the Dolphin from Swan Reserve and saved another $100 for December!

 

[DisneyGamer11]

I assume the answer is yes but: Can I make 1 reservation with 2 rooms under the AP rate (under my name) since I'm the only AP in the party?

 

[jimr4]

Likely staying at the dolphin in a couple weeks for 5 nights. What's the breakfast situation like at the hotel? Is Fuel the best bet? I'll be with my 2 kids (9 and 11) and would like something quick before heading out to the parks. Just curious if it's a ****show down there in the morning around 7:30am or so.

 

[Karalee402]

Likely staying at the dolphin in a couple weeks for 5 nights. What's the breakfast situation like at the hotel? Is Fuel the best bet? I'll be with my 2 kids (9 and 11) and would like something quick before heading out to the parks. Just curious if it's a sh*tshow down there in the morning around 7:30am or so.

We've done breakfast at Fuel a few times on our way to the parks. You can mobile order using the Swan/Dolphin app, and it'll be ready when you're walking out. It's definitely insane if you wait and order at counter, so I highly recommend using the app!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Just curious if it's a **** show down there in the morning around 7:30am or so.

Welcome to the DIS, Jim, and Swan/Dolphin thread.

 

[VickieMouse]

I’m not sure if there is a specific place to find this information, but so far I have been unsuccessful. Swan shows no availability for 2 nights, 9/8 and 9/9. Dolphin shows none for 4 nights, 9/8-9/12. Three questions:

1. Does anyone know of what conference or event might be happening that they have nothing available?

2. Does anyone know when rooms that are held for a conference may be released if there are some available? I have been checking daily, but maybe it is a lost cause.

3. I see Swan Reserve is available, but I have never stayed there, and I really love having a balcony. Can anyone sway me that the Reserve is worth a shot? We are two adults.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Vicki

 

[mmm_texas]

I’m not sure if there is a specific place to find this information, but so far I have been unsuccessful. Swan shows no availability for 2 nights, 9/8 and 9/9. Dolphin shows none for 4 nights, 9/8-9/12. Three questions:

1. Does anyone know of what conference or event might be happening that they have nothing available?

2. Does anyone know when rooms that are held for a conference may be released if there are some available? I have been checking daily, but maybe it is a lost cause.

3. I see Swan Reserve is available, but I have never stayed there, and I really love having a balcony. Can anyone sway me that the Reserve is worth a shot? We are two adults.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Vicki

We've stayed at the Swan Reserve I believe three times (maybe four?), and really enjoyed it. We've had standard king rooms and the "signature" king suite twice. We've had great views of the Epcot fireworks (for the best view you need to be on a high enough floor so that the Dolphin isn't blocking the lower-tier fireworks). Or on the other side you can see HS.

However, there are not many rooms with balconies.

 

[Isthisnormalatdisney]

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

And both expect a tip

 

[Dave006]

And both expect a tip

Yes both groups are offering a "Personal Service" which opens up the Tipping debate that I always want to avoid.

Dave

 

[Dave006]

Swan shows no availability for 2 nights, 9/8 and 9/9. Dolphin shows none for 4 nights, 9/8-9/12.

Swan also is also sold out the next Monday / Tuesday, 9/15 - 9/16

1. Does anyone know of what conference or event might be happening that they have nothing available?

I have not seen anything indicating who might be holding conferences or meetings on those dates

2. Does anyone know when rooms that are held for a conference may be released if there are some available? I have been checking daily, but maybe it is a lost cause.

It varies for each Conference or meeting, and their contract. However many release any extra room blocks at 60 or 30 days out.

3. I see Swan Reserve is available, but I have never stayed there, and I really love having a balcony. Can anyone sway me that the Reserve is worth a shot? We are two adults.

It is lovely, and a smaller building that has all the basics under 1 roof. And the Swan / Dolphin are a quick walk across Epcot Resort BLVD. There are no Standard rooms that have a balcony. There are some suits that offer a balcony. Depending on the season, a balcony is an outdoor steam room due to the very high Humidity.

Dave

 

[gottalovepluto]

…I see Swan Reserve is available, but I have never stayed there, and I really love having a balcony. Can anyone sway me that the Reserve is worth a shot? We are two adults.

Assuming nothing opens at Dolphin or Swan what is your plan? That’s your reality right now so deal in that realm. Are you comparing SR to Disney EP area resorts? Something off-site?

If you haven’t already booked SR I’d book refundable asap to keep your options open. As the only Swolphin hotel available for your time it could easily hike in price. Also keep in mind conferences don’t just release rooms, they can also negotiate for more rooms closer in.

 

[VickieMouse]

Thank you both for your thoughts and advice. I was able to book a room at the dolphin for 2 nights prior to the 8th. I’m just not sure if it’s worth moving after that or just booking SR the whole time. I appreciate your comments to help me decide.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Thank you both for your thoughts and advice. I was able to book a room at the dolphin for 2 nights prior to the 8th. I’m just not sure if it’s worth moving after that or just booking SR the whole time. I appreciate your comments to help me decide.

If you love a balcony on vacay, enjoy the 2 days at dolphin. If you prefer convenience, do the whole time at SR so you don’t have to switch.

The floor to ceiling type windows at SR make it feel open even though there is no balcony. Dolphin’s rooms feel more enclosed to me if that’s of concern. If it’s fresh air you’re after from the balcony, obviously that’s not happening at SR. The hotel has excellent AC so the rooms don’t feel stuffy. The SR room will feel like a large step upwards in luxury, because it is vs Dolphin. You can see that just in the photos and the photos are a pretty accurate representation of SR.

Swolphin will move your luggage for you- but when I had them do that Dolphin to SR it ended up at Swan and while they eventually tracked it down I wished I’d moved it myself via rideshare (I’m not dragging my luggage in the FL heat to SR). They run a free shuttle van between all 3 hotels, just ask bell services. Not sure if they allow luggage as I found out about its existence too late in my trip but I’d give it a whirl before calling the rideshare.