Walt Disney World SWAN, DOLPHIN & SWAN RESERVE RESORTS Information & Questions

[shoreward]

So is holding the SPG biz card the same 'perk' (maybe) as gold status? i.e. upgrade room if available?

No, you still need to meet the same requirements for elite status.

For Gold status, even with Amex SPG Business card, you will need to have a minimum $30,000 spend on the card in a calendar year, or:

In order to become a "Gold Preferred Guest", an SPG Member must have at least 10 Eligible Stays or 25 Eligible Nights in a Qualifying Period at SPG Participating Hotels or SPG Partner Hotels (the "Gold Minimum Requirement"). The Gold Minimum Requirement must be achieved in the subsequent Qualifying Period to remain a Gold Preferred Guest during the calendar year following such subsequent Qualifying Period or the SPG Member will be downgraded to the Preferred Guest level on March 1st of the calendar year following such subsequent Qualifying Period. If an SPG Member earns more than 10 Eligible Stays or 25 Eligible Nights in a Qualifying Period, he/she will not earn more than one Eligible Status Year.

 

[ginny65]

I've searched youtube but can't really find out what the worst view would be staying in a traditional room at Dolphin. Does anyone know? Do they have parking lot views or do all the rooms have a decent view?

 

[Dan Murphy]

I've searched youtube but can't really find out what the worst view would be staying in a traditional room at Dolphin. Does anyone know? Do they have parking lot views or do all the rooms have a decent view?

You could get a dreaded 'dumpster view'.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/dolphin-room-suggestions.2909182/#post-44577333

The vast majority of rooms, just like the many other resorts there, have great views.

 

[SwanVT2]

Checked into the Dolphin this evening. Love our resort view room. We can see the Hollywood studios fireworks from the balcony. Bummed that the cabana bar is only open for drinks, no food today and tomorrow and also the kiddie pool and spring pool and dolphin lap pool are closed tomorrow --all for a big conference. It should quiet down by the weekend! Renovated rooms look nice but bathroom where the door almost opens into the tub is tight. Happy to be here!

 

[puffkins]

I've searched youtube but can't really find out what the worst view would be staying in a traditional room at Dolphin. Does anyone know? Do they have parking lot views or do all the rooms have a decent view?

Some parking lot views are better than others. If you are the 12th floor or above, looking over the parking lot/convention center also lets you look at Magic Kingdom...albeit far in the distance or Animal Kingdom (much closer but only Expedition Everest/Tree of Life are really visible.)

 

[Dan Murphy]

Checked into the Dolphin this evening. Love our resort view room.

That's great, enjoy the trip!!

Renovated rooms look nice but bathroom where the door almost opens into the tub is tight.

Every room i have ever been in there at either the Swan or Dolphin (most often the Swan), the bathroom doors almost have to be greased so as to not hit things in the bathrooms . They are a tight fit for sure. But still, a great resort.

 

[amalone1013]

I've searched youtube but can't really find out what the worst view would be staying in a traditional room at Dolphin. Does anyone know? Do they have parking lot views or do all the rooms have a decent view?

DH would say the view we had in January

 

[MarBee]

Staying at the Dolphin coming up. Are the bus stops still only located at the Swan, like they were when we stayed over the summer? Or are there bus stops that pick up/drop off at the Dolphin too?

 

[amalone1013]

Staying at the Dolphin coming up. Are the bus stops still only located at the Swan, like they were when we stayed over the summer? Or are there bus stops that pick up/drop off at the Dolphin too?

They pick up at the Dolphin too. The bus goes to both hotels, first one then the other.

 

[MarBee]

They pick up at the Dolphin too. The bus goes to both hotels, first one then the other.

Thank you! Just curious- which stop is first getting picked up and first getting dropped off?

 

[shoreward]

Thank you! Just curious- which stop is first getting picked up and first getting dropped off?

Bus first picks up at the Swan. Unless there is no more space onboard, it then stops at Dolphin. Another bus is sent to Dolphin, in case Swan bus is full to capacity.

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

Do the eateries at the Swan/Dolphin accept Disney gift cards?

 

[SwanVT2]

Excellent customer service. We had requested a box fan prior to visit. None were available so they gave us some resort credit to use on dining. Unfortunately I have come down with a bad sore throat. They directed me to a medical concierge practice that I am going to visit today (what a terrible way to start vacation) but concierge has been very caring and helpful!! DD loves the hotel (she is 5) and to quote her, "they have everything here I want to live here". I highly recommend Picabu. 15.00 refillable mug for starbucks coffee. Fuel has lattes for 6.00. Picabu and aaa discount is very affordable and nice staff. Great for families!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

first one then the other.

Swan first, then the Dolphin.

 

[momto4obkids]

Do the eateries at the Swan/Dolphin accept Disney gift cards?

No they don't.

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

No they don't.

Booooooo... Okay. Thanks for your answer!

 

[momto4obkids]

Booooooo... Okay. Thanks for your answer!

I do the gift cards too. When we stayed at the Swan we just walked over to the Boardwalk and ate at the restaurants there, using gift cards.

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

I do the gift cards too. When we stayed at the Swan we just walked over to the Boardwalk and ate at the restaurants there, using gift cards.

True... We don't typically eat at the hotel anyway so it probably wouldn't even be an issue, but I was curious.

 

[ginny65]

DH would say the view we had in January

Oh my! That is quite the view!! We had a "roof view" at the BC once. I guess it didn't bother us too much. We just didn't sit on the balcony much. Thank you for sending the picture.

 

[ginny65]

You could get a dreaded 'dumpster view'.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/dolphin-room-suggestions.2909182/#post-44577333

The vast majority of rooms, just like the many other resorts there, have great views.

Thank you! That dumpster view isn't near as bad as that roof view that alamone1013 posted.

Some parking lot views are better than others. If you are the 12th floor or above, looking over the parking lot/convention center also lets you look at Magic Kingdom...albeit far in the distance or Animal Kingdom (much closer but only Expedition Everest/Tree of Life are really visible.)

Good to know. I guess at check-in we will ask what our view is and if it seems to be bad, we will request a move and see what happens.