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

[Gitelfor]

I just did a chat on the Disney site and asked why the Disney Swan and Dolphin was not on the list for Disney’s early entry into the parks. The CM stated that the Swan and Dolphin are on property only but are not Disney owned resorts. I then asked, so Holiday Inn and Hilton are owned by Disney? Read the screenshot of her response back.

If the communicated info is accurate, it does sound like Disney may be charging non-Disney owned resorts to be included for early entry. Management at the Swan/Dolphin/Reserve needs to be aware of the provided info, and if it is correct, how it impacts your decision of where to stay.

 

[Disney21First]

This has been an issue ever since Marriott took over SPG, the charges for the kids was supposed to have been fixed almost 2 years ago, but well still hasn't. I would suggest calling S/D direct, talk with in-house reservations, the additional charges for the children should be removed they can either book it for your or confirm the fees will be removed.

I spoke to Swan. They did confirm it is just a glitch in the system with Marriott. Kind of annoying that it is like that. She said when you book children, the reservation reads it as adults and increases the price. They said just book the room as though it were 2 adults staying and no children. Then once the reservation is set we can call the hotel and have the kids added. I don't really see a reason to actually add the kids though since there is no benefit to that. My Park Pass tickets will still be completely separate so the kids will be counted there.

 

[Disney21First]

I just did a chat on the Disney site and asked why the Disney Swan and Dolphin was not on the list for Disney’s early entry into the parks. The CM stated that the Swan and Dolphin are on property only but are not Disney owned resorts. I then asked, so Holiday Inn and Hilton are owned by Disney? Read the screenshot of her response back.

Based on that it seems as though Swan and Dolphin are not part of it. Although, the benefit missed is just being able to go to the park 30 minutes early, correct? Perhaps I am wrong, but 30 minutes doesn't seem to be that big of a deal.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I would take this with a grain of salt. This CM dosnt seem to understand the actual question. She prolly has the same list we all have so the only thing they can say is "they are not on the list"

I fully agree.

 

[patty57]

I hate to think that losing the Disney bus service was just the beginning of losing Disney benefits. I really love the Swan & Dolphin, but this would be the end of my stays there.

 

[Lewisc]

It must be a Marriott issue. The JW Marriott in Bonnet Creek isn't participating with early entry. The Hilton hotels in Bonnet Creek are.

I agree with PP. Losing Disney bus service was the first sign of issues. I was wondering if S D would be participating in evening hours. It never crossed my mind that morning would be gone.

 

[pix13dust]

Checked in yesterday, first impressions from someone who’s always stayed on Disney property. I absolutely love it! We got to the hotel about 1130am, checked in quickly. Grabbed lunch at the fountain. The place was absolutely packed, however service was quick and food was delicious!!!!! We toured the hotel walked over to the boardwalk then had dinner at Il Mulino, dinner was delicious service was great. As the general theme here, Il Mulino was also packed, every available table taken at 8 PM on a Tuesday.

I booked the cheapest room available, two double beds- no view. The room is actually quite spacious and much to our surprise we could see fireworks out our window last night. What a bonus! We are on the ninth floor, overlooking the roof. We also have one sink that someone can get ready at and across from it a vanity that someone can get ready at. Comes in very handy with two teenage daughters. Also, I caught housekeeping in the hallway and she happily gave me 8 waters, 4 coffees, cups and wash cloths.

 

[SteveH]

...Management at the Swan/Dolphin/Reserve needs to be aware of the provided info, and if it is correct, how it impacts your decision of where to stay.

By all means letting them know is a good thing, they will also be looking at the occupancy rates.

S/D have always been very big convention hotels, they were built for it since at the time Disney didn't have the convention space on property. So it could be that they're looking at the convention crowds coming back and the early morning and extra hour costs and the demand isn't enough to justify the cost. We all just don't really know. We just have to book what's best for each of us. Early entry isn't something I'd take part of, and the extra hour isn't a dealer breaker if the room rates are priced right. If they keep the rooms priced in competition with the Moderates and not the Disney Deluxe prices that would keep me going.

 

[Scalemaster34]

Based on that it seems as though Swan and Dolphin are not part of it. Although, the benefit missed is just being able to go to the park 30 minutes early, correct? Perhaps I am wrong, but 30 minutes doesn't seem to be that big of a deal.

But it can mean walking on your first attraction, or waiting hours... so yeah it can be a big deal.

But in the end it's more worrisome when combined with the existing bus issues or the lack of a dining plan option. Again on their own none are a huge issue, but what's next? Maybe when FP come back we don't get early access? Or if it's some tiered "pay" system we don't get the same "free" options that WDW Resort Guest might get? Maybe next to go are the benefits extended to Disney conference guest?

 

[CogsworthTN]

Checked in yesterday, first impressions from someone who’s always stayed on Disney property. I absolutely love it! We got to the hotel about 1130am, checked in quickly. Grabbed lunch at the fountain. The place was absolutely packed, however service was quick and food was delicious!!!!! We toured the hotel walked over to the boardwalk then had dinner at Il Mulino, dinner was delicious service was great. As the general theme here, Il Mulino was also packed, every available table taken at 8 PM on a Tuesday.

I booked the cheapest room available, two double beds- no view. The room is actually quite spacious and much to our surprise we could see fireworks out our window last night. What a bonus! We are on the ninth floor, overlooking the roof. We also have one sink that someone can get ready at and across from it a vanity that someone can get ready at. Comes in very handy with two teenage daughters. Also, I caught housekeeping in the hallway and she happily gave me 8 waters, 4 coffees, cups and wash cloths.

Would you mind speaking to someone in management there about the Swan and Dolphin not being on the list for early entry at the Disney parks when surrounding non Disney hotels are on the list for this? I’m curious if Swan and Dolphin will be allowed late night hours and fast pass privileges to Disney as well. Thanks and have a great stay, it’s a great deluxe resort.

 

[Gitelfor]

What happens when the Friendship boats can’t operate, due to weather conditions? Are there any Mears buses available to transport guests between the Swan/Dolphin and EP and DHS, or must those guests either walk the entire way, take ride share/taxi, or use a YC/BC or BW bus and walk the rest of the way to/from the Swan/Dolphin?

 

[Grasshopper2016]

Does anyone know of a good email address for Swan and Dolphin management or guest relations that I could use to raise my concerns about the loss of onsite benefits?

 

[katyjeka]

I just phoned Disney Vacation Club and the man was super helpful. It took a few minutes as he looked it up but he stated early entry will be available at Swan/Dolphin. The extended night hours will not be. I'm hoping I can trust what is says!!!

 

[Disney21First]

I just phoned Disney Vacation Club and the man was super helpful. It took a few minutes as he looked it up but he stated early entry will be available at Swan/Dolphin. The extended night hours will not be. I'm hoping I can trust what is says!!!

Too bad on the extended hours. Seems that would be way better to get than the early morning hours.

 

[Disney21First]

Actually one question on those park hours. If I look now I see that MK hours are 9:00 - 11:00 PM. If I stay at D&S I would be able to enter at those times, correct? The early entry would then be 8:30 that it seems like D&S will have. What I lose out on is the extended night hours to potentially 1 AM if those extended night hours come back? I will be with 2 kids 9 and 6 so I doubt I would ever actually need to go past 11 PM anyway, so maybe the "not having extended night hours" really won't be that big of a deal?

 

[Meglen]

Actually one question on those park hours. If I look now I see that MK hours are 9:00 - 11:00 PM. If I stay at D&S I would be able to enter at those times, correct? The early entry would then be 8:30 that it seems like D&S will have. What I lose out on is the extended night hours to potentially 1 AM if those extended night hours come back? I will be with 2 kids 9 and 6 so I doubt I would ever actually need to go past 11 PM anyway, so maybe the "not having extended night hours" really won't be that big of a deal?

Correct

 

[Meglen]

They should really take the "Disney" away from the title of Swan and Dolphin on the WDW website if there going through all this.. if they dont get any of the benefits than why have Disney in the name..

 

[Scalemaster34]

They should really take the "Disney" away from the title of Swan and Dolphin on the WDW website if there going through all this.. if they dont get any of the benefits than why have Disney in the name..

Well they still have the views....

But I do wonder how many book them, without understanding that they really aren't Disney and don't get "all" the benefits that other deluxe Disney resorts on property have. Of course the discounted rates (in most cases) should be a clue...

Haven't seen the Poly for $125 a night, like last April or the $225 for upcoming Nov trip. Heck at the time even POP cost more than the Dolphin.

 

[UK MIKEY]

We want to be there with a balcony 26th April - 7th May 2022 and it's looking really pricey at the moment.
It's about $6,000 for an 11 night stay, $535 per night for a couple and that's non refundable!

It's seeming pricier by the week, with the benefits appearing to be diminishing.

 

[jhlmendez]

I just phoned Disney Vacation Club and the man was super helpful. It took a few minutes as he looked it up but he stated early entry will be available at Swan/Dolphin. The extended night hours will not be. I'm hoping I can trust what is says!!!

This is encouraging. Not surprised at being locked out of EMH that will now be only for "Deluxe" resort guests. Still, might not hurt to send some emails or make some calls until they release something official.