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

emarie said:

there may be a teacher discount, though I'm not sure how much that is!

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SteveH said:

@emarie You are correct, Dolphin will allow a roll-away while Swan does not. This is due to the bed size and the square footage in the room. My gut says that its a probably a fire code reason behind that. We've stayed at the Dolphin with our two boys sharing a double bed, they were about the same age as yours. My wife and I shared the other bed. If your DS is good with a roll-away I think this is a very good option.

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GoofyDad_4427 said:

Based on my experience, that is a lie. We have stayed at the Dolphin many times and if anything, I would say the double beds are smaller than the usual size. Last trip with DW, DS12 and DS8 we vowed to never stay there again unless we got a suite or multiple rooms. My boys are even slightly small for their ages, but we just were uncomfortable both with the sleeping arrangements and with the overall size of the room. But every family is different in those regards.

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jennypenny said:

We haven't done 5 in one room in a while, but when we did we preferred a Swan room and used an air mattress. The queens were nice and the extra sink was very helpful with so many people sharing a bathroom.

I'd also keep an eye on discounted cash rates for bigger DVC studios or 1 bedroom units. We're paying $430/night for a 1bd at the Beach Club this June. It's more than a Swan or Dolphin room, but we get a full kitchen and laundry (we'll save on meals and won't have to pack as many clothes). It also includes airport transportation, so eliminates that cost as well.

I'm not trying to talk you out of S/D -- we just spent a few days at the Swan because we like it -- but with 5 including kids, make sure you look into cash discounts at the DVC rooms. Many studios now have a pullout and a pulldown bed which sounds like it would work for your family.

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jennypenny said:

We were allowed to book with 5 since 3 were kids. IIRC, we booked online for 2 adults and then called the hotel to add the kids. It means the reservation will wash through the MDE app twice before it's correct so leave lots of time. I'd also call the Swan directly to confirm they'll still let you have 3 kids in the room. (I never mentioned the air mattress)

Yes, I mean discounted cash rates on the WDW website. We booked the Beach Club room in March for this June's trip. You can't always get what you want and you can't get deals on the most popular rooms like two bedrooms, but they are included in many promotions. When I looked, I could book a 1 bedroom at Saratoga Springs or Old Key West for $314. That's crazy cheap compared to regular hotel rooms at Disney since they include kitchens and laundry (and OKW has an extra sleeper chair and huge balcony). I would have taken it if we were driving down this trip instead of flying.

I'll repeat though, we really like the S/D as well and stay there often, so I don't want to give you the impression that you have to look elsewhere. I was just trying to give you options since you never know what discounts and offers will be available the week you decide to go (S/D had no rooms available on points the week we're going in June because of a conference). We prefer the Swan to the Dolphin because it's smaller and quieter and we don't think it's a big deal to walk over to the Dolphin for the amenities. The laundry room isn't far from the Dolphin pool so you can sit near the pool while you wait for your laundry. Others love the Dolphin.

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Chisoxcollector said:

Has anybody had any issues linking their Swan/Dolphin reservation to MDE? I made a reservation on 4/11 for 6/20 - 6/22. I still can’t get it to link. I enter my confirmation number and last name and it says it can’t find the reservation.

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shoreward said:

This is not unusual. Your best option is to call Swan/Dolphin in-house reservations and ask them to resend your reservation info to Disney. That usually resolves the issue within one or two days.

Tel (407) 934-3000

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SteveH said:

@Chisoxcollector sadly this has been an ongoing issue. But the advice from shoreward does seem to help out consistently.

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Dave006 said:

No the resort fee is not included in the room price. It is always an add-on just like parking.

Dave

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marymoo86 said:

Planning a split stay in Dec - 2 nights at AKL Kidani and 6 nights at Dolphin. Have a couple of questions:

1) Conflicting info on this - will Disney bell services transfer to Dolphin? No worries if not, will just Uber over that morning to drop off the luggage.
2) Taking MDE on the arrival flight but will need to schedule our departure transport - thinking of using the Concierge services for a private SUV for this. It's $78 and I'm okay with paying a bit extra for convenience and alleviate worry over cancellation. Has anyone used with kids? Or should I get another vehicle? Kids will be 6 and 9 - not sure what the requirements are in Florida for seating for them.
3) We have a King premium deluxe studio - is the pilot for extra FP+ still going on? Wondering if this room type qualifies?
4) DH will get the refillable mug since he likes soft drinks. Is the coffee worth it for myself? That would be my main use - unless there is sparkling water/seltzer available?
5) Not Swan/Dolphin related but is sparkling water/seltzer available at table service? Kids like it and I'm sure they would prefer that over always getting plain - no soft drinks for them and with other tempting treats rather use that sugar on fun stuff rather than juice.

Thanks all for the insight! Excited to head back. First time at Dolphin - last time it was the Swan.

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marymoo86 said:

Planning a split stay in Dec - 2 nights at AKL Kidani and 6 nights at Dolphin. Have a couple of questions:

1) Conflicting info on this - will Disney bell services transfer to Dolphin? No worries if not, will just Uber over that morning to drop off the luggage.
2) Taking MDE on the arrival flight but will need to schedule our departure transport - thinking of using the Concierge services for a private SUV for this. It's $78 and I'm okay with paying a bit extra for convenience and alleviate worry over cancellation. Has anyone used with kids? Or should I get another vehicle? Kids will be 6 and 9 - not sure what the requirements are in Florida for seating for them.
3) We have a King premium deluxe studio - is the pilot for extra FP+ still going on? Wondering if this room type qualifies?
4) DH will get the refillable mug since he likes soft drinks. Is the coffee worth it for myself? That would be my main use - unless there is sparkling water/seltzer available?
5) Not Swan/Dolphin related but is sparkling water/seltzer available at table service? Kids like it and I'm sure they would prefer that over always getting plain - no soft drinks for them and with other tempting treats rather use that sugar on fun stuff rather than juice.

Thanks all for the insight! Excited to head back. First time at Dolphin - last time it was the Swan.

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Trackstar4400 said:

We used the concierge SUV last summer both ways (our entire stay was SWaN) it was well worth it. My kids still talk about the car and want us to get an Escalade now‍

I know you are only using it for the return but for anyone else looking, they met us right at baggage claim with a sign. Our flight was early but they had been tracking it so he was right on time. Offered to stop at the grocery and liquor store for us.

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ginny65 said:

How much does it cost to use this concierge service round trip from/to MCO?

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