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

[MarBee]

You only can use one discount, per reservation, so it's either one or the other.

Thank you! Just wondering how to book with an AP discount. Would I have to go through Disney? Or is there a way to do it through spg website/phone call?

 

[Tess]

Thank you! Just wondering how to book with an AP discount. Would I have to go through Disney? Or is there a way to do it through spg website/phone call?

Never go through Disney to book S&D--the price will always be higher. We have booked through SPG, by phone on occasion (successfully got a discounted rate that we found online) and online at the S&D website. On the S&D website you can click for promotional rates and discounted rates i.e., AAA, etc. If you sign up for promotional emails from the S&D site, you could luck into a good discount as well.

 

[shoreward]

Thank you! Just wondering how to book with an AP discount. Would I have to go through Disney? Or is there a way to do it through spg website/phone call?

You call them at 888.828.8850.

 

[mukorasirish]

Hello! Just booked a stay at the Dolphin with my family. There are 5 of us - husband, myself and 3 kids. I know how they fit 5 into other resorts, but how does it work at the Dolphin. Is there a couch similar to Beach Club or do they bring a cot in?

Thanks for any info!!

 

[ww52]

The rep quoted me a price of 538/nt for that room (I asked about the suite in case my mom and brother wanted to stay with us) for early May . Does that sound about right ? Are discounts common for that room type where I could get a cheaper price at some point?

With taxes and resort fees we're paying $560 a night for that configuration. Essentially the same if I recall as the price of two regular rooms, with more space.

We originally wanted the Swan (stayed there 3 times before and liked the feel of it) but the rep talked of this style configuration and it was perfect for our group. We have two such rooms - there are 8 of us total (was going to be 9 but one person can't make the trip now). Three adults and two kids under 5 in one, three adults in another. (We thought of just having the three adults in one room once the other person cancelled, but decided to "splurge" and keep it.)

Actually, if memory serves me right (always a risky statement with me) I've heard it referred to a Executive Suite as well as Alcove Suite or Alcove something. That's my confusion because it doesn't seem to have a set name. It's essentially two rooms (a suite and a room that connects) that they sell either separate or combined.

I went through the whole array of discounts available (AARP, AAA, teacher) and the best rate they gave me was both AARP or AAA. Either the teacher discount wasn't available for that style room or was the same or more in price.

Also - the rep said Starwood points could not be used for it. I found that a bit puzzling, but didn't press it. We also had an option to get Marriott gift cards with Amex points but they said they don't accept them there yet (not sure if/when they ever will).

 

[TheyCallMeStacey]

Also - the rep said Starwood points could not be used for it. I found that a bit puzzling, but didn't press it. We also had an option to get Marriott gift cards with Amex points but they said they don't accept them there yet (not sure if/when they ever will).

I would love for them to take Marriott gift cards!

 

[momto4obkids]

So, I saw a post from someone on a face book group that says they have stayed at the Swolphin several times and they have an adults only pool.

Is that true?? I have looked all over and not seen one mention of it anywhere! We stayed there last year and didn't see anything either, now we didn't go to all of the pools so maybe we missed it??

 

[earfulofmagic]

So, I saw a post from someone on a face book group that says they have stayed at the Swolphin several times and they have an adults only pool.

Is that true?? I have looked all over and not seen one mention of it anywhere! We stayed there last year and didn't see anything either, now we didn't go to all of the pools so maybe we missed it??

Not officially, I don't think. The "lap" pool at the Swan (right outside of the fitness center) is usually really quiet and frequented mostly by adults, though -- it's very calm compared to the Dolphin grotto pools, and I've only seen kids there once or twice, and not many at that.

 

[loves to dive]

So, I saw a post from someone on a face book group that says they have stayed at the Swolphin several times and they have an adults only pool.

Is that true?? I have looked all over and not seen one mention of it anywhere! We stayed there last year and didn't see anything either, now we didn't go to all of the pools so maybe we missed it??

Depends on what they mean by an adult only pool. At the Swan there is a lap pool so no kids pool. At the Dolphin there is the whole big grotto thing, a separate hot tub area and another pool separate from that right in front of the Cabana Bar.

 

[momto4obkids]

Depends on what they mean by an adult only pool. At the Swan there is a lap pool so no kids pool. At the Dolphin there is the whole big grotto thing, a separate hot tub area and another pool separate from that right in front of the Cabana Bar.

They literally meant adults only allowed in the pool, no kids allowed.

 

[loves to dive]

Whoop, whoop, finally pushed the button and booked my stay for F&W. I'll be at the Dolphin 9/11 through 15 then moving over to All Star Music for one night just to there for a Saturday for once during F&W, I usually leave on Saturday so don't get to go to the cheese seminars. There is a good chance I'll change my reservation more than once before I actually go since I tend to do that 2 or 3 times when better prices come out.

 

[loves to dive]

They literally meant adults only allowed in the pool, no kids allowed.

Nope, not one, at least there wasn't at the beginning of May when we were there.

 

[momto4obkids]

Nope, not one, at least there wasn't at the beginning of May when we were there.

That's what I thought! Like I said we didn't go by all of the pools , so I wasn't sure if I missed the adults only pool or if that person was loopy!

 

[BebopBaloo]

A quick question in regards to resort service package charges. The fine print says $28/night, but the break down in my emailed receipt says $31.50. Are those different things? I really hope not. They are both called 'service package." Is there an added tax on the service package that is separate from the room tax? It should just be room cost, plus service package, plus state and local tax, and then once we are there the parking fee. Right? Please lol

 

[earfulofmagic]

A quick question in regards to resort service package charges. The fine print says $28/night, but the break down in my emailed receipt says $31.50. Are those different things? I really hope not. They are both called 'service package." Is there an added tax on the service package that is separate from the room tax? It should just be room cost, plus service package, plus state and local tax, and then once we are there the parking fee. Right? Please lol

It'll just be $31.50 flat for the service package (resort fee) charge. $28 + 12.5% tax = $31.50! They include the tax on the breakdown.

So yes, just room cost, service package, parking fee, and tax.

 

[BebopBaloo]

It'll just be $31.50 flat for the service package (resort fee) charge. $28 + 12.5% tax = $31.50! They include the tax on the breakdown.

So yes, just room cost, service package, parking fee, and tax.

Thank you! Whew I was seeing the tax for just the room separated out, so that's what threw me off. I also got up reaaaal early today and didn't exactly sleep much over night. Hooray for coffee!

 

[mrsdaly]

Does anyone know if the pools are heated more than Disney's pools? I'm currently booked at POFQ but have been leaning towards changing to the Dolphin for a trip in December. POFQ has the boat to Disney Springs but Dolphin is sooooo close to Epcot! If the pool is warm I'd consider changing, since I think Disney's pools are too cold for swimming in the winter months. Any opinions on the hot tub(s) would be appreciated too.

The pools are heated... I don't remember if the hot tub was exceptionally hot or not, I would imagine that they would turn up the heat in the winter months (as we do with our hot tub at home to compensate for the colder air), but I'm assuming they will be on par with POFQ. If you hit a cold spell it's still too cold to swim. Hot tubs are another story. I still think Dolphin is a great option - you are so close to Epcot and HS... POFQ is nice for Disney Springs but that's it. You have the Boardwalk at the Dolphin... a nice selection of eateries there as well. Also nice restaurant options at Dolphin & Swan.

 

[MusicalAstronaut]

The pools are heated... I don't remember if the hot tub was exceptionally hot or not, I would imagine that they would turn up the heat in the winter months (as we do with our hot tub at home to compensate for the colder air), but I'm assuming they will be on par with POFQ. If you hit a cold spell it's still too cold to swim. Hot tubs are another story. I still think Dolphin is a great option - you are so close to Epcot and HS... POFQ is nice for Disney Springs but that's it. You have the Boardwalk at the Dolphin... a nice selection of eateries there as well. Also nice restaurant options at Dolphin & Swan.

Thanks!

 

[luvallprincesses]

So there’s still no boat service to Swan/Dolphin from Epcot/Epcot resorts?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Keep in mind that the Grotto pools are equidistant from both the Swan and Dolphin. Dolphin has a close by lap pool as does the Swan. All pools are available to everyone. Swan lap is least busy, few kids.

https://goo.gl/maps/Nr7Zkswcr3D2