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

[Dave006]

10 days till we arrive at Swan! Could anyone advise how early to submit my concierge room request form? Is one week out good? Thanks!

The earlier you submit your request(s) the better as they reopen it may get quite busy as we get closer to Aug. 15. Here is the direct link the Concierge form:

https://swandolphinconcierge.com/
Dave

 

[armerida]

The earlier you submit your request(s) the better as they reopen it may get quite busy as we get closer to Aug. 15. Here is the direct link the Concierge form:

https://swandolphinconcierge.com/
Dave

Thanks for all your help, Dave!

 

[Dave006]

So with Swan Dolphin not having Magical Express, would Uber work best for transportation from airport to Swan?

Often asked here and there are several options to chose from as others have already mentioned. Uber / Lyft, Private car services, and Mears are the most common. Rental cars from Alamo and National may be handy. You can drop / pickup your rental at the Dolphin (when it reopens) or at the Disney car care center.

I'll be at WDW with my son in December (just changed flights from November yesterday), so we may use a car service - like Tiffany Town Car.

You can also use Mears Transportation for Taxi, Town Car and Limousine services by calling them directly at 888-828-8850.

Some sample pricing: shared shuttle ($25 adult / $20 child one way) or ($39 adult / $30 child round trip), Lux sedan ( $99 one way or $122 per hour (2 hr min)), Lux SUV or Van $119 one way or $158 per hour (2 hr min)).

Mears link: https://www.mearstransportation.com/ or you can use the Mears iPhone / Android app.

Dave

 

[Dallasmomoftwo]

Does anyone have any experience with the buses to MK and AK now that the Swan has reopened? Just wondering if it is taking a long time for buses and if we should Uber to MK instead. If using Uber to MK, is it best to get dropped off at the Contemporary and walk over? Our flight arrives at 11:15 am, so I was wondering what bus service during non-peak hours looks like.

 

[Pixiedust04]

I'd use Uber, BUT....
If you plan on stopping anywhere, between the airport and the resort, you might be able to find a one way rental for cheap, if you shop around. Sometimes a company will have a weird price for whatever reason. Just make sure it's the right company for returning to the valet. I've never done it this way, but I had planned it one year. I cancelled the rental because my s/o had to go early, and was able to grab a rental before I got there. I'd say depending on the time of day, budget 30-50 bux for the Uber. Their prices vary depending on demand. Uber will let you stop on the way, with meter running or for whatever fee. The car services are usually a tad pricier, but usually nicer cars. Uber has fancier cars if you choose the more premium option for your request, and you'll pay more as well.

For 2 people though, I'd use an Uber. Those small "regular" cars are much more roomy than they appear.

Thank you

 

[Dave006]

For guests traveling soon the Swan the Walt Disney Swan and Dolphin app has been updated to show the current "Open" restaurants, menus and hours of operation.

Download from Apple / Android app store.

Dave

 

[hereforthechurros]

Does anyone have any experience with the buses to MK and AK now that the Swan has reopened? Just wondering if it is taking a long time for buses and if we should Uber to MK instead. If using Uber to MK, is it best to get dropped off at the Contemporary and walk over? Our flight arrives at 11:15 am, so I was wondering what bus service during non-peak hours looks like.

Only hang up with the contemporary plan is that Uber drivers currently can’t get into contemporary unless you have a reservation security can check. Hoping someone weighs in on the bus situation, also wondering how it’s been for MK.

 

[Dave006]

Just wondering if it is taking a long time for buses and if we should Uber to MK instead. If using Uber to MK, is it best to get dropped off at the Contemporary and walk over?

I have not seen any updates yet from the Swan but since it is Disney bus service to MK & AK it should be the normal 20-30 minutes between buses. And without the Dolphin being open until Sept. 1, the Swan buses should not be busy mid-day. If you Uber / Lyft then you should plan to be dropped off at the TTC. From the TTC you can take the Ferry or the Monorail to MK.

Still waiting for more details / confirmation on the possibility of Mears buses for Epcot & HS that a GS rep mentioned to someone.

Dave

 

[Dan Murphy]

might be able to find a one way rental for cheap, if you shop around. Sometimes a company will have a weird price for whatever reason. Just make sure it's the right company for returning to the valet.

National and Alamo

 

[720L]

I'm wondering if the following are still offered with the resort fee: 2 bottles of water daily, smores kit, & paddle boats all free?

 

[720L]

Has anyone heard how room service is being handled? How do we get rid of our wet towels, get new towels, if housekeeping isn't in every day? I would rather they don't come in at all, but towels & garbage are a must.

 

[720L]

One more question I promise! Are there cases of water available to buy like there are in Disney Resort Gift Shops?

 

[jennypenny]

You might not see the smores kit for a while since they probably won't do the fire.

I'd call to see what's going on right before your stay. I'm sure they will keep tweaking procedures as they figure out the best approach.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I'm wondering if the following are still offered with the resort fee: 2 bottles of water daily, smores kit, & paddle boats all free?

I called Guest Services. She said all are provided except the S'mores, no activities on the beach yet.

Has anyone heard how room service is being handled? How do we get rid of our wet towels, get new towels, if housekeeping isn't in every day? I would rather they don't come in at all, but towels & garbage are a must.

She said towels are automatically replaced every 4 days but if you want more frequently, she said to call housekeeping and they will bring what you want and leave in a bag at your door. Same with garbage, put outside your door.

One more question I promise! Are there cases of water available to buy like there are in Disney Resort Gift Shops?

Pretty sure Screen Door General Store on the Boardwalk carries cases of water.

 

[shoreward]

I called Guest Services. She said all are provided except the S'mores, no activities on the beach yet.


She said towels are automatically replaced every 4 days but if you want more frequently, she said to call housekeeping and they will bring what you want and leave in a bag at your door. Same with garbage, put outside your door.

Pretty sure Screen Door General Store on the Boardwalk carries cases of water.

Yes, the Screen Door on the Boardwalk sells cases of water, but the bottles are not 16 oz.. - they are smaller. The nearby Speedway station also sells cases of water. If guests don’t have use of a car, some have been known to use their wheeled bag to transport the cases back to Swan/Dolphin.

Dan - you are this thread’s personal Concierge. Thanks for always going above and beyond to find the answers and share your knowledge!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Dan - you are this thread’s personal Concierge. Thanks for always going above and beyond to find the answers and share your knowledge!

Haha, thanks, shoreward. Most answers are a few Google clicks away, and if not, now with with the resorts opening up, a quick Guest Services call away.

And you also provide many answers, along with so many others here. It takes a village to get us all through.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Yes, the Screen Door on the Boardwalk sells cases of water, but the bottles are not 16 oz.. - they are smaller. The nearby Speedway station also sells cases of water. If guests don’t have use of a car, some have been known to use their wheeled bag to transport the cases back to Swan/Dolphin.

Also delivery services are available. I and others here have used Amazon Prime Now with good success.

 

[NancyIL]

Often asked here and there are several options to chose from as others have already mentioned. Uber / Lyft, Private car services, and Mears are the most common. Rental cars from Alamo and National may be handy. You can drop / pickup your rental at the Dolphin (when it reopens) or at the Disney car care center.

You can also use Mears Transportation for Taxi, Town Car and Limousine services by calling them directly at 888-828-8850.

Some sample pricing: shared shuttle ($25 adult / $20 child one way) or ($39 adult / $30 child round trip), Lux sedan ( $99 one way or $122 per hour (2 hr min)), Lux SUV or Van $119 one way or $158 per hour (2 hr min)).

Mears link: https://www.mearstransportation.com/ or you can use the Mears iPhone / Android app.

Dave

My experience with a shared Mears shuttle is that you may wait a long time for one, and then there could be multiple stops. I want to get to the Swan in a timely manner, so we'll reserve a car service or Uber/Lyft. I don't want to deal with a rental car this time around - especially if it can't be dropped off at the Dolphin.

 

[Elsaspiritanimal]

I check in Sunday; here is the email I just received from the Swan.

****
Thank you for selecting the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort for your upcoming trip. As you prepare for your stay, we would like to share details of our Commitment to Clean and the additional measures we are taking to provide you with a safe and comfortable environment.

PROPERTY AMENITIES

We are committed to making the amenities at our property available to you while complying with local regulations, by wearing facemasks, reducing capacity in public spaces and reinforcing social distancing. The modifications we have made include:

• Overall Operations
  • Swan Resort is currently open to hotel guests
  • Dolphin Resort, including restaurants and amenities are currently unavailable until further notice
• Restaurant Hours and Operations
  

o Java:	Open 7 days a week, 6am – 8pm
o Garden Grove:	Open 5 days a week, 7am – 2pm; closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays
o Il Mulino:	Open 7 days a week, 3:30pm – 11pm
o Kimonos:	Open 5 days a week, 5:30pm – 12am; closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays Karaoke on Saturday nights, from 8:30pm-11pm
o Splash:	Open 7 days a week, 11am - 6pm with food service (through August 12th) Bar open until 8pm
o Cabana Bar and Grill:	Opening August 13, 2020; 7 days a week, 11am – 6pm; bar open until 8pm
o Chill Frozen Drinks:	1pm – 8pm; closed Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays
o Room Service:	Not available at this time due to COVID-19 protocols

• Swan Fitness Center
  • Open Daily from 6am – 2pm
• Pools
  • Swan Lap Pool
  • Grotto Pool
• Playground
  • Closed due to local regulations
• Golf
  • Fantasia Mini-Golf: Open 10am – 10pm; reservations required, call 407-WDW-PLAY for tee time
  • Disney Golf Courses: Open normal hours, call 407-WDW-Golf
• Disney Theme Park Transportation
  • Buses available on Swan Front Drive
  • Friendship Boats to Epcot and Hollywood Studios are not available at this time
  • Complimentary parking available at all Disney Theme Parks by linking your reservation to your MyDisneyExperience App
• Disney Cabana Gift Shop | Disney Planning Center
  • Open 7 days a week, 9am – 9pm; hours are subject to change
• Other
  • Swan Boats
  • Poolside Cabana
  • Cabana Beach Hut
    • Monday – Thursday | 9am - 5pm
    • Friday – Sunday | 9am – 7pm
  • 11th Hour Business Center – Automated Service Available

For our Marriott Bonvoy members: We are committed to deliver the Marriott Bonvoy benefits for your membership level. Thank you for understanding in cases where we may have to offer an alternative. For questions or to get the most up to date information on alternative offerings, please contact us directly via mobile chat 407-545-6865, email or call the hotel directly.

COMMITMENT TO CLEAN

We take hygiene and cleanliness standards very seriously. You’ll notice several enhancements to our cleaning practices throughout public spaces and guest rooms. These include:

• Enhanced Public Space Cleaning. We have increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfection, especially in high-traffic areas like restrooms, elevators, and escalators and provided more hand sanitizing stations.
• Social Distancing Practices. You will see signage throughout the hotel promoting physical distancing and encouraging guests to stand at least 6 feet apart.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Associates will wear PPE (e.g., face coverings, gloves, etc.) based on the activities they are performing. Guests are required to wear personal face coverings in all public areas, including areas around the pool decks. Face coverings are required upon entering our restaurants until you are seated.
• Guest Rooms. Every guest room is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between each guest.
  • In our commitment to contactless service, we will be cleaning your guest room upon departure.
  • In-stay cleaning service available upon request. These requests will be fulfilled while you are away from your guest room.

MARRIOTT BONVOY APP

Maintaining safe social distance is one of the most important measures we can all take to reduce unnecessary contact. Marriott Bonvoy members can use the Marriott Bonvoy App (also available on the App Store and Google Play) to take advantage of contactless options, including:

• Mobile Check-In/Check-Out
  
  
• Mobile Guest Requests. Connect with us via the app to request items you would like delivered to your guest room. For extra amenities, you can contact us via Mobile Chat at 407-545-6865 or stop by the Front Desk.

****

Then the standard COVID-19 Warnings and Health Acknowledgement.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I check in Sunday;

Can't beat that!!! Enjoy! Let us know how it goes once you return. Again, enjoy!