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

[Dan Murphy]

And they are generous when you request extra supplies!

Very much so. I prefer decaf and so on my first day I ask housekeeping if they could drop off a few extra decafs (usual 'allotment' is one decaf and about 3 regular per day). By about the third day I have to leave a note to stop the extras for a few days.

 

[vicb]

Very much so. I prefer decaf and so on my first day I ask housekeeping if they could drop off a few extra decafs (usual 'allotment' is one decaf and about 3 regular per day). By about the third day I have to leave a note to stop the extras for a few days.

Yup, very generous. I asked for "a few extra water bottles " and she left 8 in each room! So helpful when it was 90 degrees all week. We never had to buy any water bottles!

 

[pepperandchips]

And they are generous when you request extra supplies!

Very much so. I prefer decaf and so on my first day I ask housekeeping if they could drop off a few extra decafs (usual 'allotment' is one decaf and about 3 regular per day). By about the third day I have to leave a note to stop the extras for a few days.

We weren't so lucky. Housekeeping could barely provide two regular coffee packs per day, and weren't able to give us ANY extra when we asked. But we were there over spring break, so your mileage may vary. (And yes, I was tipping, but the housekeeper was so frazzled when we asked for extras I think they must have been having a supply issue that week)

 

[snappy]

We weren't so lucky. Housekeeping could barely provide two regular coffee packs per day, and weren't able to give us ANY extra when we asked. But we were there over spring break, so your mileage may vary. (And yes, I was tipping, but the housekeeper was so frazzled when we asked for extras I think they must have been having a supply issue that week)

Sorry you had that negative experience. I haven’t done a trip that time of year since 2002. Lower crowds right after 9/11. I can’t imagine how much busier both resorts and the parks are now at that time.

 

[pepperandchips]

Sorry you had that negative experience. I haven’t done a trip that time of year since 2002. Lower crowds right after 9/11. I can’t imagine how much busier both resorts and the parks are now at that time.

It was still a wonderful stay, but it seems housekeeping has a hard time keeping up when the resort is super busy (which I totally understand). It was not a problem or I would have called down for extras, we just made do with what we had and got coffee in the parks at Joffrey's.

 

[Kt75]

I saw there anyone here who is an employee (or is able to get their rates)? DH can get that pricing since he works for a subset company for Starwood and I have a few questions on what proof he needs or can I book a few rooms under family’s name.

 

[jlundeen]

Hello everyone.... Just popped in to see if you experts can answer a few questions for me.

I'm traveling with a family in Nov, and they will be getting 3 rooms at Dolphin using their Marriott points. Since they REALLY REALLY REALLY want me to stay close to them, I'm looking into seeing if I can get a room - more expensive than my original reservation at French Quarter, but thinking about it.

I am a seasoned Disney visitor, and have tons of experience with Deluxe and Moderate Disney resorts, but the last time we stayed at Dolphin was for the 2000 Millennium celebration. I'm assuming things have changed quite a bit since then.

I have an AP, so I don't need a room/ticket package - which seems all you can get from the Disney site.... I looked at the Starwood website and it looks like the Senior Rate looks feasible (and I do qualify).

I know that you can get the 60 day FP reservations, and Early and Late hours, and Disney Transportation, but that they do not use DME or MB system, and use key cards instead.

Here are the questions I didn't see answered on the first couple of pages:

1. I'm assuming I can enter all the reservations numbers into MDE to link us all together for booking ADRs and FPs... right? I'll be in charge of all this stuff since they are newbies...
2, I'm also assuming that Dolphin does NOT participate in the Disney Bounceback program...? I'm planning another trip early next year with my Best Disney Buddy and any discount is a good discount!
3. Can I get a Room Only reservation through the Disney Travel folks - or do I need to do it from the Starwood website?
4. Does anyone have experience with trying to group different types of reservations (points and sr. rate) so that rooms are assigned close together?
5. While I have a ton of MBs already, can I get them to include my room entrance on my MB - and if the others purchase MBs can they use them for room keys?

I'm sure I'll think of a thousand other questions, and appreciate all input!

Jeanne

 

[Dan Murphy]

I can answer 2 of your questions, Jeanne.

2, I'm also assuming that Dolphin does NOT participate in the Disney Bounceback program...? I'm planning another trip early next year with my Best Disney Buddy and any discount is a good discount!

S/D does not participate in Disney Bouncebacks.

5. While I have a ton of MBs already, can I get them to include my room entrance on my MB - and if the others purchase MBs can they use them for room keys?

MB's can not be used as room keys at S/D.

I'm sure I'll think of a thousand other questions, and appreciate all input!

We look forward to them.

 

[happymommy]

Hello everyone.... Just popped in to see if you experts can answer a few questions for me.

I'm traveling with a family in Nov, and they will be getting 3 rooms at Dolphin using their Marriott points. Since they REALLY REALLY REALLY want me to stay close to them, I'm looking into seeing if I can get a room - more expensive than my original reservation at French Quarter, but thinking about it.

I am a seasoned Disney visitor, and have tons of experience with Deluxe and Moderate Disney resorts, but the last time we stayed at Dolphin was for the 2000 Millennium celebration. I'm assuming things have changed quite a bit since then.

I have an AP, so I don't need a room/ticket package - which seems all you can get from the Disney site.... I looked at the Starwood website and it looks like the Senior Rate looks feasible (and I do qualify).

I know that you can get the 60 day FP reservations, and Early and Late hours, and Disney Transportation, but that they do not use DME or MB system, and use key cards instead.

Here are the questions I didn't see answered on the first couple of pages:

1. I'm assuming I can enter all the reservations numbers into MDE to link us all together for booking ADRs and FPs... right? I'll be in charge of all this stuff since they are newbies...
2, I'm also assuming that Dolphin does NOT participate in the Disney Bounceback program...? I'm planning another trip early next year with my Best Disney Buddy and any discount is a good discount!
3. Can I get a Room Only reservation through the Disney Travel folks - or do I need to do it from the Starwood website?
4. Does anyone have experience with trying to group different types of reservations (points and sr. rate) so that rooms are assigned close together?
5. While I have a ton of MBs already, can I get them to include my room entrance on my MB - and if the others purchase MBs can they use them for room keys?

I'm sure I'll think of a thousand other questions, and appreciate all input!

Jeanne

I'm thinking you'll likely find better rates through Starwood rather than through Disney.

You can make the reservations, then contact the hotel to let them know you're travelling together. They can do their best to keep your rooms close to one another.

 

[jlundeen]

Thanks for your replies, Dan Murphy and happymommy! Good info!

 

[Dave006]

I'm sure I'll think of a thousand other questions, and appreciate all input!

One thing that many guests overlook or forget is that you can't charge back to your room using your Disney MBs for purchases.

You can make the reservations, then contact the hotel to let them know you're traveling together. They can do their best to keep your rooms close to one another.

Just make sure that you do this at least 5 days before your arrival date. A key phrase to use when you call is that have different reservations that are "traveling with/together".

I have always found that the room assigner will try to group your rooms near each other but if you have reservations for different booking "views or room types" there might not be rooms of multiple types as close as you might want. It also depends on the hotel occupancy load for the dates of your stay.

Note: I have always found it helpful if any individual in the group has a high SPG Status that you should reference all additional reservations to this reservation as "traveling with" this individual's reservation. Status has helped get traditional (limited view) rooms grouped with for example a upgraded room category like Resort view rooms.

Dave

 

[loves to dive]

I can take or leave a balcony. There is barely room enough for the little table and 2 chairs, much less people. I do very much like the upper floor view though.

If you like sitting out, a patio, at the expense of a high view, would be nice. And on the ground, the patio and surrounding area would give you a much freer feeling over the confined area of a balcony.

I had a patio on my trip last Sept., it was right across from the lake by the pool and a corner room. I sat on the patio every morning, one morning I had my door open and the ducks just wandered right by me and into my room.

I could see the HS fireworks at night. Last week I had a balcony room, east wing. My room faced another wing and looked toward the Boardwalk sign. I could see the Epcot fireworks at night. I enjoyed the balcony, I sat out there every morning and had my coffee and sat out there at night and just watched the lights.

 

[jlundeen]

One more question - for now...LOL

Is there a room layout map anywhere, like where room numbers are shown by floor? I see that Touring Plans doesn't show D & S, so wondering if there is another resource?

Thanks, you guys are very helpful!

 

[loves to dive]

Got back on Saturday from a 3 night stay at Dolphin, May 9 - 12. I sent an email to concierge before I left requesting early check in and a balcony room is possible. I figured it didn't hurt to ask about the balcony even though I didn't pay for an upgrade. We were on the second leg of a split stay with ASSp so drove over to Dolphin around 8:30 on Wens. morning figuring our room wouldn't be ready, and it wasn't so we just stored our bags and went to AK. We got a text around 1:00 that our room was ready. It was on the 8th floor east wing and I got my balcony. The room was clean and no complaints except that our safe didn't work. Since we were only there for 3 nights I didn't want to deal with maintenance so I didn't report it and forgot to do so before we checked out since we did the text express check out. The thermostat was not great, hot as heck at night but I'm assuming that is the usual motion sensor issue. We don't use the boat between HS and the Dolphin, we always walk it so the fact that it wasn't running wasn't a big deal for us. Part of the main pool at the Dolphin was closed on Thursday, we got a phone call about that Wens. night. We like to use the hot tub area so we just went over to the Swan and used the one there, the only problem with that is they have removed all the chairs in the hot tub area so we had to put our stuff on the ground. We ate breakfast at Picabu one morning and they gave us the AAA discount, also got it at Med. Market and at Fuel. We stopped at the new bar one night for a late supper and some drinks and I have to say they were the rudest bartenders we have ever seen. They didn't crack a smile the entire time we were there and when we asked for the bill a book was sort of tossed at us. Seems they put the bills in books, a fact we weren't told so I guess they were insulted we asked for it instead of picking up the book in front of us. I got a deconstructed ham sandwich and the toast slices were burnt black. I was shocked, I don't think a line cook would have sent something like that out much less a chef. I just ate the other ingredients on the pretzels that are provided because I was afraid if I said something to the bartender I would get tossed out or something. Other than the bar, we had good service and enjoyed our stay as usual.

 

[Dan Murphy]

One more question - for now...LOL

Is there a room layout map anywhere, like where room numbers are shown by floor? I see that Touring Plans doesn't show D & S, so wondering if there is another resource?

Thanks, you guys are very helpful!

I do not know of any. I wish there was.

Got back on Saturday from a 3 night stay at Dolphin, May 9 - 12. I sent an email to concierge before I left requesting early check in and a balcony room is possible. I figured it didn't hurt to ask about the balcony even though I didn't pay for an upgrade. We were on the second leg of a split stay with ASSp so drove over to Dolphin around 8:30 on Wens. morning figuring our room wouldn't be ready, and it wasn't so we just stored our bags and went to AK. We got a text around 1:00 that our room was ready. It was on the 8th floor east wing and I got my balcony. The room was clean and no complaints except that our safe didn't work. Since we were only there for 3 nights I didn't want to deal with maintenance so I didn't report it and forgot to do so before we checked out since we did the text express check out. The thermostat was not great, hot as heck at night but I'm assuming that is the usual motion sensor issue. We don't use the boat between HS and the Dolphin, we always walk it so the fact that it wasn't running wasn't a big deal for us. Part of the main pool at the Dolphin was closed on Thursday, we got a phone call about that Wens. night. We like to use the hot tub area so we just went over to the Swan and used the one there, the only problem with that is they have removed all the chairs in the hot tub area so we had to put our stuff on the ground. We ate breakfast at Picabu one morning and they gave us the AAA discount, also got it at Med. Market and at Fuel. We stopped at the new bar one night for a late supper and some drinks and I have to say they were the rudest bartenders we have ever seen. They didn't crack a smile the entire time we were there and when we asked for the bill a book was sort of tossed at us. Seems they put the bills in books, a fact we weren't told so I guess they were insulted we asked for it instead of picking up the book in front of us. I got a deconstructed ham sandwich and the toast slices were burnt black. I was shocked, I don't think a line cook would have sent something like that out much less a chef. I just ate the other ingredients on the pretzels that are provided because I was afraid if I said something to the bartender I would get tossed out or something. Other than the bar, we had good service and enjoyed our stay as usual.

Welcome home, loves to dive. Sounds like a good trip overall. Good to hear you got the room you were looking for. A bummer on the bar experience though. Is an ongoing bill kept in a booklet of sorts?

 

[loves to dive]

I do not know of any. I wish there was.

Welcome home, loves to dive. Sounds like a good trip overall. Good to hear you got the room you were looking for. A bummer on the bar experience though. Is an ongoing bill kept in a booklet of sorts?

They take honest to heavens books, glue all the pages but the first few together then hollow them out in the middle and put the bill in there. They place the book on the bar sort of in front of you. If you pick up the book, it just looks like a good book to read since the first few pages are not glued, I think mine might have been Tom Sawyer. At first when he pushed the book toward me I was like o.k. maybe it's between the cover and the first page. I turned a few pages before I discovered it. Broke my heart that they destroyed a book. I'm not sure why they use books since I don't think the bar is literature themed.

 

[mrsdaly]

Ok, folks... I have 5 of us in a room - 3 adults, a 6 year old and a 2 year old (she sleeps in a crib). We have booked a dolphin room with balcony the past two years for our group, but considering the "family room" with 2 doubles. But no balcony. Wondering if we book that room if we are going to miss the balcony... What are your thoughts? We like having that space so we could get the little one to take naps, but the larger room sounds nice, too. What would you do?

 

[Dan Murphy]

They take honest to heavens books, glue all the pages but the first few together then hollow them out in the middle and put the bill in there. They place the book on the bar sort of in front of you. If you pick up the book, it just looks like a good book to read since the first few pages are not glued, I think mine might have been Tom Sawyer. At first when he pushed the book toward me I was like o.k. maybe it's between the cover and the first page. I turned a few pages before I discovered it. Broke my heart that they destroyed a book. I'm not sure why they use books since I don't think the bar is literature themed.

That is strange, but thanks. Here is the bar page, Phins, but no mention of literary theme.

https://www.swandolphinrestaurants.com/phins/index.html

Ok, folks... I have 5 of us in a room - 3 adults, a 6 year old and a 2 year old (she sleeps in a crib). We have booked a dolphin room with balcony the past two years for our group, but considering the "family room" with 2 doubles. But no balcony. Wondering if we book that room if we are going to miss the balcony... What are your thoughts? We like having that space so we could get the little one to take naps, but the larger room sounds nice, too. What would you do?

Maybe I am the wrong one to ask, as you seem to like the balcony. I find no value in them, too small. Barely enough room for the small table and two chairs. But the family room sounds great!!! In any case, enjoy.

 

[Jerry2]

e stopped at the new bar one night for a late supper and some drinks and I have to say they were the rudest bartenders we have ever seen. They didn't crack a smile the entire time we were there and when we asked for the bill a book was sort of tossed at us. Seems they put the bills in books, a fact we weren't told so I guess they were insulted we asked for it instead of picking up the book in front of us.

I don't know if they still have them but Phins used to have specialty Bloody Marys that they serve on Sundays. We got hem last year and they were amazing. They're a bit pricey, around $30, but they are a meal in a glass, lobster, shrimp etc.. Our bartender was a very nice woman. We did get the check in the book.

 

[mrsdaly]

That is strange, but thanks. Here is the bar page, Phins, but no mention of literary theme.

https://www.swandolphinrestaurants.com/phins/index.html

Maybe I am the wrong one to ask, as you seem to like the balcony. I find no value in them, too small. Barely enough room for the small table and two chairs. But the family room sounds great!!! In any case, enjoy.

Thanks. Yeah some say it is too small to enjoy but I am an early riser and like to have my coffee out there while everyone is sleeping... and sometimes the littles can't go to sleep if others are in the room so we go outside until they fall asleep. It is tight but we've been able to fit 3 people or so out there - good for fireworks and having kids eat their snacks out there so they don't make the room messy.