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

@wannabee in my quick check of AP, AAA & Standard rates it looks like all are requiring prepayment. Unsure when that changed or if like the rates if its dynamic. I looked at a couple nights in Feb 2025 for my test. Might be worth a call to see if they offer deposit only rates. Curious what others have to say on this.
When I checked AP for a 4 nt stay in Nov on the app I’m seeing 1 night deposits at Swan, SR and a 2 night deposit at Dolphin. Weird.
 


But in all seriousness it’s nice to see Swolphin and Shades included in the resorts allowed to purchase group, more options for all!
 
Waking up way to early I figured I'd run some scenarios trying go pick a same level of room for 4-times during the next year comparing Standard Rates & AP Rates there is defiantly some flux in the deposit (holding reservation) amounts, but it's not completely consistent, if you look at the June numbers the AP holding rate is much lower while in January its on par. Appears there is some level of dynamic pricing or just random #'s being tossed around.

I used the Swan Reserve Standard Rate/Traditional Epcot View 2 Queen rooms for comparison;

Nov 11-Nov 15
Std rate $495/night Total $1485 Holding Res $506.25
AP rate #’s $389/night Total $1167 Holding Res $387.29

Jan 20-Jan 23
Std rate $532/night Total $1597 Holding Res $1095.79
AP rate $418/night Total $1254 Holding Res $838.70

June 9-June 12
Std rate $432/night Total $1296 Holding Res $1306.10
AP rate $374/night Total $1122 Holding Res $370.41

Sept 8-Sept 11
Std rate $475/night Total $1425 Holding Res $483.75
AP rate $374/night Total $1122 Holding Res $370.41
 
Waking up way to early I figured I'd run some scenarios trying go pick a same level of room for 4-times during the next year comparing Standard Rates & AP Rates there is defiantly some flux in the deposit (holding reservation) amounts, but it's not completely consistent, if you look at the June numbers the AP holding rate is much lower while in January its on par. Appears there is some level of dynamic pricing or just random #'s being tossed around.

I used the Swan Reserve Standard Rate/Traditional Epcot View 2 Queen rooms for comparison;

Nov 11-Nov 15
Std rate $495/night Total $1485 Holding Res $506.25
AP rate #’s $389/night Total $1167 Holding Res $387.29

Jan 20-Jan 23
Std rate $532/night Total $1597 Holding Res $1095.79
AP rate $418/night Total $1254 Holding Res $838.70

June 9-June 12
Std rate $432/night Total $1296 Holding Res $1306.10
AP rate $374/night Total $1122 Holding Res $370.41

Sept 8-Sept 11
Std rate $475/night Total $1425 Holding Res $483.75
AP rate $374/night Total $1122 Holding Res $370.41
Interesting comparison. I haven't experienced this issue yet.
 
@hedberg1661 I agree, the odd part is I get the SD dynamic pricing, but the formula doesn't appear to follow any pattern. The November AP rate doesn't even charge a full nights rate, then the whole mess that is June just makes me go, huh? Love to know what's going on behind the scene, but it just is what it is I guess.
 
@Dan Murphy so $199, plus $32 for Lightening whatever, photopass (optional) and food, oh what if you want any specific ride its another $12-25 (per ride). So for those select days you are looking at a minimum of $300 a day. 🤬
 













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