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

[striker1064]

Can you get upgrades with points? I don't have quite enough to book the room. Is it possible to get an upgrade with points at checkin? We added a night at the end of our summer trip at the Swan and since it's only for one night I booked a standard king room, but would enjoy a better view.

Depends on availability. I was able to book a resort view with points, but I had to call SPG to confirm availability - I couldn't book the upgraded room with points online. I'd guess it would be the same thing at check-in, they could upgrade you if they have it, but I'm really not sure. Your best bet is probably to call SPG customer service when you get enough points and ask.

 

[MIZZOU Tigers]

I have a room request question that I've not seen answered. I know where to enter a room request, but I don't know what parameters to use or what is a realistic request. We booked a room at the Swan using SPG point and our reservation indicates a "traditional room". According to this link - https://www.swandolphin.com/accommodations/swan.html - there are Traditional, Resort, and Deluxe Rooms. As everyone else, we would like the best view possible, perfect world would be on a high floor, with a balcony, and looking towards Epcot. With our room category being "traditional", does this eliminate that possibility? and if so, what is best case scenario with room views in the "traditional" category? Those of you who have had success with a room request, what was the exact language of your request?

 

[MIZZOU Tigers]

I have a room request question that I've not seen answered. I know where to enter a room request, but I don't know what parameters to use or what is a realistic request. We booked a room at the Swan using SPG point and our reservation indicates a "traditional room". According to this link - https://www.swandolphin.com/accommodations/swan.html - there are Traditional, Resort, and Deluxe Rooms. As everyone else, we would like the best view possible, perfect world would be on a high floor, with a balcony, and looking towards Epcot. With our room category being "traditional", does this eliminate that possibility? and if so, what is best case scenario with room views in the "traditional" category? Those of you who have had success with a room request, what was the exact language of your request?

 

[Maxie86]

Depends on availability. I was able to book a resort view with points, but I had to call SPG to confirm availability - I couldn't book the upgraded room with points online. I'd guess it would be the same thing at check-in, they could upgrade you if they have it, but I'm really not sure. Your best bet is probably to call SPG customer service when you get enough points and ask.

Thank You, I have just under 10,000, not enough to pay for the room, but that should be enough to get an upgrade. I never tried to upgrade with points so I'm not sure how that works.

 

[jldeahl]

Just be REALLY aware of your options,and choose carefully to get around the 'no groceries delivered' rule.... we had a flat out fail in April with Amazon Prime Now..... Our driver apparently didn't know the drill,and instead of texting us and waiting by lobby, he dropped our (huge,3 family) order at package delivery services which charges by the pound to take in and bring to your room... it took as some stress filled time to locate our order, then call Amazon and try to get it sorted out,and then pay the (discounted!!!) $85 to get our groceries to our room..... My point is to ONLY use a service that sends drivers that understand what needs to be done,i.e. meet in lobby to receive,etc. I won't do that again personally. I'd rather walk over to the convenience store/gas station and get small stuff than deal with that mess again.

Yikes! Thanks for sharing your experience - sorry you had to go through that ordeal!

 

[jldeahl]

I had this question a few weeks back because I was reading conflicting info online. I emailed customer service asking if there were any restrictions with having groceries delivered and this was the response -
Good morning,
There are no restrictions on having your groceries delivered to the hotel. They will just need to meet you at the lobby.
Thanks
Jessica Bruno | Swan and Dolphin Dining Reservations

So, it seems like you should be fine. Hopefully, the policy doesn't change before I get there in 2019.

This is so helpful - thank you!!

 

[JerseyJanice]

I have a room request question that I've not seen answered. I know where to enter a room request, but I don't know what parameters to use or what is a realistic request. We booked a room at the Swan using SPG point and our reservation indicates a "traditional room". According to this link - https://www.swandolphin.com/accommodations/swan.html - there are Traditional, Resort, and Deluxe Rooms. As everyone else, we would like the best view possible, perfect world would be on a high floor, with a balcony, and looking towards Epcot. With our room category being "traditional", does this eliminate that possibility? and if so, what is best case scenario with room views in the "traditional" category? Those of you who have had success with a room request, what was the exact language of your request?

I read through the description of that category and it sounds like it means a regular room that doesn’t have a great view.

You can request an upgrade when you check in. Depending on how busy they are, they may grant you a nice view. Or they may offer you an upgrade at a price. Or you might just have to take a room that doesn’t have a great view.

TBH, we don’t ever wind up spending enough time in the room to enjoy a view, and we always get a nice one because we book a suite. Most of the time, we’re rushing around when we wake up to get ready for the day. Some days that may mean the resort’s pool complex, and even then, the view from our room doesn’t matter.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I have a room request question that I've not seen answered. I know where to enter a room request, but I don't know what parameters to use or what is a realistic request. We booked a room at the Swan using SPG point and our reservation indicates a "traditional room". According to this link - https://www.swandolphin.com/accommodations/swan.html - there are Traditional, Resort, and Deluxe Rooms. As everyone else, we would like the best view possible, perfect world would be on a high floor, with a balcony, and looking towards Epcot. With our room category being "traditional", does this eliminate that possibility? and if so, what is best case scenario with room views in the "traditional" category? Those of you who have had success with a room request, what was the exact language of your request?

Ask for a possible upgrade here with the Room Request, and then again at check in.

https://swandolphinconcierge.com/

 

[ImprovGal]

The Swan / Dolphin have the Westin White Tea Aloe products: Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Lotion and finally 2 bars White Tea Aloe soap in the shape of a leaf.

Dave

Only the Swan have the Westin white tea aloe line. The Dolphin has the sheraton's citron + vetivert line.

 

[DreamDisneyGirl]

Ask for a possible upgrade here with the Room Request, and then again at check in.

https://swandolphinconcierge.com/

How far in advance do you fill out the online room request for the Dolphin? We leave in 17 days and I was thinking 1week out, but is that too late?

 

[Dan Murphy]

How far in advance do you fill out the online room request for the Dolphin? We leave in 17 days and I was thinking 1week out, but is that too late?

I send it when I know I'm going and have a reservation I would send yours now

 

[hsmamato2]

Yikes! Thanks for sharing your experience - sorry you had to go through that ordeal!

I think our experience was due to a driver who did the wrong thing, b/c they do have the 'no delivery grocery' rules (which the package delivery desk told us when sorting it out) but overall b/c it was Amazon it worked out fine after all. (they have very good customer service) I see a pp made a call in which they were told different,so YMMV I guess. I thought 'officially' they don't do packages etc like this without a large fee, but meeting in the lobby can get around that issue.

 

[mrsdaly]

When I called Swan customer service they told me it isn't a matter of fees for grocery delivery, but that they flat out won't accept them. Do you know if that's not normally the case?

We used Safeway with free delivery (even one hour windows so you can ensure you'll be around). We met the driver outside in the taxi drop off/pickup area (I rolled an empty suitcase out there to pick up our things). Worked great. I liked the safeway option because more options than Amazon and beer/wine too.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Friendship boats update.

https://www.wdwmagic.com/transporta...-service-refurbishment-extended-into-june.htm

 

[vicb]

Ask for a possible upgrade here with the Room Request, and then again at check in.

https://swandolphinconcierge.com/

This was what I did. I had booked with a costco pkg that was a Dolphin "resort view" room. I asked for three specific requests and received all three. I asked to be in the west wing. I asked for connecting rooms if possible. And I asked to be convienient to the pool as we planned to spend a couple of half days there. I received a very nice, prompt response noting my requests and stating the rep felt confident they could meet my requests. I was hopeful but didn't really expect what I got. Our rooms were considered an upgrade to "fireworks view" although we were never in our room at night and the fireworks would have been the HS ones I think because our rooms were first floor facing the pools.I usually don't like to be on the first floor but these were so easy to get to the pools, Picabu, bus transport and boat.

How far in advance do you fill out the online room request for the Dolphin? We leave in 17 days and I was thinking 1week out, but is that too late?

I sent my request about 10 days out.

 

[DreamDisneyGirl]

This was what I did. I had booked with a costco pkg that was a Dolphin "resort view" room. I asked for three specific requests and received all three. I asked to be in the west wing. I asked for connecting rooms if possible. And I asked to be convienient to the pool as we planned to spend a couple of half days there. I received a very nice, prompt response noting my requests and stating the rep felt confident they could meet my requests. I was hopeful but didn't really expect what I got. Our rooms were considered an upgrade to "fireworks view" although we were never in our room at night and the fireworks would have been the HS ones I think because our rooms were first floor facing the pools.I usually don't like to be on the first floor but these were so easy to get to the pools, Picabu, bus transport and boat.



I sent my request about 10 days out.

Thanks for the guidance. I requested a balcony and had Costco also put it in my reservation request, so I wanted to follow up with the online request. Exciting for our first visit to the Dolphin!

 

[mrsdaly]

Can anyone confirm if there is still a slight discount on the resort fee for platinums?
Also - if you are platinum, what kind of room upgrades have you gotten, if any? I'll be staying for 6 nights at the Swan at the end of August... this will be my first time platinum (with the new SPG/Marriott merge of nights I'll have just over 50 nights come August), so just curious. I usually book a resort view balcony with points but was just going to book standard room to save on the points and hope for an upgrade. (a suite would be nice, but a balcony at the least). We check in on a Saturday, and the longer the stay the less of a chance of an upgrade, I'd imagine.

 

[ImprovGal]

Can anyone confirm if there is still a slight discount on the resort fee for platinums?
Also - if you are platinum, what kind of room upgrades have you gotten, if any? I'll be staying for 6 nights at the Swan at the end of August... this will be my first time platinum (with the new SPG/Marriott merge of nights I'll have just over 50 nights come August), so just curious. I usually book a resort view balcony with points but was just going to book standard room to save on the points and hope for an upgrade. (a suite would be nice, but a balcony at the least). We check in on a Saturday, and the longer the stay the less of a chance of an upgrade, I'd imagine.

When I stayed last month, it was $23.00 for Plats instead of $28.00. Sometimes it posts properly, sometimes not. Always check your folio, as they can adjust if incorrect.
My upgrades have varied tremendously. It all depends on what's available and how many other platinum guests are competing for the upgrade. Usually, I've noticed that I can see if they've preblocked an upgrade for me when I look at my reservation online a day or two prior.

 

[bluejasmine]

Was thinking of going to Picaubu for a casual breakfast for a Disney Springs/resort pool day? How is breakfast? I was wondering what Lyons style potatos were lol?

Also I see Picabu is open 24 hours but what time do they stop making hot foods at night, we will probably be coming in about 8/9 pm and may want dinner, trying to figure out if we need to stop prior to getting to the Dolphin

 

[amalone1013]

Was thinking of going to Picaubu for a casual breakfast for a Disney Springs/resort pool day? How is breakfast? I was wondering what Lyons style potatos were lol?

Also I see Picabu is open 24 hours but what time do they stop making hot foods at night, we will probably be coming in about 8/9 pm and may want dinner, trying to figure out if we need to stop prior to getting to the Dolphin

Back in January they were still making tacos at midnight, 1am.