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

[Swimgirly]

Hi all, sorry if this has been asked a bunch times. We are arriving at The Swan for the first time in a few days. We don't have any view. Is it even worth putting in a request? Any floor or section of the hotel we should request? I thought I read somewhere something about the 6th floor? Any advice is appreciated!

I used free night certificates when I booked, so the reservation was half free nights/half paid. I asked if a room with a view was possible. I can see the Eiffel Tower in Epcot on one side and Hollywood Tower of Terror on the other. I was pleasantly surprised.

 

[ChipnDaleRule]

Hi, we’re staying at the Swan next week and I’ve just seen something about a Quick Service Dining card. I’ve used the old DDP multiple times but not sure how this one works!Can anyone explain it to me, how do I add it? Is it VFM? We’re staying for eight nights and plan to only do QS meals, thanks

 

[Dave006]

Hi, we’re staying at the Swan next week and I’ve just seen something about a Quick Service Dining card. I’ve used the old DDP multiple times but not sure how this one works!Can anyone explain it to me, how do I add it? Is it VFM? We’re staying for eight nights and plan to only do QS meals, thanks

Are you staying on a Disney Package from Disney or did you book the Swan directly through Marriott or another method?

Here is the Disney link: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/disney-dining-card/

Save on meals and snacks with the Disney Quick-Service Dining Card! Guests who book one of the following Walt Disney Travel Company packages may add a Disney Quick-Service Dining Card for 1 to 10 days.

Eligible Packages​

• Walt Disney World Swan, Walt Disney World Dolphin and Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Hotel Package
• Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Package
• Disney Springs Resort Area Hotel Package
• Walt Disney World Official Hotels at Bonnet Creek
• Walt Disney World Gateway Hotels
• Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel Package

How to Purchase a Quick-Service Dining Card​

When you book a Walt Disney World vacation package at an eligible hotel, you can add a Quick-Service Dining Card for each person in your party ages 3 and older. This option can be added up to 5 days in advance of your stay.

Value & Price

These gift cards have a value of $40 per adult (ages 10 and up) per day and $15 per child (ages 3 to 9) per day—which is more than the price you pay for the card.
For example, if you have a party of 2 adults, one 12-year-old and one 8-year-old, and you select the 5-Day Quick-Service Dining Card, you’d get 3 cards with a value of $200 each and one card with a $75 value. That’s a total value of $675—at a cost of just $587.50.

Dave

 

[Kimrlav]

I remember someone posting awhile back that you could have them pick you up at the Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf entrance as a way around not picking up at the Swan Reserve.

This seems to work on the Lyft app -- thanks so much for the information and MV hack! it will be much easier for us when going to a special dinner at the MK resorts.

 

[AussieFan8]

I remember someone posting awhile back that you could have them pick you up at the Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf entrance as a way around not picking up at the Swan Reserve.

Has anyone done Minnie Van from here or anywhere else on property recently? I'm just wondering how reliably you can get a quick pick-up. I would love to do this to get from Dolphin to MK for breakfast one day, but the only time I tried to get a Minnie Van previously (from WL in 2019), we waited about 30 minutes on a pick-up and then gave up and canceled and got a regular Lyft. (The app showed we had a Minnie Van, but then it never moved when we tracked it on the app.)

 

[gottalovepluto]

Has anyone done Minnie Van from here or anywhere else on property recently? I'm just wondering how reliably you can get a quick pick-up. I would love to do this to get from Dolphin to MK for breakfast one day, but the only time I tried to get a Minnie Van previously (from WL in 2019), we waited about 30 minutes on a pick-up and then gave up and canceled and got a regular Lyft. (The app showed we had a Minnie Van, but then it never moved when we tracked it on the app.)

Sometimes they’re available, sometimes they aren’t. Around park opening & close are the hardest. And they won’t pick up at Dolphin, you’ll have to do YC, BWI or the golf place (idk which is closer to Dolphin).

But getting one that never shows is not common, sounds like an IT glitch that day.

 

[buzz1fan]

Has anything changed from last year where the Disney busses pick up and take to parks same as a Disney resort?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Has anything changed from last year where the Disney busses pick up and take to parks same as a Disney resort?

No Disney buses. Still Mears. Alternative for MK trip is to catch Disney bus at the Boardwalk. Mears bus to AK is maybe a bit better drop-off compared to Disney bus.

 

[melking23]

My day has finally come! DH and I are on our way and will be at Swan in less than 2 hours!!!!

This is a much welcomed trip that was almost cancelled yesterday. My 6.5yo DD collided with a friend on the playground on Thursday. Yesterday we confirmed her nose is broken. The swelling is soooo bad (the pic is from this morning, the other is from the Braves game less than 2 weeks ago) but there’s no blood clots and it’s not offset so no surgery needed at this time. She’ll miss school next week and go to Gatlinburg with my parents and their friends instead. I think there are 5 couples and they’re all grandparents. She’s going to be spoiled to death! She’d rather stay with my BFF and go to school but we don’t want to risk re-injury. I don’t think she realizes what fun she’s going to have even if it’s all “old people” (they’re mid-50’s to upper 60’s). If her nose shifts at all she has to be taken to ENT immediately to have it reset.

The most important part is that even with the swelling as bad as it is, she’s not in any pain!

 

[SteveH]

Has anyone done Minnie Van from here or anywhere else on property recently? I'm just wondering how reliably you can get a quick pick-up. I would love to do this to get from Dolphin to MK for breakfast one day, but the only time I tried to get a Minnie Van previously (from WL in 2019), we waited about 30 minutes on a pick-up and then gave up and canceled and got a regular Lyft. (The app showed we had a Minnie Van, but then it never moved when we tracked it on the app.)

Since MV's don't go to/from SDR you might want check or ask in the Transportation Forum to see how well the service is these days.

Has anything changed from last year where the Disney busses pick up and take to parks same as a Disney resort?

Busing hasn't been the same since things returned after Covid. We're coming up on the second year this fall, could it change back to Disney? Maybe but doubtful in my mind. My previous post will show you where drop off is at AK.

The most important part is that even with the swelling as bad as it is, she’s not in any pain!

I'm so sorry for her, but good to hear you can make the trip without being in pain! Have fun!!!

 

[Karalee402]

My day has finally come! DH and I are on our way and will be at Swan in less than 2 hours!!!!

This is a much welcomed trip that was almost cancelled yesterday. My 6.5yo DD collided with a friend on the playground on Thursday. Yesterday we confirmed her nose is broken. The swelling is soooo bad (the pic is from this morning, the other is from the Braves game less than 2 weeks ago) but there’s no blood clots and it’s not offset so no surgery needed at this time. She’ll miss school next week and go to Gatlinburg with my parents and their friends instead. I think there are 5 couples and they’re all grandparents. She’s going to be spoiled to death! She’d rather stay with my BFF and go to school but we don’t want to risk re-injury. I don’t think she realizes what fun she’s going to have even if it’s all “old people” (they’re mid-50’s to upper 60’s). If her nose shifts at all she has to be taken to ENT immediately to have it reset.

The most important part is that even with the swelling as bad as it is, she’s not in any pain!

Poor baby girl!! So sorry for her, but I'm so glad she's not in any pain! Have a great trip!

 

[nonnadisney]

Does staying at Swan, Dolphin or SR qualify you to make 60 +10 dining reservations? Even if you reserve through Marriott?

 

[Dan Murphy]

My day has finally come! DH and I are on our way and will be at Swan in less than 2 hours!!!!

This is a much welcomed trip that was almost cancelled yesterday. My 6.5yo DD collided with a friend on the playground on Thursday. Yesterday we confirmed her nose is broken. The swelling is soooo bad (the pic is from this morning, the other is from the Braves game less than 2 weeks ago) but there’s no blood clots and it’s not offset so no surgery needed at this time. She’ll miss school next week and go to Gatlinburg with my parents and their friends instead. I think there are 5 couples and they’re all grandparents. She’s going to be spoiled to death! She’d rather stay with my BFF and go to school but we don’t want to risk re-injury. I don’t think she realizes what fun she’s going to have even if it’s all “old people” (they’re mid-50’s to upper 60’s). If her nose shifts at all she has to be taken to ENT immediately to have it reset.

The most important part is that even with the swelling as bad as it is, she’s not in any pain!

Enjoy your trip, finally! And sounds like your daughter is in wonderful hands, she'll have a great time also. And she'll be feeling much better by the time you return. It's always fun being with all those old people, haha.

 

[penel3]

I was just reading an article posted on The Points Guy about the “Marriott Resort fee replacement benefit” Specifically, cause 1.3.c.ii. states, “Participating Properties that have mandatory resort charges, which include internet access, will provide a replacement benefit, to be determined at each Participating Property’s discretion.” So, since Marriott Bonvoy members who have Gold or higher status already receive premium Wi-Fi via that status, those members can ask for a replacement “gift/benefit” due to the mandatory resort fee that claims the fee is partly for said Wi-Fi.

Has anyone here ever asked? What did you receive as a new benefit? I have a few upcoming Marriott stays as well as a pre and post Disney stay at the Dolphin to try my luck with this strategy…..

 

[Jillfo]

Does staying at Swan, Dolphin or SR qualify you to make 60 +10 dining reservations? Even if you reserve through Marriott?

Yes. Just make sure your reservation is linked to your MDE account. Also, some people have problems accomplishing the +10 online. You may need to call.

 

[Linleedo]

Does staying at Swan, Dolphin or SR qualify you to make 60 +10 dining reservations? Even if you reserve through Marriott?

Yes

 

[SteveH]

@penel3 Interesting I've not seen anything posted here to my recollection. My guess they will hand out 250 or 500 points which is next to worthless, but better then nothing I suppose. I guess I'm happy Marriott is forcing their hand but wish it was clearly called out at what value it should be. The "its better internet is a joke" IMHO.

 

[Nursemanit]

Just finished my stay

1 Dont take the Mears bus to the springs - They won't let you enter Circ side by the bus so you have to walk to one of the middle garages and go up the stairs in the parking garage to go in through security. You walk have the length of the springs to get in. Lyft is worth it or a Disney bus

2 Yet again, false valet parking charges were on my bill- they will not take them off at the desk ( I have no car and they saw I used a limo) I have to file a dispute with the parking attendant and follow up with Coorperate.

They kept insisting that I had a guest which I did not. I also reminded them that no one should be able to charge to my room other than me. What a PIA

 

[Dan Murphy]

Just finished my stay

1 Dont take the Mears bus to the springs - They won't let you enter Circ side by the bus so you have to walk to one of the middle garages and go up the stairs in the parking garage to go in through security. You walk have the length of the springs to get in. Lyft is worth it or a Disney bus

2 Yet again, false valet parking charges were on my bill- they will not take them off at the desk ( I have no car and they saw I used a limo) I have to file a dispute with the parking attendant and follow up with Coorperate.

They kept insisting that I had a guest which I did not. I also reminded them that no one should be able to charge to my room other than me. What a PIA

Welcome home, Nurdemanit. #1 is bummer and hassle, however, #2 is ridiculous. Did you ask for the hotel manager (not that you should have had to)? That's nuts!

 

[Swimgirly]

Just finished my stay

1 Dont take the Mears bus to the springs - They won't let you enter Circ side by the bus so you have to walk to one of the middle garages and go up the stairs in the parking garage to go in through security. You walk have the length of the springs to get in. Lyft is worth it or a Disney bus

2 Yet again, false valet parking charges were on my bill- they will not take them off at the desk ( I have no car and they saw I used a limo) I have to file a dispute with the parking attendant and follow up with Coorperate.

They kept insisting that I had a guest which I did not. I also reminded them that no one should be able to charge to my room other than me. What a PIA

That stinks! I wonder if #1 was a one off thing. I just left last night after a week long stay and we took their bus to DS on 3 separate occasions and was always allowed in there. We took the Swan bus there and a Disney bus back to the Yacht Club every time. We would never make the mistake of taking their bus to MK again. That was the worst.

While there, they installed the big bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body wash in the shower. We did get water every day when housekeeping came. I was charged the $35 resort fee for the booking with points that I had made and didn’t modify, but was charged the $40 resort fee on the booking with cash that I constantly modified for lower prices.

It was our first stay at a non-Disney hotel and I 100% think we would do it again.