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

CarolinaBlue99 · Sep 20, 2017

Bmath said:
Hey everyone, I just booked a last minute stay Oct 27-31 in a Premium Studio King Bed at the Dolphin. We have 5 of us, Mom,Dad(Me), DD4,DS5 DS7.

I am SPG Gold and have a ton of points at other partners right now, I wanted to book on points but apparently it's not available with points. If I book the standard room on points, can I use cash to upgrade or points? I have seen others mention at check-in but I am hoping for something confirmed for a little less $$ than I had to use for the room right now.

If so, do I call SPG (as they haven't really been helpful) or do I call the hotel directly?

I'm a bit confused. Did you book the Premium Studio using points or paying cash? When using points you can only book a standard/traditional room online. But you can call SPG and book other room categories on points. Using my DH's SPG Gold, I called to book a Deluxe Balcony room at the Swan for a few more points a night (don't remember how many extra - I'd have to go back and look). I found the SPG folks to be really helpful when booking an alternative room from the one featured for online booking. I was very specific in the room category I wanted when I called, and it wasn't a problem at all. Our trip isn't until March, though, so there was lots of availability. Maybe they've sold out of all rooms on points?

I hope this helps somewhat.

Bmath · Sep 20, 2017

I booked the premium studio using cash since I can cancel it. It's $299/nt using the SPG50 promotion.

I was offered a regular double room for 10k/nt and a balcony for 11k/nt. I worry about all 5 of us being crammed in a room that size.

I have seen others mention they were able to secure upgrades using points and/or cash but I know a lot of those are either at check-in or <5 days out. I don't know if anyone has had luck upgrading otherwise.

Dan Murphy · Sep 20, 2017

maxiesmom said:
If I want to ship a box to the Swan, how far ahead should I do so? Actually, I want to order something from Amazon and send it to the Swan. What address should I use? Is there a charge to pick it up at the Swan?

If it is from Amazon Prime Now, packages are delivered to lobby bell, no hotel charge (top). If regular Amazon order, UPS, etc., those are delivered to shipping and the S/D receiving charges listed in the link below apply.

ETA, if you are doing a Prime Now, you can order 1 day ahead or same day. If doing Prime, most often 2 days.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/w...tion-questions.3264274/page-190#post-57963562

shoreward · Sep 20, 2017

Bmath said:
Hey everyone, I just booked a last minute stay Oct 27-31 in a Premium Studio King Bed at the Dolphin. We have 5 of us, Mom,Dad(Me), DD4,DS5 DS7.

I am SPG Gold and have a ton of points at other partners right now, I wanted to book on points but apparently it's not available with points. If I book the standard room on points, can I use cash to upgrade or points? I have seen others mention at check-in but I am hoping for something confirmed for a little less $$ than I had to use for the room right now.

If so, do I call SPG (as they haven't really been helpful) or do I call the hotel directly?

You can't do a points booking directly with the hotel. I would suggest you call the SPG Gold number and speak with a Gold rep; don't select the reservations option. My experience is that the Gold CSRs are better at handling special questions/requests.

It's been awhile since I upgraded a points booking, but I believe you can do so with perhaps another 1,000 or more points per night, when you get closer to the check-in date. They will only allow you to make an award booking, if "Traditional" rooms are available. If they can't do points booking for all nights, you might be able to do some with points, and the other(s) with cash. The Swan and Dolphin have a lot of conferences and conventions, so sometimes the standard rooms are sold out, which prevents the award booking.

CarolinaBlue99 · Sep 20, 2017

shoreward said:
You can't do a points booking directly with the hotel. I would suggest you call the SPG Gold number and speak with a Gold rep; don't select the reservations option. My experience is that the Gold CSRs are better at handling special questions/requests.

It's been awhile since I upgraded a points booking, but I believe you can do so with perhaps another 1,000 or more points per night, when you get closer to the check-in date. They will only allow you to make an award booking, if "Traditional" rooms are available. If they can't do points booking for all nights, you might be able to do some with points, and the other(s) with cash. The Swan and Dolphin have a lot of conferences and conventions, so sometimes the standard rooms are sold out, which prevents the award booking.

This is basically what I did. I booked a standard room online using points, then called the SPG Gold number and explained what I wanted to do. She was very helpful. And it was roughly 1k points per night to upgrade. But it sounds like they may not have the room you want available then using points? Wish I could help give you a sense of your chances of getting an upgrade at check-in, but my sense is that it's 50/50 depending on availability.

I hope you get the upgrade you want and have a wonderful trip!

Bmath · Sep 20, 2017

CarolinaBlue99 said:
This is basically what I did. I booked a standard room online using points, then called the SPG Gold number and explained what I wanted to do. She was very helpful. And it was roughly 1k points per night to upgrade. But it sounds like they may not have the room you want available then using points? Wish I could help give you a sense of your chances of getting an upgrade at check-in, but my sense is that it's 50/50 depending on availability.

I hope you get the upgrade you want and have a wonderful trip!

Thanks! What did you upgrade to? A balcony room?

maxiesmom · Sep 20, 2017

Dan Murphy said:
If it is from Amazon Prime Now, packages are delivered to lobby bell, no hotel charge (top). If regular Amazon order, UPS, etc., those are delivered to shipping and the S/D receiving charges listed in the link below apply.

ETA, if you are doing a Prime Now, you can order 1 day ahead or same day. If doing Prime, most often 2 days.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/w...tion-questions.3264274/page-190#post-57963562

How far out would you order for a standard Amazon order?

CarolinaBlue99 · Sep 20, 2017

Bmath said:
Thanks! What did you upgrade to? A balcony room?

We'll be at the Swan and upgraded to a Grand Deluxe (with a balcony and view). There's just three of us, so we weren't as worried about enough room as having a space outside to relax with coffee or a glass of wine. We are hoping to get a room with a decent view where we can catch a glimpse of the fireworks - I've put in a request with the concierge. We'll see what happens at check-in - my DH has been traveling a ton lately so might be up to platinum by the time of our trip.

CarolinaBlue99 · Sep 20, 2017

Can anyone tell me about dining at the lounges of Kimonos and BlueZoo? It'll be me, my DH and DD7, and we've found that sometimes the lounges of nice restaurants are a good option to get tasty/high-end food in a more casual atmosphere. Anyone done this? How hard is it to find tables between 5-7 p.m.?

Thanks for any insight!

SwanVT2 · Sep 20, 2017

CarolinaBlue99 said:
Can anyone tell me about dining at the lounges of Kimonos and BlueZoo? It'll be me, my DH and DD7, and we've found that sometimes the lounges of nice restaurants are a good option to get tasty/high-end food in a more casual atmosphere. Anyone done this? How hard is it to find tables between 5-7 p.m.?

Thanks for any insight!

I don't know about Bluezoo but Kimonos does not have a lounge. We have never had trouble walking up and getting a table. Their prices aren't too bad and it is the best sushi on property. You DD will probably like their noodles. I am curious about the Bluezoo lounge too. I like getting a lower cost in lounges. Although avoid yacht club crew club lounge. Super duper slow and not very kid friendly.

CarolinaBlue99 · Sep 20, 2017

SwanVT2 said:
I don't know about Bluezoo but Kimonos does not have a lounge. We have never had trouble walking up and getting a table. Their prices aren't too bad and it is the best sushi on property. You DD will probably like their noodles. I am curious about the Bluezoo lounge too. I like getting a lower cost in lounges. Although avoid yacht club crew club lounge. Super duper slow and not very kid friendly.

Thanks! My DD loves sushi, so we are looking forward to Kimonos. The girl can down some unagi! I thought Kimonos had a lounge based on the website:

http://www.swandolphinrestaurants.com/kimonoslounge/index.html

Hopefully we'll hear from someone who has tried the Bluezoo lounge. We are already planning to eat at Shula's in the restaurant our last night and are looking forward to it!

chris benton · Sep 20, 2017

CarolinaBlue99 said:
Can anyone tell me about dining at the lounges of Kimonos and BlueZoo? It'll be me, my DH and DD7, and we've found that sometimes the lounges of nice restaurants are a good option to get tasty/high-end food in a more casual atmosphere. Anyone done this? How hard is it to find tables between 5-7 p.m.?

Thanks for any insight!

Don't worry too much about being "too" casual at Kimonos, and be careful of listening to Karaoke with expletives and the crowd erupting with laughter and cheering if you go during karaoke time. It's sleek-ish, but not overly so like super high class adults only. Maybe I'm just ignorant to all of that. They definitely seemed happy enough to take my family's money. We were all in shorts and sandals, including ds7. No biggie.

Dan Murphy · Sep 20, 2017

maxiesmom said:
How far out would you order for a standard Amazon order?

I would do an order 'practice' on Amazon up until you actually place your order. It will tell you the delivery time for your order.

CarolinaBlue99 said:
I thought Kimonos had a lounge based on the website:

It has a lounge.

ImprovGal · Sep 21, 2017

CarolinaBlue99 said:
Thanks! My DD loves sushi, so we are looking forward to Kimonos. The girl can down some unagi! I thought Kimonos had a lounge based on the website:

http://www.swandolphinrestaurants.com/kimonoslounge/index.html

Hopefully we'll hear from someone who has tried the Bluezoo lounge. We are already planning to eat at Shula's in the restaurant our last night and are looking forward to it!

Kimono doesn't really have a separate lounge; the whole place is pretty much one. There is bar seating in the back, sushi bar seating off to the side, and table seating throughout.

As for bluezoo, I've frequently eaten in the bar lounge. There are some booths and there is also bar seating. There is a separate menu of bar snacks only available for the area (love the crab nachos!), but you can also order off the full restaurant menu there. I most recently visited in mid-August and at the time they were offering happy hour specials in the lounge from 5-7pm.

Both Kimonos and bluezoo participate in the resort's Signature Dining Passport program so you can earn points and redeem certificates there. Bluezoo accepts TiW, too. I can't remember if Kimonos does as well. Bluezoo restaurant is on Opentable for reservations, and also is a redemption option on the Opentable gift cards. Although the bluezoo lounge does not take reservations, those gift cards may be redeemed there as well.

CarolinaBlue99 · Sep 21, 2017

ImprovGal said:
Kimono doesn't really have a separate lounge; the whole place is pretty much one. There is bar seating in the back, sushi bar seating off to the side, and table seating throughout.

As for bluezoo, I've frequently eaten in the bar lounge. There are some booths and there is also bar seating. There is a separate menu of bar snacks only available for the area (love the crab nachos!), but you can also order off the full restaurant menu there. I most recently visited in mid-August and at the time they were offering happy hour specials in the lounge from 5-7pm.

Both Kimonos and bluezoo participate in the resort's Signature Dining Passport program so you can earn points and redeem certificates there. Bluezoo accepts TiW, too. I can't remember if Kimonos does as well. Bluezoo restaurant is on Opentable for reservations, and also is a redemption option on the Opentable gift cards. Although the bluezoo lounge does not take reservations, those gift cards may be redeemed there as well.

Thanks! This is super helpful.

mrsdaly · Sep 21, 2017

delete, already answered post

G8r4evr · Sep 21, 2017

I booked a balcony room at the Swan thru Travelocity...but it doesn't say anything about the view. Just says double balcony room. What kind of view should we expect? Do balconies over look the parking lot? Should I call and request a specific view? TIA.

Dan Murphy · Sep 21, 2017

G8r4evr said:
I booked a balcony room at the Swan thru Travelocity...but it doesn't say anything about the view. Just says double balcony room. What kind of view should we expect? Do balconies over look the parking lot? Should I call and request a specific view? TIA.

They would overlook the Boardwalk/Epcot, the courtyard between the two wings, Crescent Lake or the Grotto Swimming Complex.

You can see here views here. I think the balconies are only in the two wings, plus some in the center overlooking the courtyard.

https://goo.gl/maps/y8D47gN1JLk

G8r4evr · Sep 22, 2017

Thank you! I would love an Epcot view, would I have had to pay extra for that one?

Having booked thru Travelocity, should I call them with my request, call the Swan or wait and ask when we check in?

Dan Murphy · Sep 22, 2017

G8r4evr said:
Thank you! I would love an Epcot view, would I have had to pay extra for that one?

Having booked thru Travelocity, should I call them with my request, call the Swan or wait and ask when we check in?

I would use the concierge link to make your request. They will reply to you. Also at check in.

http://www.swandolphin.com/concierge/index.html

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

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