Can someone explain the Dolphin and Swan hotels?

[slappy magoo]

Here's a question... Where are people finding these insanely cheap rates I'm always hearing about? I'm considering the S&D for my trip in January but I can get Animal Kingdom Lodge for less, even if prices stayed at full rack rates.

That's what I'm wondering. Even looking at the official site lazyboy listed I don't think I see much less than $200 per night (side note, I think that thing needs to be redesigned cause it's hard to navigate). And like I said, google isn't listing either Swan or Dolphin rates like it does other hotels I search for. I've only found them on the official site and the official Disney site.

Honestly I just went to their website, as well as travelocity, priceline, etc. But YMMV especially depending on your dates, or if the S&D are heavily booked for any given time, even compared to the occupancy rates at WDW hotels.

On the swandolphin.com website, were you to check in this coming Tuesday, rates now start at $129/night at the Dolphin and $143 at the Swan both with a AAA Discount. But looking at a one night stay in November (11/9), rates are $247 at the Dolphin and $242 at the Swan. Probably Food and Wine pricing? But you're right January is also very high.

But of course, even that super-cheap rate of $129 at the Dolphin, once you include the $25 resort fee and all taxes, it's around $185. Plus parking if you need it.

 

[epcotisbest]

Here's a question... Where are people finding these insanely cheap rates I'm always hearing about? I'm considering the S&D for my trip in January but I can get Animal Kingdom Lodge for less, even if prices stayed at full rack rates.

I have a possible trip coming up and might need one night while passing through. $155 is what I found on Priceline. Even with the stupid resort fee and parking fee, it is less than $200. You gotta factor in taxes wherever you stay.
I will choose somewhere else because of the fees as I typically won't stay somewhere that does the ridiculous fee thing. Just charge more in the first place and not add fees and I would have taken it. They would get the same amount and not lose people who don't appreciate phony fees. Still, this is a decent price and found it the first search. Anyway, those prices are out there, guess it just depends on when you are going and for how long.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

I have a possible trip coming up and might need one night while passing through. $155 is what I found on Priceline. Even with the stupid resort fee and parking fee, it is less than $200. You gotta factor in taxes wherever you stay.
I will choose somewhere else because of the fees as I typically won't stay somewhere that does the ridiculous fee thing. Just charge more in the first place and not add fees and I would have taken it. They would get the same amount and not lose people who don't appreciate phony fees. Still, this is a decent price and found it the first search. Anyway, those prices are out there, guess it just depends on when you are going and for how long.

Yeah I think I'll stick with DAK Lodge. I figure my week will get at least a 25% discount with no fees or parking and free airport transportation.

 

[chrisbarry]

See if Disney is offering any room-only discounts when you're going. You might get lucky. We just paid less than $300 for The Yacht Club in July for midweek nights with a room-only discount direct from Disney. I want to say around $260-$270? That's so much more worth it than mid $200's for The Swan and Dolphin in my opinion.

Check the Walt Disney World page, then, Places to Stay. You'll see Special Offers is small print.

 

[LongLiveTheKing]

Very strange. I would have expected their price seasons to be roughly in line with Disney's.

I've been noticing that booking directly through Disney has had more expensive rates than stuff like priceline and what not

 

[Cowboy Steve]

Honestly I just went to their website, as well as travelocity, priceline, etc. But YMMV especially depending on your dates, or if the S&D are heavily booked for any given time, even compared to the occupancy rates at WDW hotels.

On the swandolphin.com website, were you to check in this coming Tuesday, rates now start at $129/night at the Dolphin and $143 at the Swan both with a AAA Discount. But looking at a one night stay in November (11/9), rates are $247 at the Dolphin and $242 at the Swan. Probably Food and Wine pricing? But you're right January is also very high.

But of course, even that super-cheap rate of $129 at the Dolphin, once you include the $25 resort fee and all taxes, it's around $185. Plus parking if you need it.

There in lies the difference between how Disney does their resort bookings and how others do it lol. With the Swan/Dolphin, room prices are based on occupancy levels. Many times you are going to pay a premium for a room 6 months in advance - specially if there is a large event at those resorts. But a $400 February room might only be $150 once you get within a couple weeks of the date. If there are big holes in bookings with lots of empty rooms, the room prices will drop like a brick to try and get bodies in the rooms. You certainly can't count on discounted rooms on short notice because it is based on occupancy. But it is a nice surprise when it happens lol!