Walt Disney World Dolphin offers a bit more in savings when compared with the Swan, perhaps because of its larger size and many on-site activities. For some people, this can be a benefit, but if you're looking to relax, the more expensive Swan offers more peace and quiet.
Walt Disney World Resort has re-branded Extra Magic Hours. They are now known as Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Theme Park Hours. Guests of Walt Disney World Dolphin, Swan, and Swan Reserve hotels are invited to participate in Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Theme Park Hours.
You cannot simply refuse to pay resort fees, but — just as some hotel employees are occasionally empowered to compensate you — the employee might have authority to remove your resort fee. Just understand that this is the exception, not the norm. And while it doesn't hurt to ask, it helps to ask nicely.
Resort fees are considered mandatory charges at most of the hotels who charge them. Unless you're booking a rewards stay, are a VIP, or have received previous approval from a manager, you should expect to pay the resort fee at a hotel who charges one, even if you don't use the services included in the fee.
Guests of the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve are all able to use the pools at the complex no matter which hotel they are staying in. But they are not eligible to use the pools at other Disney World resort hotels.
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is designated as part of the collection of Walt Disney World® Resorts (see “Walt Disney World® Resort Benefits”)
If you want to stay in the top resorts without paying a resort fee, you should consider earning hotel points with certain brands and booking an award stay. Hilton Honors and World of Hyatt have policies that allow them to waive resort fees on award stays, which can present a significant savings.
First, by separating a mandatory resort fee from a quoted hotel rate, hotels can make their rates look more attractive to potential guests. Travelers, of course, disagree and feel that this practice is deceptive and unethical. Another reason why amenity fees are charged separately is due to taxation.
Hotels charge fees for a few reasons. A lower base rate might pique a customer's interest in a hotel they might not otherwise have considered. Hotels then make up the difference in revenue by charging a resort fee rather than one higher, singular base rate. But it's not just about getting customers in the door.
Resort fees are generally not refundable, though there may be some exceptions depending on the resort. It is essential to check with the resort directly to find out their refund policy. Most resorts do not offer refunds for their resort fees, but there may be some exceptions depending on the particular hotel.
You can also talk with the hotel manager and ask to have the resort fee removed from your bill. Your final option is to dispute the resort fee with your credit card company, provided you have paid your hotel bill with a credit card.
Resort Fees are collected by us, upon arrival, at check-in. We apologize for any confusion and if you saw something different on the Expedia site. When making a reservation with them, it does indicate that the rate excludes resort fees and that the resort fee is due at hotel.
Walt Disney World Resort has re-branded Extra Magic Hours. They are now known as Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Theme Park Hours. Guests of Walt Disney World Dolphin, Swan, and Swan Reserve hotels are invited to participate in Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Theme Park Hours.