Book Disney World Swan Reserve Using Marriott Points
Maximizing Your Stay at The Marriott Swan Reserve Using Marriott Points
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If you're a Marriott Bonvoy member looking to make the most of your Disney World budget, The Marriott Walt Disney World Swan Reserve in Orlando, Florida, is an excellent option. Nestled in the heart of the Walt Disney World Epcot resort area, this hotel offers a unique blend of convenience, comfort, and Disney perks.
While the Swan Reserve is not one of the official Walt Disney World Hotels, it has the same benefits as staying at a Disney property hotel.
Why Choose The Marriott Swan Reserve?
The Marriott Swan Reserve is an ideal choice for travelers who want to be close to the magic of Disney without spending a fortune. The hotel offers modern, spacious rooms with stunning resort views and easy access to all Disney parks. Amenities include a Grotto pool with a waterslide and waterfall, a spring pool, a kiddie pool, a state-of-the-art Spa and fitness center, and multiple dining options.
Guests enjoy complimentary transportation to Disney parks and access to nearby sister properties- Walt Disney World Swan and Walt Disney World Dolphin hotel amenities.
Amenities between the 3 sister properties include 6 pools, a waterslide, a waterfall state-of-the-art fitness center, and multiple dining options. Family fun can continue using the resort's ping pong tables, air hockey, and jogging trails. Also, hotel guests get access to Camp Dolphin which is a kids club located in the sister Dolphin Hotel for children 5-12.
It is a short walk between the 3 hotels. Disney Swan Reserve guest rooms are available with 2 queen beds, which can be helpful when traveling with kids as opposed to a double-size bed. If you have enough points for a suite upgrade, the Swan Reserve Signature Suite offers more space than standard rooms and includes a living room area.
The Swan Reserve Signature suites also have a sofa bed, and sleep up to 6 people. Room to spread out and a larger sleeping capacity can make the Swan Reserve a great choice for larger families.
Swan Reserve guests receive the same benefits as guests of Disney World Deluxe resorts, except for being able to purchase a dining plan. The hotel offers complimentary bus transportation to Magic Kingdom, Disney's Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs. Water taxis are at the Swan a Dolphin to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios.
The hotel is also within walking distance to Epcot, which is a great perk. One thing to consider is that the buses to Magic Kingdom arrive at the transportation center, so additional time is needed to enter Magic Kingdom.
In addition, guests of the Swan Reserve receive free parking at Disney Theme Parks, if you are looking to have a car. Keep in mind that Swan Reserve does charge a parking fee. Other deluxe resort perks are available to Swan Reserve guests. such as early theme park entry and extended evening hours (select nights).
Swan Reserve guests receive other Walt Disney World property perks such as being able to purchase lighting lanes at 7 am and purchase a Multi-Pass 7 days before your park visit. Theme park visitors not staying at a Disney resort can only purchase multipasses 3 days before a park visit.
Booking Your Stay with Marriott Reward Points
Plan Ahead: The Marriott Swan Reserve is a popular choice, especially during peak seasons like holidays and summer vacations. To secure your desired dates, it’s best to book as early as possible. Marriott Bonvoy allows you to book up to 12 months in advance using points.
Use Points Savvy: The number of points required for a stay at The Marriott Swan Reserve varies depending on the season and room type. Typically, a standard room might cost between 50,000 to 70,000 points per night. However, if you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can take advantage of off-peak pricing, which can significantly reduce the number of points needed.
Take Advantage of PointSavers and Promotions: Marriott often runs promotions that allow you to save points or earn bonus points. Keep an eye out for PointSavers, which offer discounted point redemptions on select dates. Additionally, if you hold a Marriott Bonvoy credit card, you may receive special offers or bonus points that can be applied toward your stay.
Maximizing Your Stay at Marriott Swan Reserve
Upgrade with Points: If you’ve accumulated a substantial amount of points, consider upgrading your room to a suite or a room with a premium view. The Marriott Swan Reserve offers suites with separate living areas, which are perfect for families or travelers who want a bit more space to relax.
Combine Points with Cash: If you’re short on points but still want to experience the luxury of The Swan Reserve, consider a Points + Cash booking. This option allows you to use a combination of points and cash, making it easier to afford longer stays or room upgrades.
Extend Your Stay with a Fifth Night Free: Marriott Bonvoy members receive the fifth night free when booking a stay of five consecutive nights with points. This perk is a fantastic way to stretch your points further and enjoy an extended vacation.
Utilize Elite Status Perks: If you hold Marriott Bonvoy elite status, you’ll enjoy additional benefits during your stay at The Swan Reserve. These perks may include room upgrades, late checkout, complimentary breakfast, and access to exclusive lounges. The more you stay with Marriott, the more perks you’ll receive, so it pays to be loyal.
Take advantage of Sign-up Bonuses: Be strategic with your credit card choices. After meeting the spending minimum for one card’s sign-up bonus, consider applying for your next travel rewards card that earns Marriott points (or other type of travel reward).
Take advantage of a travel partner: Utilize a partner to maximize your travel rewards. This strategy allows both you and your partner to earn the sign-up bonus on the same type of travel card. For example, if you sign up for the American Express Marriott Bevy card, meet the minimum spending requirement, and earn the sign-up bonus, your partner can then sign up for the same card and earn the bonus too. Just ensure that you don't add your partner as an authorized user on your account, as this could disqualify them from earning their own sign-up bonus.
Free Night Certificates: Many Marriott credit cards offer free night certificates. A free night certificate is a great way to add nights to your stay that are not a multiple of 5 (see point 3 above). Utilize a travel partner to earn multiple free night certificates.
Final Tips
Monitor Your Points Balance: Keep an eye on your Marriott Bonvoy points balance and expiration dates. Points typically expire after 24 months of inactivity, so make sure to stay active by earning or redeeming points within that period.
Resort Fees: While your stay might be covered by points, the Swan Reserve does charge a resort fee and parking fee, even for stays booked with points. Even with paying a resort fee, you will still save hundreds to thousands of dollars by using points for your stay compared to other on-property resorts.
Some other Marriott hotels do not charge a resort fee or parking fees but do not have the perks of staying at Walt Disney World Resort
Staying at The Marriott Swan Reserve using Marriott Bonvoy Reward Points is a smart way to enjoy a luxurious vacation while maximizing the value of your points. With careful planning and a few strategic choices, you can create an unforgettable experience at the most magical place on earth. So start planning, pack your bags, and get ready to enjoy all the magic that The Marriott Swan Reserve has to offer on your next Disney vacation.