How We Saved Thousands and Stayed on Property at Disney World
Our family trip to Disney World was an adventure we’ll never forget, made even sweeter by the incredible savings we achieved by staying on property at the Swan Reserve Deluxe Resort using Marriott points. By leveraging Marriott rewards, we managed to save over $3,000 while enjoying all the perks of a Disney resort. Here’s how we did it and why it was one of the best decisions for our family vacation.
The Strategy: Using Marriott Points
To maximize our savings, we utilized a combination of Marriott points and free night certificates:
- Five 50K Free Night Certificates: We had accumulated five 50,000-point free night certificates through various Marriott promotions and credit card benefits.
- Additional Points: For the remaining nights, we used 15,000 points per night, which was a fantastic deal for a property as luxurious as the Swan Reserve.
This strategic use of points allowed us to book our entire stay at the Swan Reserve Deluxe Resort, located right on Disney property.
Upgrading to a Suite
Upon arrival, the hotel offered us an enticing option: upgrade one of our rooms to a suite for an additional $100 per night. This upgrade was a game-changer, providing us with more space and luxury, making our stay even more enjoyable and comfortable. Considering the overall cost of staying on Disney property, this upgrade still represented excellent value.
The Savings Breakdown
While staying on Marriott points does require you to pay taxes and fees, our overall savings were substantial. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Standard Room Rate: Approximately $500 per night.
- Suite Upgrade: Additional $100 per night.
- Total Cash Cost for Our Stay (without points): Over $5,000.
- Amount Paid (taxes, fees, and upgrade): Approximately $2,000.
By using points and paying only for taxes, fees, and the suite upgrade, we saved over $3,000 compared to the standard cash rate.
Perks of Staying on Disney Property
Staying at the Swan Reserve comes with numerous benefits that enhance the Disney experience:
- Early Park Entry: As a Disney resort guest, we enjoyed early access to the parks, allowing us to beat the crowds and experience popular attractions with shorter wait times. Also, because the Swan Reserve is a Deluxe Property my son and I were able to enjoy the late night magic hours at Magic Kingdom on Wednesday night with minimal crowds! I would highly recommend that if your kids can stay out late!
- Free Transportation: Disney’s complimentary transportation options, including buses and boats, made it easy to get around the parks and Disney Springs without the hassle of driving and parking.
- Proximity to the Magic: Being on property meant we were never far from the magic of Disney. The convenience of being close to the parks allowed us to take midday breaks and return to our room to recharge before heading back for evening fun.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Stay
- Plan Ahead: Book your stay well in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak seasons.
- Use Marriott Credit Cards: Leverage Marriott credit cards to earn points faster and take advantage of free night certificates.
- Consider Upgrades: Check for upgrade offers upon check-in. Sometimes, a small additional fee can significantly enhance your stay.
- Utilize Disney Perks: Make the most of early park entry and free transportation to maximize your Disney experience.
We were also able to book all of our flights on Southwest points saving money there.
Final Thoughts
Our stay at the Swan Reserve Deluxe Resort on Disney property was a dream come true, made even better by the substantial savings we achieved through savvy use of Marriott points. The combination of luxury accommodations, Disney perks, and the magic of staying on property created unforgettable memories for our family. If you’re planning a Disney trip, consider using Marriott points to stay at the Swan Reserve—it’s a strategy that offers incredible value and enhances your overall experience.
