Hey there Cindy and welcome to planDisney. We have made the
Walt Disney World Swan and
Dolphin Hotels our home away from home more times than I can remember. We have used points and paid cash on different occasions to get the best values but when it comes to a
Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Package the rules are a bit different between
Disney Resorts Collection hotels and hotels that are on property but not owned by The Walt Disney Company.
The Walt Disney World Swan Hotel is managed by Marriott International, Inc. You may pay with points for a hotel reservation only as there is no relationship that allows points to be transferred to Disney credits. Also, you will need to go through the Marriot reservation site and not through the Walt Disney World Resort site as they have no place to enter your Marriott points.
If you want a comprehensive Resort Hotel Package with a
Dining Plan then you will need to book a Disney Resorts Collection hotel with theme park tickets. Tickets and a hotel reservation are both required for a basic package. I suggest you look at the restaurant menu prices for the places you want to dine and do some quick math. If you see that you are going to save money then the dining plan is perfect. If not or you will break even then using your Marriott points may be the best solution.
One other thing to consider in the equation is the
Magical Extras you get with each Resort Hotel Package.
planDisney Pro Tip:
Disney's BoardWalk Area is an overlooked gem near the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel.
There is street entertainment along with carnival games and delicious food and beverage options.
Cindy, I know using points can really stretch your vacation dollars. Some simple math should help determine whether or not your points are the best approach. Please feel free to
write me back with any follow-up questions.
Enjoy making many Magical Memories.
~Jason