The **New** Swan and Dolphin Resort thread ~ April 2012 ~ Please read post #1

[MBELSANTI]

HI all!

I know I ask a lot of questions
My flight arrives at MCO at 0945 and we will not be checking any luggage. About what time should I expect to be at Swan...Noon? I want to make ADR for lunch (possibly over at Boardwalk) and want to allow enough time. Will we be able to leave luggage at Bell Stand and go on our way or do you think early check in is possible at Noon? Also, I am assuming if we have to wait for the room to be ready that we can use the pools?

[NancyIL]

Originally Posted by MBELSANTI

HI all!

I know I ask a lot of questions
My flight arrives at MCO at 0945 and we will not be checking any luggage. About what time should I expect to be at Swan...Noon? I want to make ADR for lunch (possibly over at Boardwalk) and want to allow enough time. Will we be able to leave luggage at Bell Stand and go on our way or do you think early check in is possible at Noon? Also, I am assuming if we have to wait for the room to be ready that we can use the pools?

I have taken Mears to the Swan a number of times. First there's the wait for the van, and they like for it to be somewhat full before they depart. Depending on the number of hotel stops to be made before yours, it might be 90 minutes after landing before you get to the Swan. I think for sure you'd be there by noon.

Your room might be ready at noon, but more often than not I've had to leave my luggage with bell services when checking in. I've never used the Swan/Dolphin pools, but I'm sure you could use them before your room is ready.

[MBELSANTI]

Originally Posted by NancyIL

I have taken Mears to the Swan a number of times. First there's the wait for the van, and they like for it to be somewhat full before they depart. Depending on the number of hotel stops to be made before yours, it might be 90 minutes after landing before you get to the Swan. I think for sure you'd be there by noon.

Your room might be ready at noon, but more often than not I've had to leave my luggage with bell services when checking in. I've never used the Swan/Dolphin pools, but I'm sure you could use them before your room is ready.

Thany you Nancy! So it is not a shuttle bus, but a van? I think I will shoot them an email and ask if I can have early check in request. Originally we weren't supposed to land until 10pm, so I had asked them to note the late arrival on the reservation, but I was able to switch my flight to an early one!

[NancyIL]

Originally Posted by MBELSANTI

Thany you Nancy! So it is not a shuttle bus, but a van? I think I will shoot them an email and ask if I can have early check in request. Originally we weren't supposed to land until 10pm, so I had asked them to note the late arrival on the reservation, but I was able to switch my flight to an early one!

Yes, Mears uses mostly 12-pasenger vans to go to non-Disney hotels. You can certainly ask for an early check-in, but it can't be guaranteed.

[pooh2001]

DH likes mild Starbuck coffee.
What type of Starbucks coffee pods are in the Dolphin rooms for the coffee maker?

Does anyone have a picture of the Starbuck coffee pod for the coffee makers in the rooms ?

I was wondering what type they are ?
Could we bring some pods from home which fit the Dolphin room coffee maker ?

Do T-Discs for Tassimo™ Beverage System work in the coffee makers ?
Do K-Cups for Keurig® Brewers work in the coffee makers?
Do CBTL Single Serve Capsules Beverage System work in the coffee makers?
Do capsules for the Krups® Dolce Gusto machine work in the coffee makers?

The above were the only coffee pod types I could find on the Bed Bath & Beyond website.

Please help so I can bring the coffee my DH likes when we visit in a few months

[ireland_nicole]

Wanted to say hi- I have discovered the danger of APs this year. Planned to stay at the swolfin for my Nov trip with DD but moved to POFQ since her face "park" is DTD. Really wanted to stay for DSs trip to SWW in June, but there was no nurses rate to be had. But DH and I decided to have a blow out for my 40th before the AP expires and are going to F&W Oct 17-21. Currently booked at the dolphin in a king room with a nurses rate that was fab so I don't see us moving at all- yeah! Will look at all our transport options... As far as dining we have TIW and a Couple of rest.com coupons. Does anyone know if you can use both? Looking forward tO learning more over the next 6 months

[NancyIL]

Originally Posted by ireland_nicole

Wanted to say hi- I have discovered the danger of APs this year. Planned to stay at the swolfin for my Nov trip with DD but moved to POFQ since her face "park" is DTD. Really wanted to stay for DSs trip to SWW in June, but there was no nurses rate to be had. But DH and I decided to have a blow out for my 40th before the AP expires and are going to F&W Oct 17-21. Currently booked at the dolphin in a king room with a nurses rate that was fab so I don't see us moving at all- yeah! Will look at all our transport options... As far as dining we have TIW and a Couple of rest.com coupons. Does anyone know if you can use both? Looking forward tO learning more over the next 6 months

Unfortunately, you can't combine the TIW discount with the Restaurant.com coupons.

I agree with you about the dangers of having an AP!

[LexiC123]

Originally Posted by pooh2001

DH likes mild Starbuck coffee.
What type of Starbucks coffee pods are in the Dolphin rooms for the coffee maker?

Does anyone have a picture of the Starbuck coffee pod for the coffee makers in the rooms ?

I was wondering what type they are ?
Could we bring some pods from home which fit the Dolphin room coffee maker ?

Do T-Discs for Tassimo™ Beverage System work in the coffee makers ?
Do K-Cups for Keurig® Brewers work in the coffee makers?
Do CBTL Single Serve Capsules Beverage System work in the coffee makers?
Do capsules for the Krups® Dolce Gusto machine work in the coffee makers?

The above were the only coffee pod types I could find on the Bed Bath & Beyond website.

Please help so I can bring the coffee my DH likes when we visit in a few months

The in-room coffee is a bold roast, Africa Kitamu. Not sure what flavor the decaf pods are.

None of those coffee systems are compatible with the coffee machines at the S/D. They use "pods" which are basically round coffee filter paper filled with coffee...a coffee ravioli, if you will.

They look something like this, but slightly larger in size. I'm not sure if these smaller pods would work in the coffee makers in the room.

Has your husband ever tried the Starbucks Via instant coffee? My DH says it doesn't even taste like instant, and you'd be able to get a mild roast. Might be worth trying before your trip...you can pick them up in Starbucks stores and most supermarkets.

[RachelTori]

Originally Posted by LexiC123

The in-room coffee is a bold roast, Africa Kitamu. Not sure what flavor the decaf pods are.

None of those coffee systems are compatible with the coffee machines at the S/D. They use "pods" which are basically round coffee filter paper filled with coffee...a coffee ravioli, if you will.

They look something like this, but slightly larger in size. I'm not sure if these smaller pods would work in the coffee makers in the room.

Has your husband ever tried the Starbucks Via instant coffee? My DH says it doesn't even taste like instant, and you'd be able to get a mild roast. Might be worth trying before your trip...you can pick them up in Starbucks stores and most supermarkets.

The Decaf they have is "Fair Trade Blend" described as "Smooth, Roasty"; Flavor Intensity: BOLD!

I agree, the Via (instant) by Starbucks is very good! When I stay at a Value resort, no coffee pot in room, I will bring Via and use the hot water in the food court, rather than drinking the Nescafe!

[LexiC123]

Originally Posted by RachelTori

The Decaf they have is "Fair Trade Blend" described as "Smooth, Roasty"; Flavor Intensity: BOLD!

I agree, the Via (instant) by Starbucks is very good! When I stay at a Value resort, no coffee pot in room, I will bring Via and use the hot water in the food court, rather than drinking the Nescafe!

Thanks for the information on the decaf. Us non-coffee drinkers don't always pay attention to such things!

[NancyIL]

Originally Posted by LexiC123

Thanks for the information on the decaf. Us non-coffee drinkers don't always pay attention to such things!

As a non-coffee drinker, I'm glad I don't have to worry about whether there is a coffee pot in the room or the kind of coffee available.

[Dan Murphy]

Originally Posted by pooh2001

DH likes mild Starbuck coffee......

Another method often used is to brew normally, then dump some of the brewed coffee out of cup, add hot water and stir to blend.

[LexiC123]

Originally Posted by NancyIL

As a non-coffee drinker, I'm glad I don't have to worry about whether there is a coffee pot in the room or the kind of coffee available.

So true. I bring my own tea, so all I need is hot water and I'm good to go.

[BigMickeyFan]

Thanks for this wonderful, informative thread! Despite many prior trips to the World, I've never been to or known much about the Swan/Dolphin. However, I suddenly find myself headed there next week on a last minute solo trip for a conference. I've printed post #1 for reference while I'm there - it has everything I really needed to to know!!

Thanks again, so much!!!

[LexiC123]

Originally Posted by BigMickeyFan

Thanks for this wonderful, informative thread! Despite many prior trips to the World, I've never been to or known much about the Swan/Dolphin. However, I suddenly find myself headed there next week on a last minute solo trip for a conference. I've printed post #1 for reference while I'm there - it has everything I really needed to to know!!

Thanks again, so much!!!

Lucky you! Hope you'll be able to work in some park time.

Enjoy your trip!