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

[TaraPA]

Are the mugs at Swan/Dolphin different than the other Disney Resorts? We've never been to S/D so trying to learn what I can before our trip.

Yes S/D have their own refillable mugs, exclusive only to S/D resorts.

 

[LaurenT]

Thanks! Perhaps I will bring a couple soft sided coolers (I can toss some ice in to get us thru a few hours while we wait for our room).

I've never stayed at the Dolphin (first time will be this coming Tuesday), and it would be best to call check, but I'd bet a considerable amount of money that bell services will refrigerate a delivery for you. It's a deluxe resort, it's expected. We've had it done for us at both Beach Club and Animal Kingdom Lodge....

 

[ImprovGal]

Yes S/D have their own refillable mugs, exclusive only to S/D resorts.

Not only do they have their own mugs, but they have distinct hot & cold refillable mugs -- The plastic one with all of the restaurant logos is only refillable for cold fountain drinks (and iced tea). The silvertone mug that says "java bar" is only refillable for coffee & tea (don't recall if hot chocolate is an option).

 

[TaraPA]

Not only do they have their own mugs, but they have distinct hot & cold refillable mugs -- The plastic one with all of the restaurant logos is only refillable for cold fountain drinks (and iced tea). The silvertone mug that says "java bar" is only refillable for coffee & tea (don't recall if hot chocolate is an option).

OOO good to know! Thanks!!

 

[J'aime Paris]

OOO good to know! Thanks!!

Last summer the mug I purchased at the Dolphin was good for hot and cold beverages. Now I need to purchase another? Seems a bit strange, if you're allowed to bring the same one back.

 

[ImprovGal]

Last summer the mug I purchased at the Dolphin was good for hot and cold beverages. Now I need to purchase another? Seems a bit strange, if you're allowed to bring the same one back.

I found out about this change at the beginning of November. I brought back my restaurant logo mug and filled it with hot water and grabbed a tea bag at Picabu. The cashier charged me for the tea and when I asked, she explained that there was now a separate mug for hot beverages. Later, I asked at the concierge desk and they did confirm that it was the new policy.


Unrelated - I think I recall someone previously asking in the thread if the "Make a Green Choice" is selected, can the $5 option be applied to one's room folio. The cards themselves explain that if you are selecting the 500 point option, you turn in the cards at checkout to have the points posted to your account. If you want to use the $5 food & beverage option, you actually turn in the card to the restaurant at the time of purchase to redeem. If you are in some sort of multi-room suite setup (bedroom + parlor, 2 bedrooms + parlor), each card in the setup should receive its own card. That can add up nicely!

 

[tina.tina]

LaurenT, will you post a mini-review here? I'm always interested in your opinion whenever I see you post.

Thanks!

 

[LaurenT]

LaurenT, will you post a mini-review here? I'm always interested in your opinion whenever I see you post.

Thanks!

Will do! I'll be on the plane in less than 36 hours!

 

[nessz79]

Can't wait to be able to make reservations for 10/19 & 10/20 for the F&W festival. We've had to put it off as we are school teachers and are waiting for our first paycheck of the school year. Hopefully the teacher rate will still be available!

 

[piglet33]

I'm staying at the Dolphin for the very first time Dec. 8 after our cruise. I know you can't do ME when staying there, but do they do RAC? I'm spoiled by using RAC so I really hope so.

Thanks so much!

 

[NancyIL]

I'm staying at the Dolphin for the very first time Dec. 8 after our cruise. I know you can't do ME when staying there, but do they do RAC? I'm spoiled by using RAC so I really hope so.

Thanks so much!

You can check-in online for your flight at either resort via the computers/printers in each lobby. However, there is no luggage check-in.

 

[piglet33]

You can check-in online for your flight at either resort via the computers/printers in each lobby. However, there is no luggage check-in.

Darn it. Thanks. Guess I'll have to head to the airport earlier than I planned.

 

[Dan Murphy]

What is RAC?

 

[NancyIL]

What is RAC?

Resort Airline Check-in (http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/planning-guides/in-depth-advice/airport-service/) - for those who use Magical Express to the airport.

Resort Airline Check-In Service

If you're departing domestically on a designated airline, enjoy the convenience of our Resort Airline Check-in Service, which allows you to receive your return boarding pass and check luggage at your Walt Disney World hotel, bypassing airport check-in completely.

Simply visit the Resort Airline Check-In Desk located at your Walt Disney World hotel up to 3 hours prior to your flight departure time. A valid government issued photo I.D. and your hotel room key are required to participate.

Resort Airline Check-In Service is available with the following airline carriers:

AirTran Airways
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Delta Air Lines
JetBlue Airways
Southwest Airlines
United Airlines
US Airways

 

[LaurenT]

What is RAC?

Resort Airline Check in
When I stay at the WDW owned resorts, I can bring my luggage down to the entrance of the hotel and there are CMs there who check it in for me. That way you don't have to handle your bags again until you're at your home airport.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Ahh, I see. Thanks.

No wonder I don't know what it is, LOL.

 

[disneyaway]

We are planning our third trip to Disney and third trip to the the Swan. Love that hotel! I thought about staying at the Poly but I just couldn't justify the increased cost. Now trying to decide if we should get a regular room to splurge on an alcove room. Such decisions, lol

 

[diskids2]

DH attends a lot of conferences at S/D (actually he will be at one while you are there!) Check every day because yes they will release any rooms not needed closer to your dates. I'm not positive but I think last year for that same convention, he had to have his room booked by March 1st...so you may have to wait til much closer for something to open up.

Thank you! I figured I'd try once a month and then more frequently during March. I am sure we will love the Swan, I just wanted the larger room. I asked if they could move over the two beds from the Dolphin into the Swan alcove, but they weren't going for it

 

[melissam2003]

Our trip is getting closer we are down to 1 Month 12 days to our first trip to the dolphin & disney world!
When leaving the dolphin & heading to the airport how much time would you consider? I don't want to be pushing time but I also know I'm one that worries so I'd be extremely early. Just wondering a good time frame for arriving at airport before flight/or how in advance to leave hotel.
thank you

 

[pooh2001]

If you use a car service - they will give you a pick up time to travel from the S/D to MCO.

I would leave 1 hour to get from the S/D to MCO - it all depends on traffic and time of day.

On a good day, no traffic it only takes about 40 minutes from the S/D to MCO.
But you may have to add on time to return a car rental, luggage check-in, and what ever else you may need to do on the way to MCO or at MCO.