The **New** Swan and Dolphin Resort thread ~ September 2010 ~ Please read post #1

[Dan Murphy]

Dress for the S/D signature restaurants would be the same as any of the other Disney signatures, like California Grill. Flying Fish, Yachtsman, etc, a bit dressier than, let's say Kona, Wave, etc. By no means though, 'dressy'.

 

[ImprovGal]

I have a question on the refillable mugs. Are there multiple locations where you can fill them? Can you bring them out to the pool and get a re-fill out there? TIA

You can have the mug refilled at ANY restaurant at the Swan and Dolphin. All of the logos are pictured on the mug -- Picabu, Fountain, Shula's, Cabanas, Fresh, and bluezoo at the Dolphin, then Splash, Kimonos, Il Mulino, and Garden Grove at the Swan. If you're out by the pool, either Splash or Cabanas would be the closest location. Picabu is the only location that has a self-serve station but servers will refill the mug at any of those restaurants listed above. My favorite has been hot green tea from Kimonos.

 

[jlcd]

You can have the mug refilled at ANY restaurant at the Swan and Dolphin. All of the logos are pictured on the mug -- Picabu, Fountain, Shula's, Cabanas, Fresh, and bluezoo at the Dolphin, then Splash, Kimonos, Il Mulino, and Garden Grove at the Swan. If you're out by the pool, either Splash or Cabanas would be the closest location. Picabu is the only location that has a self-serve station but servers will refill the mug at any of those restaurants listed above. My favorite has been hot green tea from Kimonos.

Great info. Thanks! That is way more than I expected. Do you purchase them at Picabu?

 

[lovingthemouse]

Last yr they were right by the cashier.

 

[funforfive]

Does anyone recall the price of the mug? It was nice to have when we were on property last year.

 

[SingingMom]

While I realize this should probably on the restaurants thread, this seemed a more likely place to get a quick answer. Are the restaurants at the Swan/Dolphin (ie, Il Mulino, Shula's) as casual as any of the restaurants in other Disney hotels? Or are they a little dressier? We usually dress nicely for Cali Grille. Is that what we need to plan for?

We wear resort wear for Shula's and Il Muliano - DD17 and I wore nice sundress, dressy capris and blouse, and DH wore khakis. Some people were more casual, but we enjoy dressing up a little after shorts and tshirts in the parks.

 

[vicb]

So I just spent some time on another website (not sure if I can say the name here or not) reading reviews of the Dolphin and was amazed at how many people kept referring to the S/D as a "Disney property" and comparing it to other actual Disney properties.

Do people who stay there really not know that it is independently owned and operated? Some were admonishing Disney for not updating it or for the concierge not knowing how to exchange a purchase made in an Epcot WS gift shop!

 

[Ramsfan28]

So I just spent some time on another website (not sure if I can say the name here or not) reading reviews of the Dolphin and was amazed at how many people kept referring to the S/D as a "Disney property" and comparing it to other actual Disney properties.

Do people who stay there really not know that it is independently owned and operated? Some were admonishing Disney for not updating it or for the concierge not knowing how to exchange a purchase made in an Epcot WS gift shop!

They are on Disney property and are considered Epcot resorts, yes, they are run by Starwood hotels but you get many of the same perks as if you were staying on property.

For people that don't know that it is easy to get confused I imagine.

 

[clemsondisneyfan]

You can have the mug refilled at ANY restaurant at the Swan and Dolphin. QUOTE]

This brings up another question....we are staying at the Swan for 3 nights and then moving to the CR for a week. Can the kids take their mugs with them or will we have to buy new ones for the split stay?

 

[haPevraftr]

Since the S/D are not Disney owned properties, the answer is no to using the refillable mug at both S/D and CR. They do not use the same style of mugs. In regard to "a split stay" for Disney properties, Disney's official rule is that the mug is only to be used for the length of your stay at that resort, meaning even if I move from CSR to Poly, I would still have to buy a new mug.

 

[clemsondisneyfan]

Since the S/D are not Disney owned properties, the answer is no to using the refillable mug at both S/D and CR. They do not use the same style of mugs. In regard to "a split stay" for Disney properties, Disney's official rule is that the mug is only to be used for the length of your stay at that resort, meaning even if I move from CSR to Poly, I would still have to buy a new mug.

Great info. Thanks!

 

[Wings3496]

Hi everyone - we have a trip coming up in May, and we'll be staying at the Dolphin. I've been doing the planning for our trip, and I have a question about transportation.

Is there non-Disney transportation (i.e. taxi, towncar) available from the Dolphin/Swan to take us to other resorts, or straight to the parks themselves? If so, what rates should we expect to pay, and do we need reservations?

I'm thinking about using this service to get to some dining reservations at other resorts, or to get to the front entrance of epcot in the morning. Thank you!

 

[TaraPA]

Hi everyone - we have a trip coming up in May, and we'll be staying at the Dolphin. I've been doing the planning for our trip, and I have a question about transportation.

Is there non-Disney transportation (i.e. taxi, towncar) available from the Dolphin/Swan to take us to other resorts, or straight to the parks themselves? If so, what rates should we expect to pay, and do we need reservations?

I'm thinking about using this service to get to some dining reservations at other resorts, or to get to the front entrance of epcot in the morning. Thank you!

If you choose not to use the free Disney Transportation there are always taxis readily available at both Swan & Dolphin. You might have to call ahead for a town car service, but not for a taxi. I've walked out front many times & told the bell person (or transportation person or even the front desk) that I need a cab & it was always right there. We use taxi's to/from the airport or if we have an early morning ADR, or it's if late at night & we just want to get back to the hotel quicky without using the bus. Expect to pay $65 one way to/from MCO, about $15-$20 for any point within WDW (parks, DTD, other resorts.)

 

[Wings3496]

If you choose not to use the free Disney Transportation there are always taxis readily available at both Swan & Dolphin. You might have to call ahead for a town car service, but not for a taxi. I've walked out front many times & told the bell person (or transportation person or even the front desk) that I need a cab & it was always right there. We use taxi's to/from the airport or if we have an early morning ADR, or it's if late at night & we just want to get back to the hotel quicky without using the bus. Expect to pay $65 one way to/from MCO, about $15-$20 for any point within WDW (parks, DTD, other resorts.)

Thanks for the info!

 

[vicb]

I have not stayed at the Dolphin yet (next trip) but have stayed at many other Disney resorts and I think cabs are the way to go in terms of making dining times at other resorts. We always cab it to the resort when we are concerned about getting there at a certain time then take the free disney transport back. There are lots of creative ways to combine disney transportation too, just think outside the normal box!

 

[Aliceacc]

Hi everyone,

At dinner the other night, my husband asked if we were still planning Disney for summer 2012. Needless to say, I didn't need any further urging to hit the Disboards!!!

The past 2 trips, we've stayed at the Poly, and ADORE it. But the thoughts of those $400 a dollar night rooms are making me a little gun shy.

We're both teachers, and the Swan/Dolphin offer a great rate for teachers; even 2 connecting rooms would be a LOT cheaper than the Poly for a week.

Here are the things that have me thinking twice:
1. We're a family of 5. Can I assume that they have connecting rooms? My son is too big for a week on a rollaway.

2. No DME. How do you get to and from the airport?

3. No meal plan. Rats. I love the meal plan.

4. How do you get to Epcot for Rope Drop? As I understand it, you end up in the World Showcase, which is nowhere near Soarin'.

5. Which of the 2 resorts do you prefer, and why?

Anyone want to convince me one way or the other, or point me in a particular direction?

 

[Dominus]

This doesnt make any sense to me. So the Swan with the bigger beds has max occupancy of 4 but the Dolphin that has the smaller beds has an occupancy of 5? We were going to stay at the Swan for 2 nights cause of the bigger beds but it seems the Swan wouldnt fit my family of 5.

I'm with you. My family is 4 and we were originally booked for the swan. But now my niece is going and we have to book the dolphin. No biggie, I don't feel cheated or anything, but it is a little lame. Maybe it's the way of keeping tons of kids from ruining the quietness of the swan.

 

[Dominus]

Oh, I almost forgot. I WANT MY DOLPHIN/SWAN TICKER BACK!!!!! I don't care what has to be done, just do it.

 

[mikegood2]

Hi everyone,

At dinner the other night, my husband asked if we were still planning Disney for summer 2012. Needless to say, I didn't need any further urging to hit the Disboards!!!

The past 2 trips, we've stayed at the Poly, and ADORE it. But the thoughts of those $400 a dollar night rooms are making me a little gun shy.

We're both teachers, and the Swan/Dolphin offer a great rate for teachers; even 2 connecting rooms would be a LOT cheaper than the Poly for a week.

Here are the things that have me thinking twice:
1. We're a family of 5. Can I assume that they have connecting rooms? My son is too big for a week on a rollaway.

2. No DME. How do you get to and from the airport?

3. No meal plan. Rats. I love the meal plan.

4. How do you get to Epcot for Rope Drop? As I understand it, you end up in the World Showcase, which is nowhere near Soarin'.

5. Which of the 2 resorts do you prefer, and why?

Anyone want to convince me one way or the other, or point me in a particular direction?

Haven't been at the s/d yet, leave in June, but I think I can answer a few of your questions.

The teacher's discount is nice, we had my sister-in-law book for us for the extra savings. Also, if you are an AAA member, you can get up to a 20% discount at a number of the restaurants.

1. We're a family of 5. Can I assume that they have connecting rooms? My son is too big for a week on a rollaway.
Yes they do have connection rooms, but I would also look into an Executive Suite. We ended up getting ours for $309 per night.

2. No DME. How do you get to and from the airport?

You have a number of options:
Mears Shuttle - Adults $34 round, $21 one way Children $27/$17
Towncar/Van - Start at around $130 roundtrip, multiple companies available and some even offer a complementary 30 minute grocery store stop.
Taxi - Quickest but most expensive option.
Rent a car - but remember the s/d charges for parking
I have even heard of some people taking public transportation to DTD

'4. How do you get to Epcot for Rope Drop? As I understand it, you end up in the World Showcase, which is nowhere near Soarin'.
Good Question, It's a 15 -20 minute walk from the s/d to the International Gateway entrance, but I'm not sure if you can continue walking to the main entrance

 

[mikegood2]

Oh, I almost forgot. I WANT MY DOLPHIN/SWAN TICKER BACK!!!!! I don't care what has to be done, just do it.

Just noticed that mine is gone also! It was there a few days ago.