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

[jacksmom]

There are no laundry facilities at The Swan, they are over at The Dolphin. It's on the same floor as Picabu - in the hallway where the arcade & gym are, on the way out to the pool. It's a very large laundry room, I use it every trip. It's never full (I'm usually there alone) and always clean.

Speaking of laundry, we just got our power back after being off for 6 days. I'm on my 7th load of wash & have at least 3 more to go!

Thanks for the info! Is it close to pools?

 

[Tess]

Thanks for the info! Is it close to pools?

Not too far from the lap pool (and poolside bar--Cabana) at the Dolphin. A bit farther from the Grotto. Definitely doable if you keep an eye on the clock.

 

[jacksmom]

Thanks for the info! Anyone know if there is any place to buy a 1/2 gallon of milk?

 

[ImprovGal]

This afternoon I was just informed at Picabu that the refillable mugs with all of the resort restaurant logos on them are now for COLD beverages ONLY. If you want refillable coffee or tea, you must buy the new silver-toned hot mug with the javabar logo on them. Has anyone else heard this? I was charged $3.00 for my tea.

An update to the update --
I confirmed this new policy with the concierge at the Dolphin. I'm not happy about the change in policy, but at least the refillable mugs are still lifetime.

 

[GAGirlInVA]

Posting so I can come back.. we are considering Dolphin for the girls only trip.

 

[MOM POPPINS]

I will update the first post to reflect the new refillable mug information.

 

[Dan Murphy]

This afternoon I was just informed at Picabu that the refillable mugs with all of the resort restaurant logos on them are now for COLD beverages ONLY. If you want refillable coffee or tea, you must buy the new silver-toned hot mug with the javabar logo on them. Has anyone else heard this? I was charged $3.00 for my tea.

An update to the update --
I confirmed this new policy with the concierge at the Dolphin. I'm not happy about the change in policy, but at least the refillable mugs are still lifetime.

Keep in mind that you can have unlimited Starbucks from the room. If you run low, just ask housekeeping, tea or coffee.

How much does the mug cost? And are they refillable only at the Java Bar at the Swan and I suppose the Lobby Lounge at the Dolphin? With the past mug, the one with all the restaurants on them, they told me that one was not refillable at the Java Bar.

 

[lizabu]

Thanks for the info! Anyone know if there is any place to buy a 1/2 gallon of milk?

Personal pantry sells milk for $3/quart. They don't allow grocery deliveries but you could always bring your own or venture off Dolphin/Swan premises to buy it.

 

[Ramsfan28]

Thanks for the info! Anyone know if there is any place to buy a 1/2 gallon of milk?

I would walk over to the Boardwalk there is a little "grocery store" and they have basic items like bread, cereal, and milk.

 

[ImprovGal]

Keep in mind that you can have unlimited Starbucks from the room. If you run low, just ask housekeeping, tea or coffee.

How much does the mug cost? And are they refillable only at the Java Bar at the Swan and I suppose the Lobby Lounge at the Dolphin? With the past mug, the one with all the restaurants on them, they told me that one was not refillable at the Java Bar.

I don't remember the exact prices, but I *think* the cold (logos) mug is around $11 and the hot (silvertone) mug is around $13. I was given the impression that the cold mug is still refillable anywhere but only with soft drinks or iced tea. The hot mug has the Java Bar logo on it, so it must be refillable there. It's also refillable at Picabu at the Dolphin. It's possible it may be refillable at the other restaurants as long as it's hot coffee or tea (I don't know about hot chocolate).

I know there is unlimited Starbucks coffee & tea in the room. I went to Picabu for the Cassis tea. I have been able to fill my logo mug with hot water from Picabu to use with the room's teabags.

Note to tea drinkers: Dolphin's standard in-room teabags are Tazo Earl Grey and Wild Sweet Orange. Swan's standard in-room teabags are Tazo Awake and Calm. And even if you use bottled water in the in-room coffeemakers, the residual coffee flavor always permeates into the tea. Blech.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Thanks, IG.

 

[jwwi]

Posting so I can come back.. we are considering Dolphin for the girls only trip.

We stayed at the Dolphin 9/30-10/3 for a girls trip. We really liked the resort. It was a great location, with really comfortable rooms. We mostly took the boat to Epcot or DHS, but did walk to Epcot a few times. The pool area was very nice, and the food at the pool bar was good. We choose the location to be close to the Food and Wine at Epcot, but were very happy with the resort. We never used the buses, as we had rental cars. So that is how we traveled to AK and MK. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[vicki_c]

We just returned from our 3 night stay at the Swan. It was very nice - very convenient for Food & Wine, since we weren't at the Beach Club (our preferred choice) or Boardwalk.

It was just my husband and me and it was perfect for that. I thought everything was nice and wouldn't hesitate to stay there again, although I wouldn't pick it over a Disney resort most of the time.

We were on the 9th floor facing the Dolphin and could see the Contemporary/BLT out our window (and Wishes), and of course Yacht & Beach and Stormalong Bay and we could see the top of Expedition Everest and the Tree of Life looking the other way.

 

[summersalt]

How difficult is it to find a parking spot if you opt to use self parking? or should I budget for valet parking?

 

[saxman]

How difficult is it to find a parking spot if you opt to use self parking? or should I budget for valet parking?

I was wondering the same thing; we leave next week.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I have a rental every trip, never once have I had a problem parking.

 

[Music City Mama]

How difficult is it to find a parking spot if you opt to use self parking? or should I budget for valet parking?

I travelled during a busy time (summer) and never had a problem finding a spot. The parking lot is convenient to get to, as well.

 

[jnfr2424]

Out of many trips to the Swan/Dolphin, I've only had one issue with parking and that was back in 2009! They had closed part of the parking lot and we had to park in the employee lot between the Swan/Dolphin and Boardwalk.

Since then, I've been back at least 8 times and never ever had an issue with parking. If there is something going on (for example the S/D Food and Wine Festival last month) they usually open a gate in the valet section and let you drive over to get a spot.
As Dan and Music City Mama menioned, you should not have any issues with finding parking

 

[deej696]

So after years of reading the arguments both for and against the Swalphin, I decided to take a different approach in my review of our experience last weekend. Call it "Here's what I've read on the DIS about the Swan and Dolphin."

 

[MoonFaerie]

So with the new refillable mug policy, does that mean I'd need to buy 2 separate mugs if I wanted the option of hot and cold drinks?