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

[denvergirl]

Just Picabu. It is to cover the wait staff, who will bring your tray out to your table, bring you things you might need during your meal (though not like a regular restaurant) and they clean up after you leave. Even though mostly self serve, there are no trash receptacles for after meal trash and the wait staff takes care of that. Many guests typically stiffed the wait staff with no tips, though some is needed to compensate them.

WOW! That is very interresting. . .and I'm so glad that it is just at Picabu That would have really messed up the buget! I really appreciate your help!

 

[ssllkk]

is the 13% surcharge at picabu only for dine in orders or for all orders. I like to order take out at picabu.

 

[Music City Mama]

Don't forget that if you are a AAA member, you get 20% off at Picabu, be sure to take your AAA card with you!

We love Picabu. Their prices seem to be equal to or a tad higher than Disney Resort CS, but we think the food portions, quality & variety are much better than most Disney CS. Everything is very fresh, the staff is friendly, and the portions, like someone else stated, are HUGE. I usually get the kids breakfast & it's enough to fill me until lunch. An adult breakfast plus a pastry was enough to fill 2 of us.

I agree, the portions are large, so even though it costs more that Disney CS, you can easily split meals.

Also remember that Picabu started adding a 13% service charge on meals.

Yep, so with the 20% AAA discount, you're really only getting a 7% discount.

is the 13% surcharge at picabu only for dine in orders or for all orders. I like to order take out at picabu.

If it's packaged food (i.e, crackers, Oreos, etc.), there is no charge, but if it came from the cafeteria line (whether it be a drink from the refrigerated section, a piece of fruit, a meal, etc.), you get charged the 13% even with take-out.

 

[Dan Murphy]

WOW! That is very interresting. . .and I'm so glad that it is just at Picabu That would have really messed up the buget! I really appreciate your help!

Tipping should be part of a vacation budget.

....Yep, so with the 20% AAA discount, you're really only getting a 7% discount....

No, it is still a 20% discount, if you have AAA. the 13% service charge is independent of the AAA discount. If you have AAA, you get 20% off your bill. If you do not have AAA, you do not get 20% off your bill.

 

[NancyIL]

Tipping should be part of a vacation budget.

I tip at table-service restaurants, and at buffets where a server takes my drink order, clears my plate(s), and refills my drink. I rarely eat at Picabu, but knowing about the service charge is enough to keep me from eating there.

 

[SRUAlmn]

No, it is still a 20% discount, if you have AAA. the 13% service charge is independent of the AAA discount. If you have AAA, you get 20% off your bill. If you do not have AAA, you do not get 20% off your bill.

I think Music City Mama was just meaning that your total "savings" really only ends up being 7%. Anywhere else (that doesn't have a service charge) your AAA discount of 20% would save you 20%. However, with the 13% additional service charge, you're really only saving 7%.

 

[lovingthemouse]

Hey, thanks Dan and Lizabu for the information - did not know that about Picabu. We usually make one trip there during our stay, and really find the food quite good!!!
Our favorite is FRESH, where you also get the AAA discount. Their breakfast buffet is large enough to keep us through mid afternoon before needing any more food.
Can't wait to get back!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

I tip at table-service restaurants, and at buffets where a server takes my drink order, clears my plate(s), and refills my drink. I rarely eat at Picabu, but knowing about the service charge is enough to keep me from eating there.

The wait staff does do that there, except maybe getting your drink. They do get refills, clean plate/s, and bring food to table if it is not already cooked (needs some preparation).

 

[NancyIL]

The wait staff does do that there, except maybe getting your drink. They do get refills, clean plate/s, and bring food to table if it is not already cooked (needs some preparation).

That wasn't my experience when I ate breakfast there a few times, but that was several years ago. I LOVE staying at the Swan/Dolphin, and have had very good breakfasts at Fresh and Garden Grove. However, I never cared much for Picabu.

 

[TaraPA]

The last time we got take out from Picabu on our way to the pool, we were sitting there at a table waiting for them to bring it to us (it had to be prepared). The wait staff gentleman told us to go enjoy the pool, he'd bring the order out to us when it was ready. He walked it out to the Grotto Pool - I was surprised! I doubt this is the norm though. We've often had them ask if we wanted drink refills, or to see if everything was ok, and they've always cleared the tables. So even before the service charge, they were, I guess you'd call it, semi-wait staff? I always left a few bucks for them at the table. I'm not a fan of the 13% service charge but I guess I see why they're doing it. Thankfully I still have my AAA card to eat up part of that fee.

NancyIL I've heard so many good things about Fresh but never ate there. I'm going to have to try it!

 

[Rosanne]

Okay... so if there's a 13% service at Picabu then one would not generally tip because the tip is included in the price, right? I wouldn't want to seem like I don't appreciate the service but I wouldn't want to double tip either.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I have never eaten breakfast at Picabu, only late time dinners. Fresh and Grove are excellent for breakfast, and both 20% AAA discount also.

As for double tipping, the 13% is for tip, if you want to tip more, that is fine too.

 

[patty57]

Thanks for the AAA discount info at the restaurants. I would never have thought of using my AAA card.

 

[Music City Mama]

I think Music City Mama was just meaning that your total "savings" really only ends up being 7%. Anywhere else (that doesn't have a service charge) your AAA discount of 20% would save you 20%. However, with the 13% additional service charge, you're really only saving 7%.

Yes, that's exactly what I meant. Sorry that wasn't clear.

Okay... so if there's a 13% service at Picabu then one would not generally tip because the tip is included in the price, right? I wouldn't want to seem like I don't appreciate the service but I wouldn't want to double tip either.

I normally do tip at semi full service restaurants like this (just a couple of bucks), but because of the 13% surcharge, I did not.

And I know it's already been mentioned, but it's only Picabu that has this charge, so if you eat at Fresh, not only are you not charged the 13% fee, but you can use your AAA card there for a 20% discount.

 

[germ539]

I'm new to this thread, just looking to see info on the Swan, we might stay there but I don't want to pay the "resort" fee because we wouldn't need to use those services, and I could care less if I get the two bottles of water. Can you "avoid" these fees if you won't use them?

 

[NancyIL]

I'm new to this thread, just looking to see info on the Swan, we might stay there but I don't want to pay the "resort" fee because we wouldn't need to use those services, and I could care less if I get the two bottles of water. Can you "avoid" these fees if you won't use them?

No.

**When I first stayed at the Dolphin in 2000, you could decline the services and the resort fee. Then the Swan/Dolphin did away with the resort fee, and all of the services were available a la carte. The service fee was reinstated in 2008 or later - but it has been mandatory since then.

 

[lovingmy2boys]

Can anyone tell me what the average rate is in November? We have stayed here many times last time being this past September (end) and we got a rate of $129 a night! Now I know it won't be that cheap but right now the lowest I am finding is $188 before fees and taxes.

There will be 8 of us so we will be getting connecting rooms as well

Thanks!

 

[melliej]

Can you charge everything back to your room when you are within the resort (restaurants/shops/spa services/etc)? I know you can't charge tickets and anything from outside of the Swan/Dolphin, but was wondering if there are limitations from within the property. Thanks!

 

[denvergirl]

Tipping should be part of a vacation budget.


I couldn't agree more! When doing my budget I look at menus, estimate drinks and include tax and tip. Now, I do not usually include gratuity at a CS restaurant, so this information is very helpful even though we'll probably only eat there once or twice during our trip.

 

[denvergirl]

I'm new to this thread, just looking to see info on the Swan, we might stay there but I don't want to pay the "resort" fee because we wouldn't need to use those services, and I could care less if I get the two bottles of water. Can you "avoid" these fees if you won't use them?

Not unless you are a platnium Starwood Preferred Guest member. . .however, I agree with you, they seem silly and we won't need those services either.