Resort Thread Walt Disney World SWAN, DOLPHIN & SWAN RESERVE Resorts

[mickey916]

Wow, that sure is news!!!!!
Texting them now.

If it's true, it certainly is!!! Curious to learn what you find out.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Here is my text and their reply. Sad. Apparently the past week or so maybe.

Hello. Is Picsbu permanently closed? If so, when did that happen?

Good afternoon. Yes, Picabu is permanently closed in order for the space to be reimagined. We do not have any additional details on that just yet, but the project began some time shortly after the holiday season. I do apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused!

 

[patty57]

Here is my text and their reply. Sad. Apparently the past week or so maybe.

Hello. Is Picsbu permanently closed? If so, when did that happen?

Good afternoon. Yes, Picabu is permanently closed in order for the space to be reimagined. We do not have any additional details on that just yet, but the project began some time shortly after the holiday season. I do apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused!

That's surprising, and not welcome news.

 

[Dave006]

Here is my text and their reply. Sad. Apparently the past week or so maybe.

It has been in the works for over 2 years. First they reduced the hours from 24/7 to reduced but different hours on different days of the week. Their "Buffeteria" model just did not continue to work in 2025. The 15% service for no service on purchases also did not help.

Dave

 

[Karalee402]

Oh wow!! That's big news! I'm so conflicted on Picabu. The first time we went, years ago, it was awesome. They had fantastic burrito bowls. Our last visit was a different story. Fingers crossed something great goes in!

 

[Disneydawg74]

They’ve had a difficult time making that space work. I think, many years ago, under a different name, it had the most wonderful Mediterranean buffet. We practically had the place to ourselves.

 

[SteveH]

Pre-Covid we ate breakfast here every morning, their made to order omelettes were outstanding and for what you got it was a good value. Compared to the omelettes we had at POFQ I was left wanting to go back to Picabu. The problem for us was their later evening offerings were to carb heavy for how we eat, and the location itself is not ideal. My gut says the opening of Rosa Mexicano was the final nail. Hopefully they can make the space work with something else, but I'm not sure with it being in the basement if that will be an easy task.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I think, many years ago, under a different name,

Tubbi's

 

[mickey916]

We have never tried Picabu despite staying at the Swan a few times. We're heading back this May and I planned on checking it out on this coming trip (hence I was curious about the menu). Guess we missed our chance. Excited to see if they replace it with anything good. Thanks @Dan Murphy for getting an answer so quickly!

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

This is sad but to be honest, I have been bracing myself for this news over the last few years. And at this point I’d rather see them reimagine the space vs leaving it in its current (sad) state. Many happy memories of late night runs over the years!!

 

[kylenne]

Man, that’s a shame about Picabu. Even staying at YC I would pop over to get the nachos as a late night dinner. I wonder if another third party restaurant will end up in that space? Seems like that’s the trend these days. No more NYC based places though, I don’t go on vacation to eat at places I can have at home!

 

[MarBee]

It’s just the area you wait for spa treatments in. It has a faux temple in the middle, spa music, padded chairs and padded loungers. There is infused water and maybe tea. They also have a patio where you can look out at the area between swan and dolphin and it has loungers out there.

There is a small steam room in each locker room and showers.

Value: $0.00

Figured it would be something like this. Maybe a place to nap while your room is getting cleaned

 

[MarBee]

Man, that’s a shame about Picabu. Even staying at YC I would pop over to get the nachos as a late night dinner. I wonder if another third party restaurant will end up in that space? Seems like that’s the trend these days. No more NYC based places though, I don’t go on vacation to eat at places I can have at home!

Loved the nachos!

 

[SwanVT2]

I’ll miss Picabu! They made the best grilled cheese with fries to have at the pool and the employees were always super nice. I could use my AAA discount there so didn’t feel bad about the added gratuity.

 

[hedberg1661]

I will not miss Picabu and am excited for some change there. That space was pretty dated. I would go there occasionally for breakfast and even with the Titanium Elite card it still doesn't cover much. Add on the service charge (which always blew my mind) and I just decided to find other options.

 

[maxiesmom]

Oh wow!! That's big news! I'm so conflicted on Picabu. The first time we went, years ago, it was awesome. They had fantastic burrito bowls. Our last visit was a different story. Fingers crossed something great goes in!

The last two years it has been a sad shell of its former self. They haven't had the burrito bowls for a while, we loved them too! Maybe because of Rosa Mexicano? I know during our last stay we walked in and walked right back out. Hopefully something great will take that space.

 

[leeroy1798]

We had the same experience. We've always loved our stays at the Dolphin, and I've been outspoken about loving it, but the last one was pretty rough. Fingers crossed they're going to do those rooms, too!

Please can I ask what was "pretty rough"? We're considering giving with Swan or Dolphin a try this year (we've stayed at All Stars before - really good value and we'd happily stay there again).

 

[Karalee402]

Please can I ask what was "pretty rough"? We're considering giving with Swan or Dolphin a try this year (we've stayed at All Stars before - really good value and we'd happily stay there again).

It was rough in comparison to the times we'd stayed there before. The room was had a musty smell and an issue with some gnats all over the place near the balcony door. Some things were in need of repair. Having said that, our stays have been fantastic in the past. It's a huge place, so it's going to happen that some of the rooms are in need of TLC. But, I'd still consider staying there in a heartbeat due to the location, price (if you can get a deal), and perks of being a deluxe guest. Feel free to send me a message if you have more questions!

 

[elvispursley]

Personally, I’d stay at the Swan over the Dolphin for the bigger beds and two sinks in the room.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Personally, I’d stay at the Swan over the Dolphin for the bigger beds and two sinks in the room.

Also, all/most rooms at the Swan have very recently been renovated.