LBYC-19
04-20-2002, 08:59 AM
Check-in (and out) was a breeze, the staff couldn't have been more pleasant. Starwood waved our room fee. Our room was exactly where we requested, poolside/ground level (west wing). We were facing the beach (where DH took naps under the palm trees and on the hammocks). We started out with two rooms (originally college son was to accompany us). Now this was nice!! We definitely got spoiled, and even tried to retain the second room for the entire stay, but were denied this due to hotel capacity, so the teens moved in with us for the last three nights and we got a daybed. This really wasn't too bad at all as we were ground level and were in and out of the room so often we didn't kill each other. We were never more than a minute or two walk to everything--the busses, the boats, the lobby--Tubbi's was right around the corner, as was the gym (which of course we didn't utilize, after all that walking, who needed it, lol). Walking in and out of our room to the pools was so convenient! Housekeeping was impeccable, the towels were thick and soft and smelled so good! No cutesy little towel animals, etc., I think the staff was far too busy for that (we've never had this done even at the Contemporary and didn't miss it). For a hotel that was filled to capacity, the water pressure was great.
It was so convenient being able to pull up our charges on the t.v. and the disputed charges were removed quickly without question
(one was the daybed, if this is for a child the fee is waived).
Minibar--a little problem here, but it was our fault. It is far too tempting! Because I felt too guilty emptying it ourselves, we did purchase some of its contents and placed some other contents on top of the closet (as other DIS'rs had suggested) and left a note. We then placed some little cartons of milk and juice in there for breakfast. Well, the mini bar police came in and expressed his displeasure with this! All in all, next time I'd decline the key and either get a fridge (for its freezer) or bring my own soft sided one. I had read they no longer emptied its contents for a $20 fee, but they do offer this service. I wouldn't mind paying except it doesn't keep things very cold and there is no freezer. Definitely a minor inconvenience compared to all the plusses. The refillable mugs saved us a fortune, especially with two teens, we got three altogether.
Coupon book/Disney Club: We didn't need the S/D coupons because of the Disney Club card-20% off everwhere but Shula's. This card paid for itself many times over-we used it poolside for lunch twice, (yum) also at Palio's at the Swan (exc. Italian dining), and at Tubbi's (pizza here was great ). We also got a discount at mini-golf at Fantasia across the street. DH used it for 20% off at the Magnolia. What a great savings this was! Tubbi's is expensive, the general store over at the Boardwalk is more reasonable- we stopped here for some milk/juice/beer, wine-the essentials- but I regret not stopping at a grocery store from the airport- for certain items (like fruit). We brought snacks and breakfast items because we prefer sleeping in to going out to breakfast, especially when we were out late at night. I will post a full dining report on that forum.
Transportation-definitely didn't need the car although it was handy (golf, etc.) Seeing that they waived the room fee, we treated ourselves and kept the car in valet ($10 per day). They retrieved our car lightening fast each time we needed it. I was pleasantly surprised with the Dolphin's transportation, as last time we were at a monorail resort and could have rollerbladed faster to our destinations than wait for their busses. It seemed no matter where we were going, we'd get out front and within minutes, that particular bus would arrive. When we left the Magic Kingdom, it was a sight for sore eyes seeing that S/D bus the first in line. The boats are leisurely and we expected that. MGM is great as it is the first stop from the S/D. We always walked to Epcot (except the night it rained, took the boat back and everyone whined at how long it took stopping at the other resorts when we could walk so quickly!) 10 minutes maybe, a gorgeous stroll.
Big word of advice: Do not use your phone unless you are are having a heart attack and in need of an ambulance. I made one phone call and almost needed to be revived myself (it was $11). This was a mini-emergency, as my daughter was at the MK and couldn't find my cousin, and I had to call their cell phone which was a Florida based cell- thankfully they found her. Each time we called another Disney resort, we simply called the operator and had them connect us and there was no charge for this.
The Boardwalk was so much fun. We went there several times, one night we met a big group at Jelly Rolls and the teens ate at ESPN and walked around. Jelly Rolls is a hoot, reminiscent of old college happy hours (without the beer chugging contests, lol). These dual piano players were amazing and it seemed that everyone knew the words to every single song. There was fun-filled entertainment all around the Boardwalk. This area is perfect for all ages, and we felt very safe letting the teens go. The two-way radios were invaluable. It is just beautiful all lit up at night.
I got Brita water bottles (sport type) for our room and the pool area and filled these with ice, what a great money saver this was.
Conventions-there were two conventions going on which didn't bother us at all. One day they closed down the lap pool area and on this day the Grotto pool was crowded, but manageable. The staff was very kind and apologetic in their explanation and gave us plenty of lead time before we had to move our chairs. Other than that, having been on the other end ourselves, we felt empathy that these poor people were working and not enjoying such a wonderful resort!
We loved the Dolphin so much that we cancelled two of our park days (secretly I wanted to bank them for an excuse to come back next year). DH (who travels frequently) loved this resort. We were originally booked at the Poly, and we went over there for the luau, and I was surprised he was more impressed with the Dolphin (glad I cancelled). I would definitely love to stay at both the Poly and the GF for a long weekend before I die, but I'll return to the Dolphin over and over. The teens raved about it and both hugged and thanked us when we first arrived at the room they were so excited.
Oh, there is one regret---that I didn't run into any of the S/D cheerleaders, though I desperately looked for them. I was thrilled to see Pooh's Pal at Pleasure Island at the Comedy show, though! I had no means of communication because at the last minute DH decided to leave his laptop at home, which thrilled the family because this was a much-needed vacation for him.
Finally, we were delighted to get late check-out (we just got upgraded to SPG gold) and when I called, he had me name the time of the checkout! Our flight was at 6, so we chose 3. He asked me several times how our stay was and were there any problems. Now, if this had been the week before I think we would have been denied late checkout.
I really apologize for the length of this, but I couldn't wait to tell you all how great this resort was. I honestly cannot come up with one negative thing! Please feel free to ask any questions, I'll be happy to answer them for you if I can.
----------
Joanne
P.S. The rooms were so quiet I felt they were soundproof, didn't hear a thing above or next to us until about 8 a.m. when we would hear a shower going.
It was so convenient being able to pull up our charges on the t.v. and the disputed charges were removed quickly without question
(one was the daybed, if this is for a child the fee is waived).
Minibar--a little problem here, but it was our fault. It is far too tempting! Because I felt too guilty emptying it ourselves, we did purchase some of its contents and placed some other contents on top of the closet (as other DIS'rs had suggested) and left a note. We then placed some little cartons of milk and juice in there for breakfast. Well, the mini bar police came in and expressed his displeasure with this! All in all, next time I'd decline the key and either get a fridge (for its freezer) or bring my own soft sided one. I had read they no longer emptied its contents for a $20 fee, but they do offer this service. I wouldn't mind paying except it doesn't keep things very cold and there is no freezer. Definitely a minor inconvenience compared to all the plusses. The refillable mugs saved us a fortune, especially with two teens, we got three altogether.
Coupon book/Disney Club: We didn't need the S/D coupons because of the Disney Club card-20% off everwhere but Shula's. This card paid for itself many times over-we used it poolside for lunch twice, (yum) also at Palio's at the Swan (exc. Italian dining), and at Tubbi's (pizza here was great ). We also got a discount at mini-golf at Fantasia across the street. DH used it for 20% off at the Magnolia. What a great savings this was! Tubbi's is expensive, the general store over at the Boardwalk is more reasonable- we stopped here for some milk/juice/beer, wine-the essentials- but I regret not stopping at a grocery store from the airport- for certain items (like fruit). We brought snacks and breakfast items because we prefer sleeping in to going out to breakfast, especially when we were out late at night. I will post a full dining report on that forum.
Transportation-definitely didn't need the car although it was handy (golf, etc.) Seeing that they waived the room fee, we treated ourselves and kept the car in valet ($10 per day). They retrieved our car lightening fast each time we needed it. I was pleasantly surprised with the Dolphin's transportation, as last time we were at a monorail resort and could have rollerbladed faster to our destinations than wait for their busses. It seemed no matter where we were going, we'd get out front and within minutes, that particular bus would arrive. When we left the Magic Kingdom, it was a sight for sore eyes seeing that S/D bus the first in line. The boats are leisurely and we expected that. MGM is great as it is the first stop from the S/D. We always walked to Epcot (except the night it rained, took the boat back and everyone whined at how long it took stopping at the other resorts when we could walk so quickly!) 10 minutes maybe, a gorgeous stroll.
Big word of advice: Do not use your phone unless you are are having a heart attack and in need of an ambulance. I made one phone call and almost needed to be revived myself (it was $11). This was a mini-emergency, as my daughter was at the MK and couldn't find my cousin, and I had to call their cell phone which was a Florida based cell- thankfully they found her. Each time we called another Disney resort, we simply called the operator and had them connect us and there was no charge for this.
The Boardwalk was so much fun. We went there several times, one night we met a big group at Jelly Rolls and the teens ate at ESPN and walked around. Jelly Rolls is a hoot, reminiscent of old college happy hours (without the beer chugging contests, lol). These dual piano players were amazing and it seemed that everyone knew the words to every single song. There was fun-filled entertainment all around the Boardwalk. This area is perfect for all ages, and we felt very safe letting the teens go. The two-way radios were invaluable. It is just beautiful all lit up at night.
I got Brita water bottles (sport type) for our room and the pool area and filled these with ice, what a great money saver this was.
Conventions-there were two conventions going on which didn't bother us at all. One day they closed down the lap pool area and on this day the Grotto pool was crowded, but manageable. The staff was very kind and apologetic in their explanation and gave us plenty of lead time before we had to move our chairs. Other than that, having been on the other end ourselves, we felt empathy that these poor people were working and not enjoying such a wonderful resort!
We loved the Dolphin so much that we cancelled two of our park days (secretly I wanted to bank them for an excuse to come back next year). DH (who travels frequently) loved this resort. We were originally booked at the Poly, and we went over there for the luau, and I was surprised he was more impressed with the Dolphin (glad I cancelled). I would definitely love to stay at both the Poly and the GF for a long weekend before I die, but I'll return to the Dolphin over and over. The teens raved about it and both hugged and thanked us when we first arrived at the room they were so excited.
Oh, there is one regret---that I didn't run into any of the S/D cheerleaders, though I desperately looked for them. I was thrilled to see Pooh's Pal at Pleasure Island at the Comedy show, though! I had no means of communication because at the last minute DH decided to leave his laptop at home, which thrilled the family because this was a much-needed vacation for him.
Finally, we were delighted to get late check-out (we just got upgraded to SPG gold) and when I called, he had me name the time of the checkout! Our flight was at 6, so we chose 3. He asked me several times how our stay was and were there any problems. Now, if this had been the week before I think we would have been denied late checkout.
I really apologize for the length of this, but I couldn't wait to tell you all how great this resort was. I honestly cannot come up with one negative thing! Please feel free to ask any questions, I'll be happy to answer them for you if I can.
----------
Joanne
P.S. The rooms were so quiet I felt they were soundproof, didn't hear a thing above or next to us until about 8 a.m. when we would hear a shower going.