I am perplexed by your dissatisfaction of the Dolphin. It is not Disney owned and you are correct Mickey Mouse isn't dripping everywhere but it would certainly count as a resort by any standards. I can't believe you think that staying at a Disney Value is better. You get a full service hotel with top notch restaurants, grotto pools, hot tubs, interior corridors and room service.
Did your room confirmation at booking say a room with a view? Are you an SPG platinum who is guaranteed an upgrade if available? Did you use SPG points to upgrade? Did you pay an upgrade fee? Once again I am perplexed why you believe why you were due an upgraded view based on a very low rate?
Did you not read that these fees are clearly posted on the website? I don't think they were pulling a fast one.
http://www.swandolphin.com/rates/index.html
* Rates are per room, per night based on rate schedule availability and do not include the mandatory Resort Service Package, daily parking fees (if applicable), applicable taxes or gratuities. Not valid with any other special offers, promotions, existing reservations or for groups.
Resort Service Package is $10 + tax per day and includes:
Up to 60 minutes free local telephone calls, toll free and credit card access calls
(.10 cents per minute after 60 minutes)
20 minutes of domestic long distance per day
Unlimited access to the resorts health club facilities
In room high-speed Internet access
2 bottles of water daily