Dolphin 2004...First time???

[indymom1]

My DS has a 4 day weekend at the end of Feb 2004. We were going to stay at the All-Stars due to the shortness of our stay but just found out that there will be cheerleaders all over the place for a competition. I don't mind them being there but with 2 young boys that will need their sleep I don't need girls cheering until late at night or early in the am. Due to this we have been reconsidering our options. We just purchased the Entertainment book from our son and I called and the Dolphin has our dates available. We don't know anything about this resort. Is it good for two boys ages almost 2 and 7?? How are the pools? What is the difference between the Swan and the Dolphin?? Any help or suggestions anyone can make would be great. We looked at the Poly that we just stayed at this June but with no discounts it was a little too much for this short trip.

Thanks in advance
Kathy

 

[swilphil]

We stayed at the Dolphin this summer and loved it. The best part is the close location to MGM/Epcot/Boardwalk. You can walk or take a short boat trip to these parks, and the Boardwalk is RIGHT THERE. Epcot and MGM both have lots of things for young kids. You can read more about them on the other boards, but my 3 year old loved both parks, especially the shows at MGM.

I think the Dolphin's a great place for young kids. It is currently undergoing renovations, so make sure you get a room far from the construction if your 2 year old still naps. They seem to be doing the work from late morning to late afternoon. It's not a problem at night. The pool that the Swan/Dolphin share is wonderful. The Swan is known as being more adult and the Dolphin more kid oriented. The Dolphin has Tubbi's a 24 hour cafeteria, an arcade and an ice cream shop. Also the lobby is awesome. The Swan is nice too. The rooms are all renovated and have the Westin Hotel's signature Heavenly Beds.

I would definitely stay at the Swan or Dolphin again. The staff is very helpful and we were able to get lots of PS's by going through the Concierage Desk in the lobby. The bus service to AK/MK is also very good.

 

[ww52]

The Swan and Dolphin are both deluxe resorts in every way you can consider. Quite a step up from the All-Stars, from all accounts, and the location is excellent (walking distance to Epcot, a somewhat longer walk to MGM; both accessible by boat as well). Also right by the Boardwalk as well as the Yacht and Beach Club. The grotto pool at S/D is second only to Stormalong Bay (at y/b club) in most people's opinion. The hotels generally are quiet, the pool is rarely crowded, there are many restaurant choices, including Tubbi's Buffeteria open 24 hours.

I've stayed at the Swan, not the Dolphin, but I understand the Swan rooms are a bit larger (at least they have two queen beds, maybe the room size is the same); the Dolphin's beds are a bit smaller. Also consider that the Swan is fully remodeled with every room having Westin/Sheraton's "Heavenly Bed" which is a very appropriate description of it. The Dolphin is going through its renovation now - if you opt to stay there, be sure to request a renovated floor.

Hope this helps and please feel free to ask any questions. I'm sorry I can't answer your previous one on SPG points - there are many SPG experts around - consider posting on the Swan/Dolphin info thread and you'll get a lot of help from some great S/D enthusiasts.

 

[faithfull]

Reguest a newly renovated room. I stayed there in a room "about to be renovated" and boy did it need renovating. I think the experience would have been more than twice as nice had the room been not in need of paint and repair. The chair actually had a large whole in the fabric. I would say this is a request you definetly want to make.

 

[swilphil]

Originally posted by ww52
I understand the Swan rooms are a bit larger (at least they have two queen beds, maybe the room size is the same); the Dolphin's beds are a bit smaller.

The Dolphin rooms are actually a little bit bigger in square feet. The beds are smaller though. They are bigger than a double but smaller than a queen. At least that was the case before renovations. The Swan's regular room has double sinks. The Dolphin has only one sink that is outside the bathroom. The Dolphin has a sitdown vanity area next to the closet that the Swan doesn't have.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Swan/Dolphin or the All Stars??? No comparison... Swan/Dolphin wind hands down! I have stayed at all 3. The All Stars are values and the S/D are deluxes. For all the many reasons already posted and so much more - go for the Swan or Dolphin. Btw, the Swan is kid-friendly too.

 

[Kitty 34]

Your boys should love the Swan/Dolphin! I would definetly stay at the Dophin, in the west wing (instead of Swan) because you will be closer to Tubbi's, the arcade, the laundry and it's a bit closer to the Grotto Pool. Enjoy!

 

[01Sweetpea]

We're staying at Dolphin 2/27 - 3/6, got a great AAA rate (which I think is the same as Entertainment) and joined starwood in the hopes of getting an upgrade. My boys are 8 & 11, and are really looking forward to staying here. My 11 yo has been reading to the 8 yo everything that the Dolphin has. They are really looking forward to using the pool, but I'm not sure we will, not sure if it will be warm enough. There is also a mini golf course across the street from Dolphin.