Dolphin Deluxe Alcove

[Aliceacc]

My eyes, toes and fingers are all crossed that we get some incredible deal that will allow us to return to the Beach Club in August 2014. But, just in case, I'm doing some research on alternatives.

Last year, I had booked a Deluxe Alcove room at the Dolphin (Just in case...) when we were lucky enough to get a PIN from Disney. So I cancelled the Dolphin.

With the teacher's discount, the Deluxe Alcove at the Dolphin was $239 a night... pretty darn reasonable for a Deluxe that sleeps 6 and allows you to WALK to 2 different parks.

What I SHOULD have done, of course, was find some time that week to explore the Dolphin, for our next trip. As a family of 5, our on site options are a little limited. (OK, I admit it: I'm kind of a spoiled brat when it comes to Disney. We save for a long time for these trips, and I want a really nice resort with a great pool. So as nice as the AoA and ASM Family Suites are, they're simply not what we're looking for in a Disney vacation.Ditto with Fort Wilderness... so NOT my thing!)

So... here it is, my question: What are your opinons on the Dolphin, and the Deluxe Alcove in particular if anyone has stayed in one. How long was the walk from Epcot after a long day? How is the pool? I've never been to the Boardwalk-- is it worth staying at the Dolphin for Boardwalk access? Did you miss that "Disney feel"??

 

[SA mom]

We stayed in a Deluxe Alcove room at the Swan a few years ago and it was just wonderful. It was very spacious and we were a party of 5. We did put the mattress of the sofa bed on the floor because the bed part was not very comfortable. The roll away bed was really comfortable. I think some may have two queens, but ours had a king and a queen sized pull out couch.

The pool is the same the for both resorts and it is a fabulous complex. The walk wasn't too bad. Wasn't great, but not awful.

We did not miss that Disney feel because both resorts had that luxury feel. Also, we booked on points so free is just a wonderful thing.

Another little thing I like is that both resorts have a unique scent. You walk into the lobby and it smells so good.

Enjoy!

 

[blackacex2]

My eyes, toes and fingers are all crossed that we get some incredible deal that will allow us to return to the Beach Club in August 2014. But, just in case, I'm doing some research on alternatives.

Last year, I had booked a Deluxe Alcove room at the Dolphin (Just in case...) when we were lucky enough to get a PIN from Disney. So I cancelled the Dolphin.

With the teacher's discount, the Deluxe Alcove at the Dolphin was $239 a night... pretty darn reasonable for a Deluxe that sleeps 6 and allows you to WALK to 2 different parks.

What I SHOULD have done, of course, was find some time that week to explore the Dolphin, for our next trip. As a family of 5, our on site options are a little limited. (OK, I admit it: I'm kind of a spoiled brat when it comes to Disney. We save for a long time for these trips, and I want a really nice resort with a great pool. So as nice as the AoA and ASM Family Suites are, they're simply not what we're looking for in a Disney vacation.Ditto with Fort Wilderness... so NOT my thing!)

So... here it is, my question: What are your opinons on the Dolphin, and the Deluxe Alcove in particular if anyone has stayed in one. How long was the walk from Epcot after a long day? How is the pool? I've never been to the Boardwalk-- is it worth staying at the Dolphin for Boardwalk access? Did you miss that "Disney feel"??

Remember there is a $14 per day resort fee and a $15 parking fee per night at the swan and dolphin.

Pool is excellent. Walk to Epcot is not exactly short but it's pleasant. The boardwalk is AMAZING and one of my favorite places in disney. I'd recommend staying at the boardwalk inn which sleeps 5. You will miss the disney magic at the swan and dolphin

 

[roydavid7771]

My wife and I stayed in a Swan Deluxe Alcove for our honeymoon and found it very spacious. We had a King sized bed, though, so that may make sleeping arrangements awkward. I could be wrong as well, but I also think that the Dolphin utilizes double beds, not queens. Double check to verify.

As for the walk, it's doable, but can feel a tad bit long after a long day. Most defintiely take the scenic route and walk through the Boardwalk as you're coming home. The sights, smells, and sounds are fantastic!

Oh yeah, I love the scent at the Swan as well!

 

[patty57]

After staying primarily at BC & BW for years, I had no burning desire to try the S & D for the very reason you state. I thought it had no Disney "magic". We stayed at the Swan this past June because we couldn't commit to renting points, and the price was just so much less than the other Epcot resorts. Guess what? I didn't miss the "magic" at all and was very happy. So happy in fact, that I'm staying at the Dolphin in May. All things being equal (price), I would choose BC for SAB, but all things are not equal. With the AAA discount, I'm saving over $700, even after adding in airport transportation and all resort fees. That's pretty magical to me.

 

[LexiC123]

After staying primarily at BC & BW for years, I had no burning desire to try the S & D for the very reason you state. I thought it had no Disney "magic". We stayed at the Swan this past June because we couldn't commit to renting points, and the price was just so much less than the other Epcot resorts. Guess what? I didn't miss the "magic" at all and was very happy. So happy in fact, that I'm staying at the Dolphin in May. All things being equal (price), I would choose BC for SAB, but all things are not equal. With the AAA discount, I'm saving over $700, even after adding in airport transportation and all resort fees. That's pretty magical to me.

Amen to that!

I can never understand people who have never stayed at the S/D saying there is no magic there. I guess it depends on your definition of magic, but DH and I think the Swan is special in its own right...so much so that we're disappointed that we'll be at the YC for 2 nights during our upcoming trip, because the Swan wasn't available.