Dolphin Resort- How important? Pool closing.

[Threehearts]

I just can't seem to make up my mind about which resort to choose for our rescheduled trip. I have 2 kids(5 and 6) and would like to get a good rate that I found for the Dolphin but there are at least 3 conferences there that week and I'm afraid that the Grotto pool will have frequent evening closures. I have 1 special needs child and the pool is a really big deal to her. The quiet pools will not be seen as a FUN alternative. Any opinions on this? Also- how was the transportation to the MK? That will be our main park, although we will see Epcot and MGM also. Thanks for your patience if you are someone who has been subjected to my many resort queries. From the HOT and HUMID capitol of the US!!!(We live 2 blocks from the District) Threehearts thanks you

 

[dtauer]

We stayed at the Swan (which shares the Grotto pool with the Dolphin) for 2 nights and the pool was closed for a convention 1 of those 2 nights. My kids were very disappointed as the big pool is truly fantastic. I agree with the statement about the quiet pool, it is very typical and not very exciting.

Remember also, that depending on the time of year you are going, there are nights that the Magic Kingdom closes as early as 6:00. This means you have many more hours that you will potentially be at the pool because your evenings may be more open.

I've never tried it, but possibly a call to the Dolphin would help you decide. If they are able to tell you which nights (if any) the pool will be closed for conventions, it may help make up your mind.

If you do end up at the Dolphin, you are sure to enjoy yourself. Both the Swan and Dolphin are very beautiful hotels, usually with great service as well. Even though the fish on top of the Dolphin are strange looking, I still find both hotels breathtaking at night with the lights turned on. Also remember that the location can't be beat, you are a short boat ride away from both Epcot and MGM/Disney studios, as well as a short walk from Fantasia Gardens.

 

[Threehearts]

dtauer- Thanks for the info.. It was just what I was worried about. I don't think that it would be nearly as big a deal to another family but it would definitely be a problem for ours. My kids really look forward to that early evening swim. Anyone on transportation to the MK? 3Hearts.

 

[bthrsoon]

When we stayed at the Dolphin over spring break, the Grotto Pool was only closed 1 out of 8 nights and this was after 6pm too. I was very concerned about this but my children DS8 and DD4 did not seem to mind at all. Postings are made around 2 days ahead of time if that helps scheduling. My kids really enjoyed the spring pool when the Grotto was closed. It was warmer and it had what looked like bubbling water in the middle. Hope this helps but all in all it wasn't nearly as big a deal as I thought it would be.

 

[gschmerl]

Threehearts,
There is a bus stop right in front of both the Swan and the Dolphin. The bus picks up at the Swan first, then the Dolphin. It also stops at the Yacht and Beach Club and the Boardwalk. Then it goes straight to MK. Very easy.

 

[Kitty 34]

I would call the Dolphin and see if they can give you some sort of pool schedule.



Just got to add.......when we were there for a week in June, the pool was closed more for storms, then for conventions!!!

 

[BadgerBruce]

In 2 stays at the S/D we always had good bus service to MK. If it is a busy time it is better to use the Swan bus stop, as that is the first pickup. The Dolphin bus stop can get very busy at peak times like when the parks open.

 

[erikthewise]

The Dolphin has enormous convention facilities and 3 conferences at once may not be all that unusual. I suspect that a conference would have to pay for exclusive use of the pool (unless they guaranteed a large number of rooms). So you may be just fine. Like the other said, call and ask.