Dolphin: Yay or Nay???

[kandb]

Just wondering for anyone who has stayed there, if they think it's a nice hotel for families. We are going the end of September and will be 2 adults and 3 children (8,8,3). We get the government rate of $139 but will have to pay an extra $25 a night for a rollaway. It will probably come out to around $200/night.

 

[ellenec]

We have stayed there numerous times and have loved it!!! Also, wonderful location and great pool

 

[summersalt]

I loved it!

 

[TwistGrl101]

It looks gorgeous...I would like to hear more opinions on this as well.

The only thing is if you don't have a car, you can't take advantage of Magical Express. And if Disney offers any discounts such as free dining, you can't get that either.

 

[xceebeex]

Just wondering for anyone who has stayed there, if they think it's a nice hotel for families. We are going the end of September and will be 2 adults and 3 children (8,8,3). We get the government rate of $139 but will have to pay an extra $25 a night for a rollaway. It will probably come out to around $200/night.

Out of curiosity, what qualified you for the government rate? I work for Lockheed Martin, who is a Defense Contractor so I do work for the DoD and I get government per diem rates when I travel for work. Is that enough to qualify me, or do you literally have to be emplyed by the government?

EDIT: I just found this on the mousesavers website: "Many contractors to government agencies also qualify" So I might have to give them a call and see if I qualify.

 

[mousejunkie98]

Some good friends of ours just stayed there in November; they chose it because they're a family of 5 and got a good rate. Their feelings were pretty lukewarm - said it was a nice hotel, but they didn't feel very "Disney" there. They said the rooms were large but bland, and they felt like they could be staying anywhere. They go to WDW every year, and this was their first time trying a non-Disney property. I got the feeling they won't stay there again.

 

[kandb]

My husband is a NYC firefighter, so we get government rates in alot of the major hotel chains. I called last week and they gave me a $129/night rate and when I went to book yesterday, it had gone up to $139. Oh well, I guess it still is a good rate. The primary reason we are staying there is because it is close to epcot/mgm and I like the idea of being able to walk to 2 parks. Hopefully, they will give you the gov. rate since you are a contractor. Good luck.

 

[Couchy]

The Swan and Dolphin are fantastic. DH and I have stayed their several times. It's true that the hotel itself is not Disney themed, however you are literally steps from the Epic Resorts and Disney Boardwalk so we still feel like we are in the magic

Pool area is wonderful, restaurants are top notch. The only thing we liked better when we stayed at an Epcot resort is that we could charge all purchases in the World to our KTTW card. No KTTW at the Dolphin

that being said we are still staying at the Dolphin on our upcoming April trip

 

[xceebeex]

My husband is a NYC firefighter, so we get government rates in alot of the major hotel chains. I called last week and they gave me a $129/night rate and when I went to book yesterday, it had gone up to $139. Oh well, I guess it still is a good rate. The primary reason we are staying there is because it is close to epcot/mgm and I like the idea of being able to walk to 2 parks. Hopefully, they will give you the gov. rate since you are a contractor. Good luck.

Interesting, my brother in law that we are going with is a NYC Police Officer so I bet he would definitely qualify. Does this only work for the Dolhpin/Swan or would it work for the true Disney Resorts as well? I only see military discounts on disney's site, not government.

 

[BuzzLiteyear]

We've stayed there before for a short stay. It definitely is a different feel than a Disney - themed hotel, but they are not just ordinary hotels. We liked it, though we like Disney hotels better. The room was nice and plenty roomy. For the money, it's a great alternative to more expensive rooms. Another plus, you can walk to EPCOT and DHS or take the water transports.

 

[pooh2001]

The reasons why we love the Dolphin

1) LOCATION - walk to EPCOT, boat to DHS (or EPCOT), bus to all other parks

2) AAA discount - 20% off all Dolphin/Swan owned eateries

3) Heavenly beds - for a wonderful nights sleep

4) 360 sq feet rooms, great views, lots of drawer space, doors on the closet

5) If you bring a twin areo bed & some sheets, you can ask for extra blanket and use one of the many pillows for the twin areo bed. It will save you money by not using the cot. The twin areo bed fits between the oversized twin bed and the window/sliding glass doors.

6) 2 mins from the Boardwalk - entertainment in the evening and lot of places to eat including a pizza window, a bakery and sweets shop.

7) you can walk to Fantasia min- golf course.

8) GROTTO pool - only 2nd to SAB - a wonder water fall, water slide, volleyball.....plus 3 other pools to swim in. Always a place to sit - even in the sunny afternoon. Plus towels to use - no need to bring your own or room towel.

Any questions - just PM me.

Many discounts too, My DH teaches one class per semester at a local college.
We still get the teacher discount.


other reasons:
Enjoy a day of shopping at the Orlando Premium Outlets! Complimentary shuttle transportation is provided for our hotel guests. Reservations are required. Call 1-800-390-000 ext. 2 for details. You'll also receive a free savings booklet (a $5.00 value) by simply showing your hotel key card at the Information Center located in the food court area!

Daisy’s Garden –An entertaining Disney store with merchandise from the Walt Disney World Resort, as well as sundries. Located at the Dolphin

 

[jujube]

We love the Dolphin and stay there on weekends before we move to a DVC villa. The location cannot be beat. The discounted prices are wonderful too.

 

[shannonstar]

The reasons why we love the Dolphin

1) LOCATION - walk to EPCOT, boat to DHS (or EPCOT), bus to all other parks

2) AAA discount - 20% off all Dolphin/Swan owned eateries

3) Heavenly beds - for a wonderful nights sleep

4) 360 sq feet rooms, great views, lots of drawer space, doors on the closet

5) If you bring a twin areo bed & some sheets, you can ask for extra blanket and use one of the many pillows for the twin areo bed. It will save you money by not using the cot. The twin areo bed fits between the oversized twin bed and the window/sliding glass doors.

6) 2 mins from the Boardwalk - entertainment in the evening and lot of places to eat including a pizza window, a bakery and sweets shop.

7) you can walk to Fantasia min- golf course.

8) GROTTO pool - only 2nd to SAB - a wonder water fall, water slide, volleyball.....plus 3 other pools to swim in. Always a place to sit - even in the sunny afternoon. Plus towels to use - no need to bring your own or room towel.

Any questions - just PM me.

Many discounts too, My DH teaches one class per semester at a local college.
We still get the teacher discount.


other reasons:
Enjoy a day of shopping at the Orlando Premium Outlets! Complimentary shuttle transportation is provided for our hotel guests. Reservations are required. Call 1-800-390-000 ext. 2 for details. You'll also receive a free savings booklet (a $5.00 value) by simply showing your hotel key card at the Information Center located in the food court area!

Daisy’s Garden –An entertaining Disney store with merchandise from the Walt Disney World Resort, as well as sundries. Located at the Dolphin

Ditto on everything said here. And the fact that they give teacher and nurse discounts is a plus, seeing as I am a teacher.

We have stayed on property and at the Dolphin. My DS 9 would choose the Dolphin for size of room, and location alone.

 

[lizabu]

I just got back from the Swan and I loved it there. I will probably stay at the Dolphin next time because I was over there every day for something. We ate at Picabu alot. They have really affordable dining options. It was closer to the Grotto pool plus it has the laundromat which is great if you want to pack light. It was awesome to take the boats to 2 parks. We could have even walked if we wanted to. The buses to MK and AK were no more than 10 or 15 minutes apart if you happened to miss one. Everything was so convenient. We took Mears instead of Magic Express but we had the van all to ourselves and the driver stopped at the grocery store so we could buy milk, cereal and snacks.

 

[mousemamma]

We LOVED the Dolphin.

You can't beat the price for the location you are in.
You have boat service to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios (or you can walk).
Our kids loved the pool area (7 and 5).

The only down side is that they don't participate in the Magical Express bus service from the airport. So you will need to rent a car or take a taxi to the resort. And I believe (but someone might need to correct me) they charge for parking.

have fun!

 

[tjmw2727]

Another dolphin fan here,

We like -

The location & easy access to Studios and Epcot.

Dining options esp the fountain and picabu and the cabana rest by the pool. Not to mention the choices at BC/YC and the Boardwalk.

Love the pool area, always lots of chairs and more than one pool to choose from.

Price of a moderate with the amenities of a Deluxe.

We actually like the break from the Disney immersion - its a bit more peaceful and even though there is a Disney gift shop at both the S&D it isn't so much in your face. If your missing the Disney feel just step onto the balcony or hop on a bus/boat!

You still get EMH, Disney transportation and package delivery.

SPG - points

 

[kandb]

Thank you all for your responses. NYC Police can certainly get the discount. Just an FYI, we always get governement rate at marriotts, hiltons, hyatts etc with the government rate.

You guys are getting me soooo excited to stay at the dolphin. We have gone to WDW and stay onsite for the last 6 years. This past November we stayed at POR and my husband said he wouldn't go back this year. He feels like it's the same thing every year. Anyway, since we're back, the kids and especially my 2 year old keeps saying "I miss Disney World". Low and behold, I have convinced him to go in 2012. He will be fine, just as I give him some extra pool time more down time. No commando this year. Really looking forward to it.

Thanks everyone!!!!!

 

[murmkc]

You will love the Dolphin! There is so much to do in that area.

 

[NMAmy]

After a 5 year hiatus of staying at Disney hotels, we're back to the Dolphin this May and my family is VERY excited! We love the location, the staff, the beds, the rooms, and the views. With an SPG card, I earn points toward future stays. Last year, we were at the PO-FQ and while it's a pretty resort, the location was a real pain for us. I find a view of Illuminations from my room is all the Disney ambience I need. (In fact, I've never had that great of a fireworks view from any Disney hotel.)

 

[shannonstar]

After a 5 year hiatus of staying at Disney hotels, we're back to the Dolphin this May and my family is VERY excited! We love the location, the staff, the beds, the rooms, and the views. With an SPG card, I earn points toward future stays. Last year, we were at the PO-FQ and while it's a pretty resort, the location was a real pain for us. I find a view of Illuminations from my room is all the Disney ambience I need. (In fact, I've never had that great of a fireworks view from any Disney hotel.)

Ditto all this. I am telling you if I don't get free dining in November, I am switching from POFQ to the Dolphin.

My DS9 likes both and other than the boat to DTD couldn't care less if we switched. Telling him how close we will be to HS and EP is always a good selling point.