Dolphin -You're the best

[cadpigmn]

We just returned from a five night stay at the Dolphin and loved every minute of our visit. My husband and I both teach so we have been saving our personal days to go during May (a beautiful time to go). We are so thankful for the teacher discount that enables us to stay at a deluxe resort. Since we have 3 kids we're limited in our choices of Disney resorts. It's either PORS or a deluxe (without the discount). This is our second stay at the Dolphin. Our first was two years ago and it was so incredible that we were afraid we would be disapointed this time. No need to worry. I had requested the same room as our last visit but that was being remodeled so they put us up a floor (3-same floor as the lobby). We had a great view of the fireworks, Yacht and Beach Club and the Boardwalk. Every morning the kids ate their breakfast sitting on the balcony. We love being able to take the boat to MGM or EPCOT and then be able to walk home when we're done. It's also so easy to take a break during the middle of the day. The kids loved to eat at the Dolphin Fountain and at Tubbi's. One of my daughters likes curly fries and the other likes regular fries. Our awesome waitress at the Fountain said "No problem". She went over to Tubbi's and got regular fries! I could go on and on about how well we were treated. Once again - the Grotto Pool rules for all of us!!! Because we both teach it's nice that the pool isn't overwhlemd with kids like we have found at several Disney resorts. We have been surprised at how much supervising of unattended children we have done at other resorts.

We did see the new rooms. We mentioned to our bellhop that we had heard the rooms were being renovated so he asked if we would like to see one. They are very nice, the heavenly beds looked...heavenly! I have to admit that I'm a sap for the old :"whimsical" look. He said they would be redoing the halls, too. As I looked around I realized that it was probably time but I loved the palm tree walls and sand bucket floors. I'm praying they keep the teacher discount once all is remodeled!!

I wish we could go back tomorrow!!!!!!!

 

[Muffy]

cadpigmn, I'm so glad you enjoyed your stay at the Dolphin! It is in the center of the action and my number one favorite resort too! The staff really does go the extra mile for everyone! Thank you for posting about the renovated room you saw at the dolphin! I was hanging on every word as we are all wiating for renovated rooms to show up there! It is great to know they have stated! Now you have to plan another trip to the world!

Muffy

 

[LadyDi48]

Also glad to hear you had a great stay at the Dolphin.

I spoke to the Swan earlier this month and was quoted new prices. Since the Swan is finished being renovated the new prices are: Swan Gov't rate std room $144

The Dolphin gov't rate is still $129

So enjoy while you can.

Right now I am planning on visiting during xmas week. There's a good chance the Dolphin will have lots more renovated rooms to choose from and I can still get the lower rate. But even at $144 the Swan is a good deal also.

Thanks again for your report.

 

[donnamerry]

Cadpigmn
I was really glad to hear about your Dolphin stay as my son, sisters and I are planning to stay there for the 1st time July 5. Will the Dolphin rooms be renovated by then? I really hear the grotto pool is awesome - my son (12) will love it and I'm sure we will too. Glad your stay was great! Now plan another one! LOL!

 

[Mouseteacher]

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by cadpigmn
I have to admit that I'm a sap for the old :"whimsical" look. He said they would be redoing the halls, too. As I looked around I realized that it was probably time but I loved the palm tree walls and sand bucket floors.

Me TOO!! I adore the "whimsey" inside these two resorts...and I'm a SAP for many sentimental reasons. I enjoyed your post, and reading of all the wonderful things you & your 2 DD's experienced at the WDW Dolphin. I agree 100% + with everything you wrote, expecially with respect to the Grotto Pool. THERE IS A PLACE WHERE MAGIC LIVES....@ THE WDW DOLPHIN!

 

[Ashley's mom]

So glad to hear that you had a wonderful trip...also thrilled to hear that they try to honor requests to stay in the same rooms as previous visits. I LOVED the view we had (balcony view with Epcot ball straight ahead and boardwalk over to the right and a wonderful view of Illuminations) - and I always wondered if we went back if they'd let me have the room again OR if they'd think - gee, this one had a good room last time - she needs to go in the basement this time......

I don't know why EVERYONE doesn't stay at the dolphin...(shush!)
I too like the fact that you aren't overrun with screaming unattended children at the Dolphin....(business traveler hotels are great about not having loads of kids! shush! don't tell anyone else!)

I don't have the benefit of being a govt' employee or teacher so we don't get the fab rates you do - but I have not ever had a more perfect vacation ever ANYWHERE else....and I wasn't happier with my stay in let's say - the Crowne Plaza in New York....Love the Dolphin...won't go anywhere else.

 

[erikthewise]

So the Dolphin is getting the Heavenly Beds too?! I had thought that only the Swan was. I wonder: will standard rooms at the Dolphin still have two double beds, or will they be upgraded to two queens like the Swan?

 

[crs7568]

I didn't realize that the Dolphin accommodated five people in a room. How did that work? I completely ruled it out for my August vacation because we are travelling with three children.

 

[jaw62901]

LadyDi48,

I believe that you said that you are staying the week of xmas which is the same time as when I will be there Dec 26 to Jan 3. I got a Club Level Conceirge room, with a king size bed with a view facing Epcot (no balcony) for 187.50 (209.06 including tax) per night.

I haven't been in 23 yrs (6 yrs old at the time) and wanted to stay at a luxury style resort that was within walking distance to one of the themeparks. After looking at the moderates and deluxe "disney" resorts I saw a post for the Swan and Dolphin and called and was very suprised with the price they quoted my with it being holiday rate time and xmas week.

Now this rate does have an AP discount, which means I will have to get an AP to get this room rate (saves 215.52 with an AP), but I was planning to go again in May or June of 04 anyways so, this will save on having to by tickets next yr.

If you are a frequent visitor you might want to think about this. This deal is from May 1, 03 to Dec 26, 03. Since I am checking in on Dec 26 the discounted rate will be applied for all 8 nights.

I hope this helps,

 

[KittenLittle]

Does anyone know of plans to renovate the Jr. Suites at the Dolphin?

 

[LadyDi48]

Thanks Jason.

Unfortunately, we are not frequent Disney travelers. Our last visit was in 1996. Wish I had know about all these great discounts back then!

Sounds like the AP discounts are better than the govt/nurse/teacher. Right now I just have a room only booked just to make sure I have something. But, I will be following the deals and discounts closely between now and then.

Diana

 

[jaw62901]

LadyDi48,

Sorry about the misunderstanding here is what the deal says:

SPECIAL WDW SWAN AND DOLPHIN HOTEL OFFER
FOR ALL EARS NET READERS!!

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is currently offering ALL EARS NET Readers a Standard View room for $162.50 (5/1/03 - 12/26/03), based on rate schedule availability. Taxes and resort fee are additional.

You can find this at: http://wdwig.com.

1. Click on accomidations at top.
2. Click on Swan on the side (close to the bottom of the page).
3. The deal is at the top.

The reason I used the AP rate was to get upgraded from the standard room to the Club level room.

Click on the web address above and check out the deal. All of the basic information is there including contact information.

Hope this helps a little more,

 

[GoofyinNY]

I'm glad to hear you had a wonderful stay. The staff at Tubbi's and the Dolphin Fountain are awesome!