First time at the dolphin....

[Mouse Mom]

We are traveling in March and are first timers at the Dolphin!!! Kinda excited. We are DVC members who are "pointless" at the moment and almost always stay at the Boardwalk or Beach Club. We have a Deluxe Alcove room at the Dolphin (we are a family of 5) and a regular room at the Swan for the last two nights since the Dolphin was sold out....... what can we expect? Has anyone stayed in the Deluxe Alcove - 500 sq ft is pretty good I would say .... whole new territory to explore - walk thru the lobby a couple of times years ago but that's about it. Any insider tips???? Staying there again in August for 3 days before we move over to BW then off to the Wonder....

 

[cdepauli]

You'll probably get more info on the Disney Resort Board since S/D are considered "Disney" resorts on this board. It even has its own thread. I've stayed in the Dolphin and loved it, so it should be pretty great. Good luck!

 

[DianeV]

LOVE the Dolphin!

 

[mtmbyck]

I have 2 words for you - HEAVENLY BEDS! Or whatever the Westin/Sheraton brand calls them. I stayed in a corner deluxe room - they gave me a free upgrade.

I found the rooms a bit dated but the beds were to die for. I had a corner room with 2 huge windows looking over the Swan (with DHS in the background) and then Boardwalk (with EPCOT in the background). I had a little corner patio which was pretty grosse actually - bugs and peeling paint. But overall the resort is amazing and location is ideal! I enjoyed the piano player every evening in the lobby. The grotto pool is one of the best on WDW property in my opinion. There is an amazing outdoor restaurant/bar right beside the grotto pool where there is another lap pool.

Had a walk every evening over to Boardwalk to take in EPCOT fireworks and even went to Jellyrolls piano bar one night - great time. Tons of dining options between Dolphin, Swan, Boardwalk, Beach and Yaghtclub!! Easy access to EPCOT and DHS by boat, bus or walk.

I think you will love it!

 

[happymommy]

I've stayed there a few times, and also love it!

For 5 people, I don't know what the price is for your room, but we once got two connecting rooms with a huge discount (one room was free on points, and they had a deal with the second room for $99 a night). With that many people, having two rooms may be a good idea. Otherwise, I think you're in one of the "L" shaped rooms, with one king bed and one sofa sleeper. May be tight?

I think overall, you will love it. Hope you get a balcony!

 

[sTINKS]

Mouse Mom - I'd love to hear what you think of the Dolphin after your trip. I am contemplating the Dolphin over the Beach Club this fall. Please post after your trip!

 

[danjoan14]

We stayed at the Dolphin back in 2008. We loved it! We were able to walk back to the Dolphin from Epcot. And one night, my son forgot his jacket at the Hollywood Studios (MGM back then), and he and I were able to take the boat to pickup his jacket at the lost and found at Hollywood Studios. It was great! A true magic moment!

 

[HGLightlyj]

I stayed at the Dolphin several times before joining DVC - liked it very much. I love the Fresh Medit. restaurant there and still make a special trip back for their breakfast buffet - stayed at the Swan also - but prefer Dolphin