This will be my first
DVC stay as an owner ( we did rent at SSR in the past).
We are staying at BWV because of a conference at S & D. Unfortunately we won't have much time during the day because we will be at meetings, but i am wondering if we have an afternoon/evening free --
There are exits on the far ends of most hallways. We prefer, and
request, to have a room at the most extreme end of the hallway nearest to Jelly Rolls in order to have the shortest walk to S&D via the exit facing the canal. Bonus if we get a room on a lower level ... but "more steps" on our fitness devices if we need to trudge up to the 5th floor via the staircases.
When entering or exiting the Dolphin's rear doors (those facing the Swan) -- be sure to watch the large water fountain. It acts like a weather vane; always walk UPWIND of the fountain to avoid an unexpected shower. Once inside the Dolphin, the stairs are often faster than the escalator.
The Dolphin has a buffet restaurant on the lower level that will make a fresh veggie juice for "pickup," if you are into that sort of thing. They give a DVC discount, too! My special-request recipe: beet, carrot, cucumber, celery, & ginger. Zippy! (Bonus points if they had fresh turmeric to run through their juicer -- not powder but the actual rhizome.)
Your conference will likely have lots of evening receptions -- check with the vendors to get invitations. Receptions mean free food or drinks ... "eat on the conference" has always been our motto! Some receptions will be in fun places, too! We've been invited inside Epcot for Illuminations viewing, inside Epcot for a "pub crawl," Ice Cream socials, etc. Of course, this depends on how much your conference vendors wish to make you happy.
Also, learn where your conference peeps favor for social events. Ours always started the afternoon
before the conference gathering at the Big River Grill and partying the night away at ESPN. My conference peeps also loved Karaoke at Kimonos (Swan).
Plan to use the Boats to return back from the S & D to the Boardwalk. This gives your feet a break and allows you to feel a few moments of 'vacation.'
The Dolphin's internal fountain is a major social hub. Don't walk through there too quickly -- be sure to look around, see who is there, and "work the crowd." Be prepared to Meet and Greet!
EDITED TO ADD: Do not attempt to walk back from Dolphin towards the Yacht Club via the Dolphin's building contours unless you are really short on 'steps' for your fitness device. That is one long walk ... 30 steps, turn left; 30 steps, turn right; 30 steps, turn right again; 30 steps, turn left ... repeat ~5 times. Kinda annoying.
DO spend a lunch time sitting along the water near the S & D somewhere. Enjoy relaxing conversation with others doing the same.
If you have Jersey heritage, enjoy the Boardwalk's lobby. Spend some time at the fireplace staring with nostalgia at Lucy and other art/tributes/artifacts.
Drink LOTS of water -- you will be doing quite a bit of walking!
