How do Conventions Detract from S/D?

[LukenDC]

I am tentatively planning to stay at the Dolphin for two nights in September. I have read many comments that mention that the Swan and Dolphin are less "magical" because they often host business conventions. This evening I was leafing through the Birnbaum's guide and it suggested calling ahead to the Swan and Dolphin to see if there will be a convention during your visit.

In what ways do conventions disrupt or detract from vacations at the Swan and Dolphin?

 

[AndyMcV]

LukenDC

I really don't think that the conventions detract from the Swan or Dolphin. Sure there would be an over average amount of people at the resort but they do a good job of sectioning off the conventions from the rest of the resort. We went in June 2003 for 11 nights and stayed at the Swan. I remember walking through the resort area where a convention/conference was being held and it was not a big deal. Throughout the rest of the resort you couldn't even tell.

One thing I wouldn't do is not go to the S/D because there was a convention/conference going on. It's a great resort and you'll have a great time regardless. We're heading back in June of this year and can't wait.

Just my $0.02,
Andy

 

[zurgswife]

We had a kids chess convention...I thought it was very cute with all these kids with there chess boards all over the place...

 

[dreamflight99]

IMHO...not at all. Conventions are also held at all the other DELUXE WDW resorts...(as well as hoards of people involved with Team sports and activity competitions, etc.). I'm not posting this in a negative manner either, as they have never bothered us. We have been at the CR, and witnessed loads of conventioners onsite. We have literally had to "wade" through a virtual SEA of them at the BC. None of this has ever negatively affected our stay at any resort, WDW or Swan/Dolphin. I guess when we are at WDW, we are more concerned with our own personal enjoyment, so we are oblivious to the people, etc. around us! I hope you enjoy your stay at the Dolphin. September is a bit down the road, so you have plenty of time to plan ahead (especially with only a 2-eve stay, you'll no sooner be arriving---then you'll be leaving). I doubt any convention would affect you during such a brief stay.

P.S. To add to ZW's comment...
We were there when the Swan hosted an official HARRY POTTER convention! There were Wizards and people dressed in clothing associated with different characters from the stories. It was FUN, and proved to provide lots of interesting conversations.

 

[LukenDC]

Thanks, everyone. Your responses are reassuring. In a perverse way, it would even be kind of neat seeing people at work knowing that I am on vacation. Sick, isn't it?

 

[dreamflight99]

Thanks, everyone. Your responses are reassuring. In a perverse way, it would even be kind of neat seeing people at work knowing that I am on vacation. Sick, isn't it?

No...it's kind of funny! Just wait until you step into the elevator with some of the conventioners...(wearing the neck tags), and they look at you with LONGING. We have even had brief exchanges with them, as they were headed to another seminar...and we were headed to MGM!!

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

I've shown at a couple of trade shows at CSR and let me tell you...the real problem is that the parks distract from the convention! It's hard to get any work done while everyone's watching the clock waiting to get back to their rooms and hit the parks, golf course, bars, restaurants, etc.

 

[BadgerBruce]

We've stayed at both & had great housekeeping & wonderful service. The only negative I can think of is sometimes they will close the main pool for private functions for a limited time. They are great resorts in a great location!

 

[dreamflight99]

We've stayed at both & had great housekeeping & wonderful service. The only negative I can think of is sometimes they will close the main pool for private functions for a limited time. They are great resorts in a great location!

Yes, but the "upside" to the pool closings, is all the INFLATABLES left-over to play with, once the pool reopens in the eve!!!

 

[nwdisgal]

When we were at Swan last time, I saw some business (convention) types floating around. They weren't bothersome at all - actually very polite and business like. The only time I really saw them was in the elevator occasionally, in the morning when I was getting my coffee and in the evening when I was at the bar...

Yah, I feel for those convention attendees... If I were on businesss at WDW, I would have a very hard time concentrating on the convention.

 

[swilphil]

They don't detract at all. I just don't get how seeing people in business suits is going to ruin a person's vacation. For one thing, the business meetings are held on a floor other than the lobby, so you hardly ever see them. Many of them are there with family who are going to the parks. They have often made friendly chitchat with our family. They're just people who are going to a meeting, and I'm sure many of them head to the parks after that. What's the big deal?

 

[Bobump]

Dreamflight Said It Best You Are There For Yourselves To "vacation" And Yes We Have Been To The Dolphin Many Time When A Convention Was There. Never A Problem And Sometimes Even Funny !! Go And Enjoy !!

 

[sarahsmom73]

There was a convention of Dr.'s when we were there last April and we barely noticed they were there!!! WE LOVED IT at the Dolphin!!!!!!!

 

[DisneyFans4]

The conventioners don't bother me at all. As other posters have said, it's nice knowing we're on vacation and they are working!!
I have always called ahead before making my vacation plans to find out what is running. As far as my upcoming vacation I called and found out there was a convention the week before I was arriving so I planned accordingly.
My DH always goes for his convention in Oct. and he's so busy running from one hotel to another for the seminars that they don't bother you. He's even told me how upset he gets when he sees the families heading to the parks, etc. and he's there on business and he thinks of us. My DH can't even stand to stay in a hotel we've stayed at during those conventions because it bothers him.

 

[CarolA]

I don't think they distract, but I have seen a lot of posts where it bothers others. This is also true at CSR. It really depends on you. If seeing people have informal business meetings in the lobby or walking around in business attire is going to bother you then it will.

 

[DisneyFans4]

I agree-if conventioners bother you then it's obvious, don't stay at a hotel that hosts conventions.

 

[SimonB]

We stayed at the Dolphin last year and there were loads of conventions.

We thought that due to the high amount of people in conferences during the day it made the pool and transportation a lot quieter.

The only negative was breakfasts at the Fresh Mediterranean were very busy. But we made bookings to avoid having to wait half an hour for a table.

 

[Kitty 34]

We've stayed at the Dolphin three times now and never had any problems with conventioneers.

 

[dkrause716]

We stayed at the Dolphin a few years ago and loved it! I will tell you though that food items were much more expensive than at the other Disney resorts. I think they set their prices higher due to the conventions held at the hotel. We ended up going to the Boardwalk to buy milk, juice etc.

 

[TDC Nala]

If you don't mind seeing hordes of folks wearing lanyards and name badges, talking on cellphones and carrying matching backpacks or tote bags, then don't worry about it. They don't bother me at all, but I understand some folks are distracted by it.