How Does the Dolphin Compare to Disney Deluxe Resorts?

[Disneyluver4Life]

Hey Everyone,
I am planning to stay at the Dolphin this August and was wondering whats the main difference between a disney deluxe resorts and this one. Also, if you ever had a standard view, was it always of the parking lot??? I would appreciate anyones experience at this resort. I mean it looks beautfiul

Thanks
Disneyluver4life

 

[jillhou]

We found no similarities between staying at a Disney Resort and staying at the Dolphin. I am sure after this post - you will get many varying opinions......

We will never stay at the Dolphin again. We had terrible service at that hotel the one time we stayed there. Will never do it again. Had reserved a rollaway for our room - confirmed it since it was during holiday times. Were assured it was available for us. Needless to say - at midnight after checking in at 4, we still did not have it, we were very upset. We had been down to the desk and called several times. They never really said sorry....they never did anything to make it right. We finally got it and were able to go to sleep.

It is also a very large hotel and spread out. Seemed like you walked forever to get to anyplace to eat.

Needless to say - we did not find this hotel anywhere close to the caliber of Disney resorts. Many, many other people LOVE this hotel and will extol its virtues to you. It may be that we had that one bad experience there and that we overreacted - but we will not go there again.

I would not let my experience change your plans......just wanted to answer your question - and I am sure many others will, too!

 

[Tigger Woods]

Yes, opinions do vary. I love the Dolphin. It is a gorgeous, deluxe hotel and compared to the budget and moderate Disney resorts, has much more to offer. As far as not being close to the caliber of a Disney Resort, I have to chuckle. A week from now, I'll be at the Dolphin eating room service on my balcony while watching the fireworks at Epcot. The next day, my family will enjoy a hotel character breakfast. Then its a short walk to the Boardwalk or a boat ride to MGM, or a round of Fantasia miniature golf located on property. Try doing that at the All Stars.

 

[jillhou]

Have never stayed at the All Stars - I think the question was about the Dolphin as compared to DELUXE Disney Resorts.....

Last week - sat on my porch and watched the MK fireworks, the Electrical water pageant and they with my curtains opened - watched the castle change colors all night. One night - walked right off my porch to the hammocks at the Poly and layed there with my hubby and watched the fireworks....then got up the next morning and took a quick boat ride to the MK.

Dolphin is NOT a deluxe resort as compared to the Disney Deluxe resorts... if your choice was allstars or Dolphin - I cna understand why someone woul pick Dolphin.....but if your choice is GF or Poly - even CR and the Dolphin - no comparison! If you are looking for Epcot access - I hear YBC is nice.....

 

[jaygatz]

I would rate the Dolphin right up there with the other Deluxe Resorts--It's a nice place to stay in an AWESOME location. That being said, the one down side to this resort is what it isn't: it is not a Disney property. However, you will be treated royally at this resort if you take the time to become an SPG member at www.spg.com

The Dolphin is about to get a needed rehab. Thus, I would suggest attempting to switch to the Swan if possible. If it isn't, I would not worry.

As to the standard view, we had this view booked this past Christmas and upon showing my SPG card (no prior stays or points on the card), we were "upgraded" to a King room in the main tower with a complimentary roll-away (maybe that's where jillhou's bed went). Sorry, jillhou, the jest is in good fun With that room, we overlooked the Boardwalk. We could see the ToT at MGM and Spaceship Earth at EPCOT. The view was awesome.

Don't worry about your choice of resort, just make sure to join SPG prior to travelling. HTH.

 

[WDW2000]

I have stayed at the Dolphin twice and have also stayed at the AKL, BC, & WL. I will tell you from my experience the service at the Dolphin has been consistently poor. At the Disney resorts they will usually bend over backwards to make you happy, but at the Dolphin & Swan I have several encounters where I was treated like "Joe-nobody".

That being said - you really can't beat the price at the Dolphin compared to other Disney Deluxe. The prices usually run more than 50% less than the Disney hotels with AAA rate or entertainment rate. Also the location can't be beat. So if you're not the type of guest who requires "guest service" other than having your room cleaned daily - then the Dolphin is a great choice. But, if you generally like specific views, room locations, special needs, etc., the Dolphin very well might not be willing to accomodate.

Also wanted to note than IMO, the SPG program is a joke. Having over 6000 points accumulated, I lost them all because I had to skip a WDW trip 1 year and therefore my membership was deleted. Never ever received anything extra from using my SPG card either, so unless you are a very FREQUENT traveler it's not going to do anything for you.

 

[jwfla422]

We also love the Dolphin! In comparison to many of the deluxes we prefer it!

We did have a bit of a housekeeping issue at the Swan a year or so ago but it was resolved quickly (it had to do with a crib)- when I called housekeeping back I asked for a supervisor and everything was taken care of efficiently. (I always have to call repeatly at the WDW resorts for bed rails so it's not that much different).

The CMs at the S/D have always been extremely helpful, in some cases more helpful than some of the WDW owned resorts. Between both S/D we have stayed there more than 7 times. We've gotten to know some of the CMs at both resorts from staying there so much and they treat us like friends.

It's hard to make comparisons because all the resorts have different themes, different locations. different amenities and different transportation options.

As far as the Dolphin in comparison to other resorts in the EPCOT area it's tough to really compare because they are all very different. The BC, YC & BW are beautiful but also very expensive for what they offer.

The rooms in the Dolphin feel more roomier to me. We've only stayed at the BC to compare. Although we had a nice room at the BC over the quiet pool, the room itself was very small.

I like the various eateries at the Dolphin. The Cabana Grill by the lap pool is good. The Dolphin fountain has great shakes and Tubbi's is open 24 hrs which is a great convenience. I find the amenities at the Dolphin just as good as any of the WDW resort hotels.

If you want to stay at a smaller more intimate hotel the Swan may be to your liking. We love both!

 

[gator]

Hi !!!!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful day!!! I am one of those lukers for about 3 years. But I really had to tell you of our magical experience at the Dolphin. The hotel is really beautiful and you can really tell the pride the staff has in Dolphin. I went to check in there was no waiting, just walked right up. Everybody with smiles on their faces stopped to tell you hello and welcome. By the time I asked for a roll away and non-smoking---the car was unloaded and we were walking to the room. When we opened the door, the roll away was already in the room----The room was beautiful and our view was of the boat dock and swan walkway was stunning, very stunning. My husband and I couldn't believe this was our room. We thought this just had to be a mistake---we are only paying 99 a night --- this is nice but we have to go back down stairs and tell Louis that he must have given us the wrong key. We went to speak to him and he smiled and said is anything wrong? I guess we still had that shocked look on our face and then we handed him back the room card. We told him it was beautiful and one day we might be able to afford to stay in that very room ----but with a daughter in college, we are happy with our 99 dollars a nite room ( this place is so nice I would have stayed in the closet). He took the card back and looked at his book and said there was no mistake---That is our room and it was 99 dollars a nite. My heart just sank----that was one of many magical moments. I don't understand why I have read that you have to walk forever to get something to eat---or pool. Everywhere you walk there is a restaurant just around the bend.(wonderful food and wonderful service)-- One thing I can't understand is while the Dolphin is not a disney hotel---being a Disney card member I get 20% off of meals at their restaurants(except shula's) but nothing off when we stay at a Disney hotel. During our stay my little one loved Tubbies chicken noodle soup--he had to have it everyday----he wouldn't eat at any of our reservations around the world--he simply would tell the waitress he was waiting for his chicken noodle soup when he got home. That said it all!!! The Dolphin staff made you feel like you were at home (from the mouths of babes). One night we needed extra towels, I called housekeeping---then there was a knock at the door--I couldn't believe they were here already. After I tipped her I really went out the door to see if we were on the same floor as housekeeping--I had never stayed at a hotel that housekeeping was that quick. I can go on and on this place is really 5 star to me just because the staff is so wonderful. This summer will be our 15th stay at DisneyWorld and our 25th Wedding Anniversary--I called and reserved the Dolphin----no matter what the special codes are for the other deluxes ---in our hearts the Dolphin hotel and staff is priceless!!!!

 

[tjmw2727]

We love the Dolphin - tied only with the Polynesian!

I have been lucky enough to stay at at least one resort in every wdw category - and the Dolphin IMHO ranks well with the WDW deluxe resorts. That said, its hard to compare, even within the wdw resorts its not quite apples to apples. All the resorts have something different to offer. If you want convenience to MK or Mickey soap - Dolphin won't give you that but you can walk to MGM and Epcot.

The only bad experiences I have had were at CBR and the BC - BC by far the worst wdw experience ever. To top it off that was a preferred view concierge - I will spare all the details.

I have always gotten a great room at Dolphin - they will guarantee a non-smoking room (variable at WDW resorts) and the CM's have always been great. Most of the rooms have great view and many have balcony's. The pool area is wonderful as well as walking to the Fantasia golf and boardwalk area.

You should probably do some research and find out what amenities are important to you. Things like food options, restaurants, transportation to parks (boat, bus, monorail, walk), pool facilites etc. Once you have an idea what your groups needs are you can narrow down your choices.

TJ

 

[Tigger Woods]

It amazes me how some people let one bad experience ruin an entire vacation. If I had a rollaway bed confirmed and it wasn't delivered, I would go the front desk and demand to be given a suite. I would not leave that desk until I was satisfied. It beats sitting in your room and pouting. The last time I stayed at the Poly, the room they gave me smelled quite 'fishy'. I asked for a different room and ended up having a great time. The Dolphin is a great hotel, and ranks with most of the Disney Deluxes.

 

[The Pluto People]

We have stayed at the Contempo Tower (12th floor concierge, MK view), the YC(waterview), the Poly (garden view) and the Dolphin. Each resort has bad points (we hated the crowded, small, shallow pools at the Contempo and the Poly) and good points ( great pool at the YC, great view at the Contempo and beautiful grounds at the Poly). That being said, we are staying for our third vacation in a row at the Dolphin! We love the views, the rooms, Tubbies, the location and the Grotto Pool! We just encountered a problem with our June ressie at the Dolphin and both the hotel staff and the Starwood staff went out of their way to fix it! I think all of the deluxe hotels at Disney are great - but we love the Dolphin!

 

[Muffy]

We came back in Jan. from a slipt stay at the Dolphin/AKL and prefered the Dolphin. We loved the location, the grotto pool, access to Epcot, MGM and Boardwalk. We are going back to the Dolphin in Dec for 2 weeks! Happy planning!

 

[Dallas_Lady]

I am also considering the Swan/Dolphin for this November. I want to take advantage of the teacher rate. I have only stayed at POR, and I was planning to do another moderate, but $129 is hard to pass up.

I will be taking some first-timers with me and I want them to really get the Disney experience. Is is really obvious/noticeable that the S/D is not Disney?

 

[dvcmommy]

This may be a very unpopular opinion, but I am not fond of the dolphin. Sure, it has good transportation options and a nice location, but other than that?

I've stayed at the Dolphin twice; this last time was only for one night via priceline because it was a last minute trip and we could not get the WLV for the whole trip.

It is nowhere near the caliber of other Disney Deluxe hotels.

JMHO
Kim

 

[dreamflight99]

Of course...I LOVE the Dolphin. I have stayed at EVERY other DISNEY-OWNED resort on property, with the exception of the VALUE resorts and the AKL. I am staying at the Dolphin AGAIN this summer, and also will be sojourning a week at the CR on the 14th floor in a 1BR suite overlooking the magic. Although the CR is wonderful, as is the Poly...Y & BC...etc., they are NOT as "Special" to me as the WDW DOLPHIN resort. I can go on and on (nealry infinitely) as to the reasons behind my perspective and opinion. The DOLPHIN is AS DELUXE, or even MORE SO...than the DISNEY-OWNED resorts. Many folks have had TERRIBLE experiences at these DISNEY resorts too, and refuse to return. Repeatedly folks complain about the "smell" and "age" of the Poly. They complain about the "decor" and "interior" of the CR. They complain about the "concierge" service of the Y & BC. The list is endless, and just depends on experience and expectations! The Y & BC are nice, but you must walk & walk to get anywhere. The boat launch is EXPOSED (w/exception to the tiny lighthouse), and far from every room. The Dolphin boat launch is SO much nicer, covered and sheltered from SUN/Wind/Rain, etc.! I personally enjoy all the Deluxe Properties at WDW, and always include a Disney-owned with our lengthy stay at the Dolphin. Yet, each year... the Dolphin remains the #1 choice for a WDW resort stay. I'm sure someday...when the lease expires....DISNEY will PURCHASE these properties and make them "DISNEY-OWNED". I, for one, hope this day never comes. I LOVE the SPG program, and the fact these props are on DISNEY-OWNED LAND...inside the MIDST of the MAGIC, yet completely independent from the DISNEY CORP. (thus offering other special features and perks!) The views are the BEST available in Epcot, and the service remains steadfast, always exceeding our expectations.

BTW...I LOVED reading all these Great posts and varied views. No matter what our preference is...we all agree on ONE thing. We all LOVE DISNEY WORLD! TTFN....

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by gator
Hi !!!!

During our stay my little one loved Tubbies chicken noodle soup--he had to have it everyday----he wouldn't eat at any of our reservations around the world--he simply would tell the waitress he was waiting for his chicken noodle soup when he got home.

LOL...I LOVE this home-made soup! I enjoy a bowl in the late eve, after returning from the parks and taking a swim in the HUGE grotto pool (which, unlike the Disney-owned pools...IS OPEN ALL NIGHT!). It is a "comfort-food" unlike any other, and so much better than campbell's. Thanks for the chuckle...and the knowledge "others" (your DS) out there enjoy this as much as myself.

 

[California Gal]

I thought I would reply as well. I feel that once in awhile at all hotels there is bad service. We have stayed at the GF, Poly, Contemporary, YC and the Dolphin. I was really disappointed with the Grand Floridian on 2 occasions as there check in service was rude and the rooms and pool area was dirty. Other things were superior such as food and such. The contemporary had dark dingy rooms. However the restaurants are superior. The Poly was average. The Yacht Club depends on your location. I liked this hotel the best, for Disney owned that we have stayed in. The Dolphin, every time but once as always lived up to our expectations for a fraction of the cost. We went with kids and without kids and all seem to have something for them.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

I like that at the Swan/Dolphin I do not have to call CRO and pay for the call. That is such a pet peeve for me. Everyone in the service industry has an 800 # except Disney reservations. Anyway I really like the Swan. The pool, the location, Mama T in the Club level. It is the best!

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by Disneycrazymom
I like that at the Swan/Dolphin I do not have to call CRO and pay for the call. That is such a pet peeve for me. Everyone in the service industry has an 800 # except Disney reservations. Anyway I really like the Swan. The pool, the location, Mama T in the Club level. It is the best!

What a GREAT point! I never even thought about this....but in today's economy, the $$ spent on the phone call to CRO could be used on the accomodations (especially when they "casually" place you on hold for seemingly HOURS! LOL). Oh, and "MAMA T"...no one can top this wonderful Lady! She is definitely the eighth wonder of the world~ Thanks for reminding me of these overlooked attributes of the WDW Swan & Dolphin.

 

[Mouseteacher]

J'm glad to hear that someone else has the same pet peeve - No 800# for CRO. It seems petty change but they are in the service industry. Now I don't feel like a --- shall we say --- cheapskate!