Info on the Dolphin Hotel

[Da Kine]

This is our first family trip to Disney World and we will be staying at the Dolphin Hotel for 2 full weeks in September.

Can anyone recommend a good floor/wing or room to request that is most convenient to everything i.e. pool, bus stops, restaurants?

Do they ever give free upgrades to club level?

I've been reading alot of comments from different websites, is it really as bad as they say it is when conventions are there?

What kinds of things are not to miss while staying there?

Any info and advice would be greatly appreciated! We are so excited and we can't wait!!!!!!

 

[swilphil]

I would recommend the West Wing to be closest to the pool and restaurants. It is quite a hike from the East Wing. There is also a Central Wing that would be second best. Elevators are very fast, so I don't know that the floor matters as far as access goes. The bottom floor does have patios that open up to the pool area, but you will have noise to deal with and no view.

I have heard of people getting a free upgrade to club level but haven't experienced it myself. Since you are there in Sept., you have a better chance depending on the capacity. Belonging to the Starwood Preferred Guest program might help. It's free at www.spg.com.

The conventions never bothered me a bit. It's Disney World, and there are tourists all over the place in shorts. How does seeing someone in a business suit bother people on vacation anyway? I just don't understand what people are complaining about. If you belong to spg, that will help if there's a long line for check in.

Don't miss for me are sitting in a hammock on the beach, getting Starbucks coffee from Tubbi's (get a refillabile mug, also good for free soda), and swimming under the grotto pool waterfall. It's like getting a massage! Dolphin Fountain is good for burgers and ice cream and Fresh for breakfast. Blue Zoo also has had great reviews.

 

[sarahsmom73]

Yes.. The west wing is an excellent location.

We didn't even know there was a Dr. convention going on while we were there. It is so big I doubt you would even notice!

The Grotto pool is awesome! We also took advantage of Tubbi's and the refill mugs, many meals at the Dolphin Fountain (love those onion rings), Breakfast at Fresh ( you have to try it!).

You will absolutely love the location! It is fun to walk along the boardwalk on your way to EPCOT. Try to hang out on the boardwalk at night too!!!


There is so much to do and see!

 

[Da Kine]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate the great advice!!!!

 

[DianeV]

When we were there in July there was a HUGE convention and they had the main parking lot blocked off and wouldnt even let us unload there. We had to park in a different lot and lug all our stuff because the bellmen were so backed up..also they said that valet parking was sold out for the next few days because of the convention too (and my mom has a handicapped sticker which was supposed to get us free valet!)

So..sometimes conventions CAN make a difference

 

[STEPHILL]

We stayed at the Dolphin a couple of years ago. By far our best vacation to Disney ever. My DH and I stayed at CBR and POR (then Dixie Landings). We chose the Dolphin when we went with our DD, then 3, for the convenience and the great rate. Also, DH was fascinated with the huge Swan and Dolphin. The boat service was awesome, especially with a stroller. The busses were great too. The pool is huge, so even if it is crowded, you really can't tell. My DD loved the beach. We would swim in the pool around the time of the Fireworks, we could see them from the pool and a whole lot more convenient than fighting crowds with a stroller and 3yo. I don't remember which wing our room was in, but quite a hike from the elevators.
We had bought annual passes and decided to go cheapo-depo for our December trip that same year. We stayed at ASMo. We hated it. I know this place works for alot of people, but not for us. Everytime we got on the bus from the parks to go back to ASMo, my DD would say, "Daddy can we go back to the Duckie and the Fishy." Had I not gotten such a good AP Rate at the ASMo, 49/night, we would have went back to the Duckie and the Fishy. My DH would have packed us up in a heartbeat.
My DH had such a bad experience at the ASMo, I can't even convince him to stay at the WL. Stay at the Dolphin, you'll love it, especially if you have a young one. The convenience is worth the money.