Is the "magic" at the Dolphin?

[pm914]

Hi! We recently returned from a 7 night WDW stay (off-site)- and had a very nice time.
We're now thinking about taking a couple days off
from our beach vacation this summer to spend 3 nights at WDW.
We want to try staying on-site again. (We stayed at the CBR in 1999 and frankly, weren't too impressed - it had a very "motel" feel to us). Since we're a family of 5 (me, dh, dks 9, 5, and 2 1/2), our affordable options on-site are very limited. Sooo, we're thinking about staying at the Dolphin with a great ent. card rate of $149. Otherwise, we can really spread out in an off-site suite.
We were wondering, is there Disney "magic" to be found at the Dophin? If so, in what ways? If not, how come?
Any and all opinions are much appreciated. Thanks a bunch.
(This will also be kind of a "trial run" for our next big WDW trip in Feb. '05).

 

[Mercy]

Well personally I believe the "magic" is what you make it.

We have stayed at the Dolphin and liked it very much, you are in the heart of WDW at a great location, how much more magical can you get! Some will disagree though because it is not an official "Disney" hotel.

I wonder what would happen if Disney bought out the Dolphin/Swan... would that automatically make them more magical then?

 

[Lewisc]

If Disney bought S/D you'd have Mickey soap, Mickey wake up call and you could charge back from the parks. BUT the hotels would remain convention/business hotels.

In other words not really much of a difference.

Originally posted by Mercy

I wonder what would happen if Disney bought out the Dolphin/Swan... would that automatically make them more magical then?

 

[pumpkinboy]

For the record, Disney does own both S & D, but contracts with Starwood to run the two properties (in the Westin and Sheraton brands, respectively). Personally, I have always felt plenty of "magic" at both given the bizarre architecture and pervasive theming; it's almost like being in a hallucination. I really enjoy the S/D area, and they are hard to beat for location; good restaurants too.

 

[NMAmy]

We were able to watch the Illuminations fireworks from our beds. You don't get much more magical than that!

We loved the Dolphin. Yes, there were a lot of convention folks there--but hey, that meant less competition for transportation, restaurants, and pools. I loved the fact that there wasn't hardly anyone else around until the evening--and then only at the bar.

The staff was great--very helpful and friendly. The location is incredible.

DD asked me yesterday if we could go back this summer because she wanted to stay at the Dolphin again. This is the kid who was not the least bit interested (in fact, threw a hissy fit!) when I decided we were staying here.

I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by pumpkinboy
For the record, Disney does own both S & D, but contracts with Starwood to run the two

I agree Disney owns the land but I'm pretty sure the land is leased to Starwood who owns the hotel.

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by pumpkinboy
For the record, Disney does own both S & D, but contracts with Starwood to run the two properties (in the Westin and Sheraton brands, respectively). Personally, I have always felt plenty of "magic" at both given the bizarre architecture and pervasive theming; it's almost like being in a hallucination. I really enjoy the S/D area, and they are hard to beat for location; good restaurants too.

Sorry....I just want to clear this matter. For the record, the S & D are OWNED by "Tishman Hotel Corp." (www.tishmanhotel.com), OPERATED by Starwood management co. (www.starwood.com), (whom bought-out both SHERATON & WESTIN companies in 1999), and the land is still owned by WDW, leased to Tishman Corp.

TTFN...DF99

 

[DisneyPoly]

Hi DF!


Glad to see that you're able to be at the computer. Best wishes for a speedy recovery