Just Back From 8 Days @ Dolphin - Some Random Observations.

[Bill From PA]

I'm exhausted and will flesh this out tomorrow (11/18) but a few early impressions:

1. Dolphin is as great as folks here claimed. We visited the Poly and taped the fireworks from the Grand Floridian, but we're hooked on the Dolphin. Already planning the next trip. Does anyone know if I can get more than one room at the Teacher's rate?

2. No problem waiving the Resort Fee, but I did make a point of mentioning to the desk clerk that waiving was allowed at the time we reserved

3. Late check-out is not a given. Dolphin was getting a convention(s) on the day we checked out flooding them with 800 new guests and the best they could give me was a 12 noon time. They needed our room. I asked again later and a different clerk said that for $30 we could stay until 4 pm. It was the best thirty bucks I spent all week.


4. Most days Boardwalk got its own bus so it was S/D and YC/BC sharing a bus. I really think S/D should get their own, but that's a small complaint.

More tomorrow!

Bill From PA

 

[Blondie]

Welcome back Bill, glad that you enjoyed the Dolphin! It's definitely one of our favorites!

Looking forward to reading more about it!!

 

[zurgswife]

Thanks Bill can't wait to read more...

 

[pinsandneedles]

Did you get an upgrade using the SPG membership? I remember that you were working on that before you left. Let us know how that went. Glad you had a good time.

 

[Kallison]

Hi Bill from PA - see my post about qualifying for teachers discount without my certification. I teach learning support kids, but no cert. What kind of proof of being a teacher did they require?

 

[ozziewags]

Glad you had a great time. You can get up to 3 rooms with teacher's discount. Can't wait to read your details!

 

[Muffy]

Glad you enjoyed the Dolphin! We will be there in Dec. Tell us more! Did you get an upgrade with SPG? Last month we turned Plat. SPG and I can't tell you how excited I am about it! Sounds like you had an enjoyable vacation with your family! How long did it take to walk to Epcot and MGM? Welcome home!

 

[LoveMickey]

Welcome back, glad you had a good time Did you get to LaNouba?

How was the weather and the crowds?

Can't wait to get to the magic.

 

[Bill From PA]

I'm FTPing our pics up to our web site as I write this, so I'll answer the questions asked and then write up a more complete report.

We hit La Nouba the first night and it was incredible! Well worth the price of admission and it got our stay off to a great start. After that it was on to PI.

Although we had no Starwwod points as yet, I asked if a nice view was available for us, I mentioned an Epcot view, and the CM did set us up with an East Wing view facing the Swan and the boat dock. I'll post a pic later. Given the sold out conditions, we were very happy.

The crowds were much lighter than those we're used to on our usual first week in March trips. SuperSoap weekend caused MGM to be crowded, but the rides were walk-ons. The dreaded New Jersey week had no effect we could see. Perhaps the week was busier than the week before or after, but compared to our March experiences, all parks were slow. We hardly ever needed Past Pass.

The weather featured two days of record heat, 88 degrees, followed by a 'cooling' to the mid 70's. Very comfortable for a crew from PA.

I took a copy of a contract for a class I am teaching this semester and I also had a picture ID from the college listing me as a member of the Staff/Faculty. These were proof enough.


More Later!

Bill From PA

 

[Mickeyfaniam]

glad to hear you enjoyed the Dolphin!!

 

[Mouseteacher]

Welcome back! I'm glad you liked the Dolphin. We were hooked after our first stay this past August and the teacher rate makes it really appealing!

You can book up to 3 rooms on the teacher rate. I booked two rooms. I received spg points for both rooms.

I'm anxious to read your reports.