Just back from BCV and the Dolphin!

[wdwphanatic]

We were at WDW last week and stayed one night at the Dolphin and the other 4 at BCV. We thoroughly enjoyed both places. We were on the 15th floor (I believe our room number was 093) at the Dolphin with a phenomenal view of the fountains, MGM and even a bit of Epcot. The room was in pretty good condition and the bed was very comfortable. We had a king room with a pullout sofa. It was a pretty long walk to the pool area, but very pleasant nonetheless. My kids really enjoyed the pool, though my only criticism was that there weren't enough shaded areas for people who didn't want to be in full sun. I struggled to find a lounge chair near a shady spot for my infant.

On our second day we went over to register at the BCV. The only major problem was that they didn't show our reservation in the system... YIKES! I We had booked 2 studios (1 for my mom and 1 for dh, me and our kids) through a DVC owner and I panicked! I ran back to the Dolphin (where we'd left our luggage and paperwork) and tracked down the confirmation number. Once I gave them that, they miraculously located the reservation and all was in order... PHEW! I had visions of all of us having to reocate to a budget motel off the highway or something! Anyway, the next hurdle was that my mom was given a gorgeous room with a pool view and a huge balcony (room 260) while we were given a room overlooking the road (which I'd heard from these boards was very noisy in the morning) with a miniscule balcony. I told the front desk that this was unacceptable. They relocated us to a room a bit further down the hall from my mom that had a "wetlands" view (room 231). This was MUCH better. For those of you staying at BCV, I highly recommend that instead of requesting an Epcot view as we did that you request a wetlands view. It was very quiet, closer to the main elevator and just as nice as the Epcot view we'd had in the past.

All in all, it was a pretty good trip. Not as good as some others we've had but ok nonetheless. I guess I have learned my lesson about going during the warmer months -- it was waaaayyyyyyy too hot for my taste. I think we'll revert back to February trips starting next year. May is just too hot and more crowded that we like.

If anyone has any questions, I'd be glad to answer them!

Happy trails,
Sarah

 

[caskar]

Thanks for sharing about your experience. What is the wetland view? Can you request it when making reservations? I have requested an Epcot view but really wanted a view of the lagoon at Epcot to see Luminations.

 

[westjones]

I have a question about the Dolphin. Can you walk to MGM and Epcot from there just like you can from BW and DBV?

So glad your reservation worked out. That would have been very annoying to have to go find your paperwork.
DJ

 

[wdwphanatic]

With a wetlands view, you look out onto trees/foliage in the direction of Epcot. We couldn't see the fireworks from our room because one of the BC wings was blocking the view in that direction a bit. I suppose if we'd been slightly more to the left and on a higher floor we probably could have seen part of them. Generally speaking, a wetlands view is very private and quiet. You don't really see much besides trees on the lower floor, though. I was just grateful not to be anywhere near that loud road, which is a risk you run if you request an Epcot view. When we had an Epcot view last time, we were also near the road. Because we were on the 5th floor, however, we didn't hear it too much.

As far as the Dolphin is concerned, you could walk to either MGM or Epcot World Showcase, though it's not a quick walk to either place. You are MUCH closer to Epcot at BC, BCV and Boardwalk Inn than the Dolphin is...

Hope this info helps!

Take care,
Sarah