sdlipton:
We didn't arrive until 9:30pm due to a flight delay and because we stopped at Goodings for snacks. When we walked up to the front desk there were no other guests and 3 CM's were working. The 3 were (jokingly) 'competing' for us to get into their line. We also had our 6.5 month daughter with us and they have her lots of attention & offers to babysit! So right off the bat it was a very friendly, positive experience.
Our only room request was for a MK view and the CM explained that all of the MK view rooms were gone but that we could come back the next day and if there was one available we could switch (I think it was because we checked in so late). We were initially disappointed until we got into our room (9th floor, room 4519) and saw our view of Bay Lake which was beautiful. We looked out over the marina and the pools and could see the top of WL and Spaceship Earth at Epcot in the distance. We also enjoyed the electrical water pageant every night. We didn't miss the MK view at all and in fact my DH correctly pointed out that if you have a MK view you can see SM and the castle in the distance, but in front of you is quite a bit of concrete and the entire parking area. Of course you can't see the fireworks from a Bay Lake side room, but they do have a large viewing area on the 4th floor if you want to see them. We were only in our room 1 night when the fireworks were going off anyway. We were really happy with our side of the hotel and wouldn't hesitate to stay on that side again.
We had 2 queen beds which were VERY comfortable. I have lower back pain and can't ever sleep on my stomach b/c of it, but here I woke up on my stomach every morning and had no back pain. The only thing I didn't like is the blanket on the bed - it's one of those typical kind of old fashioned style blankets that you see in hotels. I would have prefered a different kind. Also there were extra pillows in the closet.
Amenities: there were the Mickey soaps, shampoo/conditioner combo, mouthwash, toothpaste, lotion, hairnet and maybe a toothbrush - ? I can't remember for sure. We used the shampoo and soaps and they were replaced daily.
As far as guest services, we used them one time to change a PS and it took a long time, but we found out after that it took so long because the original CM (on the phone) who took our PS had spelled our last name wrong. I asked for directions from GS one morning to Target and they were very helpful. One day the shower handle broke (luckily after we had showered for the day) and we called maintenance who came up right away and fixed it. We had some extremely friendly people (like the 3 CMs the first night and Richard from Bell Services who brought our luggage up and gave us the rundown on the resort and the happenings at the parks), some just polite people and only one borderline rude person at the Food & Fun Center who was obviously just not having a good day (no hello, no 'thank you', nothing).
Pool was very clean & there were several lifeguards and always plenty of towels. There were always lots of people at the pool, but it didn't have an overly crowded feeling to it. We didn't use the spa, sorry.
DH rented a water sprite while DD slept one day & I sat out on the balcony w/my binoculars and watched him. He said they were friendly at the rental desk, but his main comment was the other boaters who don't watch where they are going and don't pay attention to the big boats.
We honeymooned at the Dolphin back in 98 (October too!). Just mention to everyone it is your honeymoon, but don't expect something every single time or you'll likely be disappointed. Some people make a big deal, others say nothing. Wear your Mickey Bride & Groom ears and now they have a honeymoon button that I noticed some people wearing (don't know where you get it though, maybe someone else does). Best wishes!
My kids refuse to stay in any other resort at WDW!
