Just back from our first trip to the Dolphin..

[badonahue]

.....and boy did we love it!! It was great. We had plans to stay for 5 nights but we extended for 8. We had an Epcot view with a balcony. We could see Illuminations from our room every night. One night my son and I laid in bed and watched. How can you beat that?! The location is great and the pools are beautiful.

There was a long hike to the elevator from our room, but the view made it worth the effort. The the bus transportation can be a liitle long. One night it took us 45 minutes just to get to Downtown Disney because of all the stops.

All in all it was superb. I'd choose it again in a heartbeat.
I guess the Swan/Dolphin have a new fan.

Bethann

 

[westjones]

Were you able to swim in the cove pool? I was wondering if it is heated. We will be there next week and my girls would love to be able to swim. It is our first time to the Swan/Dolphin and the pool looks beautiful!

How was the walk to Epcot and MGM? That is why we chose the Swan, to be able to walk to those two parks.

Glad you had a good trip. It sounds wonderful!
DJ

 

[badonahue]

The pool was heated. The smaller pools are warmer than the large ones. My two kids and my husband enjoyed it very much. I sat and read a book.

Bethann

 

[Disney Daniel]

Glad that you had such a great time. We are Dolphin fans as well and can't wait until our upcoming April trip.

 

[travelin' tigger]

DJ

The walk to either park isn't bad at all. I did the Dolphin to Epcot (via Y&BC) in about 10 mins. It was actually faster than the Friendship boats!!!

As far as MGM goes, I think it's about the same distance and time - I always lucked out and caught the boat instead.

Hope this helps!!!

PS. I agree with Bethann - the Dolphin was awesome!!! I was spoiled by being able to hop to either park so easily!!!

 

[mep319]

How did you get such a great view?? Did you request a resort view or did you take the chances for an upgrade. Or ask for an upgrade at check in? We too are giving the Dolphin a try for the first time this summer and I'm trying to find out as much info as possible. Thanks!

 

[shady]

We stayed at the Dolphin the past weekend.

Lots of positives
- Great cafeteria, good prices
-Decent bus transportation, no more wait than usual
- BEAUTIFUL decorations for Xmas
- The Heavenly beds!!!!!!!!

A few negatives
-The staff is nice, but defenitely not Disney
- NO Disney charging priveledges
-No Disney package delivery

All in all it's a great resort, but it's not Disney. It lacked the Magic.

I had a 99.00 rate, so Id stay there again if I got that rate again, but otherwise I'll stick to WL.

 

[badonahue]

We were given this room upon check-in. I inquired what kind of room had been reserved and to my suprise, we had a great view.

We were able to get packages delivered to the hotel gift shop. We had them shipped from MGM, Epcot & MK.


Definetly get the Starwood preferred guest card.

Bethann

 

[Keggy]

We have stayed at the Swan before and loved it but we are staying at the Dolphin for New Year's Eve and I was happy to see your review! The Dolphin on NYE was $500 cheaper than the Boardwalk or Yacht and Beach for the same night.
We are looking forward to it!

Kelly

 

[sarahsmom73]

I am so excited to stay at the Dolphin! I can't wait! Glad to hear your trip was great!

 

[sherry8253]

Shady - Regarding package delivery - We had no problems getting packages delivered to the Swan when we were there earlier this month. Did you ask about package delivery and were told no?

 

[BC]

We just got back yesterday from 5 nights at the Dolphin. We had room 7002 and also had a great view of the fireworks. Wondered if you heard and saw a bunch go off around midnight on Monday evening? I know the park was closed so I don't know exactly what was going on but it was a spectacular show. It woke me up at 1156pm so I am not sure it was supposed to happen.

 

[paras4ri]

Hi BC,
I read on another board that the fireworks you heard on Monday night were a dress rehearsal for New Years Eve!

 

[swilphil]

Originally posted by sherry8253
Shady - Regarding package delivery - We had no problems getting packages delivered to the Swan when we were there earlier this month. Did you ask about package delivery and were told no?

This summer there was package delivery to the Swan/Dolphin, but not charging to rooms with your key. We also found the staff at the Dolphin to be super helpful. We stay at deluxe resorts around the country, and found the Dolphin staff to be the best anywhere.

 

[shady]

We were told that by one of the shops on main street. Not a huge deal so we didnt even check into it. I'll ask the hotel if we stay there again.

The service was fine, it just lacked the Disney feel.

Im a Starwood Pref member. Definitely a smart idea.

 

[DisneyFans4]

I will also being staying club level at the Swan for the first time and can't wait! I usually stay inside Disney but got a great Triple AAA rate so I couldn't turn it down.
I wanted to stay at the Dolphin but found out they don't have double queen beds which is a must for our family.
I too would appreciate any info.
I'm not sure what kind of room I have but my travel agent said I would have a view of MGM so I don't know if these are club level rooms.