Just Back From The Dolphin Resort

[dizzyfan]

We just returned from 10 nights at the Dolphin and we LOVE the hotel and the location. The location could not get much better. We walked to MGM two days and rode the boat back we also walked back one evenng from EPCOT, we enjoyed the walk, others talked about how long it was we did not think the walk was bad at all. We went down to the Boardwalk a couple of evenings and we had a great time there. One night we walked over to the Beach and yacht Club & ate dinner and had ice cream. The location is better than any I can think of.

We were in room 11-159 (lakeview) I could look to my left and see Illumiantions I could look to my right and see Fantasmic and the Tower of Terror , we had a room with a great view.

The pool was lots of fun and very tropical, which I loved. Our son (age 7) loved the pool.

I did not miss any "Disney Magic" they had a Disney Gift Shop (Daisy's Garden) and a few other shops in the hotel.

The bellstaff were wonderful, my aunt traveled with us and she had an electric scooter (wheelchair) and the would keep it and charge it each night.

They did waive the $8.00 resort fee upon our request.

We had no problem getting our packages from the parks they were at the hotel by 1:30 each day. Most days earlier than the time promised.

The dining facilities were all good, Tubbi's 24 hour serivce is great especially for late night snacks.

We have no complaints at all about this resort and plan to stay there next year when we return for our annual trip.

We are considering going back in December for our son's birthday if so I know where we will stay, THE DOLPHIN.

If anyone has any questions I will be glad to try and answer them.

I can hardly wait until our next visit.

Melissa

1997 dixie Landings
1998 Port Orleans
1999 Coronado Springs
2000 Carribean Beach
2001 Port Orleans - French Quarter
2002 Dolphin Resort

 

[WiscMomof2]

Thanks for the report. We'll be staying at the Dolphin for the first time this Oct. Glad to read the good review. It sounds like you did a lot of walking around the area. Can you give me an idea of how long of a walk it was to Epcot, MGM and the Boardwalk? Thanks and welcome back!

 

[Pig Pen]

Yes - thank you for the positive report. I see that you have stayed at several other WDW resorts so you have something to compare it to.

We will stay there for the first time in Sept and I am looking forward to the convenient location most of all.

 

[jwfla422]

So glad to hear you had a great stay at the Dolphin. It has become our favorite hotel. There are so many good things about it and staying right in the middle of the magic makes it complete.

We're staying at the WL in a few weeks after staying at the Dolphin and Swan 5x. I'm hoping I'm not disappointed with WL after staying at the S/D so much because WL is a little remote to everything and that's one of the best things about S/D, is how it's in the middle of everything. Change is good sometimes...but we'll be back to the Dolphin in December!!

If you can swing a December trip the Holiday decorations are wonderful especially the train going around the tree in the Dolphin lobby!

WiscMomof2-the walk from the Dolphin to EPCOT is about 15 minutes, I'd add another 10 minutes to that for MGM, but it of course depends on how fast you walk. If our little dd wasn't with us we'd probably walk all of the time, but the boat service is very frequent and relaxing....and cool It can still be pretty hot in October. Hope everyone else enjoys their stays! Thanks for the great report dizzyfan!!

 

[Otisp]

jwfla422 is right on for walking times. We generally took the boat to MGM since there are no stops. The boat stops at both YC/BC and BW between Dolphin and Epcot, so we walked when we were "in a hurry" but boated when we weren't (and when it was raining).

We also loved the location of the Dolphin and the kids did love the pool (especially the slide).

Ours fears of no "Magic" were totally unfounded: It seemed like there were characters in the lobby in the mornng, in the restaurant in the Swan at dinner, and in the restaurant during Sunday morning brunch. (We have more character photos from the S/D than the parks!).

 

[dizzyfan]

WISCMOMOF2 - the walk to Epcot is about 10-15 mins. and the walk to MGM is about 20 mins. or so, my aunt was with us and she had an electric scooter(wheelchair) and our son (age 7) would ride with her and the rest of us would walk. We enjoyed the walk. We did take the boat also and enjoyed that also. You will really enjoy the Dolphin.


Melissa

1997 dixie Landings
1998 Port Orleans
1999 Coronado Springs
2000 Carribean Beach
2001 Port Orleans - French Quarter
2002 Dolphin Resort

 

[gschmerl]

As otisp said, there are no stops between the Dolphin and MGM, so the boat is great. My back was really bothering me, so when leaving Epcot, I would take the boat, but get off at Boardwalk which is the first stop from Epcot. The Dolphin is about a four minute walk from the Boardwalk, so I would always arrive at the hotel before the boat even got there.

 

[Blondie]

So glad you enjoyed your stay at the Dolphin! It really is one of the best locations at WDW! We're returning to the Swan at the end of January, and I can hardly wait! As you can see....I am counting the days!

 

[dreamflight99]

So glad you LOVED the DOLPHIN! I knew you would...and recall your posts prior to your visit! I'm still HERE, @ the DOLPHIN...for another 3 weeks! I'm LOVING every second! Have fun planning for your next visit...and dreaming of all the wonderful new experiences you'll share. Thanks again, for the great review.

 

[Tiffany]

dizzyfan,

Thanks for the great report. My husband and I will be staying at the Dolphin for the first time in 9 days and cannot wait. So I guess the room service trays in the hall ways issue has been resolved Thanks again for the great report.

 

[dizzyfan]

Tiffany - I did not see any problem with trays left in the halls. A few times there was one tray in the hall, we would normally leave the room around 9:00am and I recall seeing a tray in the hall then but it appeared to be a breakfast tray. I never recall walking down the hall and seeing the same tray for an extended amount of time.

I found the resort to be very well kept. Our mousekeeping was great. Please do not let negative post scare you. We had a great time and I am sure you will too.

I am spoiled and do not wish to stay any where else now. The location as I mentioned before is unbeatable, you will ove the closeness of the boardwalk and the Beach & Yacht Club. Make sre you go to Beaches & Cream at the Beach & Yacht Club. They have terrific sandwiches and wonderful ice cream, if you go they have a drink called a Lime Rickey - try it, it is great.

I hope you have a great time.

Melissa

1997 Dixie Landings
1998 Port Orleans
1999 Coronado Springs
2000 Carribean Beach
2001 Port Orleans - French Quarter
2002 Dolphin Resort

 

[Tiffany]

Thanks dizzyfan,

Since we have stayed at the BWI once and the YC twice we agree that the location is great. That is why when I was able to get the Dolphin at 50% off with an AAA rate we decided to give it try even though it is not a "Disney" owned resort.

I am just hoping that that "Disney feeling" is not missed. Well, we will find out soon enough. 9 days and counting