Just back from the Dolphin

[bthrsoon]

We just got back from 9 days at the Dolphin, many over spring break, we had a wonderful time. I was hesitant to try the Dolphin because it wasn't "Disney" but when my husband found out about a conference just a month ago (over spring break, no less) and we qualified for the government rate, we decided to give it a try. Last June, we stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and loved it there but we loved the Dolphin even more. The location is wonderful, the service terrific and my two young children enjoyed it just as well too! We were upgraded (over spring break on a government rate with a very late check-in) to a room on the 17th floor that not only overlooked the Epcot Illumination fireworks but also Fantasmic as well. We were so delighted with our room, we went right out and bought the Front desk clerk who assigned it, a small gift, that hopefully showed our obvious pleasure. The children were able to enjoy the Wonderland Tea Party and Pirate Cruise and we ate many character meals, so I'll be glad to answer any questions. Thanks to all on this board, for helping me be in the know!

 

[Jen80370]

What a great idea to thank the front desk! I'm sure they loved it!

 

[Debi]

Welcome home! Glad to hear that you had such a great time at the Dolphin.

 

[disnurse]

Did you request an upgrade or fax a room request at all? Are you starwood members?

 

[bthrsoon]

I put in a room request via email on the swandolphin website but did not get an email confirmation, I also joined starwood before hand but had no points or anything. We checked-in at around 8:30pm and asked (I prayed before hand too!) and they were gracious enough to grant our request (even more than we asked for!) I did not fax before hand.

 

[LBYC-19]

I'm so glad you had an enjoyable trip! We're leaving for the Dolphin tomorrow; would you be kind enough to tell me how the weather was (I hear it has been beautiful, did you ever need jackets at night?) You must have been thrilled with the upgrade, it's so nice to hear these stories of people who don't "expect them" and are surprised with getting them, good for you!

 

[NHAnn]

Glad you had fun!
Hard to believe you're "not really in Disney" with a room view like that, huh?

 

[Mickeyfaniam]

welcome back!! Glad you enjoyed your stay at the Dolphin.
Going down on Wednesday myself

hope you enjoy your trip too, LBYC-19

 

[Blondie]

Welcome back! Glad to read that you enjoyed the Dolphin. I think it's a pretty neat place myself!

 

[bthrsoon]

The weather was beautiful throughout our stay. Much nicer than last June! It was in the 80s during the day, it lowered to the 60s at night. Two of the evenings, we did use jackets. It can be windy near the water on the boardwalk but it was so nice. The grotto pool was a little cold. In the day this was not a problem but at night, we opted for the spring pool or the hot tub.

 

[Mickeygirl]

We are thinking of staying at the Dolphin summer of 2003. How old are your kids and did they enjoy it there? We will have a 4 and 6 year old and also 2 teenagers with us. Was eating there a problem or was it pretty reasonable??

Thanks for all the help

Mickeygirl

 

[Ityldu]

Thanks for making me smile with such a great post. It reminds me of us on our first stay at the Dolphin. I only wish we thought enough to give the front desk a gift - great idea!!!

 

[anne930]

So glad you had a great time! We are planning a trip in September with my brother-in-law and his family - 6 of us total, 4 adults, 2 children (15 & 10). Finances are tight. We have a hold on two adjoining standard rooms at the Dolphin at the "teacher rate" and are trying to decide whether to go ahead and confirm the reservations. They usually stay at "All Stars" and are so excited about staying at a "top rate" hotel for such a low price. This would be their "Once in a Lifetime Splurge". To be upgraded to a room with a view would be awesome - we too have no Starwood points but was planning to join. I have been worried that they will be disappointed with the standard room (not Disney enough or not as big as they are expecting, etc) or that the price will be jacked up by extra fees. Questions: (1) Was your reservation for a standard room? (2) How was the room itself - big enough? Comfortable? (3) Did you have to pay resort and/or valet parking fees? (4) Any disappointments? I know they will love the location and the transportation - the pools sound great too. I was almost ready to give up on the Dolphin until I found your post - let me know what you think! Thanks so much.

 

[wdisneyaholic]

bthrsoon,

I would love to know what gift you bought for the front desk clerk? I was thinking of doing this at check in. How did you give it to them?

 

[bthrsoon]

To answer some questions:

We bought the front desk clerk chocolates from Ghiardelli in Downtown Disney. I waited for her to finish with other guest and just went up and gave it to her and said," thank you so much, the room is awesome", I think she was very surprised.
We had a standard room booked when we were upgraded.
My children are 4 and 8.
We declined the $8 resort fee (with no problems).
You can self park (no cost) or valet park your car($10).
The room size was about the same as the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
The room size should be fine compared to the AllStars.
I've never stayed at the AllStars but we thought this was every bit as good as the Animal Kingdom Lodge, so I'd go for it.
The location and transportation are wonderful especially with young children.
Tubbies and the Dolphin fountain are both reasonable (by Disney standards), there are some very upscale pricey restauants as well but then again you have the whole boardwalk of restaurants to try!
The Dolphin seemed as much Disney as the AKL.
No extra fees whatsoever.

 

[Kitty 34]

What a nice thing you did for that Front Desk Clerk!! You probably made her day!

 

[Ityldu]

anne930 - You HAVE to go with the Dolphin. You should love it. Even if the place was a dump, location alone is worth extra money over AllStars. The best part is it's far from a dump, it's deluxe all the way. We also feel that it has just as much themeing as most of the other Disney Deluxe resorts. No, it's doesn't have the loud, oversized props like AllStars, but a classy beach theme on the order of BC/YC.

The pool is awesome, our fav. of all Disney resorts. The views are also the best in Disney. We've been twice with amazing discounts and both times were upgraded to fabulous views for free (and we never asked for either). Don't go expecting an upgrade, but S/D does a great job of upgrading. If it's available, they'll give it to you even without you asking.

 

[lindym]

WAs this a room with a balcony? Was it non smoking? If so, do you remember the room number? Thank you

 

[Trekker]

Will everyone please take a deep breath and remember this is humor!

The sarcastic / attacking posts and the responses to them have been removed - lets not put any more on here!

 

[twinscandc]

I'm not sure about the last reply, but I do have a question:

What charachter meals did you do? I heard they had a Sunday brunch at the Coral Cafe that was really good.

We are staying at the Dolphin in 29 DAYS!! We can't wait!! I'm so glad to hear you had an awesome time!!

Thanks!

Becki