airhead
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 6, 2000
- Messages
- 4,991
We love the SwanDolphin resort.
Usually there are only 2 of us,but this time we were a family of 8;4 adults,4 kids.
I was the planner of this trip and there was no question where we would be staying for 10 days.Especially when my BIL and his family had never been to WDW. Had to be the Dolphin! Why? For for my family a few great reasons:
1) the location was ideal. Travelling with a family of 8(4 adults and 4 kids; 10,13,16,17) I knew there were going to be different vacation styles. I like the Dolphin because its so nice and easy to go from park to park. The walk through Beach Club and Yacht Club grounds is very nice! I was totally feelin' the "magic"!
I wanted everyone to be able to have the best vacation. Two of our teens were old enough and responsible enough to do some fun things on their own.My inlaws are big into golf. They played almost every morning on Disney courses(they loved it!). The remaining 4 of us were all about the parks!
The location allowed us to be spontaneous in the things we did.Whether it be visiting a park,playing mini golf,spending hot afternoons at the pool,playing golf every day,or hanging out over on the boardwalk. Living with 8 family members in 2 connecting rooms can be challenging. So,we didn't spend much time hanging around in our rooms. Besides,we were at WDW! Lots to do!!!!!
This was my first time going to WDW with kids and I loved it.I can't wait for our next wdw vacation together!!
2)the price.$159/nite,to stay in a really nice hotel with awesome pools,restaurants,wonderful service,(received a very nice upgrade!) a landscape that's so beautifully manicured (...every morning from the balcony w/my coffee, I watched the grounds crew rake the beach and trim the grass with precision. The whole resort looks so fresh! Beautiful).
Using the Teachers' rate allowed us a lower rate for a great place to stay.For us,our money's worth!
3)did I mention the location? Big one for my family.
On the flight home,we were all talking about our trip and how much fun we had. Every member of my family thanked me for planning a great trip(even the teens!). They all loved the hotel and would love to go back.
*(our upgrade; 2 connecting rooms w/balconies overlooking the lake and pool area with great views of TOT and the Wizard's hat.
We were first given 2 rooms opposite ends of the hall overlooking the service area. I asked if it were possible to find us 2 other rooms,closer together with a better view for a family's first time at Disney.I was totally feelin' the "magic")
Now,what I don't like about the Dolphin. It is a hotel that hosts conventions,car shows,cooking shows,talent auditions and any other functions drawing large numbers of people. That can ruin it for me. So,before I made any reservations,I did a search on what conventions would be at the Dolphin during our vacation.
Most of our stay was shared with the contestants of a major dance/talent contest. All kids and their families.No problem! These kids were no where to be found during the day.They were either performing or getting ready to perform.Infact,twice we found our way into the show to watch some really incredible kids.
The last day was a convention of financial institutions. Lots of people(mostly men) hanging around in the lobby waiting for seminars to start in the morning. I was glad I did the search because this convention would have tainted my Dolphin stay.
If you can use one of the awesome reduced rates,and you check out the convention calendar,you should give the Dolphin a try.
You and your family might like it!
Usually there are only 2 of us,but this time we were a family of 8;4 adults,4 kids.
I was the planner of this trip and there was no question where we would be staying for 10 days.Especially when my BIL and his family had never been to WDW. Had to be the Dolphin! Why? For for my family a few great reasons:
1) the location was ideal. Travelling with a family of 8(4 adults and 4 kids; 10,13,16,17) I knew there were going to be different vacation styles. I like the Dolphin because its so nice and easy to go from park to park. The walk through Beach Club and Yacht Club grounds is very nice! I was totally feelin' the "magic"!
I wanted everyone to be able to have the best vacation. Two of our teens were old enough and responsible enough to do some fun things on their own.My inlaws are big into golf. They played almost every morning on Disney courses(they loved it!). The remaining 4 of us were all about the parks!
The location allowed us to be spontaneous in the things we did.Whether it be visiting a park,playing mini golf,spending hot afternoons at the pool,playing golf every day,or hanging out over on the boardwalk. Living with 8 family members in 2 connecting rooms can be challenging. So,we didn't spend much time hanging around in our rooms. Besides,we were at WDW! Lots to do!!!!!
This was my first time going to WDW with kids and I loved it.I can't wait for our next wdw vacation together!!
2)the price.$159/nite,to stay in a really nice hotel with awesome pools,restaurants,wonderful service,(received a very nice upgrade!) a landscape that's so beautifully manicured (...every morning from the balcony w/my coffee, I watched the grounds crew rake the beach and trim the grass with precision. The whole resort looks so fresh! Beautiful).
Using the Teachers' rate allowed us a lower rate for a great place to stay.For us,our money's worth!
3)did I mention the location? Big one for my family.
On the flight home,we were all talking about our trip and how much fun we had. Every member of my family thanked me for planning a great trip(even the teens!). They all loved the hotel and would love to go back.
*(our upgrade; 2 connecting rooms w/balconies overlooking the lake and pool area with great views of TOT and the Wizard's hat.
We were first given 2 rooms opposite ends of the hall overlooking the service area. I asked if it were possible to find us 2 other rooms,closer together with a better view for a family's first time at Disney.I was totally feelin' the "magic")
Now,what I don't like about the Dolphin. It is a hotel that hosts conventions,car shows,cooking shows,talent auditions and any other functions drawing large numbers of people. That can ruin it for me. So,before I made any reservations,I did a search on what conventions would be at the Dolphin during our vacation.
Most of our stay was shared with the contestants of a major dance/talent contest. All kids and their families.No problem! These kids were no where to be found during the day.They were either performing or getting ready to perform.Infact,twice we found our way into the show to watch some really incredible kids.
The last day was a convention of financial institutions. Lots of people(mostly men) hanging around in the lobby waiting for seminars to start in the morning. I was glad I did the search because this convention would have tainted my Dolphin stay.
If you can use one of the awesome reduced rates,and you check out the convention calendar,you should give the Dolphin a try.
You and your family might like it!
Sounds like you had a great trip. We will be staying here for the first time in Dec,
and we are so looking forward to it.
Seeing people wearing suits while in the lobby and maybe on the elevator doesn't affect my WDW trip in the least 
