Not that impressed with the Dolphin

[sandramaac]

Reading another post did remind me. There were trays in the hall from room service that were there for two days, AND a half eaten cookie on the table near the elevator for four days. And I called on the trays after the first night because there must have been some onion rings or fried onions and the hall really smelled. I could not understand why room service did not handle it.

And yes two people can have entirely different views about hotels, however being as there seems to be no gray area with this dispute- either people love the Dolphin or dislike it leads me to believe the is a inconsistency in service. Now if that hotel where in any other location but Disney that factor would be the kiss of death. This is IMHO.

I have one question for the Dolphin fans. Did any of you ever hear the story that when the hotels were built (swan/dolphin), that after twenty years that ownership would revert back to Diseny. I was just curious if any one else ever heard this.

 

[dcedwards]

Disneychic -

Our experience at the Dolphin was similar to yours. Too many conventions. Room service trays in the hallways, constantly, were obnoxious, after awhile. Staff was rather snooty. Pool was often closed due to convention activities. Bus transportation was horrible! No question. If I were staying at the YC/BC I would have been VERY upset ... the same as I was staying at the Dolphin.

Thanks for posting your impressions. I always enjoy reading the diverse opinions on the board.

The one thing I did like about the Dolphin was location. It is great.

 

[Blondie]

During our February stay, there was a HUGE and I mean HUGE lenders convention during the last three days we were there. There were so many attending, that they had to overflow them to other resorts.

It really didn't make that much of a difference to me. They didn't take up any room at the pool (too busy attending their meetings) they were a very well behaved bunch of "suits" walking around on cell phones. This works out to your advantage because they won't be on the buses going to the parks!

The only time we saw them was as they were gathering in the lobby mostly during the AM and during their breaks, and as they were walking over from the Boardwalk and YC/BC resorts.

They did close the grotto pool one night, but they did post a sign 2 days in advance. The Spring pool and baby pools remained open.

So...don't always write off a convention resort. It just may work out to your advantage!

 

[nealh303]

We just returned from a very spontaneous 3-night, 4-day trip staying at the Dolphin (teacher's rate). We stayed there for 2-weeks last summer and loved the hotel. This time around - it didn't have the same charm for us. Here are a couple of reasons why:

1) We had an upgrade to the Concierge level last summer - not this time - even though the hotel was not busy and we are Starwood members. I am sure that this contributed to our enjoyment level.

2) The room we were given had a beautiful view but an awful smell. We requested and received a room change immediately. The view of the second room was not nearly as nice as the first nor was the general location. This floor of the hotel seemed dated and a bit dingy.

3) The front desk personnel were not as friendly as last summer. Nothing wrong, just not very cheery.

4) No waiver of the $25 fee for a roll-away, if even for a child (as ours was)

5) 2-minute phone call was $15.25

The location of the Dolphin is exceptional and perhaps one of it's best assets. We enjoy walking to Epcot & MGM. We also appreciated the visible increased security. However, I think we will try a different hotel next time around (we have stayed at AllStars, Ft. Wilderness trailer homes, Poly, Contemporary, PortOrleans FQ).

 

[cboudre1]

We stayed at the Dolphin in April, at the teacher's rate, and loved the hotel. But as I read this I remember room services carts in the hall all day long. We loved the boat transportation to MGM. We hope to stay there again someday.

 

[pooh6890]

Swan and Dolphin are nice to walk around when in the BW area, but have had no desire to stay there.......I would much rather stay at Y&B or BWI....they just don't seem as Disney to me.

 

[JonHM]

Just a quick comment - regarding several quotes you have made, including this last one - "It just didn't feel disney to us this time. "

I don't want to antagonize anyone here, and many (if not most) people who read this board know this, so it's kind of like stating the obvious. But I feel, given your comments, that I should point this out:

The Swan and Dolphin are *not* Disney resorts. Yes, they're on property, but they are both run by standard hotel chains. VERY VERY NICE hotel chains, mind you, but *not* by Disney.

Again, not trying to antagonize anyone, just pointing that out.

Take Care,

Jon

 

[pooh6890]

JonHM....I believe the point most people were trying to make regarding the S&D is that the BW area is made up of the BWI, Y&B and the S&D. They kind of all go hand in hand...i.e....share boat service, bus service and are all connected in the same area. So when people state it's not as Disney, I think they mean just that. Whether they are owned and operated by Disney doesn't change that they still offer pretty much the same amenities.

 

[JonHM]

Just to clarify: not everyone knows that S&D are not Disney hotels, so I was just pointing that out for those who might mistakenly assume that they were. Also, while they're all generally in the same area, I wouldn't say that what they offer is all 'pretty much the same' - For me, and I am *only* speaking for myself, here, it's not just about the location - or the transportation for that matter. Disney resorts, even the moderates, are a completely enveloping experience that is all about Disney magic, and has very little to do with 'amenities' - it's an intangible that's a combination of theming, CM behavior and the feeling that you are *completely* enveloped in WDW... nothing against the S/D, they just don't have that for me. They are *extremely* nice hotels, it's just that I don't view the Disney Resorts as 'hotels', but as something more...

Again, just speaking for myself.

Take Care-

 

[dreamflight99]

WDW DOLPHIN SWAN OFFER:

Character Charavan, Character Breakfast, Shopping items transported back to your resort, theme park tickets available at the desk, E-Tickets, PS reservations, Boat/Bus/Transportation to the Parks, Close Proximity to the MAGIC (even within walking distance), Child-care center, Arcade, Fitness Center & Spa, Salon, refillable mugs, numerous eateries/restaurants, laundry center, Beautiful Pools, Great Views of Epcot/MGM & fireworks shows, Disney Gift Shop, etc.!

SOME of these same ammenities are offered at other "DISNEY-OWNED" resorts, and some are NOT! The DOLPHIN/SWAN are "IN" THE MAGIC...there's simply no denying this fact! There are "plenty" of other resorts/hotels, across from the marketplace, which are run by other "chains" but still on Disney-owned property. These are not "IN THE MAGIC", (as the Dolphin/Swan ARE).

The Starwood Corporation, (which owns Dolphin/Swan) is not your average property "CHAIN" or company. They are an upscale corporation, and own many historical, 5-star properties. The DISNEY company RATES the DOLPHIN/SWAN as a "DELUXE" resort, topping their Disney-owned Value & Moderate resorts!

I think I hear the Dolphin/Swan Quacking....because, "if it walks like a Duck, and looks like a duck...it's a duck!" (irregardless of ownership!)

P.S. Jon...in good fun, I have a dear brother...and he always swore he was never "antagonizing" us...or even "trying" to,
each time he was only mastering his craft...LOL...LOL!!!

 

[dreamflight99]

This is too much fun to pass-up....

WDW DOLPHIN SWAN OFFER:

Character Charavan, Character Breakfast, Shopping items transported back to your resort, theme park tickets available at the desk, E-Tickets, PS reservations, Boat/Bus/Transportation to the Parks, Close Proximity to the MAGIC (even within walking distance), Child-care center, Arcade, Fitness Center & Spa, Salon, refillable mugs, numerous eateries/restaurants, laundry center, Beautiful Pools, Great Views of Epcot/MGM & fireworks shows, Disney Gift Shop, etc.!

SOME of these same ammenities are offered at other "DISNEY-OWNED" resorts, and some are NOT! The DOLPHIN/SWAN are "IN" THE MAGIC...there's simply no denying this fact! There are "plenty" of other resorts/hotels, across from the marketplace, which are run by other "chains" but still on Disney-owned property. These are not "IN THE MAGIC", (as the Dolphin/Swan ARE).

The Starwood Corporation, (which owns Dolphin/Swan) is not your average property "CHAIN" or company. They are an upscale corporation, and own many historical, 5-star properties. The DISNEY company RATES the DOLPHIN/SWAN as a "DELUXE" resort, topping their Disney-owned Value & Moderate resorts!

I think I hear the Dolphin/Swan Quacking....because, "if it walks like a Duck, and looks like a duck...it's a duck!" (irregardless of ownership!)

P.S. Jon...in good fun, I have a dear brother...and he always swore he was never "antagonizing" us...or even "trying" to,
each time he was only mastering his craft...LOL...LOL!!!

 

[JonHM]

Again, was just speaking for myself. I didn't mean to be throwing down any sort of gauntlet, but I'm happy to see that you took the time to respond.

I am delighted that you love the Swan and the Dolphin so much. May you have many, many more opportunities to be near enough to hear the quacking...

 

[jwfla422]

Sorry to hear about your experience. Ironically we were there at the very same time and I have to admit our stay was just terriffic. We had great service, everyone was super helpful. Never had any problems with the boats (which are operated by Disney, not the S/D btw).

I know it was a fairly quiet stay too as I didn't notice any big conventions going on. This was our first stay at the Dolphin, several of our previous stays were at the Swan and prior to those we've stayed at many of the WDW owned resorts.

This past stay at the Dolphin was one of the most memorable and best stays we've had so far at WDW.

For the record, those who plan to stay at the Dolphin, just do it, I almost changed my mind after reading some negative posts about the resort. I'm so glad I decided to try it because we had an excellent stay.

 

[Eloise@the Plaza]

So sorry to have hurt all of your feelings, but in the big picture this is a week out of your life - a vacation - move on, get over it, and enjoy Disney World.

 

[pooh6890]

Eloise...........no hurt feelings here. I have never ever had a bad vacation at Disney and never will. And it's not a week out of my life, I visit about 3 times a year. I just agreed with the others on the curtness in your response. Kinda like that last one huh? Whatever....................

 

[dreamflight99]

Thanks for the laughs Jon...and your understanding nature. No offense is taken with any of your posts (or any others for that matter). Here's a tiny reminder for you when planning your next trip to WDW....shhh...it's a bit of a secret, but..."THE MAGIC...IS INSIDE OF YOU!" So, you bring it with you, inside, no matter which resort/camper/tent you stay in! LOL....I've seen folks at the DISNEY-IST of DISNEY resorts...definitely NOT feeling/sensing/enjoying ANY Disney Magic during their stay! Why? Because they lacked the secret insider knowledge...the DISNEY SMILE, reflecting the INNER MAGIC! We are ALL DIS-ers...all in pursuit of the same great time! Let's enjoy the experience, irregardless of WHERE we stay! I think I hear the "quacking" calling me.....

 

[Tiffany]

I know this response is a few days belated but I have not had the chance to post in a few days.

I justed wanted to say thank you to "The Pluto People", "happytrails2u" and "dreamfligh99" for taking the time to reasure me about my upcoming trip to the Dolphin.

 

[Jen80370]

Lisa...such noble quacking. There's a duck in heaven that would be proud. I am a firm believer in vacation is what you make of it. As for the food trays. Has anyone written to Starwood to bring this to their attention? How about the management of the Dolphin. I tell my son, my husband and my students....how can I help to fix a problem if I do not know it exists?

For example, many people moaned and groaned about how upset they were that the Dolphin did not have refillable mugs. People emailed...and things changed. Is it a minor thing? Sure, but I am wondering...if someone forwarded this thread to the Dolphin management, and to Starwood Corporate, you would see a change. No business wants to be thought of in this light.

Makes me think of a friend with lettuce in their teeth...a true friend would tell them it is there, while someone mean spirited and looking to cast aspersions would snicker quietly at the clueless embarrassment. I for one, would tell the person about the lettuce...and I shall.

 

[The Pluto People]

I just had to "chime" in about the food tray discussion...we stayed at the Dolphin the week of April 7-14 and we saw very few room service trays or carts in the hallways. I remember commenting to my DH and DS that, despite an impending strike vote by housekeeping, the halls were always spotless! When we did see the occasional tray, for instance a breakfast tray in the hall when we were leaving in the morning to go to the parks, that tray was NEVER there when we returned to our room later in the day! I hate to sound like a broken record but...we found both our room and the common/public areas of the Dolphin were always immaculate!

 

[Jen80370]

Thanks Pluto People! And just to be safe in case things had been overlooked...I copied this thread and sent it to Concierge at Dolphin to forward to housekeeping. People cannot fix a problem they do not know is broken.