Questions about the Dolphin.

[ztam3]

I hope this is a good place to ask.
I am planning a graduation celebration trip in December. Our last trip, we leaned toward the Dolphin, but ended up at Old Key West. The Dolphin looks beautiful and I know the hubby and I would love it. Unfortuantley, the rack room rate is not something we can afford. We were planning to rent points for the DVC to stay in December, but if I could get the Dolphion for a comparable rate, we would prefer there. I know from last year, various discounts come out through the year. I also know that the best ones often come out really close to the time of stay. My question is based on your expereince, what would be the cheapest rate I could expect topay with any available discount if I watch closely and call as soon as the discount comes out? I hope that makes sense. I would obviously need to reserve now and call and apply the discount as it comes out. Last year, it seems as though we found a discount rate of $129 per night. Is that the cheapest we can expect, or is it possible to find a cheaper rate? I will be graduating in December with a degree in Special Education. I think I can present my degree and get the teacher's rate, but we can still stay with DVC for much cheaper than $169 plus the resort fee and parking. Please offer some educated opinions. THANKS for any help.

 

[ztam3]

 

[katallo]

Last year, the rates for great for teachers, nurses, etc. This year, we haven't seen that much of a savings plus you have to add in the resort and parking fees. I couldn't believe it but we spent Easter in WDW and paid 40.00 less a night for the WL lake view.

 

[sherry8253]

We paid $145 in Jan but I remember seeing a $99 rate in December for Mouse Fest. We are going in Dec this year and am hoping for a great Mouse Fest rate. If I remember correctly the Mouse Fest rate came out in Oct. Maybe someone who had this rate will post a reply and tell you when to start watching.

 

[floridagirrl2]

DH and I stayed at the Dolphin for 3 nights in 2004 and were able to get a rate through Travelocity for $139 for 2 nights and 159 for the 3rd night, including the resort fee. We could have gotten the nurse discount but for only 2 of the 3 nights (since the Dolphin is a convention hotel, dates available with the nurse discount are limited). Dreams Unlimited was also having a special during that time, and I believe their rates were $129 for 2 nights and more for the 3rd night--Travelocity worked out to be the best deal.

Discounts on the Dolphin for specific days can be very iffy. If your dates are flexible, you could wait and check out all the discounts available sometime in October. If your dates aren't flexible, personally I would not take the chance of waiting to see if the Dolphin will have good rates--it sounds like you will do better renting points.