Switching Ressies from Offsite to Dolphin but ???s Remain...

[gila]

Hello everyone. this is our first trip (me, wife, 2 teen nieces) and we have finally (i think) decided to change our ressies from a 2 bedroom, 2-bath condo off site to one room at the dolphin (govt rate, yeah!) going in mid-june, it seems the convenience of being on-site will outweigh the convenience of an extra bedroom, an extra bathroom, a full kitchen, and a washer/dryer, even at $45 more per night. as i type this though, i feel doubt creeping back. anyway, dolphing questions:

1. i am a starwood preferred member. does this mean that they will automatically waive the resort fee and i still get my coffee?

2. am i allowed to sneak a toaster in?

3. i have a car, but it looks like i would be better off using feet/disney transportation to all of the parks except for AK and TL. is that true?

4. i read somewhere that there were offsite dining options within walking distance of the Dolphin, but looking at the map that doesn't seem likely. is this true?

thanks again for all of wonderful advice! i'm really looking forward to this trip!

gila

 

[OrlandoDisney]

I am a Starwodd Preferred Guest and they charged me for the resort fee and the coffee. You will be better off not driving your car around DisneyWorld and it would be a lot better to take the Disney Transportation buses.

 

[MelissathePooh]

As this is your first trip to WDW (and as I am just used to staying on property) I think you will be glad you stayed on property. Dolphin is in a a great location - you can walk to Epcot (and MGM - a bit longer) or take the boat. We didn't have any trouble with bus service to any of the theme parks. TL may be easier by car, but the parks are no problem using WDW trans.

I don't remember other places to eat being that close by, but we don't usually leave property. As far as the Starwood questions go I would call the Dolphin directly and ask what the policy is for members. That was you can find out exactly what you want to know.

Its just my preference, but being on property at WDW makes all the difference to me - especially in the Epcot resort area, but I've only ever stayed on-site.

One other note - if you are concerned about room - the sink is outside the bath area so that makes things a little more convenient, but if there are rooms at the Swan - they have queen size beds vs. full size at Dolphin. Everything else is practically the same.

 

[Glory Days]

We just stayed at the Dolphin with 2 16 year old girls and we just loved it. There are lot of good places to eat over at the Boardwalk. The girls loved the convenience of walking around the Dolphin, to the BW to the YC/BC. It's fun to get the whole group into one of the 4 people bikes and circle around. Getting up the hill is the real adventure.
Although we stay at condos a lot when we travel, I agree with your plans for Disney. Use their transportation. We did take our car to a dinner at the Grand Floridian, but then you get stuck with valet parking fees.
Enjoy. I'm trying to get my DH thinking about next trip already.

 

[Poohlovr]

Hmmm...let's see...

1. i am a starwood preferred member. does this mean that they will automatically waive the resort fee and i still get my coffee?

No--being a member of Starwoods does not waive the fee. You can ask to have the fee waived prior to check-in and bring your own coffee and filters and use the in-room coffee maker.

2. am i allowed to sneak a toaster in?

I have taken a toaster with me with no problem in the past. I didn't ask if it was OK, but, it was there, in the room and no one said anything.

3. i have a car, but it looks like i would be better off using feet/disney transportation to all of the parks except for AK and TL. is that true?

You night want to use your car for DD, if you go there. That seems to be the worst for me. And definitely, do not drive to MK--especialy if you will be there until park closing.

4. i read somewhere that there were offsite dining options within walking distance of the Dolphin, but looking at the map that doesn't seem likely. is this true?

There really isn't anything off-site with-in walking distance, except a gas station( and it's not really off-site--just sorta' ). There are many dining options within walking distance (Boardwalk,Y&B), and even more at the Dolphin itself, but, not offsite within walking distance.

 

[lizanne]

Hi Gila,

I think you'll be happy with your decision to stay on-site.

I can't respond to you questions relating to the Dolphin, but I do know that there is no place off-site within walking distance to eat. If you have a car you can easily drive to Downtown Disney, turn onto Hotel Drive (not sure if that's right name) and cross the Hwy to the Crossroads Shopping Center. I believe there is a Pizzaria Uno, a Friday's, Taco-Bell, McDonald's, Jungle Jim's (or something like that). There is also a Internation Pancake House close by. I would estimate it's about a 10 minute drive from the Dolphin-all on Disney Property until you reach that road you cross over to get to the Center. I'm sure they could give you directions at the front desk.

We always have a car at WDW and drive to all the parks, but that's mainly because my husband prefers to drive. You can walk or take the boat to Epcot or MGM, and I would take the bus to MK, but driving to AK and the water parks is convenient.

Have a wonderful time.

Betty Anne

 

[gila]

thanks for the help! i feel much better about switching the ressie now and i won't give it another thought. i'm can't wait to get there now. melissathepooh, love the Tao of Pooh ref!