The Dolphin?

[Ladyhawke10]

We're doing a Christmas trip at the Dolphin this year. I have a basic view. Any reviews or tips about the Dolphin? I normally go during different times, and I know it will be wild/ cold/ crowded during this peak time, but I'm hoping the visit will still be worth it. We have plenty of great restaurant reservations--so if the parks are too hectic, we'll still have great dining!

Thanks for replies!

 

[daisyduck123]

We spent 3 nights at the Dolphin this past summer.

The one thing I noticed about our room was that it was VERY damp.
I had read this on the DIS prior to our trip, but had forgotten about it until sometime during the 2nd day of our trip.

During the 1st day & part of the 2nd, I had just thought our room was really, really cold. Then I realized it was DAMP, mentioned it to DH, & he said, "You just now realized that?"

It was damp to the point that all my papers, park maps, etc. were moist.
I worried about my pictures from Chef Mickey's getting that "warped" look, & never returning to normal.
Also, any wet clothes (bathing suits, towels, etc.) that we hung up to dry...well, they never dried. It was just too moist thruout the room.

Other than that...we had a nice time!

**This was on the 15th (I think) floor, btw.

 

[Ladyhawke10]

I was thinking of requesting a balcony, because I remember that some don't have them. Maybe in December the room will be less damp? Bummer...

I have reservations at Blue Zoo. I'm excited about it!

 

[MickeyNicki]

We stayed there in April and had a great time...love the super soft comfy beds and the location is the best

We prefer the Swan because it is quieter than the Dolphin...lots of convention people at at the Dolphin

 

[stringercapecod]

We stayed at the Dolphin over Christmas week in 2003 with the Teacher Discount and it was very nice. We've stayed there 4 times over the past few years and loved it each time. I never noticed any dampness even when we requested a ground floor room facing the pools. I don't recall many conventioners during Christmas week either... mostly families at the tree lighting in the lobby and around the resort. Be sure to visit the other EPCOT resort lobbies to see their holiday decorations and if you're staying for New Years Eve the beach at Dolphin is a great spot to watch the midnight fireworks at MGM (if they still have them) without the crowds. Sign up for Starwood Card and present it at check in asking sweetly for a balcony room. That would be an upgrade from the standard room you have. Have a wonderful trip!

 

[DisneyFans4]

You'll have a great time at the Dolphin. I've never stayed there because I love the Swan as it's smaller and more quiet. I also have teenage sons so I need the double queen beds.

I've never had a problem with dampness or mildew in the room. I had an east wing resort view which was wonderful! Watched Illuminations from the balcony every night and we could also see Wishes.

I just love the Swan as I feel like I'm in the heart of everything with all the resorts there and wonderful restaurants.

Enjoy

 

[Ladyhawke10]

Glad that not all the rooms are damp! I'm still not sure if I should make a request or not. I'm excited about trying the restaurants, since we've never eaten there or at the Swan before. The pictures of the Christmas lobby look great!

You'll have a great time at the Dolphin. I've never stayed there because I love the Swan as it's smaller and more quiet. I also have teenage sons so I need the double queen beds.

I've never had a problem with dampness or mildew in the room. I had an east wing resort view which was wonderful! Watched Illuminations from the balcony every night and we could also see Wishes.

I just love the Swan as I feel like I'm in the heart of everything with all the resorts there and wonderful restaurants.

Enjoy

 

[SteveH]

We stayed at the Dolphin over Christmas in 04, going to the Swan over Christmas this year (yeah). We used our Starwood points to upgrade and had a balcony, nice but really didn't make that much use of it. We spend most our time out of the room so though want a clean and comfortable room, having a balcony isn't a huge factor. We did have an Epcot view which was fun the few nights we didn't go in to the fireworks. In 04 it was chilly a few days, the crowds were not all that bad, nothing compared to being at WDW in June. Never noticed our room being damp at all either, if it is kick on the AC while you head out and do a search here on the override or get a baloon.

Oh and we had a blast visiting the other area resorts, ate often on the Boardwalk too. If we didn't love it we wouldn't be going back for 8 nights this year!

 

[Ladyhawke10]

Thanks for the reply on the crowds. I was worried that the crowds would be horrendous over Christmas, but I've been there in June and Spring Break and have survived then, so I'm thinking maybe this year will be okay? I know I went during Christmas once several years back and thought "Never Again" because it was sooo busy, but maybe that was a one-time thing. I hope it's busy but not overwhelming busy. I was thinking of spending a lot of time at restaurants and around the resorts to ward off any claustrophia in the parks. It's great to stay onsite !!

 

[DisneyFans4]

Well when we went last Christmas it was a madhouse, worse than our visit that past August. Couldn't get on any rides really, wait was too long and fastpasses ran out by noon. Of course the decorations and everything was great but it was a tough squeeze walking around with the crowds.

Of course it's a matter of timing. We went Christmas week.