Tips For Staying at the Dolphin

[diskids2]

We just booked our Easter vacation at the Dolphin (govt rate - thank you budget board!). We have been to WDW several times, each time staying at CBR.

Here's my question. What are some tips/techniques/things to be aware of or look out for when staying at the Dolphin?

Thanks!

 

[#1hockeymom]

1. Enjoy yourself!
2. MGM boat... Last stop on, first stop off! Great!
3. Epcot boat... Get off at the boardwalk stop from Epcot if you want to save some minutes.
4. Enjoy yourself!
5. Don't spend time saving a lounge chair at the grotto pool; you'll never need to!
6. Giggle to yourself over all the money you saved staying at a deluxe resort, yet you have better amenities!
7. Enjoy yourself!
8. Watch the fireworks from your room while the kids sleep.
9. Eat at Palio at least once! Great food! (order the veal!)
10. Food court (in the name of Tubbi's) never closes!
11. Go down the slide in the Grotto pool... scream as you land in the pool!
12. Nap in the hammocks in the sand under the palms.
13. Enjoy yourself!

Wish I were going back!
Debbie

 

[diskids2]

Those were so great! Now what was it that you wanted me to do? Was it Enjoy Myself!?

 

[swilphil]

The Dolphin is a great place. I would request a remodeled room. They're very pretty. I imagine they will be done with the remodeling by then. If you have little ones who nap, make sure you are far away from the construction if they aren't done. We just returned and were next to rooms being worked on (even though we were told we weren't going to be). We were given the option of an upgrade, a dinner voucher or a $50 room credit. We took the credit.

Sign up to be a Starwood Preferred Guest at www.spg.com. It's free, and we received a resort view as an upgrade even though we hadn't earned any points yet. Once you earn points, you can buy upgrades and free nights with your points.

If you plan to spend much time at the pool, I would request a room on the West Wing. It's much closer.

If there are any problems at all, tell someone. The staff is very accomodating. They usually give you some little perk. We received a small box of chocolate truffles.

Let me know if there are any other questions.

 

[Princess Dot]

How recently were you there, swilphil? What section were you in that was undergoing construction and what exactly did you experience in terms of inconvenience? I am concerned about this as we are going in August and while I would love a renovated room I would really like to be away from the construction.

Thanks!

 

[swilphil]

I checked into the Dolphin on June 29th. I asked about the construction at the time and was told it was on the 4th floor, but that it shouldn't be on the 5th floor by the time we left. It was. It wouldn't have been a problem except for our little ones napping in the afternoon. The staff was very understanding about this. I don't think it would be a problem to get a room away from the construction, and you may be able to upgrade to a room with a balcony, view, etc.

 

[Ashley's mom]

1. Sign up to be a Starwood Preferred Guest at SPG.com
2. Sign up for the Starwood American Express card so your status as a Starwood Preferred Guest will be UPGRADED.
(you'll get a better room - and that is IMPORTANT at the DOLPHIN...good room - happy trip. Crappy room - unhappy trip!)
3. Ask for a room facing Illuminations (I had balcony room 8029...the BALCONY added IMMEASURABLY to our enjoyment - and if you spring for a balcony DON't let them "upgrade" you out of your balcony - if they offer - ask for club level PRIVILEGES INSTEAD...that's the best of BOTH WORLDS!)

oh, okay...one more thing:

Go down the slide at the Grotto pool...arms up by your ears and you will squeal involuntarily. It turns your husband on to hear you scream like a teenage girl. It'll change the course of your whole trip!

Have a blast!

 

[AlisonY2K]

My tips:
1. have a meal at Kimono's (if you enjoy sushi) and resist all temptation to sing karaoke.
2. remember that any purchases at the Swan or Dolphin can be charged to your room.
3. Take the boat to MGM. Walk to EPCOT
4. Take the boat from MGM. Walk from EPCOT
5. Enjoy Disney's Boardwalk since it's just minutes away.
6. Enjoy the Yacht & Beach Club (see #5)
7. Walk over to Fantasia Gardens for some mini-golf fun.
8. Hit the pools at night. They're technically closed, but as long as you're quiet and don't annoy the staff, you can swim as long as you like. (we called and asked one night about this)

 

[luvdisney14]

We are staying at the swan in August. Thanks for the tips. I just want to know where to request to stay at the swan. We will be using the pool alot - we have 2 standard rooms. I did sign up for starwoods ( thanks to this board). Any other tips would be helpful.

 

[diskids2]

We did book a balcony room. I also requested an Illuminations view. I was told that that was not guaranteed. If I can't get an Illuminations view, what would be the next best thing.

I did sign up for Starwood. Good tip on the upgrade part. I'll remember that.

Do you think we will get a bad room if I booked a balcony? I was hesistant to pay $45 more a night for it vs. Standard (129 vs. 174)

I can't wait to stay in this area. We usually stay at CBR.

 

[Rpsemont]

We were are the Dolphin last Feb and loved it. I originally requested the wing close to the pool, but had also given my starwoods number. We ended up in the wing farthest from the pool, but with a balcony room facing Epcot that was fabulous! We actually made a point of getting take out and going to the room one night to have dinner and watch the firworks. If children are with you and old enough, plan a night to put them in the kids club and go to Jellyrolls. I have not used the club at the Dolphin, but have used the one at the Beach Club and my daughter had a great time. (so did we!) THe close proximity of everything in the BW area makes it a great place for a parents night out.

Personally, I would not pay for the balcony, just do the starwoods and hope for the best. Even with the last trip, we never did spend much time in the room.

 

[diskids2]

Thanks everyone! These have been great (my DH especially likes the waterslide teenager suggestion

 

[FINFAN]

diskids2...a bit off topic here (forgive me) but tell me all about CBR! I AM IN DESPERATE NEED OF INFO. We will not have a car so need to rely entirely on the busses. Enjoy your time at the Dolphin, I sure hope we can stay there if we are lucky enough to make anther trip down to WDW!

 

[diskids2]

Hey FinFan!

Just Private Message me and I will be happy to tell you everything you wanted to know about CBR. We've been there at least 4 times during different times of the year.

Linda