We're at the Dolphin

[PamNC]

Just checked in - well - actually checked in about an hour ago - The cast at the Dolphin is fabulous! We're on the 11th floor and can see MGM and Tower of Terror, and World Showcase. I'm sure we'll be able to see both fireworks from the room. It's not a renovated room ( they are currently renovating the rooms here, but the Swan is pretty much finished ) but the view makes it worth it to stay in the older style room.

We landed about 11:00 a.m., got our rental car and were so hungry we went to Chevy's at the Crossroads for lunch. Got here about 1:00 and the room was ready. Love it!

I think we're going over to the MK for a couple of hours because DH (aka Uncle Albert on these boards) can't control himself. We have ADR's for Flying Fish @ 6:10 and then we're kicking off the trip with Illuminations. We were going to hang out at the pool this afternoon but DH hurt his leg and can't get in the pool until Saturday.

I'd be happy to answer any questions. We just wanted to shout out to our DIS friends "WE'RE HERE!!!!" We've never stayed at the Swan or Dolphin for our longer trips, only for 3-4 night short trips over Thanksgiving. We usually stay at YC/BC or Poly but the AP rate of $194.50 was too good to pass up. Couldn't get any type of AP rate even after they released them at YC/BC. I tried.

I think this is going to be a very special trip fo us!

We'll check in periodically to answer questions.

PamNC and Uncle Albert

 

[marvin12]

Oh I can not wait to hear more. Sounds like your trip is off to a great start. Have a wonderful time.

 

[PamNC]

Hi there - We dashed over to the MK so hubby could see the new Haunted Mansion, which he LOVED. I saw it in February on a girls' trip with my mom and aunt (just a weekend getaway). He was working and couldn't come. Then, we did Country Bears and got some photopass pics done. Now we're back freshening up and we're off to Flying Fish!!!!

It doesn't seem that crowded at all - honestly I know it's June but it doesn't feel like the typical June crowd. Even as we were driving in this morning, the roads on property weren't as hustle/bustle as usual. We'll see if that trend continues!

We'll report back in periodically - I enjoy these virtual reports...kind of fun to share with DISers!

PamNC and Uncle Albert

 

[poohgirl6]

Glad you're having a great time. Glad to hear that the Dolphin is ok...been seeing so many bad reviews about it lately. Keep posting and letting us know what we're all missing

 

[poohgirl6]

Just wondered if you could get an answer on this. I hear Swan is complete but was wondering about the Dolphin. Thanks.

 

[PamNC]

I'll try to find out about the renovations. They did tell us the Swan was complete. If there are renovations going on here at the Dolphin, I haven't seen any sign of it. I'll tell you this - the staff is RIGHT ON with customer service. It's some of the best I've ever encountered, even at the Disney owned properties. It's truly been a joy. Do we miss the YC/BC? Yes, a little, especially when we stroll by. But, today, we decided to go to the pool and it was so nice to not have to fight for a place to lounge like at Stormalong Bay. Plus, the Cabana Bar and Grille has been remodeled and it is very very nice. We had lunch there today and it was a very nice experience! Great service and food. The pool isn't so crowded that you have to worry about bumping into somebody every second. My husband said, "this place is my speed" - it really is a nice resort. I can't imagine what the bad reports have been. My goodness!

We did Epcot this a.m. - got there at opening and did Soarin, The Land Boat Ride, Test Track and Mission Space. Then, we headed over to Canada and walked around taking pics and saw the new O'Canada film with Martin Shortt. We liked it a lot! Hadn't seen the Canada film in a long long time.

Then, we headed back to the Dolphin to eat and go to the pool. Now we're showering up and getting ready to go back to Epcot. We're supposed to eat at Blue Zoo tonight @ 6:30 but we may be too lazy to come back over here and then go back out, because we definitely want to see Illuminations tonight.

One thing - they don't have the waterfall going on here at the Dolphin. I'm thinking it's because of the lack of rain...it seems like they are having a huge rain deficit here. I'm ashamed to say I've been so busy prior to the trip that I haven't paid attention to the news or much else.

I'll check in later - be happy to answer questions.

PamNC (and Uncle Albert)

 

[marvin12]

It seems like things are going well. Please keep reporting. We are going to the Dolphin for the first time in Dec, and I just love to hear all the good things to look forward too. Have a nice day.

 

[heaven2dc]

I love live reports! It makes me feel I'm there right along with you - glad you like the Dolphin. I've always been tempted with the great discounts they offer but am a BWV gal and hard to sway me away.

Will be looking forward to reading about your dinner tonight! Have fun!

 

[PrincessPaczki]

I am enjoying hearing about your trip so far. Have a fun trip.

 

[domco]

Love your report so far. I am always tempted to try the Dolphin, but we seem to just stick to what we know, the BWI. What part of the Dolphin would you request to be closest to the pool? Do you have a balcony in your room? Have a great time and keep us posted!

 

[Christopher Robin 26]

Glad to hear you like the Dolphin, we are staying there for the first time in August. Is your room standard or did you get an upgrade?

 

[fall08CP]

Question- does the Swan/Dolphin have cast members with name tags? I'm guessing no because they're not owned by Disney but I'm not really sure. THanks

 

[BABYJOSIE98]

I love live reports too! My best friend and I stayed at the Swan in October and we loved it. I have also stayed at the Dolphin and met a friend for the week that I met on these boards back in 2004.

I just love the location! It is one of my favorite places to stay. The only bummer is ME, but we had a rental car last time.

Have a wonderful time and I am glad too hear crowds are managable. Wish I could find a good DING and just go for a few days...

Have to wait till October!!

Michelle

 

[rgrgirl]

Question- I just booked to stay at the Dolphin and saw where there is a walkway to MGM and Epcot. Can you tell me how far of a walk? It looks pretty far on the map. With all the walking we do at the parks, I am not sure I would want to add any. Also, is the walk quicker than the other transportation? Thanks for the report...

 

[Nancy for Disney]

We are planning our first trip but I am already thinking about the second trip has DH has a conference at The Dolphin in 2010. Looking forward to hearing more about your stay. I see you haven't posted in a while but I am hoping for an update soon.

 

[rgrgirl]

Another question...Do the rooms have coffee makers in them? I did not see it on the list of in room stuff but thought with the other stuff in there they proabably had them. Thanks.

 

[Lisa_Loves_Disney]

I cannot wait to stay at the Swan. 2 weeks from today I'll be there for 9 nights! Glad to hear it's practically done! I stayed at the Dolphin last July.

Enjoy the rest of your trip.

 

[madge]

Another question...Do the rooms have coffee makers in them? I did not see it on the list of in room stuff but thought with the other stuff in there they proabably had them. Thanks.

yes they do! Starbucks coffee!

 

[rgrgirl]

Thanks Madge!