Dolphin info

[wakim]

Hey There - My family and I will be staying at the Dolphin in early April - our first trip to Disney. I would love any info/tips etc on the hotel. For example, I think I read somewhere that Illuminations could be seen well from the hotel beach - does anyone have any info on this.

Any other info on the hotel, the location (relative to Disney attractions, shopping etc) would be very helpful and appreciated.

Thanks, as always.

[OKWTink]

You will be able to see the higher fireworks of Illuminations from the dock of the Dolphin (where you board the ferry to the other resorts, MGM Studio and EPCOT).

It is within an easy walk of both EPCOT and MGM Studios. The grotto pool is wonderful. There are many good and excellent restaurant selections at the Dolphin and it's sister resort, The Swan.

A miniature golf (I think Fantasia, but not positive of the name) set up is right across the street too.

Buses take you to MK and AK, and DTD.

It is in an excellent location. A "circle" of resorts if you will, including the boardwalk (the hotel and the attraction) the Yacht Club, the Beach Club...

The boardwalk has live entertainment nightly, along with restaurants, a little bakery, a sweet shop, and a few shops. There are midway style games there too, as well as the Jelly Rolls Piano Bar and the Dance Hall.

I think you are going to be very pleased with your hotel and your location! :yes:

Have a wonderful time!

[Bambi]

Wakim,

I will be staying at the dolphin again in April. This will be my second time staying at this resort.

I agree with Okwtink...the grotto pool is great it is a 3 acre water playground complete with waterfalls, slides, water volleyball, and hot tub. Tropical foliage surrounds the grottoarea, and the white sand beach nearby make it a perfect place to relax or have fun. There is also a kiddie pool near the grotto and at the Cabana Beach Hut you can use complimentary towels and life vests with your room key.

There is wonderful selection of places to eat. The location IMHO is excellent. The only down side is if you have a car the valet is very pricy...we parked our own car which was a bit of a walk but worth saving the money. Plus the valet wrecked someones car so I wouldn't want them parking my car anyway :D

I don't know if you have kids or not but they have a Camp Dolphin there includes dinner, activities, trip to the Game Room, video games, arts and crafts and Disney movies. The programs are staffed by counselors. You need to check the times and price/cancellation/reservations for this. I heard once somewhere if you are dinning at the dolphin kids get to stay for free at the camp for a couple of hours. I haven't ever used this program but am tempted to give it a try for my girls this trip.

Oh and I loved the swan paddle boats we rented. Sometimes there is a wait to rent it. Luckily the day we rented one there was not a wait. It is tiring paddling them but was fun.

I can't think of anything else except the bed was so comfortable to climb into at the end of a long day in the parks. Dh loved their pillows but I must say the pillows were too soft so I will be taking my own this trip. Even my 5 yr old said it was a "cozy" bed. (her words)

I am sure you know it is a sheraton resort so if you like collecting points don't forget to do that. We collected some nice points on our last trip.

I hope you have fun....what are your dates in April? I will be there the 10th of April for 4 nights.

[wakim]

Thanks for all the info - it sounds like it will be a great choice. We are going from April 2 - 10th for my daughter's 5th birthday!


Any other info would be fantastic - did you have a room with a balcony - which side of the hotel were you on?

Thanks, again, for taking the time to respond - much appreciated!

[Vikki]

Ok, I feel very daft now :D We dropped our car off at the Dolphin and wanted to go to Epcot......we got really annoyed when no busses turned up in the 45 minutes we were waiting.....now I know why :D Oooooops :)

[Bambi]

Thanks for all the info - it sounds like it will be a great choice. We are going from April 2 - 10th for my daughter's 5th birthday!


Any other info would be fantastic - did you have a room with a balcony - which side of the hotel were you on?

Thanks, again, for taking the time to respond - much appreciated!
Oh how sweet your going for your daughters 5th birthday. Have you planned anything special for her yet? Well, the trip itself is special :)

When we were at the dolphin our room had no view at all.....we had an awesome millitary rate and it came without a view. We were o.k. about not having a view because the room and resort was truly wonderful. Our next trip we get an automatic upgrade since dh made gold status from all his business trips:D

If I think of anything else I will post it for you. I have some pictures of the hotel somewhere if you would like me to share them with you I will. Just let me know.

[Bambi]

Ok, I feel very daft now :D We dropped our car off at the Dolphin and wanted to go to Epcot......we got really annoyed when no busses turned up in the 45 minutes we were waiting.....now I know why :D Oooooops :):unsure: probably better to take the boat from the dolphin to Epcot next time.

[Vikki]

:unsure: probably better to take the boat from the dolphin to Epcot next time.

DH tells me it was MGM not Spcot, same difference, I still feel daft. I have just gone to apologise to Disney in the trip report where I wrote about it :D

[Bambi]

DH tells me it was MGM not Spcot, same difference, I still feel daft. I have just gone to apologise to Disney in the trip report where I wrote about it :D
Deffinately not SPCOT you would never have gotten to SPCOT:lol:

[OKWTink]

Nope, no buses to MGM Studios or EPCOT from the Dolphin (or other resorts in that circle). It's your little feet that will take you, or the ferry. :D

[Vikki]

Deffinately not SPCOT you would never have gotten to SPCOT:lol:

Oh dear, the daftness multiplies :D

And as for the boat and walking, staying at ASMo you are just accustomed to getting on a bus to everywhere, you totally forget other resorts have little perks like being so close to the parks :D