first time at dolphin

[matt9112]

so we are doing a little vacation (admittingly more than I normally chew) at the dolphin resort. "hey it's the closest I can get to deluxe dang it" but in all seriousness this is a treat I'm looking forward too and I sort of wanted some tips and tricks if you will?

where should we eat in the mornings and best bar on resort property chief among them

thanks in advance!

what's your must do things on property?

 

[MisterPenguin]

so we are doing a little vacation (admittingly more than I normally chew) at the dolphin resort. "hey it's the closest I can get to deluxe dang it" but in all seriousness this is a treat I'm looking forward too and I sort of wanted some tips and tricks if you will?

where should we eat in the mornings and best bar on resort property chief among them

thanks in advance!

what's your must do things on property?

Keep in mind that the Dolphin and Swan share amenities, but the thing is, almost all the amenities are at the Dolphin! But this does mean you can use Swan's pools if you don't like the screaming baby at the Dolphin.

Other things: Walking to Epcot is always faster than the boats. Walking to DHS is about the same amount of time as the boats... unless you see there's a back-up for getting on the boat, then walking is faster.

Basement level of the Dolphin has a 24 hour cozy cafeteria (Picabu) with some basic supplies (aspirin, tums, etc...). The shakes at The Fountain are fantastic.

Always keep an eye out for signs that the bus stop is moved to the Swan... especially as they're renovating their lobby area.

When at MK or DAK or DS and you're heading 'home', look for not only the Swan and Dolphin bus, but for the Boardwalk and Beach & Yacht buses. Get on the first that arrives. If the first stop going home is BoardWalk, Beach, or Yacht, get off that first stop and just walk right through their lobby and head lakeside and walk to the Dolphin. If the first stop going home is Swan, stay on... the next stop is Dolphin.

 

[matt9112]

Keep in mind that the Dolphin and Swan share amenities, but the thing is, almost all the amenities are at the Dolphin! But this does mean you can use Swan's pools if you don't like the screaming baby at the Dolphin.

Other things: Walking to Epcot is always faster than the boats. Walking to DHS is about the same amount of time as the boats... unless you see there's a back-up for getting on the boat, then walking is faster.

Basement level of the Dolphin has a 24 hour cozy cafeteria (Picabu) with some basic supplies (aspirin, tums, etc...). The shakes at The Fountain are fantastic.

Always keep an eye out for signs that the bus stop is moved to the Swan... especially as they're renovating their lobby area.

When at MK or DAK or DS and you're heading 'home', look for not only the Swan and Dolphin bus, but for the Boardwalk and Beach & Yacht buses. Get on the first that arrives. If the first stop going home is BoardWalk, Beach, or Yacht, get off that first stop and just walk right through their lobby and head lakeside and walk to the Dolphin. If the first stop going home is Swan, stay on... the next stop is Dolphin.

bus better than driving to MK and AKL

 

[Minthorne]

I like the bar at the blue Zoo. Try a flaming orange.

 

[DisneyPrincess5]

We've stayed at the Dolphin a few times and have had grea stays. The lobby s beautiful and the heavenly beds live up to their name, especially compared to the cardboard Disney beds I've slept on. Always enjoyed the Picabu buffeteria and of course it's lovely to be on the Boardwalk without the price tag of the other resorts there.
Have a great stay!

 

[Sans Souci]

I usually stay at Boardwalk, but I have sauntered over to the S/D to eat many times. I really like Il Mulino and for a light meal, Cabana is nice place to grab a bite.

 

[MisterPenguin]

bus better than driving to MK and AKL

Since driving to MK puts you in the TTC and then you have to monorail or ferry to the gate, and since busing takes you directly to the gate, then bus to MK.

Or... if you have a hopper, you can always walk a mile and a half through Epcot to catch the monorail... but then you have to take the local monorail to the gate.... not faster, but maybe funner.

Going to DAK... driving is a sleight advantage.