Spur of the moment trip! Dolphin tips/questions

[CrescentLake]

Let me start with a thanks. Last summer, when I was planning our trip during the 4th of July, you all were very helpful. (As you were two years ago).

This week has been an absolute whirlwind, with a surprise trip planned for next Wednesday-Sunday. Sure, its tough to do Disney spur of the moment, especially with MyMagic+ but we're doing it.

Anyways, turns out we're staying at the Dolphin. I've stayed at the Beach Club, Boardwalk, Pop Century, and Caribbean Beach before, but never the Dolphin. I know its not a "Disney" hotel, but its close to Epcot and DHS and its cheap, so I'm pumped. I just have a few questions about it.

How is the pool?
Any amenities (short of no magic bands) I'll be missing out on?
Must Dos at the resort? Is there an observation deck of some sort where I can look out at the resort?
Still get Disney busses, right?

If there are any tips you guys have, let me know! I'm so excited to go, even though its going to be crazy busy. Hoping I can get on a 7DMT soft opening, though I'm not holding my breath!

 

[brokedad]

Make sure you try dinner at Todd English Blue zoo, it's either at the swan or dolphin.Your not missing out on magic bands either, each park has a special fp+ for those 2 hotels, congratulations on your vacation.

 

[DisneyPrincess5]

We loooove the Dolphin. Last time we stayed therem we had an AAA rate room with a DHS view (hat and Tower)!!! The pool is very nice. We found it to be kind of quiet, yet active and clean. The formal and casual dining is great. We love Picabu. Have a great trip!

 

[DisneyPrincess5]

A d this article claims there may be a soft opening soon!
http://www.mynews13.com/content/new...cfn/2014/4/11/disney_7_dwarfs_mine_train.html

 

[surfsupdon]

You do not get Magical Express either, so plan accordingly.
Now you can link your reservation/tickets and book your FastPass+, and there are dedicated S/D CMs in each Park to help.
No official observation deck, but go in the Dolphin and try to get to the highest floor you can and look out the windows...you'll need to use elevators and stairs.
Disney busses, yes, and boats and walkways to 2 Parks.
Pool is nice. Slow moving waterslide, but it's a decent pool.

 

[coachwnh]

Not really offering any advice, but wanted to congratulate you on the trip!

 

[slappy magoo]

It's a total crap shoot, but if you check out restaurant.com before your trip, you may find discounted gift certificates for restaurants in the Swan and Dolphin. As of now, nothing, but that could be because they're sold out and some more might be forthcoming before your trip.

 

[jlsHouston]

We've stayed at the Dolphin regularly now for a the past several trips sort of as an unwind resort at the tail end of our visits. Love the starbucks coffee and water in the rooms. If you stop by the gym they will also give you extra water bottles.
Love the pool area. Great food served out there too.
Discovered Fresh Med Market last stay. Fantastic breakfast buffet and I love the salads at lunch.
It's a great resort.

 

[CrescentLake]

I appreciate everyones helpful advice and congratulations. I can't wait to head down there, Wednesday can't come soon enough!

 

[DizneyPryncess]

We stayed at the Dolphin for a few days last May and loved it! We thought the pool was really nice. The kids area has a playground & baby pool & big sandbox, so DD had a great time! I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything. I still felt part of the Boardwalk loop, and the location was perfect. I don't recall an observation deck, but the whole area is nice just to walk around. Rent a surrey bike over by the Boardwalk and ride the loop, we thought that was fun, and a good way to see all the resorts in the area. Have fun!