Reviews of Walt Disney World Dolphin (Deluxe Resort)
Reviewed by RCinNYC Review Date: 08/19/2023
Rating: (8) Recommended
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed my stay here. The beds are super comfortable and the room itself has more than adequate space, with the exception of the very tiny bathroom area. There are plenty of dining options at a variety of price points and it was super convenient to grab a coffee and a snack at FUEL before heading out to the parks. The pool areas were great and the staff at the Cabana Bar were so friendly.
I really appreciated the boat shuttle to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios--a relaxing way to start and end my park visit. My only gripe is that the shuttle bus (which I think is operated by Mears rather than Disney) to the Magic Kingdom only takes you to the Transportation and Ticket Center, so be sure to walk over to the Boardwalk if you need the bus to Animal Kingdom or Magic Kingdom.
As other reviewers have mentioned, the Dolphin is lacking in the Disney feel and look. But after a long tiresome day in the parks, I didn't really mind.
And finally, since I was staying in early August, the rates were fantastic. I remain a devoted Polynesian Resort fan, but will be staying at the Dolphin again in the near future.
Pros:
Pool area, dining options, boat transport to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, close proximity to Boardwalk Resort and Yacht ClubCons:
Tiny bathroom, Bus optionsReviewed by AnnaEverAfter Review Date: 01/20/2023
Rating: (9) Recommended
My favorite Disney resort is the Marriott-owned Dolphin resort. It is a quick walk or boat ride away from both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios and includes amenities like a nice pool, multiple restaurants, and guest services provided by Disney cast members. There are a variety of stores that sell Disney merch and a luxurious lobby that has escalators just in case your feet hurt after a long day in the parks. Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf and the Boardwalk resort loop is close by the Dolphin, so you’ll have plenty to do and many restaurants to eat at. Being a Deluxe Disney resort, the Dolphin comes with perks, including Early Theme Park and Extended Evening hour entry. The one downfall of staying at the Dolphin is that it’s not a Disney immersive resort; there is barely a magical atmosphere, and the bus transportation is Meers, which, on a Magic Kingdom day, is not convenient since it takes you to the TTC. My recommendation is that you use the bus transportation around the boardwalk resort loop or take an Uber if you are in need of a bus. So if you have young kids that love princess movies, the Dolphin is not necessarily for you. However, I highly recommend this resort for anyone who is an EPCOT lover like myself.
Pros:
- Easy and quick access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios - Deluxe resort perks: extended evening theme park hours - Many restaurants - Nice pool - Lots of activities - Cheaper than other deluxe resortsCons:
- Non-Disney bus transportation - Not very Disney immersive - OutdatedReviewed by Anonymous Review Date: 07/23/2022
Rating: (7) Recommended
My family of three loved staying here for 9 days in January! The room was comfortable and clean and the service was fantastic! We loved the grounds and enjoyed walking to the boardwalk! The accessibility to Hollywood studios and to Epcot was the the best park! We purchased park hopper tickets so that we could have dinner most nights in Epcot no matter which park we spent the day in and it was perfect! We wouldn’t stay anywhere else!
Pros:
Location! Such an easy walk to both Epcot and Hollywood studios as well as the sky liner and the boardwalk! Super comfortable beds Great amenitiesCons:
Not a ton of “Disney magic” as it’s a Marriott hotel Most of the restaurants are located in the dolphin and was a little less convenientReviewed by tgrandolph Review Date: 03/14/2022
Rating: (7) Recommended
I stayed here 3 nights in June 2021 for the first time. The resort is great, and the amenities and location is amazing.
Pros:
Amazing food options. Nice pools. Location, location, location.Cons:
I was in a standard queen/queen room. The size of the room was fine, but the shower/toilet part of the bathroom is the smallest I've ever seen in any hotel room. I mean TINY!Reviewed by Anonymous Review Date: 01/06/2022
Rating: (9) Recommended
Loved it! The only thing missing is the Disney element but it was wonderful to walk to Epcot or Hollywood Studios or take the Ferry and we enjoyed spending time on the Boardwalk and loved the pool.
Pros:
Loved the location, the pool and food options. The pool was great and ordering drinks from our chairs poolside. The beds were great and very comfortable.Cons:
Not as DisneyReviewed by BookishPrincess Review Date: 12/31/2021
Rating: (8) Recommended
The rooms were nice, and I really loved the location! It was a short ride to Hollywood Studios, and quite scenic. Overall a great stay at a great price when compared to other Official Disney Resorts.
Pros:
- Proximity to HS and EPCOT - Comfy beds - Room serviceCons:
- Transportation to and from MK (not a huge fan of TTC versus going directly to the park) - Some of the food options were mediocre ( I’m looking at you The Fountain Salad )Reviewed by OperaBill Review Date: 12/19/2021
Rating: (10) Recommended
I love these resort tours! Please continue to do them! They are really helping me determine where I want to stay for my next WDW trip!
Pros:
Great details, great tour guideCons:
NoneReviewed by DonGlover Review Date: 12/17/2021
Rating: (8) Recommended
The location of the Dolphin is great. We booked very early and thus got a very good rate. The common areas of the hotel are nice well maintained. The layout of the hotel makes it a bit confusing as to where your wing is and where the elevators and after a long day at the park this can be a bit of a challenge.
We had a room on the 11th floor and a mildly obstructed view but still nice. The rooms need a refurb. There aren't enough plug-ins for the modern world and the ones that are there are not conveniently placed. Since I always travel with powerstrips and long USB cables this was not a huge issue.
There were minor maintenance issues such as a loose soap tray and a bad USB port. But overall very nice rooms.
They have an outpost Disney giftshop in the hotel, but is small and does not do shipping. I had to go over to the Boardwalk to ship my saber and droid home. The bus transportation is not provided by Disney. It is frequent, but not well marked at times and the drivers don't necessarily offer up where they are going. Also, they don't drop off at the Disney bus stops. Busses to the Magic Kingdom go to the Transportation center and Disney Spring busses drop off quite a distance from the entrance.
Overall the value was great, the location was great, and I would happily stay there again.
Pros:
Location. Cost vs other hotels in the area.Cons:
Needs updating. Not fully part of the Disney transportation system.Reviewed by Summertime3218 Review Date: 12/07/2021
Rating: (10) Recommended
The Dolphin was wonderful! We got here early in the morning after a long red-eye flight. Unfortunately, our room wasn’t ready yet, so we crashed on their couches in the lobby for a bit. They then informed us that they had made a room available for us! So we were able to catch a nice long snooze before our dinner reservations that night. During our entire week long stay, the service was top tier. They provided extra blankets and water bottles, and the front desk was always friendly. Location was wonderful, it was very easy to either get a bus or an Uber to Magic Kingdom, Disney Springs, and Animal Kingdom, and then the ferry boats made for a wonderful transportation experience to Epcot and Hollywood Studios! The Pool complex was on another level, I enjoyed it very much! Everything was clean and tidy, and the staff were absolutely wonderful. I’m already planning our next trip and definitely planning on staying here again!
Pros:
Comfortable, friendly staff, good transportation options, great pool complexCons:
Quick service options are meh.Reviewed by Anonymous Review Date: 11/27/2021
Rating: (10) Recommended
Rooms have been updated. The Fountain restaurant is great for a quick meal. Love the proximity to Hollywood Studios & Epcot. Fraction of the cost compared to other area Epcot resorts.
