Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort

Epcot Resort Area

Juxtaposing modern times with the Renaissance era, this resort known for its two dolphin statues is just a brisk walk from Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Epcot Fireworks viewed from the Dolphin

Walt Disney World Dolphin water taxi

Walt Disney World Dolphin Deluxe Room

Cabana Bar and Beach Club

Main Details
Category Deluxe Resort
Website Dolphin Resort
AAA Rating 4 Diamond
Address 1500 Epcot Resorts Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
Phone 407 934-4000
Fax 407 934-4099
Disney Operated

Resort Information
Number of Rooms 1509
Check In Time 3pm
Check Out Time 11am
Convention Space
DVC Villas
Extra Magic Hours
Room Charging
Shopping Delivery
Valet Laundry

Transportation
Magical Express
Bus Transport
No. of Bus Stops 1
Monorail
Water Craft
Free Parking at Theme Parks
Valet Parking

Dining and Lounges
Signature Dining
Table Service
Quick Service
Food Court
Character Dining
24h Restaurant
24h Room Service
Pool Bar
Indoor Bar

Room Types
Standard
Club Level
Suites
Interior Corridors
Exterior Corridors

Pools
Feature Pool
Pool Slide
Hot Tub
Quiet Pool
Pool-side Activities

Recreation
Boat Rental
Kid's Club
Playground
Splash Playground
Arcade
Running Trail
Poolside Movies
Tennis Courts
Gym
Health Spa

Room Information
Balcony
Safe
Refrigerator
WiFi Internet
Coffee Maker
Iron and Board
Hair Dryer
TV
Bathroom Sinks 1

Important Dates
Opening June 4 1990

Rosa Mexicano concept art and food

2 years ago5 photos

New look Walt Disney World Dolphin escalator and stairway

4 years ago4 photos

New look Walt Disney World Dolphin lobby concept art

8 years ago3 photos

Walt Disney World Dolphin overview

8 years ago10 photos

Height test balloons over parking lot

8 years ago5 photos

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic

+ See all 8 Galleries

Mexican fine dining restaurant, Rosa Mexicano, coming to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin in early 2023
2 years ago

The menu will showcase a contemporary interpretation of authentic Mexican cuisine, including beloved classics and innovative, sophisticated dishes that pay tribute to Mexico's richly varied culinary regions.

Guests of Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin - including the new Walt Disney World Swan Reserve will be able to participate in Early and Extended Theme Park Entry
3 years ago

Early Entry and Extended Evening Hours begin October 1 for select Walt Disney World Resort area hotels.

PHOTOS - A look at the recently refurbished entrance area at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort
4 years ago

See the latest update to the Dolphin hotel's main stairway to the theme park areas and Swan wing.

Lobby area transformation coming to the Walt Disney World Dolphin
8 years ago

A $12 million makeover of the Dolphin lobby will begin in 2017.

Write a Review

"Disney experience despite the ownership" 9 years ago by Ari X

I feel like a lot of people skip this hotel just because it's not owned by disney and that means you get nothing- but honestly, the only things you dont get here are the dining plan and Magical Express (which never applies to me since I fly in at Sanford.) This hotel has great location for sure, and while it is more business related, you can't really tell, the theming is charming yet sophisticated and there's plenty of fun things for the kids (The grotto pool is a must-see!) There are a lot of weird fees at times, they charge for parking -_- but still a great hotel. The best thing though, is the price- deluxe digs at moderate prices, with flight/hotel bundles most of the time to sweeten the deal. You just can't beat that :D

"Hard to check in" 9 years ago by Dxherri

I've stayed at the Dolphin three times and the Swan once. The room rates are good for Disney, and the restaurants are excellent. I like having everything in the same building. Some Disney resorts are spread out over hundreds of acres. The lack of the "rah rah Disney" feel is fine with me. I don't like my meals interrupted by Chip, Dale, Goofy, Pluto and the rest of the gang.

The only shortcoming is checking in. I've tried different hours of the day, but there's always a traffic jam at the entrance with no one seemingly in charge. If you don't specifically grab a valet and say very firmly that you're checking in, you will be ignored. On this visit (I'm still here), a valet first ignored me, then later told me he had asked if I needed help, and I had told him no! Really? Are there visitors who have just driven across Florida who take some kind of weird pleasure in turning down offers of help?

I will stay at the Swan in the future. It's much better organized and more professional.

"Walt Disney World Dolphon" 10 years ago by HollyAD

We booked the Dolphin last minute as a last night of vacation after staying in South Florida with family. I just had to have a little Disney fix if I was driving all the way to Florida! I thought the price was reasonable, even with the added fees. Just make sure to read the fine print. There is a service fee of $20 and a parking fee of $17. Even with those fees it was only $10 more than a value resort. So this was the smarter choice in my eyes. I could stay at All Star Music or the Dolphin on the Boardwalk for about the same price. I signed up to be a Starwood rewards member also so I will collect points for the stay.

The lobby and grounds are beautiful. I loved to sit and take in the architecture and landscaping and the Dolphin and the Swan. The place doesn't have the most "Disney" feel but that was fine because my husband is not a Disney lover. It does have a bit of a business feel but it is still a great looking place. Our room was spacious but the bathroom was small and outdated. It was showing wear and tear and was about the size of a value resort bathroom. They do provide you with bottles of water and starbucks coffee in the room as part of the service charge. Personally I could purchase my own for much cheaper but it was a small perk I guess. There is also a small refrigerator in the room so I could bring my own drinks to the room. No microwave.

The pool area was very spread out and a little bit of a walk from the Dolphin but still beautiful. The beach was full of kids playing in the sand and we even took our son on the swan boats, which are paddle boats. Pool towels are provided outside. There are different places for drinks and the Cabana is located outside for food as well. They provide service to poolside as well.

The location is great. You can quickly walk to the Boardwalk or take the boat. There is also boat service to Epcot and Hollywood studios which can also take you to the other Boardwalk resorts. The bus service to the parks is also a plus but is a little hit or miss. This has been my experience at all Disney resorts.

There are several food choices at the resort. Just make sure to do research to find what you want. I only went to the ice cream place so I can not comment on the food choices.

Overall I was satisfied with my stay. The staff were all very nice and helpful. This is a good place to stay with a Deluxe feel without the price. I am sure we will stay here again in the future.

"Wonderful Resort" 11 years ago by DiSnEyF@n

This hotel is just like the Disney Deluxe resorts but much more affordable. Our family has stayed here on numerous vacations and will continue to go back. Yes, there are fees that they assess that other Disney resorts do not, but the price is still less than the Deluxe Disney hotels. There are many restaurants to eat at, including Picabu (which is where we ate most of our breakfasts), Garden Grove (that has character breakfast on Saturday and Sundays only), and the Cabana Pool Bar that has wonderful sandwiches that we often ate for lunch and/or dinner. The rooms are large and come with a small refrigerator that came in handy as we stopped at the food store before we checked in. I love the decor of the beautiful lobby, hallways and rooms. The grounds are so lush and beautiful you really feel like you're on an island somewhere. The grotto pool is spectacular and well maintained and it is one of my favorite things about the hotel. All the staff are upbeat and very helpful. I have never had any problems with this hotel. I will always return to the Dolphin, happily :)

Description

In the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is your gateway to Central Florida’s greatest theme parks and attractions. Come discover our 17 world-class restaurants and lounges, sophisticated guest rooms with Westin Heavenly Beds, the luxurious Mandara Spa, and many special Disney benefits.

Details

Opening Date: June 4, 1990
Resort Area: Epcot
Resort Category: Deluxe
Address: 1500 Epcot Resorts Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830-1000
Phone: (407) 934-4000
Fax: (407) 934-4099
Resort Map

Room Information

Number of Rooms: 1509 rooms Check In/Check Out: Check in 3:00 PM, check out 11:00 AM

Room Types and Sizes

Standard view
Bedding options:
2 double beds- sleeps 4+
1 King Bed - sleeps 2+
360 square feet

Courtyard- resort view or courtyard view
Bedding options:
2 double beds- sleeps 4+
1 King bed- sleeps 2+
360 square feet

Deluxe Room- Resort view
bedding options:
2 double beds- sleeps 4+
1 King bed- sleeps 2+
360 square feet

Dining

Table Service

Fresh Mediterranean Market (6:30am-11am, 11:30am-2pm)
Restaurant featuring a Mediterranean influenced seasonal menu of roasted meats and vegetables in a casual and lively atmosphere. Located on the first level. Advanced dining reservations strongly recommended. There is a self parking fee at the resort.

Shula's Steakhouse (5pm-11pm)
High end award winning steakhouse featuring only premium Black Angus Beef. Chicken and seafood are also available, including Maine lobster. Located on the lobby level. Advance dining reservations strongly recommended. There is a self parking fee at the resort.

Dress Code Guidelines:
Men: Khakis, slacks, jeans, dress shorts, collared shirts. Sport coats are optional.
Ladies: Capris, skirts, dresses, jeans, dress shorts.
NOT permitted in dining room: Tank tops, swimwear, hats for gentleman, cut offs, or torn clothing. While t-shirts are now allowed, the policy remains that t-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics are not acceptable.

Todd English's Blue Zoo (5pm-11pm)
Award winning underwater themed restaurant featuring fresh seafood. Located on the first level. Advanced dining reservations recommended. There is a self parking fee at this resort.

Dress Code Guidelines:
Men: Khakis, slacks, jeans, dress shorts, collared shirts. Sport coats are optional.
Ladies: Capris, skirts, dresses, jeans, dress shorts.
NOT permitted in dining room: Tank tops, swimwear, hats for gentleman, cut offs, or torn clothing. While t-shirts are now allowed, the policy remains that t-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics are not acceptable.

The Fountain (11am-11pm)
All American soda fountain featuring burgers, sandwiches, flatbreads, milkshakes and sundaes. Take out is available.

In-Room Dining
(24 hours)

Counter Service

Picabu (24 hour)
24 hour buffeteria and grab n go market featuring pizza, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and homecooked favorites. Located on the first level.

Refillable Mugs: Can be purchased at Picabu and are refillable there for the length of your stay.

Lounges

Cabana Bar and Beach Club (11am-dusk)
Poolside bar and restaurant

Lobby Lounge (6am-11am, 3pm-11pm))
Featuring pastries and coffee for breakfast and cocktails in the evening. Located on the lobby level.

Shula's Lounge (5pm-11pm)
Lounge featuring after dinner drinks, wine, beer and cigars.

Todd English's Blue Zoo Lounge (3:30pm-11pm)
Lounge featuring signature cocktails and wine.

Recreation

Pools

The Swan and Dolphin resorts have a combined total of 5 swimming pools. The feature Grotto pool features rock work, waterfall, water slide and two hot tubs.

Health and Fitness

Fitness center: (6am-9pm) Located on the lower level near the pool.

Spa: Mandara Spa (8am-10pm) Located on the lobby level.

Playground

Located on the white sand beach.

Tennis Courts

Located across Epcot Resorts Blvd from the resort, next to Fantasia Gardens Minature Golf. Equipment available for rental in the fitness center.

Arcades

Located on the lower level near the pool and guest laundry.

Boat Rentals

Electric boats available for rent

Beach

White sand beach, due to health and safety issues swimming or playing in the water in NOT permitted.

Shopping

Daisy's Garden (7am-11pm)
Gift shop located off the main lobby featuring Disney gifts, souvenirs, apparel, jewelry, and sundries.

Sugar3 (9am-9pm)
Candy shop located on the lobby level.

Lamont's
upscale resort apparel

Galleria Sottil (8am-11pm)
fine art and jewelry

Transportation

Bus: The bus stop is located in front of the resort

Water Taxi: Water taxi to Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, The Yacht and Beach Clubs, and Disney's Boardwalk Resort located on the promenade between the Swan and Dolphin Resorts.

Walkway: The Dolphin is located within walking distance of Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Boardwalk Resort.