Is Walt Disney World Hotel Dolphin a good option to stay in Orlando?

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Written By Carlos Braga

The Walt Disney World Hotel Dolphin It is a luxurious option to stay inside the park and make the most of the attractions. In addition to the comfort of its facilities, it offers guests many facilities that make the experience even more complete.

Where is the Walt Disney World Hotel Dolphin?

The Walt Disney World Hotel Dolphin is located in Orlando, and is part of the Swan and Dolphin resort complex, facing the Swan Resort. It is within walking distance of EPCOT attractions more competitive.

The building has modern architecture, designed by architect Michael Graves and has two dolphins. At the entrance, the hotel has a beautiful fountain that welcomes visitors.

Guests can choose to walk or use local transport, by bus or even by boat, a unique experience with a different view of the entire park.

Leisure areas

The hotel complex has a large green area, covering more than 30 thousand m², with trails, as well as meeting rooms, halls for events and conventions. 

It also has six swimming pools, one of which has a waterfall and slide, ideal for enjoying hot days. In addition, there is also a golf course available, games rooms, playground, gym and spa.

Is Walt Disney World Hotel Dolphin a good option to stay in Orlando?
The Walt Disney World Hotel Dolphin is very close to the park's attractions, and can even be reached by boat. Image from Booking website

What are the rooms like at the Walt Disney World Hotel Dolphin?

The Walt Disney World Hotel Dolphin has several room and suite options, some with views of the park's fireworks. This way, guests can have a privileged view, one of the Disney World's Most Unusual Experiences.

The suites have king size beds, as well as a flat-screen TV and refrigerator, as well as a comfortable lounge and high-speed internet connection. 

There are also double and triple room options, ideal for those traveling in groups, as well as rooms adapted to accommodate people with disabilities.

For those looking for more privacy, the hotel has the option of connecting rooms, which divide the space for the couple, with a connection between the rooms.

Daily rates

Staying at the Dolphin Hotel in Orlando is not very affordable, but it is definitely worth the experience. The daily rate, taking into account one person in a room without a view, is around R$ 8 thousand.

These values, of course, may vary depending on the time of year, number of guests and how many days they will stay at the hotel. In the July vacations, for example, the flow of people is much greater, which is why prices tend to rise.

The daily rate, however, does not include breakfast, as there are several restaurants within the hotel that offer this meal.

What are the advantages of staying at the Walt Disney World Hotel Dolphin?

At the Walt Disney World Hotel Dolphin, guests have the benefit of early entry to the parks, but at an additional cost. Other than that, there is still the convenience of being able to walk to the main attractions.

This means guests save time and can make the most of their day, and also have access to water parks:

In the complex, there are also many recreation options for the whole family, with activities such as golf, spa, gym and open swimming pools.

For guests, parking is free within the property, but if you prefer, the hotel also offers a transfer service at no additional cost. Buses leave every 20 or 30 minutes, depending on the schedule and flow of visitors.

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Planning Center

The hotel has a space where visitors can find out about attraction times and plan their itinerary each day. In addition, it is possible to purchase benefits such as Fast Pass and Genie+, which guarantee faster access without queues.

Licensed products store

Guests can also take advantage of their stay to visit the store located inside the hotel, and take gifts for family and friends, as well as souvenirs from the trip.

Babysitting and recreation services

An interesting option for parents is the babysitting service that the hotel offers. For an additional cost, it is possible to have someone to look after the little ones while the adults enjoy the activities at the hotel and have fun too.

Older children can also enjoy the Camp Dolphin activity center, which opens from 5:30 pm until midnight. 

What are the food options at Walt Disney World Hotel Dolphin?

Inside Walt Disney World Hotel Dolphin has 17 dining options, with a variety of dishes from around the world. Among the most popular choices among guests are, for example:

  • The Fountain, which serves salads and burgers, as well as artisanal ice cream;
  • Rosa Mexicano, which has typical cuisine, from breakfast to dinner;
  • Picabu, with a relaxed atmosphere, with pizza and hot dogs.

These are some options for Disney budget food, since there are meals from U$ 14 in each of them.

Sophisticated options

For those looking for more refined meals, you will also find good options, such as Todd English's Bluezoo. This is an award-winning restaurant, serving fresh seafood dishes, such as lobster, as well as an extensive wine list.

Another suggestion is the Il Mulino New York Trattoria, inspired by Italian cuisine, which has a menu full of pasta, seafood and other typical delicacies. For larger groups, there are shared meal options, such as potato gyozas and rigatoni with mushrooms.

How do customers rate the Walt Disney World Hotel Dolphin?

The Walt Disney World Hotel Dolphin is highly rated by guests and has a score of 9.3 on Booking. Among the highlights according to the opinion of those who have already visited the hotel are:

  • attention to service;
  • clean rooms available for early check-in;
  • easy access to main attractions;
  • many activity options for children;
  • variety of restaurants.
Is Walt Disney World Hotel Dolphin a good option to stay in Orlando?
The comfortable and clean rooms at the Walt Disney World Hotel Dolphin are one of the points highly rated by guests. Image from Booking website

Negative aspects

Among the negative reviews about the Dolphin Hotel at Disney, guests point out additional fees for valet parking, for example. Additionally, there are reports that the hotel lobby is very crowded at night, which creates noise.

Some customers point out that the air conditioning does not work in all rooms, and the bathrooms are small. Furthermore, the facilities are old and have not been renovated.

Is it worth staying at the Walt Disney World Hotel Dolphin?

The Walt Disney World Hotel Dolphin is a good accommodation option for those who want easy access to the parks. Although it has a high cost, it has a wide range of services and amenities such as:

  • free parking;
  • transfer to attractions by bus or boat.

It is also worth remembering that this is not a themed hotel, that is, the decoration does not refer to any theme from Disney cartoons or films. Still, the facilities are comfortable and tasteful. 

This can be a good choice for staying with the family, because it offers attractions within the hotel that suit all ages. From the swimming pools, with options for children and adults, a relaxing spa and a golf course, to the haute cuisine.

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About the Author Carlos Braga:

Unparalleled experience in Orlando and Disney! As a former Universal Orlando team member and a passionate devotee of the magic of Disney, I have become a true Orlando travel expert. Before becoming a renowned travel consultant dedicated to Orlando, I had already made hundreds of visits to the parks, cultivating my knowledge and passion mainly over the last 7 years as a consultant and specialist in Disney travel.

My journey into this enchanted world began in 1995, when I took my first trip to Orlando. Since then, my love for Disney and the city has only grown. In 2023, we celebrate the sixth anniversary of 'Partiu Disney Parks', consolidating our role as one of the main sources of information about Disney and Orlando Parks.

During these six years of existence, we have continued to offer quality and updated content, being the reliable source for all those looking for essential information to plan their trip to Disney and Orlando. With my vast experience and passion for this magical destination, I am here to guide you every step of the way towards the most incredible Orlando and Disney experience!