Walt Disney World Dolphin is a less themed hotel, that is why it is preferred for conventions booking. The Dolphin is not a Disney hotel, it is part of Starwood Resorts and Hotels family of deluxe resorts, together with the Swan. It opened in 1990 and was renovated in 2003.

Resort

Theme and atmosphere

The Dolphin has a classy, contemporary design and is less "syrupy" themed, what makes it a choice for business travelers.

The atmosphere is tropical, aquatic. The holiday feeling is given by the lush vegetation surrounding the hotel and the joyful, lively colors - turquoise, coral. The tastefully decorated rooms are spacious. The light wood furnishings give the room an airy note.

Location

The Dolphin hotel is conveniently close to EPCOT and MGM Studios, across Crescent Lake from Disney’s BoardWalk.

Address:

1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830

Phone: (407) 934-4000 Fax: (407) 934-4884

Nearby attractions:

• The Magic Kingdom
• EPCOT
• MGM Studios
• Disneys Animal Kingdom

Hotel

Rating

• Four Diamonds(Five Max.), according to the AAA Rating System
• Four Stars (Five Max.), according to Expedia Rating System
• Three Stars (Five Max.), according to the Mobil Travel Guide Star Rating System

Hotel amenities

Rooms

1,509, 136 suites

Room categories:

• Standard Rooms
• 360 square feet
• Maximum occupancy: 5 people
• Two double beds and a sofa/easy chair plus a desk.
• Concierge Rooms
• Maximum occupancy: 5 persons
• Benefits: robes, private lounge offering continental breakfast and fruit, cheese and bar in the afternoon.
• Suites:
• Junior
• around 700 square feet
• Maximum occupancy: 6 people
• A king bed, sleeper sofa
• A Murphy bed, sleeper sofa in the living
• One Bedroom Executive/Two Bedroom Executive
• around 700-1,000 square feet
• Maximum occupancy: 6-10 people
• Two double beds and a sofa/easy chair plus a desk.
• A king bed, sleeper sofa
• A Murphy bed, sleeper sofa
• Presidential -- Caesar Suite, Pharaoh Suite, Los Presidentes Suite, Emperor’s Presidential Suite
• 2,451-2,589 square feet
• Maximum occupancy: 10 people
• Two bedrooms with king size beds and one bedroom with two double beds/One bedroom with king size bed and one bedroom with two double beds

There are also nonsmoking rooms.

Standard room amenities:

• Two double beds and a sofa/easy chair
• Desk, table with 2 chairs, an armoire
• Room service 24 hours
• Iron/ironing board
• In-room safe
• Hair dryer
• Voice mail
• Television
• Ceiling fan
• Air conditioning
• Housekeeping
• Newspaper -- daily
• Extra towels, linens, bedding
• Hypo-allergenic bedding available

Other available room amenities:

• Pay movies
• VCR -- some rooms
• Wake-up calls
• Minibar -- surcharge
• Coffee makers -- available
• Cribs (infant beds) -- available
• Internet Access -- fee
• Turndown service -- upon request

Refrigerator -- not available

Informative price list:

• Standard guest rooms: $259 - $379
• Concierge rooms: $369 - $409
• Standard Junior suites: $625 - $715
• Concierge Junior suites: $715 - $815
• Executive suites (1-2 bedrooms): $865 - $1,345
• Presidential suites (2-3 bedrooms): $2,835 - $3,255

Dining

Shula’s Steak House

• Hours: 5:00pm - 11:00pm
• Steak and seafood. It was granted the 2003 Award of Excellence.

Dolphin Fountain -- 50's style diner atmosphere

• Hours: 11:00am - 11:00pm
• Home made ice cream, burgers, fries

Tubbi’s Buffeteria -- quick-service restaurant

• Hours: 24 hours offers breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Cafeteria service and convenience store, American Fare

Cabana Bar & Grill -- poolside eatery

• Hours: 11:00am - 7:00pm, seasonal
• Sandwiches, salads, cold drinks

Todd English's Bluezoo Restaurant

• Hours: 5:00pm - 11:00pm
• Seafood, coastal cuisines from around the world.

Lobby Lounge -- piano music

• Hours: 4:00pm - 11:00pm
• Cocktails

Shula’s Bar -- lounge

• Hours: evening
• Fine beer, wine and after dinner drinks.

Character meal at Swan.

There is the possibility to share dining options with the Swan, as the hotels are very close to each other.

Strong points.Weak points.

Pluses

• Starwood Preferred Guest program possibility -- One can book a stay on Disney property on his/her starpoints.
• Discounts possibility
• Spa, health club -- Onsite, offer full service.
• Boat rides
• Leisure -- Great recreational options
• Sandbeach -- Private, white sand.
• Fine dining -- Excellent options and possibility of sharing with the Swan.
• View -- Magic Kingdom (fireworks) great view.
• Location -- Very convenient
• Atmosphere -- There is the advantage of not so much theming for those who like less "sugary" accomodations.
• "Heavenly" beds -- Beds have pillow-top mattresses, white goose-down comforter, five overstuffed pillows.

Minuses

• Price -- Rooms are expensive.
• Atmosphere -- Not convenient for those who look for "Disney magic".
• Small bathroom -- Visitors have complained of the bathrooms being too small with not enough counter space and movement space.
• Many conventions on-site -- When there are such actions going on, the lagoon pool might be closed for private parties.