Are you wondering whether to choose the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort for your Disney vacation? This imposing hotel has an excellent location right in the heart of Walt Disney World. The Dolphin is a deluxe hotel and has all the advantages of staying at a Walt Disney World Resort.

Take a tour of the Disney World Dolphin resort to find out if it is the right choice for you and your family. 

As you approach Walt Disney World resort the Dolphin and Swan Resorts are one of the first things you will notice on the skyline. The Dolphin and Swan are sister resorts which have a great location within walking distance of Disney's Epcot and a short boat ride from Hollywood Studios. Thy are joined together by a walkway and share resort facilities so are often refered to as the Swan and Dolphin although each hotel has it's own distinct personality.

Guests of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin resorts have all the privileges of Disney World hotel guests. But the Swan and Dolphin are owned by Westin not Disney.

What are the benefits of staying in a Disney resort?

1. Access to Extra Magic Hours. What this means is extra hours in the Disney parks just for Disney resort guests. On most days a park will allow either early or late access where it will open to hotel guests 1 hour earlier or stay open up to 3 hours later exclusively for Disney resort guests. This is a huge benefit particularly at busy times of the year.
2. The opportunity to purchase a Disney World vacation package. One of the most valuable elements of this is the Disney Dining Plan which allows guests to prepurchase a meal plan at reduced rates. For 2009 Disney has also been offering a number of Free Disney Dining Plans for certain dates.
3. Free Parking at Disney parks and free Disney transportation
4. Preferred golf tee times.

The only Disney resort benefit not available to Disney World Dolphin and Swan guests is the room charging privilege. This is not that big of a deal though as Disney are more than happy to take other forms of payment for your purchases!

One disadvantage of the Swan and Dolphin resorts are that parking in the hotel lot costs up to $16 a day. Personally I find this a big issue. You will additionally pay a resort fee of $10 to cover use of the resort facilities and it includes some calls and internet use. So if you are taking a car with you to Walt Disney World and staying at the Dolphin resort you need to add up to $26 a day to the room rate.  Hotels charging guests for parking is one of my personal dislikes! No other Disney resort hotel charges for parking in their lot.

Photo Credit afgen

The theme at the Dolphin resort is anything but subtle. You really can't ignore two 56 feet tall dolphins on the top of the hotel - you can see them for miles around. But aside from the imposing exterior things at this hotel really are very stylish and well done.

From the moment that you walk in the lobby of the Dolphin resort you will feel relaxed. The high ceilings and tasteful decor are a calming feature.

Photo Credit auntierain

The rooms at the Disney Dolphin are tastefully furnished in subtle colors. They all feature the Westin Heavenly bed so you are assured of a very comfortable nights sleep.

There is a choice of either King or 2 double beds. Personally I think that is it unfortunate that the 2 bedded rooms only offer doubles as this makes it not so attractive a choice for parents with young children. 

The bathroom is pretty large with a separate vanity area.

Photo Credit reidmix

As well as being right in the middle of the Walt Disney World Resort there is plenty to do at the Dolphin which shares it's recreational facilities with the Swan. Perhaps the best of these is the Grotto Swimming Pool which is spread out over 3 acres. A tropical fun paradise with water slides,waterfalls and hot tubs. If you take swimming a little more seriously there are 2 lap pools available as well.

Another great feature of the Dolphin and Swan is the sandy beach. Relax on the beach or rent a boat - in the shape of a san of course!

The hotels have numerous restaurants ranging from a place for a quick snack to fine dining choices. And of course you are within walking distance to numerous other hotels and restaurants.

If you want to stay active there are 2 health clubs, tennis and basketball courts and a jogging track.

If you want total pampering then visit the onsite Mandara Spa.

Photo Credit roblee

The Walt Disney World Dolphin
1500 Epcot Resorts Boulevard
Lake Buena Vista

FL 32830-2653

(407) 934-4000

This is a great picture as it shows just how close to everything the Walt Disney World Dolphin resort is.

You can see the Dolphin and Swan resorts to the top right of the photos with their distinctive green and orange brown color. Opposite is The Boardwalk. Off the picture to the right is Epcot. You get a great view of Disney's Hollywood Studios to the left and if you look closely at the edge you can see the very imposing Hollywood Tower of Terror. You reach Disney Hollywood Studios from the Dolphin resort either by car or much more conveniently by the free Disney transportation boat system. A relaxing way to arrive at Hollywood Studios.

The very best thing about the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is the location. 

Photo Credit Steevil