Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort
view all Lake Buena Vista hotels
1500 Epcot Resort Boulevard
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-1000
Chain: Sheraton Hotels and Resorts
Customer Reviews for Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort
Heavenly bed - posted on 06/27/2006
We found the hotel nice but rather confusing to get around. The staff was very attentive. The rooms were clean and comfortable. Especially the heavenly bed!It was a high mattress, so great for adults but NOT kids.The bathroom was small but adequate. 24 hr restaurant service was a nice feature. Nice pools and outdoor area. Boat for free to Epcot or MGM. Offers extra magic hours with stay. We would stay again due to boat service and closeness to Epcot and MGM. We give it three stars.
Nice people, nice rooms! - posted on 01/20/2006
And the most comfortable beds!!!I wish we could have stayed longer.It is not good for business people as the Internet is not as easily accesible and it is costly!
Second visit - posted on 06/01/2007
I can't complain about anything regarding our stay at the Dolphin Hotel. Everyone was very nice and helpful. This was our second stay at the Dolphin and probably not our last. My biggest complaint was that the water in the pools was extremely cold.
NOT worth the money - posted on 06/01/2007
Hallways,elevators and rooms are smelly. Rooms are of a 2 star quality hotel. Bad service. WOULD NOT recommend it.
Dolphin Visit - posted on 04/06/2007
The Heavenly Bed was an old pillow top mattress. It was not very comfortable. The hotel is noisy. The last thing you want to hear when you come back from Disney is noise. The restaurants were good, but not worth the money. The decor is busy and not relaxing. The hotel is so big that it can feel like a long walk to your room after walking eight miles in the Disney parks. The Dolphin Hotel has great proximity to Epcot and MGM. It was really nice to use the boat to get to Epcot.
It Is What it Is! - posted on 03/22/2007
I would have been very upset if I'd paid over $50 per night for this room. Room greatly needed an update. But considering this was the "kids" trip, it served it's purpose. Kids loved the pool that offered a water slide. Jump on the free bus service for a fast trip to the WDW Parks. Room service starts early so put out your Do Not Disturb sign! Email for more info
Good Value for Price - posted on 02/11/2007
The location of the hotel is very convenient. Walking distance to Disney's Boardwalk. The lobby is nice, as are the pools. Shula's restaurant was decent, but stay away from the peek-a-boo cafe also located inside the hotel (although its 24 hour sundry shop is a nice option for late night needs). On the negative side, the rooms are in need of an update. The accomodations were sufficient, but it's probably time for an update.
a good Disney pick - posted on 01/24/2007
This hotel was nicely decorated with great amenities, and you can't beat the proximity to Epcot and MGM. The boat launch to the parks is very convenient, even with a stroller.
Nice alternative - posted on 12/26/2006
This was my 7th visit to WDW. While the Disney hotels are more convenient, their expense made this hotel a much better value. The launch to Epcot and MGM was very convenient. The staff were friendly and helpful.
Happy Dolphin Vacaction - posted on 12/25/2006
My husband, 4 kids and I just spent 12-18 - 12-21 at the Dolphin. Asked at the front desk for an upgrade, explained it was our first trip to Disney and we we excited to be here and thrilled with the hotel. X nicely gave us an upgrade to East wing, balcony rooms. Very nice view of Epcot fireworks. No damp problems other posters have mentioned, although the elevators work kind of funky smelling.
Dolphin Holiday - posted on 12/23/2006
Great hotel. So close to EPCOT & Disney MGM. Only negative-room very far from elevator
The Dolphin - posted on 12/14/2006
This one night stay was great! The proximity to Epcot and MGM is awesome as well as the views
Dolphin? More Like Catfish - posted on 12/09/2006
Signage directing to the front door for registration (like most hotels) however, if you don't use valet parking ($14/day), the valets rudely demand that you park first (about a 1/4 mile away). Unlike any other Disney hotel, you have to pay for parking ($9/day for self park). Couldn't use a debit card for incidentals (Disney had no issue 4 days before this) and expect to be given "the look". I got the key to what the clerk repeatedly said was a smoking room, I went on up. I got off the elevator to a sign that said this was a non-smoking floor. Hooray!
Dolphin Treat - posted on 12/05/2006
My husband and I stayed at the Dolphin during the Thanksgiving holiday and found it to be the best for getting to Epcot and MGM. It's a beautiful place, the beds are to die for, the rooms immaculate. The ferry boat to Epcot and MGM is a great treat. Loved all the restaurant choices in and around it. Loved the beach nearby along with all the pools! Great place to stay in Orlando.
- posted on 12/02/2006
Great location,nice rooms & Great transportation to all disney parks. Only problem was at check -in, they oversold rooms and only had a smoking parlor room available. My son has terrible allergies and would never survive the night. I asked to see the manager, they were not very empathetic, however they offered to send us to the Swan hotel. The swan was also booked. MIRACULOUSLY they found us a room (one set aside for a VIP) It was just a standard room with 2 double beds, exactly what our reservations were for. A lot of unnecessary stress.
Best disney trip - posted on 12/01/2006
I take my family to Disney every 2 or 3 years since 1986. This surpassed all my expectations!! It was my childhood dream disney vacation!!
Overall a great experience - posted on 11/30/2006
The hotel itself is gorgeous! The room was a bit small. We had two double beds and four people in the room and it was a bit cramped. If I had known, I might have gotten a suite. The biggest complaint is that the food was VERY expensive - and no one clued us in to the less expensive alternitives - we had to figure them out ourselves. However, it was EXTREMELY close to everything Disney and transportation was provided where ever we wanted to go. If we go back to Disney, I would definately consider staying there again.
Dolphin, not a Disney Hotel - posted on 11/29/2006
hotel, staff was pleasant we were charged to park at the hotel I understand having a security gate, but why charge paying guests? the hotel smelled like a locker room, room service staff was less than courteous. The waitress that brought up our food was pleasant The buses and water ducks were excellent. Overall a great time but I would not recommend the Dolphin Hotel. I called to question my bill since they charged me for mini bar that was not touched..
Disappointment - posted on 11/27/2006
From the harrassment by the valet crew, to the distance to walk from the self-parking, to the rude front desk clerk, to the fact that I wasn't able to express check-out because I hadn't charged anything to the rooom, this was a BIG disappointment.
Decent Disney Option - posted on 11/23/2006
Room was nice, more or less comparable to a Sheraton (this is a Starwood property). Front desk staff were wonderful -- sent cake for both wife and daughter's birthdays -- but housekeepers were some of the rudest I've encountered. Note to men -- don't waste $47 on a haircut at the hotel spa -- worst haircut I've had in years.
WDW Dolphin Review - posted on 11/21/2006
price was great. Room was nice, Heavenly Beds, pool area was very nice. Wife enjoyed 3 day stay more than my 10 year old daughter.
WDW Dolphin Hotel - posted on 10/11/2006
We just spent five nights at Walt Disney's Dolphin hotel. It was a wonderful experience with our two eight year olds. We used transportation outside our hotel for easy trips to the parks. The total experience was perfect!!
Would NOT go back - posted on 10/08/2006
This hotel is old and moldy. In dire need of COMPLETE renovations. The room we had was full of ants, the second room the sink and tub were backed up. Room service was terrible. We left it for the ants. Would never return here. If you are expecting Disney service, stay at a DISNEY resort.
Nice hotel, but beware of customer service - posted on 08/23/2006
This is a beautiful hotel: however, make sure that you keep track of your bill. We made our reservation through (a third party) and the hotel tried to charge us for the stay also. If you have a problem with the hotel, it will not be handled in a timely fashion. We enjoyed our stay at the hotel, but it was not worth the aggravation afterwards. After two weeks of working trying to get a refund, it still has not been received.
good time - posted on 08/10/2006
i had a good time at the hotal lots of places to swim and lots of food it was the best place i have been to.
Love this hotel - posted on 05/15/2006
got a room with balcony lake view and was able to watch Epcot's fireworks at night. Short boat ride to epcot and MGM...however the hotel need more signs to direct people to transportation, restaurants etc.
add'l suprises - posted on 05/01/2006
Parking $14.91 per day. Would have liked to know this before hand. Couldn't shuttle out of Epcot back to hotel..was told Dolphin doesn't have suttles out of Epcot back to the hotel so I had to taxi back. Room was okay but musty smell but clean. If you can't get a Disney resort, then this would be next best bet due to location.
Dolphin Review - posted on 04/27/2006
Nice hotel, good location. May be a bit overpriced. Overall a nice place to stay within DisneyWorld.
Easter at Disney - posted on 04/23/2006
We had an excellent stay at the World Dolphin resort. It was very Family Friendly!
The Great Dolphin - posted on 04/19/2006
The Dolphin was outstanding. Room was large and had a great view and the pool areas were beautiful. Easy access to Epcot and Boardwalk and transportation via waterlaunch or Disney buses was great. Highly recommended and staff was quite helpful and friendly. Also, much less expensive than the Grand Floridian and Polynesian and all the room have recently been renovated.
Great stay at the Dolphin! - posted on 04/01/2006
The Dolphin was awesome! The room was lovely and we just had a standard room. The view from the room was beautiful and the room was plenty big enough for our family of four. We will definitely stay at the Dolphin if we visit again!
Was Expecting More - posted on 03/27/2006
Given the premium price, I was expecting a premium experience. Although the Dolphin is a nice hotel, in an excellent location, it didn't live up to the standards of other Disney resorts. The staff needs to pay more attention to small details to make the overall experience more "magical"
dolphin - posted on 02/24/2006
great location, nice pool area and large rooms. wish they offered other breakfast choices than a buffet for $17.95.
Excellent Option - posted on 02/22/2006
Great hotel if you are a little older. Easy access to Epcot
PRETTY MAGICAL - posted on 02/21/2006
WOW! I COULDN'T BELIEVE HOW HAPPY WE WERE WITH OUR DECISION TO STAY AT THE DOLPHIN...JUST LIKE ANY DISNEY RESORT
Great bed - posted on 01/10/2006
The beds were the most comfortable hotel beds I have every used. Transportation was convient to all Disney properties, great soda fountain. Terrible food a tubbi's buffet and 2am fire alarm was unfortunate.
walt disney vacation - posted on 12/29/2005
Upon check in the front desk staff was very speedy and bell man pointed out many hotel features such as kid friendly restaraunts, daily recreation activities, and hotel transportaion to Disney parks. Pools were beautiful and there was friendly helpful concierge staff to help us make reservations for dining. Hotel was beautiful and rooms very comfortable. Only complaint we had was maid service came very late in day. Overall experience was very good. We would return to this hotel.
Dolphin - posted on 12/28/2005
Hotel was beautiful. Location is absolutely terrific. All of the Disney Magic surrounds you. Two bad experiences though; for such an upscale hotel, to charge for parking, ($12.00 per day), to hotel guests I feel is absolutely uncalled for. I'd feel better if they just built it into the rate then "nickel and diming" like that. Also at check out, the bell service was less than accomodating when trying to leave bags to be picked up later. But overall hotel stay was extremely enjoyable.
Pleased - posted on 12/27/2005
loved it overall. had a crummy view when we arrived bu they changed us.
Great Value - posted on 12/22/2005
Had a beautiful room with "porthole" window overlooking water. Beds were extremely comfortable, but too soft as evidenced by backache next day! Surprised that parking was extra ($8/dy). Beautiful lobby and great location to all Disney parks.
Enjoyable visit - posted on 12/21/2005
This hotel met all of our expectations. When traveling with little children, it's nice to find all the amenities you need under the same roof.
Great Disney Resort - posted on 12/21/2005
The WDW Dolphin provided a great home base for our Disney vacation. Its central location made getting to the theme parks a breeze. The beds were extremely comfortable and the pools were great for the children. We will definitely stay there again.
Not very - posted on 12/13/2005
We stayed at the Dolphin at Disney - but don't expect a disney atmosphere! Very business oriented, very nice and clean, but not very "disney"!
Overall Nice Disney Resort - posted on 11/16/2005
Upon check-in, we were impressed at beautiful lobby and staff friendliness...our room, however, had a terrible view of roof top and beds had lumpy, old down comforters...staff switched our room upon request and we had a better view (of parking lot...lol) but the beads were much better. Hotel is quite pricey for standard rooms but there are alot of amenities in this hotel. Recommend this hotel for families visiting Disney.
Would stay here again. - posted on 11/14/2005
EVERYONE is right about the airconditioner, it gets warm at night. Great location.
Not a happy camper - posted on 11/04/2005
THIS IS NOT OWNED BY DISNEY!!!!! The service was not up to disney standards at all. The hotel tried to charge me an additional hundred dollars and was very unpleasant when I tried to explain I had pre paid for my stay. After 2 hours of phone calls it was resolved. However, I will not stay there again.
Room smelled like mold - posted on 10/10/2005
I did not get the room that was on the reservation "confirmed" they stated that they were sold out. When we finally did get a room, it was so musty and moldy.
NICE HOTEL - posted on 09/23/2005
I stayed here twice once alone, once with my family. This place is very good for kids,pools are great and cafeteria is open all the time. Staff was helpfull, but both times i did not get nice view. I definitely would reccomend this hotel. Epcot is walking or boat ride distance. Rooms got remodeled and are very nice. Good choice, even if little bit pricey.
Good Hotel - posted on 08/14/2005
Beds and pillows were awesome. Great blackout curtains. Bathroom area is sufficient for a couple but would be cramp for a family. If in a west facing tower (central) close curtains to help the air conditioner. Service was fantastic. Only downside was its signage for transportation. Signage for WDW transportation pointed to the boat dock area which only gets you to Disney/MGM and EPCOT, to get to other areas you need to take the bus which is near the drive-up/valet parking area.
Enjoyed the Dolphin - posted on 07/20/2005
very pretty hotel, great proximity to Epcot and MGM Studios with boat launch to each. And extremely comfortable beds!!!!!
Convention Stay - posted on 06/23/2005
Our family stayed while my wife attended a convention. Loved Lobby and pool areas. Rooms were ok, but for price bathrooms were a little lacking. Great buses to parks. Boats closed while we were there. Not a bad place, but I wouldn't pay for it myself. Spent more time at parks than in the room anyway.
Fun for Meetings - posted on 05/23/2005
We stayed here as business travelers for a national sales meeting. What a beautiful property! The beds were the best I've ever slept on and the room was spacious and well laid out. I'd stay here with my family if I could afford it!
Overpriced - posted on 04/06/2005
How can a hotel charging over $X per night justify adding a daily resort fee, an internet fee--whether you use it or not--and then for a paper (again, whether you read it or not)? Highest priced, lowest value hotel I have ever stayed at. I will not return!
OHH MY GREATNESS - posted on 02/21/2005
YOU WILL NOT BE DISSAPOINTED IT WAS THE BEST TIME EVER IN ORLANDO IT WAS OUR LAST STAY THOUGH BECAUSE RATES SOARED IT WAS A STEAL WHEN WE STAYED IT WAS LIKE LUXURY FOR CHEAP WE STAYED ON THE 7TH FLOOR NO MILDEW HERE OR CARPET FUNGUS ROOM SERVICE AND FOOD WAS GREAT
Excellent facility - posted on 01/10/2005
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Dolphin Resort. We found it to be extremely convenient with excellent access to all of the Disney facilities. The rooms were clean, well maintained and extremely comfortable. The "heavenly" beds were the best!!! We would definitely stay there again.
