Walt Disney World Dolphin

I have to start out by saying that I made (ok, still make) fun of the endearingly nicknamed Swolphin. The Swan and Dolphin resorts are big, unsightly and ruin the skylines in and around the Epcot resort area. However, the Dolphin had some amazing teacher discounts at the end of last summer, so I found myself booked there for three nights during a not-so-solo solo trip in August 2012. I admit, if you’re inside the hotels, you can’t see the outside, and they’re not so bad. In fact, I really enjoyed my stay at the Walt Disney World Dolphin, and I would recommend it for anyone wanting to stay in a great location at a nice price.

*The Dolphin has undergone major reno, so bare with us as we update info and photos!*

Walt Disney World Dolphin
1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd.
Lake Buena Vista,FL 32830
407-934-4884

Rates: See the offers page
Room Occupancy: 4/5 (standard), 4+ (suites)

Lobby

The lobby of the Dolphin is grand! Filled with plush furnishings, a fountain and shops and galleries, there’s not shortage of ambiance, but it’s just not “Disney” to me. That said, it’s a beautiful space! The lobby was recently refurbished, so we will be back (hopefully!) soon to grab some shots and update this page.

Magic, Memories, Mayhem Walt Disney World Dolphin

Shopping and Sundries

The Dolphin offers quite a bit in the way of shopping, but I didn’t spend much time in the stores, so here is the lowdown from the official site:

Accents – Boutique offering resort wear, swimwear accessories, and unique gifts from Quicksilver, Vera Bradley, and others.

Disney Gift Shop –An entertaining Disney store with merchandise from the Walt Disney World Resort, as well as sundries.

Cabana Beach Hut – A convenient poolside kiosk, providing all of the essentials for a day of sun-drenched fun. Located in between the Dolphin lap pool and the Grotto Pool.

Mandara Spa – Take a little piece of heaven home with professional spa products from European skin and hair care brands: Elemis, LaTherapie, Ionithermie and Steiner.

Gift Shops at the Walt Disney World Dolphin

Guest Rooms

All guest rooms feature Westin Heavenly Bed® (and they ARE!!), with its custom-designed pillow-top mattress set, cozy down blanket, three crisp sheets, duvet comforter, and four fluffy pillows; Custom-designed carpeting and draperies, with Graves-designed insignia, and complementary designer wall coverings; sleek, maple wood bureau with frosted glass accents provides ample drawer space for all your belongings; 32″ flat panel TV with 30 channels of your favorite HD programming including Showtime® and ESPN®; oversized desk and work area; some king rooms offer a pullout sleeper for extra guests, while the double/double rooms offer a customized lounge chair and ottoman; high-speed Internet service is available in every guest room

Closet

Mini Bar Area

Starbucks Coffee

Water and Accessories

Mini Fridge and Shelves

Vanity

Toiletries

Restroom

Guest Room

Balcony

View from A Deluxe Balcony Room

View from a Deluxe Balcony Room

Dining

Dining options are plenty at the Dolphin! From upscale fine dining from celebrity chef Todd English to the laid back atmosphere at the cafeteria-style Picabu, there’s something for everyone.

Fuel

Grab and go

Fuel

Grab and go

Fuel

Grab and go

Picabu

Massive chicken salad sandwich!

Private Dining

Becoming Breakfast

Recreation

If you’re looking for some fun at the hotel, the Swan and Dolphin have a plethora of recreational activities from which to choose. I have to admit, this is one of the best pool spots of property despite the lack of Disney theming. I’d definitely be in love with it anywhere else, but Disney has the bar set high for its properties.

Pools

Mandara Spa

If you’re looing for a place to wind down mid-trip, look no further than the Mandara Spa. Bonus: guests can usually find discounted spa service offers in their rooms!