Walt Disney World Dolphin

Walt Disney World, Orlando

FAVOURITES HOTEL
These hotels provide exceptionally good value, are in great locations and offer exclusive benefits to Virgin Holidays’ customers.
Standard Room
Dolphin Lobby
Disney Character Dining
Cabana Bar and Beach Club, Walt Disney World Dolphin, Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, Florida
Dolphin Starlight Foyer
Dolphin Lobby
Fuel Food Market
Standard Room
Todd English’s bluezoo
Standard Room
Todd English’s bluezoo
Kimonos, Walt Disney World Dolphin, Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, Florida
Shula’s Steak House
The Fountain
Il Mulino New York Trattoria
Il Mulino New York Trattoria
Shula’s Steak House
Shula’s Steak House
Todd English’s bluezoo
Fresh Mediterranean Market
Phins Lounge
Mandara Spa
Standard Room Fireworks View
Standard Room
Dolphin Lobby
Disney Character Dining
Cabana Bar and Beach Club, Walt Disney World Dolphin, Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, Florida
Dolphin Starlight Foyer
Dolphin Lobby
Fuel Food Market
Standard Room
Todd English’s bluezoo
Standard Room
Todd English’s bluezoo
Kimonos, Walt Disney World Dolphin, Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, Florida
Shula’s Steak House
The Fountain
Il Mulino New York Trattoria
Il Mulino New York Trattoria
Shula’s Steak House
Shula’s Steak House
Todd English’s bluezoo
Fresh Mediterranean Market
Phins Lounge
Mandara Spa
Standard Room Fireworks View

The hotel

Perched overlooking the gardens leading to Epcot, the Walt Disney World Dolphin is a fantastic base to make the most of the famed theme parks. With Walt Disney World Swan adjacent, there’s 18 restaurants between the two resorts for you to enjoy. And with 5 pools, a waterslide, a kids’ camp and mini-golf nearby, little ones will be entertained to high heavens.

Amenities

  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool
  • Wedding
  • Theme Parks
  • No Smoking
  • Kids Club
  • Children's Playground
  • Children's Pool
  • Free Parking
  • Close to Walt Disney World Resort
  • Room Service

Where is it

Ideally located in the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort. Adjacent to Epcot and within close proximity to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Transfer time from Orlando International Airport: 30 minutes.

Hotel information

2,270 guest rooms. All with air-conditioning, flat-screen HDTV, iPod/MP3 connections, tea/coffee making facilities, mini-fridge, safe, iron and board and hairdryer. Standard Rooms have courtyard or lake views, with 1 king-size bed, 2 queen-size beds or 2 double beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. (5th person can be accommodated on a rollaway bed*).

Why is this a Virgin Holidays favourite?

Range of restaurants, offering fantastic dining options

Great for families, with Camp Dolphin supervised activity programme* (local charge)

Fantastic spa facilities with exclusive discounts for Virgin Holidays' guests

Exclusive Virgin Holidays benefits:

  • Receive a Lake View Room at the Dolphin or a Courtyard View Room at the Swan
  • Kids 9 years and under eat free at the following restaurants when accompanied by a full paying adult. Garden Grove which offers breakfast and lunch, Fresh which also offers breakfast and lunch, and at The Fountain for dinner. Maximum 2 children per room, per paying adult. Restaurants and meal options are subject to change
  • Complimentary babysitting service for kids aged 4-12 years whilst parents eat at either Shula's, Blue Zoo or Il Mulino. Maximum 2 hours
  • Receive 20% discount on any Mandara Spa treatment valued at $50 or more
  • Complimentary self-parking saving $28.00 per day
  • Any adult only booking will receive a $50 food coupon to dine at the resort (one per room, per stay)

Complimentary Disney transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. Within walking distance of Disney's BoardWalk, Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and to a private entrance at Epcot. Complimentary water taxi to Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot. Self-parking $29 plus tax, per night, and valet-parking £39 plus tax, per night (payable locally, subject to change).

18 restaurants and lounges across both Swan and Dolphin resorts: Fresh Mediterranean Market (open for breakfast and lunch). The Fountain (open for lunch and dinner). Il Mulino New York Trattoria (Italian dining, open for dinner). Il Mulino Lounge. Kimonos (sushi, open for dinner). Splash Pool Bar & Grill (poolside dining). Java (open for breakfast; grab-and-go available for breakfast, lunch and dinner). Picabu (open for breakfast, lunch and dinner). Shula's Steak House (open for dinner). Todd English's Bluezoo (Seafood, open for dinner; lounge serving light bites and cocktails). Shula's Steakhouse (open for dinner; lounge open for drinks). Phins (light bites and cocktails). Chill (cocktails). Cabana Bar and Beach Club. Kimonos Lounge. 24-hour room service*.

5 swimming pools, including a 3-acre grotto pool with waterslide and waterfalls, 2 lap pools, a spring pool and a kids' pool. 4 whirlpools. Sandy beach. The Dolphin Health Club with fitness centre and yoga mats (on request). Mandara Spa*. Camp Dolphin* kids' club. Volleyball. Jogging trails. Kids' playground. Arcade*. Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf* (located nearby).

Complimentary WiFi. 24-hour ATM. Babysitting*. Laundry/dry cleaning facilities*. Merchandise delivery service from the park to your hotel. Complimentary parking at Disney Theme Parks with room key and ID.

Wheelchair accessible rooms available on request. Please note that these rooms are subject to availability and may be restricted to specific room categories and bedding arrangements. Rooms and facilities vary between hotels so please check at the time of booking. For more information and contact details please check out our Special Assistance page

At the present time, Walt Disney World are conducting a phased reopening of their resort hotels. You can find out more information about which hotels are currently open at Disney’s Know Before You Go website www.disneytraveltradeinfo.com/wdwws

* Denotes local charge.

Please note: use of a rollaway bed for parties of 5 people or more sharing a room will incur an additional charge. This is subject to change and is payable locally to the hotel.

 

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (546)
  • Very good (427)
  • Average (228)
  • Poor (123)
  • Terrible (130)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Disappointing Overnight Stay.

Apr 12, 2021 johnrG6078IV

I have stayed at the Dolphin or the Swan probably a half dozen times over the years. I usually like these properties. If you want to be close to EPCOT and the Boardwalk, the location is very good. They are a good place to be if you are staying for the Disney Marathon Weekend. There are boats to Hollywood Studios and you can walk to EPCOT. … Read more
I have stayed at the Dolphin or the Swan probably a half dozen times over the years. I usually like these properties. If you want to be close to EPCOT and the Boardwalk, the location is very good. They are a good place to be if you are staying for the Disney Marathon Weekend. There are boats to Hollywood Studios and you can walk to EPCOT. And, the price used to be right compared to the nearby Disney owned resorts like the Beach and Yacht Clubs. I wanted to like this property, but this time we left disappointed. First strike - they now have a $35 / nt resort fee, plus $39 /nt for parking. OK, I knew this and booked anyway, so it was my choice, but it wasn't worth it. The pool area is getting dated and sad looking. Second strike -- when we tried to check in, the room wasn't ready. This is a major pet peeve, especially on vacation. If you tell me I can check in by a set time and have to leave by a set time, I plan accordingly. But, if I pay you for a room and I can't check in on time, I am going to be unhappy. I am being taken advantage of, because, instead of taking my family to the parks or dinner -- which at Disney requires remaining on schedule because everything is on a reservations basis -- I am sitting around with a sad, hungry family in a busy hotel lobby waiting to get into my room which should already be waiting. This is not me wanting to check in early, I understand that isn't always available, and that is no problem. This is the second time it has happened at these resorts that we couldn't get our room at the normal check in time. I don't recall ever having it happen at other Disney properties. If you can't make the rooms available on time, you either need to provide a different or upgraded room or make amends some other way. We got nothing but an apology. Strike three -- poor mattresses with sheets which are so crunchy that you can literally hear it when your roommates turn in the middle of the night. We had a family suite and there was no microwave and the frig did not keep anything cold, just slightly above room temp. For the money I will stay elsewhere next time. There are lots of good choices. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Shocked with the unmasking!

Apr 9, 2021 X2332XVannes Atlanta, Georgia

I am staying here now. While I am very happy with the hotel itself and have stayed many times.....I am extremely shocked and disappointed with the lack of enforcing the requirement to wear masks in public spaces. Walking through the lobby I would say 20% are wearing masks. I realize there is a bar in the middle of the lobby......but outside the… Read more
I am staying here now. While I am very happy with the hotel itself and have stayed many times.....I am extremely shocked and disappointed with the lack of enforcing the requirement to wear masks in public spaces. Walking through the lobby I would say 20% are wearing masks. I realize there is a bar in the middle of the lobby......but outside the bar area...most are walking around unmasked. I will likely avoid the Dolphin next time during corona. It’s a total disappointment. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Inconsistent Services with COVID as an excuse

Apr 7, 2021 llabaer Chicago, Illinois

I stayed at the Dolphin Thursday 4/1/21 - Sunday 4/4/21 with my family for a short family vacation. I was truly disappointed with all the services provided during my stay at this property. My first issue is with the cleanliness of hotel room. With COVID guidelines, the Dolphin is only cleaning rooms between guest stays with the expectation… Read more
I stayed at the Dolphin Thursday 4/1/21 - Sunday 4/4/21 with my family for a short family vacation. I was truly disappointed with all the services provided during my stay at this property. My first issue is with the cleanliness of hotel room. With COVID guidelines, the Dolphin is only cleaning rooms between guest stays with the expectation that this will be a thorough cleaning. In addition, guests need to remove garbage and used towels in the hallway and let the hotel know if more towels are needed. However, in my room, we found several hairs around the bathroom-tub, sink, floor, under the garbage. We also noticed the fridge wasn't cleaned and there were still half finished drinks, fruit and opened waters still in the fridge. Lastly, we found an empty water bottle, a used mask, and used Q-tip under a counter. I complained and was moved to a similar room. Unfortunately, there's more. The amount of dirty laundry and garbage in the hallways was ridiculous and disgusting for a Disney resort. It's pretty gross having to walk around all of those piles in the hallways. And it's completely avoidable by having a resource pick up the halls on some frequent basis. It's Easter weekend and your resort is at 100% capacity-be proactive and pick up the hallways. You don't need a overly trained resource for that. Getting meals on property was also a HUGE HEADACHE! Each restaurant has their own nuances and there was no consistency...all restaurants allow limited reservations, but all had different non reservation options. Shula's- I tried to order a piece of cake from Shula's for my son's birthday and they WOULDN'T TAKE MY TAKEOUT ORDER for a piece of cake between 7-9. I had to work around it by having a drink at the bar and ordering takeout from the bar because I want my kid asleep before 9 pm. I tried to order a dinner pickup order from Kimono, but they didn't take orders via phone, I couldn't order online, and they only took orders at the restaurant. Fuel was packed in the mornings and I spent 35 minutes trying to buy a coffee and fruit salad. I spent enough time in lines at Disney and Hollywood Studios. The last thing I want to do is wait in more lines at the hotel. I reached out to the property's front office director and to date have not received a reply to my frustrations. In the end, I don't recommend this property. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Very disappointed!

Apr 6, 2021 leighg714

Let me start that my family has stayed at the Dolphin/Swan Resort previously at least 3 times, and we NEVER had any of these issues, which is why we have always come back. The location is great - it's walking distance to the Hollywood Studios and EPCOT, we love how you can walk to the Boardwalk, and we liked the pool scene for our kids. I… Read more
Let me start that my family has stayed at the Dolphin/Swan Resort previously at least 3 times, and we NEVER had any of these issues, which is why we have always come back. The location is great - it's walking distance to the Hollywood Studios and EPCOT, we love how you can walk to the Boardwalk, and we liked the pool scene for our kids. I understand that times are a bit challenging with COVID, but what we experienced I believed is NO EXCUSE. Due to Covid, the hotel is supposed to clean your room every 4th day. I stayed at the hotel for a total of 6 days/ 5 nights. I made several calls on day 4 about getting our room cleaned. Guess what? It never happened. I was promised it would be clean on day 5 while we were in the park that day at 10:30 AM since we would definitely be out of the room. We came back to our room on Day 5 at around 4:30 and low and behold - our room was not cleaned. I called Guest Services and they could not explain why . Also - I was on hold for a ridiculously long time while they "looked"into the matter. All the woman could do was empathize with me, Not to mention - when you need clean towels each day, for when you want to shower each night, it takes a REALLY long time for them to deliver the towels. We are on a schedule at Disney. It's as if they are short staffed. The service is just unexceptional. Second - we had one day when we did not go to the parks and enjoy the resort and pool. Little did we know that the resort was allowing guests to reserve chairs. They were at least 20 chairs that had towels on them and no guest on them that were "reserved" and we had no chairs to put our stuff down. It just does not seem right, And during Covid - this does not seem Covid safe. Guests are all hovering around waiting to see if anyone will show up and use the chairs. We had to wait until 1:15 to see if people would show up. When it was 1:15 - guests were making a mad dash for the unused chairs. Come on, does this seem fair or the right thing to do? And when you do have a chair, you should be able to use the mobile service to order food. It was 1:30 and my daughter wanted to order lunch, For some reason this was not working. I went to find a cast member to see why this was not working. He made a call to learn that the kitchen was backed up by 2 hours by the pool and they shut off the mobile service. REALLY? How can this happen? He suggested I walk over to the Swan. Why on earth would I want to do that on a really hot day, when I should have the mobile service that the hotel that I am staying at..how can you be backed up? I understand it's spring break, but shouldn't the hotel be prepared for this? I just don't understand. Really disappointed.... Finally - the bus transportation service. We mainly relied on ubers or walked when possible. However, when we went to the Magic Kingdom, we managed to catch a bus to the park. The bus stop I believe used to be right inside the park however now it is in the transportation center where you have to take Monorail or ferry boat to get inside the park. So when we were ready to go home, we decided to try the bus as Ubers were pretty expensive to and from the park back to the Dolphin. We were told by the driver they come every 15/20 minutes. So we go to the bus stop - first let me tell you - the bus stop is NOT under any shade. We left the park around 4:00 and it was still very HOT and SUNNY and there was no shade. We waited for 30 minutes and no bus ever came. We finally called an UBER. By the way, I mentioned this to the Guest Services when I got back to my uncleaned room (as this was Day # 5) and she did not even offer to reimburse our Uber. Bottom line - I never do reviews. However, I was so put off by the hotel and our experience that I had to warn others and hopefully someone from the Dolphin will read this so they will know they need to get their act in gear. I don't know what happened...but I expected better than this. Especially since my husband is a Bonvoy Member. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating I do not recommend

Apr 3, 2021 Josecito1

Our family had a horrible experience at the hotel. The customer service in the hotel was poor. They do not care about guests. When I spoke with the hotel Manager about a concern about a fire alarm that went off at midnight. (I was confused as to why no one was evacuating) The manger gave no explanation and said everything was ok now. This woke my… Read more
Our family had a horrible experience at the hotel. The customer service in the hotel was poor. They do not care about guests. When I spoke with the hotel Manager about a concern about a fire alarm that went off at midnight. (I was confused as to why no one was evacuating) The manger gave no explanation and said everything was ok now. This woke my two toddlers up and ruined my night of sleep. It sounded like it was my issue and not theirs. Also, when I arrived early to the hotel I had to pay an extra day because the room was not ready. An extra 200 dollars for 4 hours. At check out I noticed another person with the same issue with the same employee and was given a room instantly. Not sure why. Also, we never received a room cleaning in 6 days. My wife had to change the sheets after asking for a room cleaning. My wife and I filled the bags in the picture up and left them outside the room. The policy was after 4 days and this never occurred. Also, there are hardly any food options available (some restaurants are closed due to covid) Furthermore, no character dinning was available as was stated on the hotel information in Expedia. This is not a hotel I would recommend to any family Read less