Walt Disney World Dolphin

Walt Disney World, Orlando

Virgin rating

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 - you're even within walking distance of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios so you can explore a galaxy far, far away. With Walt Disney World Swan and Swan Reserve adjacent, there’s 23 restaurants between the resorts for you to enjoy. And with 6 pools, a waterslide, a kids’ camp and mini-golf nearby, little ones will be entertained to high heavens.

Amenities

  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Kids Club
  • Car Included
  • Wedding
  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Free Parking
  • Free transport to theme parks
  • Games Room
  • Internet Access
  • Laundry 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

2,619 guest rooms. All with air-conditioning, flat-screen HDTV, iPod/MP3 connections, complimentary WiFi access, tea/coffee making facilities, mini-fridge, safe, iron and ironing board, and hairdryer.

Resort View Rooms with 1 king-size bed plus sofa bed, or 2 double beds, sleeping maximum 4 people. (5th person can be accommodated on a rollaway bed*).

Balcony Rooms overlook the courtyard or the lake, with 1 king-size bed plus sofa bed, or 2 double beds, sleeping maximum 4 people (5th person can be accommodated on a rollaway bed*).
  • Stay before 31 Dec '26 to receive the following benefits: • Complimentary self-parking, saving $36 per day.  • Kids 9 years and under eat free at selected restaurants when accompanied by a full paying adult. Maximum 2 children per room, per paying adult. Restaurants and meal options are subject to change. • Receive $30 off any Mandara Spa treatment when spending $200 or more.
  • Disney Benefits - 7 Day advance reservations for Lightning Lane theme park ride reservation system. (3 days for all other offsite hotels)Complimentary transport to all Disney theme parks and Disney springs, includes water taxis.Early entry and extended Disney theme park hours - Daily 30 mins early access as well as up to 2 hours past closing on select evening.Complimentary self-parking at all four Disney theme parks*Exclusive benefits subject to change

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. Complimentary self-parking for Virgin Atlantic Holidays customers (saving $36 per day). Valet parking £44 plus tax, per night (payable locally, subject to change).

23 restaurants and lounges across the Swan, Swan Reserve and Dolphin resorts: Amare (Mediterranean cuisine, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Rosa Mexicano (Mexican cuisine, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner). Tangerine (poolside drinks and casual fare). The Fountain (open for lunch and dinner). Fuel (grab and go items). Garden Grove (open for breakfast). Grounds (craft coffee, sandwiches and pastries). Il Mulino New York Trattoria (Italian dining, open for dinner). Il Mulino Lounge. Stir (lobby lounge). Kimonos (sushi, open for dinner). Kimonos Lounge. Splash Pool Bar & Grill (poolside dining). Java (open for breakfast; grab-and-go open 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) Todd English's Bluezoo Lounge (cocktails and light bites). Shula's Lounge. Phins (light bites and cocktails). Chill (frozen cocktails). Cabana Bar and Beach Club. In-room Mobile Dining available.

Poolside entertainment and activities (seasonal).

6 swimming pools, including a 3-acre grotto pool with waterslide and waterfalls, 2 lap pools, a spring pool and a kids' pool. Poolside cabanas*. 4 whirlpools. Sandy beach. The Dolphin Health Club with fitness centre, classes, and yoga mats (on request). Mandara Spa*. Camp Dolphin* kids' club. Water volleyball. Beach volleyball. Basketball. Ping Pong. Pool table. Giant checkers. Jogging trails. Kids' playground. Arcade*. Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf* (located nearby). Advance tee times at Walt Disney World Resort's three championship golf courses.

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. Gift shop. Early Theme Park Entry (30mins) and Extended Evening Theme Park Hours (on select evenings).

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

* 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 (677)
  • Very good (532)
  • Average (314)
  • Poor (182)
  • Terrible (228)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Same Tired Dolphin

Nov 16, 2024 TBDWorldTraveler Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Convenient hotel for Epcot … and don’t they know it. Overpriced for aging rooms. Have stayed here many times and they never fix the basic problems like lack of noise insulation around the doors. It’s good to walk to Disney, but you are a cog in the Marriott money machine and they do not care about quality or experience.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Good stay but avoid 5182W

Nov 12, 2024 ALJR98 Chicago, Illinois

Stayed here for work conference. Room 5182 west. Entering room, it smelled like an armpit. I’m assuming it was the carpet. Otherwise it was clean and stocked. Pools are great. Service was excellent. Good options and proximity to boardwalk/epcot/hollywood studios is nice. I knew things would be pricey (hotel, food, etc) but it was even higher than… Read more
Stayed here for work conference. Room 5182 west. Entering room, it smelled like an armpit. I’m assuming it was the carpet. Otherwise it was clean and stocked. Pools are great. Service was excellent. Good options and proximity to boardwalk/epcot/hollywood studios is nice. I knew things would be pricey (hotel, food, etc) but it was even higher than I imagined. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Wonderful stay!

Nov 9, 2024 fooman76 Annapolis, Maryland

Booked the Premier King Bed room, stayed 3 nights. No regrets. If you have a toddler that still sleeps in crib, this room has ample room without feeling cramped. Has small table that seats 4 and 2 mini-fridges and 2 bathroom sinks in separate areas. Bed was very comfortable and my 8 year old didn't mind his sofa bed either. Hotel is slightly… Read more
Booked the Premier King Bed room, stayed 3 nights. No regrets. If you have a toddler that still sleeps in crib, this room has ample room without feeling cramped. Has small table that seats 4 and 2 mini-fridges and 2 bathroom sinks in separate areas. Bed was very comfortable and my 8 year old didn't mind his sofa bed either. Hotel is slightly dated, but makes up for it by being able to collect or use your Marriott points, allows early purchase of Lightning Lanes and extended nights at the parks when available. Large pool areas, one has a slide and grounds are kept clean. Lobby has grab-n-go food/snacks/coffee including breakfast, lunch items. There's a Disney store on site for last minute souvenirs. On-site restaurants are not bad, convenient and reservations are recommended for large groups. Not a "theme" resort but you can either walk or take the complimentary boat ride to Epcot or Hollywood Studios. Complimentary bus to TTC where you can hop on the monorail or ferry to Magic Kingdom. We stayed here 10 years ago and again on this trip and would consider for future trips. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Location is great - Resort fee is criminal

Nov 3, 2024 Sebaks Cardiff, United Kingdom

A positive review - though i need to open with the fact that the mandatory resort fee $45+tax is daylight robbery! Almost everyone we spoke to were disgruntled by it! The WiFi is the only amenity capable of supporting all paying guests, while the other three perks are insufficient to accommodate everyone. Despite knowing that not all guests will… Read more
A positive review - though i need to open with the fact that the mandatory resort fee $45+tax is daylight robbery! Almost everyone we spoke to were disgruntled by it! The WiFi is the only amenity capable of supporting all paying guests, while the other three perks are insufficient to accommodate everyone. Despite knowing that not all guests will be able to use these perks, the resort still imposes a mandatory fee for them. This creates a significant issue, as these perks amount to an illusory benefit—inadequate for the resort's size. Charging guests for perks that cannot realistically support everyone may also constitute unjust enrichment, as guests are not receiving the promised value for their payment. *************************************************************************************** If you're looking at this hotel, its likely you are concerned about location and budget. This hotel falls right between EPCOT and Hollywood studios and shares the lake with Disney Boardwalk & Yacht and each resort. It is a great spot to be, evenings can be spent on the boardwalk. We had a wonderful stay at this hotel, primarily due to its fantastic location within Disney World Orlando. The ability to check in early was a huge plus, especially with our young family in tow. The room itself was spacious, modern, and impeccably clean. While it lacks the whimsical Disney character, it offers a comfortable atmosphere more akin to a business hotel. The pools were a highlight for our kids, who absolutely loved the waterslide and spent hours enjoying the hot tubs. I even managed to sneak in some lap swimming in the 30-meter pool, which was a nice bonus. The beach area was also delightful. The kids enjoyed the playground, and we all loved watching the evening movie and toasting marshmallows together. The ambiance was lovely and really added to our experience. Additionally, the basketball court was nice, although it could use a new net! The gym was modern and well-equipped, and I appreciated the option to participate in virtual classes. The added touch of the running route card was nice to see also. One downside was the mandatory resort fee, which felt excessive. It included items that should be complimentary or low-cost, such as in-room wireless internet (which is free almost everywhere else), daily paddleboat rentals, instructor-led fitness classes (when virtual options are available at no charge), and nightly movies with S’mores on the beach—activities that don’t seem to justify the fee. Also, we were disappointed to find that late checkouts weren’t available, which would have been helpful for our travel plans. Overall, while the hotel has its drawbacks, its prime location within Disney World makes it a solid choice for families looking to enjoy all the magic the area has to offer! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Location, Location, Location

Oct 27, 2024 lilrox724 Chicago

Overall, we had a good stay at Disney Dolphin. Just note the fees and if its worth it for you for the convenience to EPCOT/HS/Boardwalk. Pros: - Location is great. Its in the same area as Yacht and Beach clubs and the Boardwalk. Its nice to be able to walk to Epcot and HS as well as to the boardwalk. - Check in was smooth and our room was… Read more
Overall, we had a good stay at Disney Dolphin. Just note the fees and if its worth it for you for the convenience to EPCOT/HS/Boardwalk. Pros: - Location is great. Its in the same area as Yacht and Beach clubs and the Boardwalk. Its nice to be able to walk to Epcot and HS as well as to the boardwalk. - Check in was smooth and our room was available early (around noon) - Room was clean and spacious. (but beware, if you get a double bed room, the bed may be much smaller than expected.) - We loved the pools. They have a nice waterfall, waterslide, and open area. (Hot tubs didnt work when we were there though.) - The hotel store had plenty of quick food options. Prices were what you would expect at a hotel. But quite convenient. - You have access to the Boat to take you to Epcot, HS, Boardwalk. - A bit of a pro and con: Its huge! It has lots food options and rooms. Cons: - Resort fee was $45/nt - Self Parking was $36/nt - Adding those fees plus taxes added another $100 to the room each night. - Resort fee was a joke. Only thing we used was the internet. We were excited to try the Swan Paddleboats but for ALL 3 days we were they, they were not open! We didnt use the fitness classes or had time to watch the movie w smores on the beach. They say the value of the fitness class was $25 and movie $20 but really, it seems like you just put on the list of thing included to warrant the $45 resort fee. They say the total value of the included items is $105 but the only thing used was internet. - Even though they are a Marriott, your status means nothing. - We had a room facing the pools close to the door. However, note that there is NO stairs or elevator to get to your room (there is stairs BUT it only goes to the 2nd floor) We were on the 3rd. You literally have to walk all the way back into the hotel lobby and then walk all the way to your room. Read less