Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort

Joe

A 2025 two stars hotel with 5 + stars price. Here is a hotel that was open n 1990 and probably celebrated as a top resort hotel, but in 2025 this hotel is tired, worn out and absolutely dated. It almost gives a guest a sense of nostalgia and sadness confronted with rusted metal structures, faded paint and old carpeting. The rooms decor and furniture are dated with signs of neglect with popcorn ceiling and small bathroom with vents covered with ancient dust that probably deserves an archeological study. What is unacceptable is the fact that this hotel charges premium for the rooms, parking and food as a 5 stars hotel in its glory days. Actually even more expensive than some 5 stars hotel as I experienced when ordering a portion of Mac and cheese and expected being served on a golden plate and silverware brought by a fully dressed butler due to its cost. It was only a small portion of Mac and cheese in a plastic container… The parking is chaotic if the guest chooses to self parking with very limited parking space because the main lots are closed. Unless you like to walk from the Swan parking lot where you are forced to park there, the alternative is to use its expensive valet parking. And from there the guest ripoff starts from bellboys to pretty much everything beyond your room. The service is decent, the rooms cleanness is as expected and windows with dirty glasses. The only thing that I can say is, this hotel is only worth by its location. Other than that, I personally would never recommend my friends and family to stay. There are many other options in the area that you would feel better signing the tab for, which it is not the case when staying here. I felt ripped off every time I pulled my credit card out of my wallet or charged the room. As another guest mentioned to me, this is a five stars motel 8.

Kimberley Roberts

Beautiful resort with lots of excellent dining options and beautiful pools. Quick walk over to the Swan Resort. Excellent location right by Epcot. There are two mini golf courses right across the street at the neighboring Swan Reserve, which were fun to check out! While this resort is on Disney property, be sure to note that this is a Marriott-owned hotel rather than a Disney-owned resort, so you cannot use your Magic Band to access your room. Also, if you book your room through a third party website rather than booking directly through the Marriott website, you CANNOT check in to your room via the Marriott app. You will have to visit the front desk to pick up your room keys, which is a slight inconvenience if there is a long line at the front desk. My experience at this resort was good overall, but check-in and parking could have gone more smoothly. I arrived a little after 4pm on a Saturday to park at the Dolphin resort and was told that there was no more parking available due to construction in the parking lot, so I would have to park at either the Swan or the Swan Reserve. The parking lot attendants also told me that I would be able to check-in to my room from any of the three hotels, since they're all on the same property and all Marriott-owned. I drove over to park at the Swan Reserve, went inside to check in, and was told that I could only check in at the Dolphin Resort. Not a huge deal, but a minor inconvenience when you're lugging a bunch of bags and suitcases around and trying to get to your hotel room in a timely manner. After checking out, I realized I was charged twice for parking. I had to pay to exit the parking lot at the Swan Reserve, but I was also charged a self-parking fee to my room invoice (folio) upon checking in. I was able to get the charge removed from my room invoice, but it required me to jump through a few extra hoops. Luckily, I was not charged the resort fee that I was expecting to be charged, which was a nice surprise. Would stay here again but likely not until the parking lot construction is completed.

Tiffany Comitalo

Beautiful and large resort with plenty of pools and relaxation areas. The main lobby is stunning and welcoming. The parking lot is under construction, leaving only the valet lot (being used as self-park). This lot is very small and difficult to navigate with multiple trash dumpsters all around. The location is perfect, with many things to see and do within walking distance, including Disney's Boardwalk. The rooms are dated. Musty smelling carpet covers the entire room except the bathroom. While the typical room is spacious, there is only one full bathroom with no outside sink that many resorts now seem to offer. The beds are comfortable but very small. The windows, at least in our room, were a little weird they way they were separated and covered by the curtains. Not all rooms have balconies. Overall, the grounds are gorgeous, but the smelly and outdated rooms will probably result in us never staying overnight again, but we would visit for the drinks and food.

John Laswell

The rooms are similar to other good hotels in size and furnishing. Very clean and nice. The service and facilities are excellent. Well above the norm. The gym is impressive. Guest laundry is very nice. Food was ok and around the price I expected. Location is wonderful.

MJRC

Great location between Hollywood Studios and Epcot. However, the services and amenities are better at the Disney-run parks. Don't even bother with valet parking. Wish I had spent a little more and stay at Boardwalk, Beach Club, or Yacht Club. Already spent a fortune on Disney. Would have been better to not come away with bad feeling about the hotel stay.