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Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort - Guest Reviews

"Great location"

We just returned from a 3-night stay at the WDW Dolphin Resort and the reason we stayed at the Dolphin was b/c my husband was there for a conference and his company was footing the bill. I had read the reviews before our trip and was figuring to be very disappointed in this property. While the rooms themselves seem to be Holiday Inn-type quality (and the bathrooms way too small), this property does have its drawers.....location, location, location. It's an easy walk to Epcot (Gateway entrance by World Showcase) and connected by a "boardwalk" to the Swan, Boardwalk, and the Yacht and Beach Clubs. There's also a nice water ferry (hotel sits on a man made lake) to take you to MGM and what I previously mentioned (if you don't want to walk to them). If you're like me and like having a car to get around (I like the convenience of coming and going as I please and not have to wait for Disney's buses), with the exception of Animal Kingdom (which is at a more distant end of the Disney property), there was nothing on Disney property that was more than a 5-minute drive. I understand the rooms will be undergoing renovation. Good, they need it. Although clean, the beds were like marshmallows, wallpaper starting to peel and the furniture outdated. I can't comment on the hotel's eateries as I did not eat in any of them, but I did look at the prices, which weren't any better or worse than anything else in Disney. Overall, a nice hotel that needs some sprucing up, but they've got that location thing going.

Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort: "AAA/Entertainment Rates Can't be Beat"

I am extremely surprised by the negative reviews of the Dolphin. We went between Christmas and New Years last year (2002) and are going back during the same time this year. Booking in advance, you can get a great rate here. Last year they did a Holiday special... we got first room for $180 and second for $99! This year we are paying $222/each for Club Floor rooms. Compare this to the Deluxe Disney-owned resorts everyone brags about... Contemporary, Grand Floridian and Polynesian all are well over $500/night for Concierge rooms... NO WAY! And, we have stayed at the Contemporary... the rooms were a bit bigger, but by no means nicer. Our rooms at the Dolphin were a bit aged, but the Dolphin is undergoing a total renovation, which should be complete in Spring 2004. Other than that, the rooms were extremely nice, afforded great views, the public areas were extremely impressive, the grounds immaculate, the service very friendly and prompt, and the location is unbeatable. As long as you aren't paying the rack rate, this hotel is a great value for being on-site Disney.

"Fabulous Time at the Dolphin!"

My family (my husband and three young children under the age of 5) frequent the Disney area quite often as we live in South Florida. We have stayed at most of the Disney Resorts. We thought we'd try the Dolphin resort November 2002. Upon arrival we were pleasantly greeted by the staff. I asked that the $8.00 charge for facilities be taken off my bill. They agreed to do so without hassle. The bell service was wonderul. Service with a smile, we didn't mind tipping him. The maid service brought extra towels within 20 minutes of the request. She didn't stick around long enough for me to get my money out to tip her. Again, service with a smile. We left the room a mess every day. Every night our room was as clean as the day we arrived. The maid service even set up my son's dolls to greet us when we returned. The short walk to the Boardwalk was nice. We watched the fireworks from the bridge that separated the Boardwalk and the Dolphin. The boat service to Epcot was great. We loved being able to walk to Epcot and to enter and exit from the back 'door' was a real luxery. We watched the fireworks from England then ducked out the back exit for a quick 20 minute walk back to the Dolphin. We had a wonderful time and won't hesitate to go back. If I had one complaint about the hotel it would be the price. But, since we are Florida residents we did get a nice discount. In my opinion the Dolphin is THE place to stay if you are going to be frequenting the Epcot Center Park.