Located in the Epcot Area Resorts. While this is a Marriott resort it is located on Walt Disney World property and can be booked with Disney Vacation Packages.
Welcome to Walt Disney World's Dolphin Resort. Near Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel offers deluxe accommodations, award-winning restaurants and meeting facilities. What is great about this resort is that it is across from the Swan and Swan reserve resort. When you stay at one you get to utilize all of the amenities at all three of those resorts. I recently stayed at the Dolphin Resort during a business trip with my agency. Between the rooms, the amenities, proximity to all the action, and much more, you won't regret staying here.
First Impressions
From the moment that you walk up to the resort there is a luxurious feel. From valet parking, palm trees, tall statues, a large yet welcoming lobby, fountains, and the incredibly kind staff you can't help but feel like royalty. The lobby is centralized so you can easily point out a ton of places right when you walk in. The check in desk, Phins bar, Fuel quick service, Mandara Spa, stores, conference rooms, and much more. Even the smell of the lobby is incredible!
The Rooms
Personally I have only stayed in the Traditional rooms. The traditional rooms are made up of two double sized beds. Each resort is so different with if they offer double or queen beds so if that is something that is important to you be sure to ask and double check. When we walked in we were greeted with a good size storage closet, and a counter filled with bottles of water, coffee, a coffee maker, and wine glasses (A+ already for me). Across from that was the bathroom area. My favorite thing that a lot of resorts are doing now is separating the toilet/bath/shower area from the sink/getting ready area. I love that someone can be getting ready for the day as someone else is showering.
As we spoke about the bedroom had two double sized beds, a desk and chair, a dresser, a large flat screen TV, and a mini fridge. A cool feature I had not seen before was that on the TV there was a QR code. You could scan that code and use your phone as the remote for the TV. Another great thing I saw on the TV was Netflix. Our room looked out to the front side of the resort where the buses were picking up guests to go to the parks. There are other rooms in this resort that do offer park views. Some of my coworkers were able to see Epcot's firework show Harmonious from their room. Overall, the room felt nice, clean, and spacious. Perfect for what we needed.
Eating & drinking
I am going to start off by saying one of my favorite thing's that the Dolphin Resort had to offer.....their own beers! The Swan & Dolphin resort created their own beers called Phins and Feathers (get it). I thought that was SO unique. You can find the beer on tap at the Phin bar or in cans at Fuel. Okay let's dive in.
I am going to start off with Fuel which is the quick service location. Fuel is a great place to go in and grab a quick bite, coffee, froyo, candy, a snack, or a drink. If you ask me Fuel is like no other quick service located in a Disney resort. You can grab a bottle of wine, a 6 pack of beer, a white claw, different branded energy drinks. You can go up to the self serving frozen yogurt machines and add your own toppings, grab an iced latte, a ready made sandwich, and much more.
The Fountain is overflowing with eats and treats, this American themed diner serves salads, burgers and sandwiches for lunch and dinner. After the main course, treat yourself to homemade or soft-serve ice cream at the dessert counter....or if you are like me (a mature adult) you can have ice cream for dinner. I can't say that I ate here but I will say that I will definitely be stopping here during my next stay.
Another place I did not eat at but wished I did is Shula's Steak House. This restaurant is award winning and known for their steaks and seafood. Shula's Steak House honors Don Shula. A fun fact is that in 1972 the Miami Dolphins (are you catching onto a theme?) were led by third-year head coach Don Shula and achieved the only "perfect season" in NFL history.
Lastly I am going to talk about the Phins Bar located right in the middle of the Dolphin's lobby. This open floor plan leaves you with ample seating room. This bar feels classy yet welcoming. You will find business people suited up at the bar, and then you will turn around and find a family sitting in a nook enjoying a cocktail. There is something here for everyone. Between specialty cocktails, beer, wine, bubbly, there are plenty of options. Also be sure to stop in on Sundays for their special “brunch-in-a-glass” Bloody Mary.
Transportation
What I think the highlight of this resort is....the location. You really can't beat the location of this resort. With this resort being in the Epcot area you are close to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Disney's Boardwalk, Yacht, and Beach resort. With those locations alone there is SO much to do. Okay so let's talk about all of the different ways to get to what you need.
Walking. The Swan and Swan reserve resorts are located across from the Dolphin, Epcot, Boardwalk, Beach, and Yacht resorts are located right over a small walking bridge, and there is a walking path to Hollywood studios.
Boat. All of those places I just mentioned above are accessible by boat too. If you had a long day and need to give your feet a break these boats are a great and fun option. Talk about convenience!
Skyliner. Disney's newest transportation is the Skyliner. This is a gondola system that connects many resorts and parks. If you walk over to the Epcot entrance you will see the skyliner. The Skyliner can take you to Hollywood studios, Disney's Art of Animation, POP Century, Caribbean Beach, and Riviera Resort. If you are looking to check out some other resorts, or you have a dining experience like a breakfast reservation at Topolino's Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera (which I HIGHLY suggest) this would be a great way to get there.
Shuttle Bus. The shuttle buses out front will bring you to Disney's Animal Kingdom or Magic Kingdom. I do want to note that these are not Disney shuttle buses. These buses as of now are run through MEARS. Since this is not run by Disney if you were going to Magic Kingdom this would drop you off at the Ticket and Transportation center where you would need to take the monorail or boat over to the park.
There is SO much to do at and around this resort. What is great about the Swan, Swan Reserve, and Dolphin resorts are that when you stay at one of these resorts you have access to the amenities at all of those resorts. Take a spin on a peleton, jump over and hop in the other resorts pool, rent a cabana, or go rent a swan boat....that's right next time I am here I NEED to go on the swan boats. Overall this resort is priced SO reasonably for a deluxe resort. If you want that deluxe feel but don't want to pay that price point this could be a great option for you and your family. Or just you because self care is SO important :)
I hope you leave here feeling like you know this resort better. As always if you have any questions don't hesitate to reach out and email me at nikki@ropedroptravel.com
xoxo,
Nikki's Magical Adventures
Comments