Disney Dolphin Hotel Review: Why A Weekend Isn’t Enough For This Ultimate Resort Escape

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Listen, when I asked a certain press firm for a complimentary night stay at Walt Disney World’s Dolphin Resort and they said YES, I knew I was in for a treat! Fancy schmancy hotels are my kind of escape baby! But a fancy schmancy hotel at one of my favorite places to vacation — Walt Disney World — is even better!! (So naturally, I’ve been planning this Disney Dolphin hotel review since!)

Now, I’ve stayed on (and off) property at Disney World before but never at the Swan and Dolphin Resort. Which despite how fancy it looks, is a family-friendly resort! And the one big takeaway from my night here is that … one night isn’t enough! Which I think is the case for a lot of the Disney hotels, honestly. But there was so much to do at the Disney Dolphin Resort that I just couldn’t enjoy it all in one night.

So if you’re thinking about staying here for the first time, you’ll need two to three days JUST for this resort! Which means that this hotel is perfect for a week-long relaxing escape at Disney World!

Here’s my full hotel review of the Disney Dolphin Resort below …

• Hotel Name: Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort
• Location: Lake Buena Vista, Florida
• Vibe: Luxurious, family-friendly, vibrant (but not overcrowded)
• Price Range: approx $250 to $500 per night

Why the Disney Dolphin Hotel is the Perfect Escape

• Escapism Appeal: The Dolphin Resort offers a perfect blend of luxury and adventure, creating an ideal escape for those looking to unwind after a long day in the parks. Whether you’re enjoying a relaxing evening by the Boardwalk or taking a quiet moment by the resort’s pools, it’s the ideal spot for those seeking both thrill and tranquility. Plus, as a Marriot Bonvoy hotel, guests can earn/use points for each stay.
• Ambiance: The resort boasts a chic and vibrant atmosphere, enhanced by its beautiful waterfront views. The lobby is lively, especially at night, creating an environment that feels both welcoming and upscale.

Disney Dolphin On-Site Amenities

• Restaurants: The resort offers plenty of dining options, including The Fountain, where we grabbed lunch while waiting to check in because my tween wanted to play it safe. I didn’t feel great, so I just ordered a salad, but I kind of regretted not getting the burger! And although the variety of restaurants ensures there’s something for everyone, coordinating with family could be a challenge if everyone wants separate things.

• Other Amenities: In addition to the on-site restaurants, Disney’s Dolphin Resort features several pools, a full-service spa, and fitness centers. There are also beach hammocks, oversized games, volleyball, and Swan Paddleboats rentals (complimentary via your resort fee). You can also play mini-golf, which is just a short walk across to the Swan Resort. Keep in mind though, the Florida heat can be brutal. So I recommend staying hydrated and taking advantage of the mini store inside for water and snacks, like we did.

Disney Dolphin Room Tour

I’m not sure what our room was classified as (as there are quite a few options on the Swan and Dolphin site). But I know it had a balcony and was on the 7th floor of the East Wing. I posted a video tour on Instagram in case you’d like to see a walk-through. Of course, we never got to sit on the balcony, but the view is spectacular!

The room decor was modern and bright, which I loved as well. And while I usually love a split bathroom, this one was a bit small compared to the ones at the All-Star Resorts. Which for the higher price, is kind of annoying. Especially for those of us who are plus-sized and need more space. Fortunately, this was the only issue I had.

Disney Dolphin Escapism Rating

🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈 (5/5 Balloons for a truly Relaxing Escape)

• Rating Explanation: The Dolphin Resort earns a perfect 5/5 balloons for its ability to help you fully unwind. With its serene waterfront views, relaxing pools, and lively yet not overwhelming atmosphere, it offers a perfect escape from the fast-paced energy of the parks. Whether you’re strolling along the Boardwalk for ice cream or taking a quiet moment at the spa, the resort creates an ideal environment for relaxation while still offering easy access to the excitement when you’re ready for it. (The complimentary water taxi takes you to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. While the busses offer transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs.) It’s the perfect blend of fun and tranquility.

Disney Dolphin Hotel Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 Stars for Overall Experience)

• Rating Explanation: While the Dolphin Resort delivers a fantastic experience with its luxurious ambiance and convenient amenities, it misses out on a full 5-star rating due to a few minor drawbacks. The rooms, though comfortable and well-decorated, felt a bit small—especially the bathroom compared to other Disney properties. Dining options were varied but presented some challenges in terms of preferences, especially when traveling with others. However, the excellent service, prime location, and overall vibe make this hotel a great choice for a Disney getaway, earning it a solid 4/5 stars for the overall experience.

What the Disney Dolphin Hotel Helps You Forget

Staying at the Dolphin lets you forget the chaos of the parks and the demands of daily life. Between the Boardwalk strolls, beachy sands, and the luxurious feel of the resort, it’s easy to feel miles away from stress.

Key Moments from My Disney Dolphin Hotel Experience

• Check-In: We got to the hotel super early, since we checked out of another Disney hotel the day of, so our room wasn’t ready when we got there at around 12pm. But they let us pre-check in. By the time we were done eating lunch and playing a round of mini golf our room was ready!
• Snacks & Wine: The press firm I worked with to coordinate this stay sent us a few snacks to enjoy when we got into our room and it was such a sweet way to be greeted. (Kinda wish every hotel did this!)
• The Boardwalk: Despite being exhausted (and sick) we managed to take a late-night walk along Disney’s Boardwalk, where my daughter got to grab some ice cream and I got to grab some medicine. The lively atmosphere was a perfect end to the day.
• Mini Golf: Although mini golf is technically located at the Swan Resort, it’s available for all Disney guests, so it was great popping over for the first time. (We had complimentary tickets, since I’m now a travel agent, and know a trick or two. But you can also just pop in and pay for a round of golf if you’re interested.)

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort offers a perfect balance of comfort and relaxation, making it an excellent escape. While it’s family-friendly, I highly recommend it for Disney adults who want to experience the magic with a touch of luxury—especially if you’re staying for several days!

Though The Dolphin accommodates children, it doesn’t quite feel like it was made for kids. So if you’re looking for a hotel that’s ideal for celebrating your child’s birthday or a special milestone, stay tuned—I’ll be sharing some great options for that soon! If not, then this one may be perfect for you, with or without kids.