The Dolphin hotel

[sunnysandra]

We have read lots of reviews on AOA some of which are not good , so currently looking at the dolphin . Anyone stayed here ? Your thoughts please

[loves2plan]

The Dolphin isn't an official Disney hotel, so you won't get free dining there. You do get access to early magic hours and fastpass booking at 60 days though. No Magical Express from the airport, and I don't think you get magic bands. There is also normally a resort fee to pay too. Location is great as it's between HS and EP, but it gets mixed reviews too.

[KeithOP]

We really like the dolphin. You do need to treat the prices with a pinch of salt until you get to the end of the booking process to account for taxes/resort fees but it's basically a deluxe hotel for not a bad price!

Although you don't get magic bands, you can use your old ones or buy a new one for a few bucks.

The Disney buses run here but you can always get the cool boat to and from EPCOT/hollywood studios

Depending on the room, you may be able to see the fireworks too

The Dolphin recently underwent a refurb and the lobby is particularly impressive now often with a piano player by the bar.

There's a 24hr quick service and of course, the wonderful Shulas restaurant (as well as blue zoo for a different menu)

It's less disney themed but in my book that just makes it seem more upmarket and a welcome break after the full on Disney parks.

The location makes it a hit and I personally prefer it to the Disney EPCOT resorts.

[Shifu]

We (two adults one 10 year old) stayed there a few years back as the second half of a split stay.

Good bits for us were :The hotel has the most comfy beds ever. It's VERY clean, not noisy, within walking distance to Epcot and Hollywood Studios or just get the boat along. There a shops off the lobby. The in room food service and cleaning is superb. In fact the customer service from all staff there was second to none. Great view of both sets of fireworks from the two parks...I could even view the Earth on the water in Epcot when Illuminations was on from our room.Great (quiet) pool with a 'waterfall'. 'Across the road' from the WDW Golf- walkable- ...great fun. Great food at the Fountain...very similar to Beaches and Cream. Best onion rings ever. Wonderful ice cream too.

Drawbacks, no DDP- does have business visitors. No balcony on our room...(we were at the front by the Dolphin Fish water feature) so after being at the Poly it was a bit of a 'what, no outside bit?! '), but there are rooms that do have balconies I recall.

Perhaps more suited to any age couples or older families , groups with tweens/teens as its not themed as the WDW resorts are and maybe thats important to your family.

But situation wise, other than WDW resorts, you cant beat it.

[Simon & Suzann]

What are the extra bits rough costs ie resort fees, parking etc.

We had a decent price for 1 night (£150 approx) for 5 of us which was run of the house or something. But couldn't get anymore info on beds etc off travelbag site

We fancy a night at the boardwalk and jelly rolls so thought it would be ideal vs a cheaper hotel elsewhere then needing uber.

[KarenG]

Originally Posted by Simon & Suzann

What are the extra bits rough costs ie resort fees, parking etc.

We had a decent price for 1 night (£150 approx) for 5 of us which was run of the house or something. But couldn't get anymore info on beds etc off travelbag site

We fancy a night at the boardwalk and jelly rolls so thought it would be ideal vs a cheaper hotel elsewhere then needing uber.

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So for one night I would go for it, you can just stumble home afterwards!

[Shifu]

You wont hardly notice it for 1 night...its usual tax (if you've not already paid for your stay upfront)plus parking your car ...you can also get AA discount there too. extras will be on their website no doubt.

[Softy]

Originally Posted by Shifu

You wont hardly notice it for 1 night...its usual tax (if you've not already paid for your stay upfront)plus parking your car ...you can also get AA discount there too. extras will be on their website no doubt.

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There’s a resort fee as well isn’t there?

[MonstersFAN]

We stayed at the Swan last month and the resort fee was $55 a night!

[Softy]

Originally Posted by MonstersFAN

We stayed at the Swan last month and the resort fee was $55 a night!

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It’s not that much on its own! I’m guessing that’s with parking?