Walt Disney World Dolphin Overview
Destinations / Disney / Walt Disney World
EPCOT area (walk to EPCOT), Lake Buena Vista, Florida · $$$
Photos courtesy of the hotel.
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A big, busy Sheraton with great restaurants and the same walkable EPCOT access as the Swan.
You want EPCOT-area walkability, lots of dining and Marriott points.
Conference crowds or resort fees would annoy you.
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The Dolphin is the larger Marriott-run Sheraton across from the Swan, with a heavy convention presence and more on-site dining. It is not Disney-owned, so the feel is more upscale business hotel than Disney resort, but the location is excellent.
I like it for travelers who want lots of restaurants under one roof and Marriott Bonvoy points. The trade-offs are the resort fee, parking charges and conference crowds, plus hotel-run buses rather than Disney's. You still get Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours, and you can walk or boat to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
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Walk to EPCOT, boat to Hollywood Studios
Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina and Todd English's bluezoo
Lagoon Games, Lanes and Eats for bowling and arcade games
Spa and fitness center
Grotto Pool shared with the Swan
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Marriott Bonvoy members
Foodies who want options without leaving the hotel
EPCOT and Hollywood Studios focused trips
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About a 10 to 15 minute walk to EPCOT's International Gateway
Boat or roughly a 20 minute walk to Hollywood Studios
Hotel-run buses to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs; Skyliner at the International Gateway station
The stay, in detail
Rooms
Rooms are modern and sleep up to four with two queen beds or one king; ask for a higher floor for the best views.
Pools and beach
Guests share the Grotto Pool with waterfalls and a slide, plus lap pools and a white sand beach on Crescent Lake.
Dining
Bourbon Steak (replaced Shula's), Todd English's bluezoo, Rosa Mexicano, The Fountain, Fuel for quick service and the Phins lobby bar.
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