Special ALL EARS®
WDW Swan and Dolphin Resort
Discounts!

What is the theming of the Dolphin?

The name of the resort tells all. Think tropical, aquatic, and colorful. From the moment that you see the Dolphin for the first time, you'll be in awe. The hotel consists of a 27-story main building and tower and 4 nine story wings that house the 1,509 guest rooms. Coral and turquoise adorn the exterior of the hotel, as do giant banana leaves. Two 56 foot Dolphin fountains rest atop the hotel. You can actually see the pyramid shaped tower from many places in WDW!

The surrounding grounds of the Dolphin are lush with vegetation and plant life. There is a small body of water with a white sand beach between the Dolphin and Swan that adds to the tropical theming. Crescent Lake is located to the left of the Dolphin and provides easy access by boat to both Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. The fountain between the hotel and the boat landing is absolutely breathtaking, especially at night. The fountain is several stories high and water flows from giant seashells into the fountain, which is supported by giant dolphins. The pyramid shaped tower provides an outstanding backdrop.

You've never seen a lobby like the one at the Dolphin! When you look up, the lobby seems to reach the sky. Great folds of fabric hang from the ceiling. Plants and vines wind their way up the walls of the lobby. Beautiful artwork decorates the lobby, and several sitting areas invite you to sit down and stay a while. You'll be quick to agree, and even quicker to give in to the gorgeous accommodations and excellent service.

Since the Dolphin isn't a Disney Resort, do I still get the Disney resort amenities?

Guests at the Dolphin enjoy many of the same amenities as Disney operated resort guests. A stay at the Dolphin includes WDW transportation to all Disney attractions, theme park free parking, guaranteed park admission, package delivery to your hotel from the parks, preferred tee times, and access to guest services. If you're staying at the Dolphin you can also purchase your Disney tickets right there at their guest services desk.

However, unlike other Disney resorts, charging privileges don't extend beyond the Swan and Dolphin. All purchases and dining expenses at both the Swan and the Dolphin, can be charged to your pre-arranged account.

Starwood Preferred Guests can earn miles, inquire at check-in.

What are the advantages of staying at the Dolphin?

Location, Location, Location! The Dolphin's close proximity to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios make it an outstanding choice for a stay in WDW. In addition, the dining options are nearly endless! Not only do you have the Swan and Dolphin's 17 restaurants & lounges, but also those at the BoardWalk and the Yacht and Beach Clubs nearby. Epcot's fabulous restaurants are just a stroll away, too.

The BoardWalk's entertainment complex is practically in your backyard if the urge to dance or listen to dueling pianos suddenly hits you.

Fantasia Gardens, a miniature golf complex, is just a hop across the parking lot.

What are the rooms like?

The rooms at the Dolphin are decorated in a lively, tropical theme. The upbeat color scheme of the rooms will never let you forget that you are on vacation, and this is a perfect place to relax. The rooms feature either one king-size bed or two double Heavenly Beds®. The bathroom is spacious with a separate vanity area. The drawer and closet space is ample enough for even those of us that always take too much! There is a small sitting area with a table and two chairs. Rooms also have in-room safes, 2 phones, voice mail, hair dryers, ironing board and iron, and mini bar. For an additional fee, in-room movies and Nintendo are available.

Is there a resort fee?

Effective February 16, 2008, the resort services package is back for new reservations only. Anyone with an existing reservation will be given the option to pay the resort services fee or to use the services a-la-carte. The Resort Service Package is a mandatory package that includes the following:

$10 per day charge plus 6.5% tax.

Up to 60 minutes free local telephone calls, toll free and credit card access calls (.10 cents per minute after 60 minutes)

20 minutes of Domestic long distance per day

Unlimited access to the Resort’s health club facilities

In room High-Speed Internet Access

2 bottles of water daily

I heard there's a charge to park at the resort -- is this true?

Yes, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin resorts charge for self-parking as well as valet parking. Self parking rate is $9 per day (plus tax), Valet is $12 per day (plus tax), and overnight is $16 per day (plus tax)

When can I check in?

Check in time at the Dolphin is 3 p.m. Early check in is available if your room is ready; if not, luggage storage is available for later check in. Check out time is 11 a.m. Guests can usually check out no later than 12:30 pm without penalty. Late check-outs are until 4 p.m. and are $30 extra... any later than that you'll be charged for a half-day (unless you stay for an additional night, then it is a full day's charge).

Starwood Preferred Guests can earn miles, inquire at check-in.

I want to be pampered during my stay!

In addition to deluxe accommodations, the Dolphin also offers special extras that make your stay a real pleasure. These include: valet parking, valet and laundry service, concierge desk, bell service, hair salon, 24 hour room service, laundry facilities on the 1st floor, premium movie and Disney channels, pay-per-view movies, and an in-room video game system.

The Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort discontinued Club Level Accomodations April 1, 2006.

Are Discounts available at the Dolphin?

Yes, for a complete listing of Discounts at the WDW Swan and Dolphin Resort Click Here!

Your Disney Vacation Club (DVC) membership card will net you a 20% discount on food purchased at the Swan and Dolphin table down restaurants, however Shula's and bluezoo are excluded.

Members of the Starwood Preferred Guest Club should inquire as to the benefits available to them. 

Resort packages are available which include lodging, meals and Disney admission tickets. To reserve your package, call (888) 828-8850.

Are refrigerators available?

Small refrigerators are available to rent for $12 per day plus tax, based on availability. To use the mini-bar for your own personal use, there is a $20 charge.

Where can I get my morning cup of coffee?

Coffee makers and coffee are available in the rooms. Starbucks Coffee is served at Fresh, the Fountain and Picabu. If you're more partial to gourmet coffees and lattes, there is a coffee bar called the Lobby Court at the Swan, however it is expensive and has limited hours.

How does the Telephone System work at the Dolphin?

Each room is equipped with two 2-Line Speaker Phones. Check upon arrival for fee specifics -- $1.00 for local, toll free & operator assisted calls. $.10 a minute for local calls over 60 minutes. High Speed Internet Access is available for $9.95 per day.

How do I get to...?

Dolphin guests enjoy full use of all of the WDW transportation services. Buses run directly from the front of the hotel to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Downtown Disney (Marketplace, West Side and Pleasure Island), Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach. Some of the buses service only Swan and Dolphin resorts; others service the Boardwalk and Yacht and Beach Club as well.

Epcot can be reached by catching a Friendship launch (boat) from the courtyard between the Swan and Dolphin, or by taking a short stroll across the BoardWalk and to Epcot's International Gateway and World Showcase. The walk is a pleasant one and takes about 10 minutes.

Disney's Hollywood Studios can be reached one of two ways; via the Studios Friendship launch or by walking. The boat launch is found in the courtyard between the Swan and Dolphin.  Note that the Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios launches are shared with the Yacht & Beach Clubs and the BoardWalk. If you miss the launch to Epcot, you can easily walk over and catch it at the BoardWalk or the Yacht Club. The walking path begins directly behind the Boardwalk's Atlantic Dance Hall and continues to the Disney's Hollywood Studios Parking lot. It's a pleasant walk except during extremely hot or rainy weather.

Transportation to the other Disney resorts can be somewhat trickier. We found that the bus drivers knew the most about getting from point A to point B in the shortest time possible. Some trips will involve a trip to the (TTC) and then on to your destination, others may not. Allow yourself 45 minutes to an hour for travel time between resorts, just to be safe.

Mears town cars are also available should you want a ride directly to another Disney resort. The valet can assist you with getting a car. They are usually parked out front and will pick you up in minutes. Standard fee from the Dolphin to anywhere else on Disney property (resorts, parks, Downtown Disney) is $16 plus gratuity. 4 persons can fit and share a ride. I find the town cars useful when dressed for dinner and traveling to another Disney resort.

What type of dining options are there?

There is something for everyone at the Swan and Dolphin restaurants. If you have special dietary needs; please check with the restaurant staff upon arrival so that your stay can be made more comfortable.

• Shula's Steakhouse - an elegant steakhouse decorated in heavy dark woods. Located on the lobby level, reservations are accepted. Shula's serves dinner only. (Dolphin)
  
  
• Fresh Mediterranean Market serves breakfast (buffet) and lunch (buffet), a great option for something different. (Dolphin)
  
  
• BlueZoo, a restaurant by Todd English, opened late December 2003, open for late lunch and dinner. (Dolphin)
  
  
• Dolphin Fountain serves ice cream, shakes and burgers make up the menu. The Dolphin Fountain is open for lunch and dinner and is located on the lower level. (Dolphin)
  
  
• Picabu (was Tubbi's Buffeteria) is a cafeteria service and a 24-hour convenience store located downstairs at the Dolphin. (Dolphin)
  
  
• The Cabana Bar and Grill is located near the pool and is a casual eatery. Burgers and salads are the standard fare here. The Cabana is open daily. (Dolphin)
  
  
• Garden Grove Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily in a garden gazebo setting. The Garden Grove Cafe at the Swan offers a morning character breakfast buffet. Lunch offerings include fresh seafood and other grilled meats. Be aware that the dinner hours change the restaurant into Gulliver's Grill featuring seafood and steak. Desserts are made in an open kitchen, and watching the chefs through the window is an interesting stop on the way in or out of the restaurant.  (Swan)
  
  
• Kimonos offers oriental specialties and sushi. You can watch the sushi chefs prepare the food and relax and have a drink while you wait for your meal. Kimonos is only open during the dinner hours.  Karaoke is also available nightly at Kimonos after 9:00pm. (Swan)
  
  
• Il Mulino New York Trattoria, featuring Italian cuisine, opened February 2007 (Swan)
  
  
• Splash Grill is the casual restaurant for hamburgers, hot dogs and such. Located near the pool, Splash Grill also offers a full bar, ice creams and snacks. Splash Grill is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.  (Swan)
  
  
• Room Service is available 24 hours a day. Breakfast, all-day dining and late night menus are available.  
  
  Menus From Around the World
  Restaurant Reviews

Everybody loves a swimming adventure!

The Dolphin and Swan share a magnificent swimming complex. You'll have your choice of two lap pools or the tropical "Grotto" to satisfy all of the water lovers. One lap pool is located near the Dolphin and the other is located near the Swan. Both have hot tubs, away from the liveliness of the "Grotto".

The Grotto is a 3 acre water playground complete with waterfalls, slides, water volleyball, and hot tubs. Tropical foliage surrounds the Grotto area, and the white sand beach nearby make it a perfect place to relax or have fun. DJ's are on hand to help keep the area lively and fun by playing great music and starting group games. A kiddie pool is near the Grotto for the little guys. Pool toys are also available for rent.

What can I do besides eat, sleep, and swim at the Dolphin?

Recreational activities at the Dolphin and Swan complex are nearly endless.

There is a beautiful white sand beach with Swan watercraft rentals. The beach is quiet and peaceful in the hours after dark, which makes for a romantic spot. There are 4 tennis courts and a basketball court that are kept lighted throughout the night, for those that still have energy left over after a day at the parks. A large play area for children is located near the Grotto. A jogging and walking path winds around the Dolphin and Swan. Add to that the boardwalk around Crescent Lake (near the Yacht & Beach Clubs and the BoardWalk), and you'll have quite an extensive walk or jog.

Electric Boat Rentals - Recline and relax on a leisurely ride around Crescent Lake on a Chaise Lounger which can accommodate up to two adults.

There are 2 health clubs servicing the complex -- one at the Dolphin and one at the Swan. Massage therapy and Body Treatments are available for a fee at the health clubs. Saunas, whirlpools, and aerobics are also offered.

The Mandara Spa opened in fall 2005! A 12,000 sq foot ancient Asian-inspired retreat. There are 13 treatment rooms, two couples suites, a steam room, Tea Garden and Meditation Garden. Click HERE for photos of this attractively appointed spa.

For those that like their indoor activities a little less strenuous, there is a video game room on the lower level.

Fantasia Gardens is a few minutes walk away. This miniature golf adventure opened in the spring of 1996, and includes two 18-hole courses. There is something for everyone-- fun and Disney magic on the Fantasia Gardens course and a more challenging game on Fantasia Fairways.

Don't forget to explore activities offered at the nearby BoardWalk and Yacht & Beach Clubs.

Solutions for the "I want" and "I need" syndrome.

The Dolphin has several shops for your browsing pleasure. Daisy's Garden is the spot to find character merchandise, sundries, and any items you may have forgotten to bring along. Galleria Sottil has artwork created from rainforest palnts and insects. Sugar is a new age candy store. Lamont's offers upscale resort wear and accessories for women, men, and childre.

Can any of the fireworks be seen from the Dolphin?

Yes, fireworks from Disney's Hollywood Studios and the IllumiNations display at Epcot can be seen from the Dolphin. Of course, upper floors offer the best view from your room; but viewing from outside is great, also. The beach is also a good spot to watch the Epcot fireworks.

The adults would like an evening alone!

Camp Dolphin. There are 2 sessions available to children ages 4-12. The evening session is from 5:30pm to Midnight. It includes dinner, activities, trip to the Game Room, video games, arts and crafts and Disney movies. The cost is $10.00 per child per hour. Your child must be dropped off by 7:00pm. Reservations are required and cancellation less than 2 hours prior will result in a full charge. The programs are staffed by counselors. Camp Dolphin is located in the Dolphin hotel on the first floor next to the Health Studio.

Convention Center

The Dolphin has very impressive convention facilities. Between the Dolphin and the Swan there is 254,000 square feet of meeting space, a 56,000 square foot exhibit hall, 72 meeting rooms, 3 ballrooms, and 3 boardrooms. Business services are available not only to conventioneers, but also to all of the Dolphin guests. If you'll be bringing along a lap top computer, just let the Dolphin know and they'll make sure your accommodations are equipped properly. For more information on convention facilities or convention planning, call the meeting specialist at (800) 524-4939.

How do I get to the resort?

Directions from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to the Swan and Dolphin Resorts:

Follow the signs for the South Exit from the airport to pick up SR417 South (also called the Central Florida GreeneWay) toward Disney World. Once on SR417, you'll have 2 toll plazas for $1 each. After the 2nd toll, take exit 6 (SR 536/International Drive). Go straight through two sets of traffic lights (first intersection will be International Drive; second will be SR535) which will put you on SR536. Continue straight on this road and go straight through the next set of lights. You will pass the Marriott Orlando World Center on the right and the Holiday Inn Family Suites on the left, then I-4.

Just after I-4, you'll pass under the WDW welcome arch. After passing under the WDW welcome arch, follow the signs for Disney's Hollywood Studios/Epcot Resort area -- it will be the 2nd exit after the arch. This will put you on Buena Vista Drive. Stay in the middle lane. Follow Buena Vista Drive straight. You will pass Caribbean Beach Resort on your left and the Boardwalk Resort on your right. Get over to the right hand lane as you pass the Boardwalk. Turn right at the next set of lights (Epcot Resorts Boulevard). The Swan will be the first street on the right. The Dolphin will be down a little further on the right.

NOTE: Epcot Resorts Boulevard is a horseshoe shaped street that intersects with Buena Vista Drive in two places. The above directions send you to the second occurrence of the street. If you mistakingly turn onto the first occurrence, you can continue driving down Epcot Resorts Boulevard that way and the Dolphin will be on your left about a mile down and the Swan will be a little further than that also on your left.

How can I make reservations for the Dolphin?

Reservations are just a phone call away -- call: 800-227-1500.

The Dolphin's vital information.

The Walt Disney World Dolphin
1500 Epcot Resorts Boulevard
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-2653
(407) 934-4000

What other basic services are available?

• The ATM Machine is located on the lobby level by the East elevator.
  
• Camp Dolphin is available for children ages 4 to 12.
  
• The Cashier at the front desk will cash personal and traveler's checks up to $100.
  
• The Concierge Desk can assist with:  airline reservations, babysitting referrals, church services, notary public, flowers, limousine service, 
  
• For Facsimile Services, visit the Business Center, open weekly from 7:00 am to 6:30pm.  
  
• Contact the shipping desk to assist in mailing packages or overnight letters.
  
• Stamps are available at the Front Desk

Tips for making the most of your stay at the Dolphin.

• Be aware that the rooms at the Dolphin feature two double beds, not queen size as most other resorts!
• For the convenience of Japanese-speaking guests, two information desks are located in the Guest Services Alcove off the main lobby.
  
• The Dolphin hosts many conventions and also tends to be popular with foreign tour groups. If this might affect your stay, be sure to check with the reservationist to see if this is the case during your stay.
• If you miss the Friendship launch to Epcot, you can easily walk to the Yacht Club or BoardWalk and catch it there. If you miss the Friendship launch for the Studios you'll have to wait for the next launch, as the Swan and Dolphin stop is the last.
• The Pleasure Island/Downtown Disney bus route is shared between the Dolphin, Swan, Yacht Club, Beach Club and the BoardWalk . The buses tend to become crowded from about 10 p.m. until 1 a.m.
• There is a National/Alamo Car Rental desk located in the Dolphin Lobby.
  
• Mears Towncars can be found outside the front door if you need a taxi. Cost to Downtown Disney is about $16 plus gratuity. Four of us found this much more convenient than waiting for the Disney bus.
  
  

Other Information:

In late 2006, a $60 million dollar redesign of the lobbies was completed. Both resort lobbies boast over 1,000 new custom lighting fixtures, including dramatic chandeliers artistically crafted in Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean. Woven metal and handcrafted tropical Pao rosewood paneling complete the newly refurbished space, as well as imported Asian Golden Onyx counters on all guest service desks throughout the resort.

In 2003, the WDW Swan and Dolphin hotels completed a $75 million expansion and enhancement plan. The plan included: new meetings and exhibit space; an all-new guestroom design by renowned architect Michael Graves - the original architect of the hotel; and the introduction of a new, nationally recognized restaurant to its existing line-up of dining venues. All of the rooms at the Swan have been totally renovated and feature the new Heavenly Beds!