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Accommodations >
Epcot Area Resorts
> Walt Disney World Dolphin
Walt
Disney World Dolphin
Operated by Sheraton Hotels but situated within the
grounds of Walt Disney World, this pyramid-shaped,
Michael Graves–designed resort can certainly be
described as whimsical. All eyes are immediately drawn
to the pair of five-story dolphins high atop the
twenty-seven stories of the structure and then are
immediately lured to the exterior fountain composed of
giant clamshells cascading down nine stories. Shades of
rich sea blues and bronze create a lovely blend of color
throughout the resort and into the lobby draped with a
billowing fabric, underneath which sits a fanciful
fountain of dolphins. Outside you’ll find a super Grotto
Pool fronting the white-sand beach of Crescent Lake.
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Dolphin Lobby |
Extensive
meeting facilities, ballrooms, and exhibit halls make this
property a popular choice for conventioneers, so come prepared
for large groups roaming the public areas both here and at the
next-door Swan, which shares all recreational and service
facilities with the Dolphin.
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Grotto Pool |
Although
this is not a Disney-owned resort, guests receive the same
amenities as at other Disney properties, including Extra
Magic Hours, Disney transportation to all attractions,
complimentary parking at Disney’s theme parks, package
delivery, and guaranteed park admission. However, charging
privileges to your resort account do not extend outside of
the Dolphin or Swan and Disney’s Magical Express is not
offered here. Dollar for dollar, the Disney-owned deluxe
resorts are a better choice—unless, of course, you want to
escape the Mouse trap and prefer a convenient hotel that
offers a break from everything Mickey at the end of your
day. |
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Check-in 3 p.m.; check-out 11
a.m. For reservations call 407-W-DISNEY. www.swandolphin.com.
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Accommodations
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Guestrooms
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Guestrooms have a soft, contemporary style with sleek, maple
wood furnishings with frosted blue accents. Sweet Sleeper
Beds feature pillow-top mattresses, triple-sheeted linens,
down blankets and pillows, and snow-white duvets topped with
cheery blue-striped bolsters. The 360-square-foot rooms come
with either two double beds with an easy chair and ottoman
or a king-size bed with a sofa. A single sink in a cramped
corner marble vanity sits just outside a small, separate
tub/shower and toilet area with an outdated tub and
uninspiring tile. |
Dolphin Standard Guestroom |
In the
slate-floored foyer is a vanity with hair dryer and coffeemaker.
Amenities include thick, fluffy towels, an iron and ironing
board, two dual-line telephones, stocked minibar, electronic
safe, high-speed Internet connection, and cable TV with
on-demand movies. A nice option is a room with a balcony (for
which an extra charge is assessed). The best views are on the
higher floors facing Epcot with a panoramic vista of Spaceship
Earth, World Showcase, Crescent Lake, Illuminations, and the
entire Boardwalk area.
| Suites
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Junior Suites offer quite a bit more room
than a regular guestroom and a double-sinked second bath as
well. In the bedroom is a king bed, sleeper sofa, desk, and
bureau with TV plus a large bath. The separate parlor area
holds a full-size Murphy bed, queen sleeper sofa, two easy
chairs, TV, desk, and wet bar.
Executive Suites are even larger. In the
parlor is a king Murphy bed, sofa, easy chairs, coffee table,
bureau with TV, full bath with 2 sinks, and wet bar. One or two
guestrooms (one with a king and the other with 2 doubles) can be
added on either side of the living area. |
Junior Suite |
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The Dolphin has several presidential suites, each with a
different theme. The Caesar and Pharaoh Suites, on the
nineteenth floor, are 2,451 square feet and similar in
layout. They boast lovely muted tone fabrics, a massive
living area with two separate seating areas, an
eight-person dining table, wet bar, extra full bath, and
kitchen with a microwave, small refrigerator,
dishwasher, and sink. One bedroom has a king bed and
alcove sitting area with sofa, easy chair, coffee table,
and entertainment center-it’s marble bath has two
vanities, each with a single sink. The second bedroom
found on the opposite side of the living area is about
the size of a regular guestroom with two queen beds,
desk, entertainment center, and a bath with marble
vanity. Alas, there is no balcony.
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Pharaoh Suite |
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On the 20th floor are
two other Presidential Suites, both two-story, three-bedroom
units, both 2,589 square feet. The Los Presidentes Suite is
similar in size and layout but decorated in an attractive
Southwest theme. Two-story ceilings in the living area have
walls adorned with Native American rugs. A big plus is the
deep balcony the length of room with views of the Swan and
the surrounding area. Two seating areas feature earth-tone
fabrics with splashes of turquoise, cream-colored berber
carpeting, a baby grand piano, large plasma TV, half bath,
even a cactus in the corner. The dining area sits in a quite
alcove with an eight-person table – the kitchen is nearby
with a full-size refrigerator, microwave, stove, icemaker,
and dishwasher. |
Los Presidentes Suite |
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Downstairs off the living area is
a separate TV sitting room with a sleeper sofa, two chairs,
and a desk as well as a single-sink marble bath. Divided by
an entry hall from the TV sitting room is a bedroom with
king bed and bath. There’s also On the 2nd floor
is yet another seating area at the top of the stairs. You’ll
also find a master bedroom divided by a large entertainment
center; on one side is a cowhide-decorated sitting area and
on the other is a king bed. The massive marble bath has two
split sinks, whirlpool tub, separate toilet/bidet area, and
separate shower. Another bedroom upstairs has two double
beds and a bath. The Emperor’s Suite’s layout is exactly the
same but done in an Asian decor with walls hung in Japanese
kimonos. |
Los Presidentes Master Bedroom |
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The
Governor’s Suite is smaller with a parlor featuring a cherry
red chenille sofa, two easy chairs, coffee table, 6-person
dining table, blue leather bar stools in front of a wet bar,
and full-size granite bath. Its master bedroom has a king
two-poster bed with entertainment center and two easy
chairs, and single-sink granite and marble bath. There’s
also a sitting area with a coral-colored couch, two chairs,
and entertainment center.
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Governor's Suite |
You'll find complete information on
dining, recreation, services, and transportation at Walt Disney
World Dolphin in The Luxury Guide to Walt
Disney World Resort.
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