Massive Grotto Pool complex with waterfall and slide
Marriott Bonvoy points earning/redemption on Disney property
Snel Overzicht: A convention hotel masquerading as a resort where you trade 'Disney magic' for a better mattress and a stiff drink.
Beoordeeld door @lifeonpoints: I stayed here for a parks trip and the location is unbeatable. Walking to Epcot in minutes was a lifesaver, and waking up to that water view made every morning feel magical. The beds are incredibly comfy after a long day walking!
Gast die hier verbleef zei
The hype
Unbeatable location for the price, but the rooms feel like a 2005 Sheraton while the lobby feels like a busy airport terminal.
Reality check
You will walk miles. The hotel is massive, and the trek from the lobby to the furthest 'fingers' of the wings can take 10+ minutes.
You prioritize location over theming
You are a Marriott Bonvoy elite member
You are attending a convention on-site
Schoonmaak & Onderhoud
6.5
Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Daily service is standard, but attention to detail (dusting high spots, vacuuming edges) is often lacking in older rooms.
Bathroom hygiene: Functional but tired. Grout lines in older rooms show age; water pressure is good but drains can be slow.
Maintenance: Aging infrastructure. Reports of peeling wallpaper, scuffed furniture, and 'musty' AC units are common in non-renovated rooms.
Linens & towels: Standard Sheraton quality. Clean and crisp, but towels can feel small and thin compared to true luxury resorts.
Odors & scents: The lobby smells like signature white tea scent; older guest rooms often smell of humidity and stale air.
Sleepability™
7GEMATIGD
GEMATIGD
0-4LUID
4-7.5GEMATIGD
7.5-10STIL
Hallway chatter from large groups
HVAC rattle in older rooms
Voordat je boekt
Goed om te weten
Guests get 'Early Theme Park Entry' and 'Extended Evening Hours' (usually a Deluxe resort perk).
Transportation to Magic Kingdom is by bus, but it drops off at the TTC (Ticket & Transportation Center), not the front gate—add 20 mins to your commute.
The 'Friendship Boats' to Epcot are slow; walking is often faster (15 mins).
Wat je mee moet nemen
DampRid hanging bags (for the closet if you get a musty room)
Good walking shoes (the hallways are endless)
Kamer Genie
Beste keuzes
West Wing, high floor (closer to Grotto Pool and laundry)
Resort View with Balcony facing East (potential Epcot fireworks views)
Kamers om te vermijden
East Wing low floors (risk of dumpster/loading dock views and noise)
Rooms near the central elevators (high foot traffic)
Kamer Aanvraag Genie – kopiëren en plakken
“Requesting a 'West Wing' room on a high floor for proximity to the pool and reduced noise. If available, a balcony facing the Boardwalk/Epcot would be appreciated.”
Veelgestelde vragen & Verborgen tips
Alles wat je eigenlijk wilt weten voordat je boekt.
Is it a real Disney hotel?
No. It's a Sheraton (Marriott), but it has official Disney perks like Early Entry and free transport.
Can I see fireworks from my room?
Yes, if you book a 'Resort View' facing East (Epcot) or North-East. Ask for a balcony to actually see them, otherwise it's just a window view.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the Grotto Pool and lap pools are heated year-round.
Does it have free breakfast?
No. Breakfast is pricey (~$30 buffet). Platinum/Titanium Bonvoy members can choose continental breakfast as a welcome gift.
How bad is the resort fee?
It's ~$45/night and mandatory. It covers wifi, gym access, and two bottles of water. A total cash grab.
Can I walk to the parks?
Yes. Epcot is a 15-minute walk; Hollywood Studios is a 20-minute walk (or take the boat).
Tips van Insiders
✨
The laundry room is ONLY in the Dolphin (ground floor, West Wing). Swan guests have to walk over to use it.
✨
Picabu (24-hour cafeteria) has a 'secret' Mexican counter that serves surprisingly good tacos and bowls.
✨
Camp Dolphin is one of the only drop-off kids' clubs left on Disney property—book a spa treatment or nice dinner and get 2 hours free.
✨
The bridge connecting the Dolphin to the Boardwalk is the best secret spot to watch Epcot fireworks without a ticket.
5 dingen die je moet weten voordat je gaat
💡The 'West Wing' vs. 'East Wing' divide: West is convenient for the pool/laundry; East is a hike but has better fireworks potential.
💡The Magic Kingdom bus drops you at the TTC (monorail station), not the front gate like Disney buses do. It's a huge pain.
💡The elevators are incredibly fast but the logic system is confusing—you might wait while 3 full ones pass you.
💡The 'Resort View' category is a gamble; it can mean a view of the beautiful pool or a view of the roof of the convention center.
💡You can earn Marriott points on your room rate, but usually not on dining unless you charge it to the room.
Lokaal Playbook
Kaart
Bekijk waar Walt Disney World Dolphin zich bevindt en wat er in de buurt is.