Walt Disney World Dolphin

It requires some time to take in this 87-acre resort, with its lushly landscaped
grounds and huge swans, dolphins, and seashells perched atop salmon- and blue-green-toned buildings. Explosions of tropical pastel colors predominate the interiors too, with
multi-colored carpeting or polished tile, and clusters of large, modern
chandeliers suspended from the high ceilings. Textures and patterns seem to change around every corner, from lattice-wood paneling and columns to scalloped walls
that resemble gingerbread houses. Cozy sitting areas are
scattered throughout, which include leather sofas and armchairs in rich
colors. Quaint outdoor courtyards nestle next to lovely fountains graced
by white swans. This enormous resort’s huge convention complex and sheer number
of rooms create a constant buzz of tourist and business activity, yet there
are many quiet places to escape to find tranquility.

The resort faces Epcot
Resorts Boulevard, a relatively quiet access road, with a large lagoon behind it that separates the complex from
Epcot. It's located close to Orlando’s most popular attractions, and is a
15-minute walk, or a 10-minute drive to Epcot, which can also be reached by the resort's free shuttle
or lagoon ferry. Restaurants and shops outside the resort complex are about a 10-minute walk away. Disney World Resort is a five-minute drive away, and other nearby
attractions include Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs (formerly
Downtown Disney), which are 12 or so minutes away by car or shuttle. Universal Studios and SeaWorld are about a 20-minute drive, and Orlando
International Airport is 30 minutes away by car. 

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin resort began a $125 million renovation of all rooms in 2014, and it's scheduled for completion by the end of 2017. The Swan’s
758 rooms received the makeover first, with renovation of the Dolphin’s 1,509 rooms now
underway. Decor in the renovated rooms is bright and sleek, with a pleasing
combination of blues, grays, and whites. Traditional Double Rooms are 340 square feet
(360 in the Dolphin) and feature light-blue carpeting, gray drapes, and
white walls with greenish-blue accent walls. Matching light-wood furniture includes nightstands, dressers, and padded tan
headboards framed by wood. Dressers and nightstands have white ceramic tops. Glass-top, chrome tables on rollers serve as desks, accompanied
by wood-frame chairs with upholstered blue seats. King Rooms also include upholstered sleeper sofas. The Westin Heavenly Bedding
package includes pillow-top mattresses and white down comforters. Decor in the unrenovated rooms relies on earth
tones in shades of blue, beige, and orange. The renovated bathrooms have distinctive white ceramic vanity tops facing large, backlit mirrors and glass
backsplashes of green and white. Some rooms have second vanities outside
the bathrooms. Some rooms have walk-in showers with clear glass
doors, while others have shower/tub combos framed by white-tile; but all have rainfall showerheads. Several room categories are offered, such as
the Swan’s Deluxe Family Room (500 square feet) and Grande Suite (680 square
feet). Standard amenities include 42-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges,
coffeemakers, magnifying mirrors, robes, slippers, and safes. Room service and
free bottled water and Wi-Fi are standard as well. Some rooms have balconies with
great views of Epcot and the grounds, but other rooms have very limited or no
views. 

The Swan and Dolphin share their amenities, including 17
restaurants and lounges and a 24-hour cafeteria. Valet and
self-parking are offered at rather hefty rates, and the self-parking lot can mean a lengthy walk to the lobbies. A free shuttle service to area attractions is
available to guests, as is a ferry ride across the lagoon to Epcot. Guests also
receive special Disney benefits such as extended park hours, and ticket
counters at both hotels. Guests get access to three nearby golf courses
operated by Disney as well. The 87-acre complex includes five outdoor pools, whirlpools,
and a beach area with sand volleyball, paddleboats, basketball and tennis
courts, and mini-golf. Each hotel has a video arcade and staffed businesscenters with computer stations, Internet access, printers, and equipment
rentals. The 10,500-square-foot Mandara Spa offers salon services, a boutique,
and various massage and body treatments. On-site shopping options include an
art gallery, clothing store, candy shop, gift shops with an array of Disney
souvenirs, and a 24-hour convenience store. Both hotels have large fitness
centers with LifeFitness cardio and weight-training equipment and free weights.
The concierge staff can arrange babysitting, and supervised children’sactivities are offered in a camp-like environment. Valet laundry and dry-cleaning services are available, and self-serve laundry facilities are available on-site.
The daily resort fee includes Wi-Fi access throughout the complex, which
features more than 329,000 square feet of meeting space in 84 separate rooms. Car
rental desks are also on-site, as are ATMs. Wi-Fi is free throughout.