Back from a 2 week trip to Orlando, during which I spent 2 x 5 night stays at The Dolphin.... Thought I'd share my thoughts and experience with you just for fun. First 5 nights I was in 4200, second 5 nights in the dizzy heights of 14113. I was solo in the rooms, although I was there with others who were staying at The Boardwalk.
The good:
- First ever visit to Dolphin. My word, that lobby is fabulous, absolutely loved it
- 14113 was amazing! I couldn't believe they gave me this room, I didn't upgrade or anything (although on both check ins I was pitched $20 upgrades). The view was incredible, could see fireworks from Epcot and DHS. I was over the moon with this room.
- I am still dreaming of the Pineapple Crush cocktail from Phins. I just loved coming back from a busy day in the parks and relaxing at this beautiful bar and lobby
- My first Epcot resort area trip - adored being able to walk to Epcot and DHS. Didn't find the DHS walk bad at all, even with the construction. Was there in 20 minutes.
- Laundry facilities were excellent
- Really nice gym, enjoyed the video fitness class room
- Gorgeous pool - although I never went in it and spent any time there beyond walking round!! (For shame)
- Rooms were modern, comfortable and well appointed. I liked that they were modern in styling, more appealing to me than the classic old fashioned charm Disney tends to go for (Boardwalk)
- I just loved walking up the approach to the Dolphin with the music playing etc. It is so majestic, feels like a real "destination"
- I did not feel like I was missing out on Disney magic at all, which was great
The "could do better"
- The carpets in the corridors, can we replace these please?! Geezo. They are so worn out the pattern is gone. Looked really cheap and tacky.
- 4200 wasn't a room worth recommending really. Location was uninspiring to say the least, overlooked the bus stop. Did not find thing noisy or distracting in any way though. Shower took ages to heat up (a good 5 minutes). It's far end of the building so a bit of a walk. Check In also directed me to the wrong elevators and it took me ages to figure out what was going on and find the room.
The Dolphin definitely has a convert, I think this is my hotel of choice in all of WDW now.