If you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, you may be wondering if the Dolphin Hotel is considered a Disney resort. The answer to this question is not straightforward and requires some explanation.
What is the Dolphin Hotel?
The Dolphin Hotel is a hotel located within the Walt Disney World Resort complex in Orlando, Florida. It is managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts and owned by Tishman Hotel Corporation and MetLife. The hotel was designed by architect Michael Graves and opened in 1989.
The Relationship Between the Dolphin Hotel and Disney
While the Dolphin Hotel is located on Disney property and has many features that are similar to other Disney resorts, it is not actually owned or operated by The Walt Disney Company.
Disney Benefits for Dolphin Hotel Guests
Despite not being a Disney-owned resort, guests staying at the Dolphin Hotel still enjoy many of the same benefits as guests staying at official Disney resorts. For example:
- Complimentary transportation to all four theme parks, two water parks, and other attractions within Walt Disney World Resort.
- Access to Extra Magic Hours – special hours at select theme parks only available to guests staying at official Walt Disney World resorts.
- The ability to make FastPass+ reservations up to 60 days in advance instead of the standard 30 days for non-resort guests.
- The ability to charge purchases made within Walt Disney World Resort directly to their room.
Differences Between Dolphin Hotel and Official Disney Resorts
There are also some notable differences between the Dolphin Hotel and official Disney-owned resorts:
- The Dolphin Hotel does not have a theme or character affiliation like other resorts such as the Polynesian Village Resort or Art of Animation Resort.
- The hotel does not participate in some of the Disney Dining Plans.
- The Dolphin Hotel charges a daily resort fee which is not charged by most Disney-owned resorts.
Conclusion
In summary, while the Dolphin Hotel is not technically a Disney-owned resort, it is still considered a part of the Walt Disney World Resort complex. Guests staying at the hotel enjoy many of the same benefits as guests staying at official Disney resorts but should also be aware of some notable differences. Ultimately, whether or not to stay at the Dolphin Hotel depends on personal preference and priorities when it comes to accommodations for your trip to Walt Disney World.