Dolphin at Walt Disney World

Inside our magnificent Disney resort, an environment of elegance and sophistication awaits. Newly refurbished throughout, from our spectacular lobbies and our unique new restaurants, to the exotic Mandara Spa and our incredibly comfortable guest rooms, we offer the ultimate escape just moments away from the thrill and excitement of the Walt Disney World Resort. The Walt Disney World Dolphin is a resort hotel designed by architect Michael Graves located between Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios in the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, next to Disney's BoardWalk Resort area. It opened on June 1, 1990 and is joined to its sister hotel, the Walt Disney World Swan (also designed by Graves) by a palm-tree lined covered walkway crossing a lagoon. The Dolphin Resort is owned and operated by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide under the Sheraton Hotels brand.

The Dolphin and Swan share similar elements, but each has a distinctive appearance. The Dolphin is composed of a 257-foot tall triangular tower bisecting a 12-story rectangular mass with four 9-story wings on the Swan-side of the structure. The roof of each half of the main mass is adorned with a 56-foot (17 m) tall Dolphin statue. On the main colored facade there is a turquoise banana-leaf pattern echoed by a similar wave pattern on the Swan. The statues on top of the Dolphin hotel are not mammalian dolphins, but a stylized version of a nautical dolphin, a common symbol used on old world nautical maps. The design of the creatures is based on Triton Fountain in Rome.

Dining

• Todd English's BlueZoo - Renowned for his unique style and ability to entertain, Celebrity Chef Todd English combines the freshest seafood with coastal cuisines from around the world in a setting you won't forget in Todd English's bluezoo. Designed by renowned architect, Jeffrey Beers, Todd English's bluezoo is truly a work of art. Beers has extensive experience and an exceptional reputation in both the architecture and interior design industries. He has a keen interest in the relationship between architecture and light and has studied and practiced the art of glass and glass blowing with renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. Continued collaboration and work with the medium provide Beers an unparalleled expertise in glass - both as material and light design element - as is evidenced in each of his projects to date.
• Shula - In order to be the best, Don Shula followed the same principles that made him the winningest coach in football history - select the best talent available and give them the resources they need to succeed. In the restaurant business, that meant serving Premium Black Angus Beef® steaks, the best beef money can buy and providing our restaurant team with the best training. In terms of our restaurant team, he ran it like a sports team. In sports, one's performance is based on results - either you win or lose. The same is true for our restaurant team. Our managers are called Head Coaches and they have the authority to manage the team as they see fit to ensure repeated winning seasons.
• Il Mulino - For more than 20 years, Il Mulino's chefs/founders, Fernando and Gino Masci, have delighted guests and gourmands from around the world with the vibrant flavors of Italian cuisine and an absolute devotion to exemplary service. It's no wonder that Il Mulino New York has been voted the #1 Italian restaurant in New York City for two solid decades by Zagat! Il Mulino New York Trattoria reflects the infectious enthusiasm and joy the Mascis take in bringing the Italian tradition of fine food and hospitality to your table. Simple, straightforward, wholesome and always fresh - it's the Il Mulino New York tradition.
• Cabana Bar and Beach Club - Enjoy a sophisticated variety of appetizers, salads, gourmet flat breads and other entrees at this chic restaurant and bar, located just steps from the Dolphin lap pool. Transition into evening with signature cocktails and frozen drinks at our illuminated bar. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations are not necessary.
• Picabu - A curious gallery of evocative food and art, Picabu was created to delight both kids and the young at heart. The always-open adventure eatery serves up an affordable and unique dining option for the entire family in a buffet/cafeteria setting. The centerpiece is Picabu, a delightful and adventurous wood-carved and brightly painted animated character who diners will find behind every corner in this unforgettable dining experience. Picabu, designed by Kakadu Art & Design in Wood, Ltd., will fascinate kids (and parents) as they make their way through the restaurant’s selection of America’s favorite foods. Open 24 hours a day; seven days a week, Picabu is located in the Dolphin and also offers a convenience store that includes sundries, toiletries, snacks and gifts.
• Splash Terrace - Traditional and contemporary lunch fare, snacks and ice cream, just steps from the pool and our white sand beach. Outdoor seating with table service. Open seasonally.

Touring Tips

• The resort is located in between Epcot and Disney's Hollywood StudiosTM and nearby Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Magic Kingdom® Park.
• Dolphin guests have full transportation to all Walt Disney World theme parks and attractions. Length-of-stay passes are available, as is package delivery from shops across the resort. Dolphin guests can use Extra Magic Hours at certain theme parks on certain days. However, room charging (using hotel key as a credit card at Walt Disney World) is not available and hotel restaurants do not participate in any Disney dining plans or discounts. Guests staying at the Swan & Dolphin have parking, boat, and bus privileges. The Boardwalk, Hollywood Studios and Epcot are within walking distance and are also accessible by boat.