Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & SpavsWalt Disney World Dolphin
Both properties are rated highly by professional travelers. On balance, Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort ranks marginally better than Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort comes in at #11 in Orlando with praise from 11 reviewers such as Gayot, Afar Magazine and Travel + Leisure.
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Show All Reviews
4401 Floridian Way, Lake Buena Vista, Orlando, FL 32830
From $544/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Shuttle Bus
- Laundry Service
Concierge
"You can't pick a more dreamily convenient Disney hotel—it's a single monorail stop away from the Magic Kingdom, and four from Epcot."
Fodor's
"The view across the lake to the Magic Kingdom is spectacular, day or night, as you can see the colors change on the Cinderella Castle along with the fireworks." Full review
Oyster
Luxury
"The Grand Floridian, Disney's crown jewel, is as elegant as it is expensive." Full review
DK Eyewitness
"This opulent Victorian-style resort features a magnificent five-story lobby topped by an ornate stained-glass dome."
Rough Guide
"Gabled roofs, verandas and crystal chandeliers are among the frivolous variations on early Florida resort architecture at Disney’s most upmarket hotel, complete with a full-service spa."
Michelin Guide
"Disney's most luxurious property is a Victorian-era waterside complex set on 40 acres along Magic Kingdom's monorail route."
Travel + Leisure
"With gas lamps and wicker chairs in this sprawling neo-Victorian manse, Cindarella, Prince Charming, and the wicked stepsisters feel right at home." Full review
i
Don't miss the dingin at Citricos or Victoria & Albert's (one of the best restaurants in Florida) and take advantage of the hotel's proximity to Disney's Magic Kingdom.
Travel + Leisure
"Just like the resort it’s housed in, the spa is meant to evoke the feel of a turn-of-the-20th-century escape." Full review
Gayot
"The splendor of Florida's high society, resort living of the early 1900s recalls the atmosphere of an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel."
The Telegraph
8.0
"Modelled on the classic Hotel Del Coronado near San Diego, California, this historic-styled property is Disney’s crown jewel and most upmarket offering." Full review
Walt Disney World Dolphin Show All Reviews
1500 Epcot Resort Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32830
From $147/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Shuttle Bus
- Laundry Service
Fodor's
"A pair of 56-foot-tall sea creatures bookend this 25-story glass pyramid, a luxe resort designed, like the adjoining Swan, by world-renowned architect Michael Graves." Full review
DK Eyewitness
"Home to Tod English’s BlueZoo restaurant, a must no matter where you stay, this whimsical resort is best known for the tremendous dolphins that sit atop its exterior."
Rough Guide
"Sister hotel to the Dolphin... from which it’s separated by an artificial lake and beach, and likewise whimsically decorated... equipped with every conceivable luxury."
Zagat
3.7
"Centered on an "enormous, pyramidlike" main building, this "stylish" Michael Graves--designed resort is "within walking distance of Epcot"."
Frommer's
"The ceilings are a little bit low, the staff a little bit distracted, but the location never quits." Full review
Travel + Leisure
"The hotel has the advantages of a Disney property (i.e., early entry to a different park each day) but more flexible pricing." Full review
Afar Magazine
"Revitalize and refresh just steps from Disney World at our magical retreat, featuring golf, five pools, spa, and a white-sand beach." Full review
Gayot
"This Michael Graves-designed resort shares many motifs and amenities with its next-door neighbor and sister hotel, the Dolphin."
Afar Magazine
"Walt Disney World’s four remarkable theme parks are part of nearly 104 square kilometers (40 square miles) filled with entertainment. Magic Kingdom is home to the iconic Cinderella Castle..." Full review
The Telegraph
8.0
"An extensive twin resort and convention hotel right in the heart of Walt Disney World, hence in an ideal location for those wanting the full theme park experience, but at a more moderate price." Full review