Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention CentervsWalt Disney World Dolphin
Both Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin and Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center are rated highly by travel writers. Overall, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin ranks significantly higher than Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center. Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin comes in at 89 with recommendations from 11 publications such as Frommer's, oyster.com and DK Eyewitness.
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
6000 W. Osceola Pkwy., Kissimmee, FL 34746
From $139/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
DK Eyewitness
"Gaylord Palms has its own restaurants, recreational facilities, shops, and the Canyon Ranch Spa Club."
Star Service
"This Southern-flavored convention-resort follows the blueprint of its Nashville sibling Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, offering an upscale biospheric experience." Full review
i
You can choose between soft orange or deep blue color schemes, though all units share the same well-rounded amenity roster.
Gayot
"This elaborate, decidedly Southern resort... pays tribute to distinctive regions and eras of Florida that are rich in history and charm, though often underrepresented."
Zagat
"It may be centered on a convention center, but this sprawling 63-acre Marriott resort in Kissimmee also attracts leisure travelers."
Frommer's
"It's a convention center in disguise, but the Gaylord Palms appeals to vacationers, too, and is not your run-of-the-mill resort." Full review
Fodor's
"Built in the style of a grand turn-of-the-20th-century Florida mansion, this resort is meant to inspire awe." Full review
Travel + Leisure
"The hotel has a lush atrium and rooms, two on-site pools, a Canyon Ranch spa, golf putting course, and croquet lawn." Full review
Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"This is, without a doubt, the most massive hotel in Orlando, and it’s popular as a conference center... and a family resort." Full review
Independent
"Fans of 1972 sci-fi classic Silent Running will be at home in this uber-cool domed environment encompassing 1,718 rooms and five acres of indoor delights that feel like the great outdoors"
Travel + Leisure
"It’s near everything, but also in a world of its own, thanks to towering glass atriums with native flora and fauna and scenes made to feel like other destinations...kids go crazy for the water park"
21 Best Family Resorts in Florida, According to Locals
August 12, 2023
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