Walt Disney World DolphinvsHard Rock Hotel Orlando
Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort and Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando are both endorsed by experts. Overall, Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort is preferred by most writers compared to Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando. Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort comes in at 87 with accolades from 11 reviewers like Gayot, The Telegraph and Lonely Planet.
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
Hard Rock Hotel Orlando Show All Reviews
5800 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
From $247/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Shuttle Bus
DK Eyewitness
"Mission-style architecture, an impressive collection of musical memorabilia, and an underwater sound system built into the impressive pool make this the hippest of Universal’s luxury resorts."
Rough Guide
"Stuffed with rock memorabilia, and with familiar tunes blaring out at poolside, this is the least tranquil of the park’s resorts – and the most popular with the younger generation."
Star Service
"Overlooking Universal Studios from its privileged locale inside the park, this hotel is situated on a waterway that connects it to its equally impressive siblings." Full review
Zagat
3.7
"Guests "have a blast" at this "lively", "upbeat" Orlando resort that's set in a "terrific" location within "walking distance of Universal's parks"."
Gayot
"California mission-style architecture, thoughtfully chosen music programming, an on-site concert venue and authentic rock-n-roll memorabilia make this resort an attraction all by itself."
Afar Magazine
"I walked into my hotel room and there on the bed was my personal invitation to rock." Full review
The Telegraph
8.0
"This ultra-hip deluxe hotel is themed as a rock star’s mansion and Universal Orlando Resort treats every guest like a VIP." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler
"With “thoughtfully designed” rooms and the “absolute best suites ever,” the Hard Rock Hotel will make you feel like rock and roll royalty." Full review
Fodor's
"The Hard Rock is perfect for large multigeneration family trips and for smaller families looking to keep children entertained." Full review
i
Rooms have black-and-white photos of pop icons and 32-inch flat-panel TVs.
2010 Fodor's 100 Hotel Award Winner
Electricity and water are a dangerous combination, but this is a fact the Hard Rock chooses to ignore (and we're glad they do!
Travel + Leisure
"Ever wondered what it feels like to live like a rock star? Find out at this upscale resort, which features 650 guest rooms, including the 2,375-square-foot Graceland suite" Full review