Hi Pamela, and welcome to planDisney.
It sounds like you are doing what we like to call a “split stay,” where you stay at two different Disney Resorts during the same vacation to enjoy multiple experiences. My family has too many favorite resorts, so we almost always do a split stay as well, and it’s such a great way to experience more of what
Walt Disney World has to offer.
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels are part of the “Other Select Deluxe Hotels” collection, and they come with some pretty amazing perks. You’ll enjoy proximity to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, along with complimentary transportation and the ability to take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry each day. It’s a terrific way to combine comfort, convenience, and value while being right in the heart of the magic.
Since your stay begins at the Dolphin, you’ll want to link your reservation in the
My Disney Experience app to take advantage of things like booking your Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass seven days before your first check-in. Since this hotel is not owned by Disney, the process may differ slightly (e.g., Marriott confirmation number vs. Disney confirmation number). Since you booked through Marriott, you will likely need to call the Dolphin directly and request the Disney confirmation number for your stay. Once you have that number, open the My Disney Experience app, click on the menu icon (three horizontal lines), go to “Future Plans,” select “Link a Reservation,” and enter the confirmation number along with the last name on the reservation. That will connect your Dolphin stay to your Disney plans. Your Animal Kingdom Lodge should already be connected to your
MyDisney account and loaded in your app, but if not, the same process will work using the confirmation number you received from Disney.
Since you’ll be enjoying both the Dolphin and Animal Kingdom Lodge, you’re in for some amazing dining options. At the Dolphin, I always recommend Rosa Mexicano or grabbing something casual but delicious at The Fountain. Over at
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, there’s so much to love, but one of my personal favorites is venturing over to Kidani Village to dine at
Sanaa. The bread service alone is unforgettable, and dining while watching the animals roam just outside the windows is a unique experience you will always remember. A little tip from my family to yours: if your party is four Guests or fewer, try to book the earliest reservation of the day and request a table near the windows for the best views of the savanna.
Pamela, your split stay sounds incredible, and I know you’re going to love experiencing two resorts in one trip. If you have any other questions as your vacation gets closer, or if you’d like some suggestions for eating your way around the world at EPCOT’s World Showcase,
please send me another question. I’d be more than happy to share my favorite tips.
See you real soon!
Brent