Hi Madeleine, and welcome to planDisney.
The
Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel is such a unique choice when visiting
The Most Magical Place on Earth. While it isn’t owned and operated by Disney, it’s considered an “
Other Select Deluxe” resort, which means you’ll enjoy some of the same benefits as guests staying in Disney Deluxe Resorts, like Extended Evening Theme Park Hours. My wife and I surprised our oldest son with a solo trip last year and stayed at the Dolphin. We loved the incredible dining options, the relaxing pool, the easy stroll to EPCOT’s World Showcase, and the convenience of hopping over to
Disney’s BoardWalk. Being so close to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios made the trip feel effortless.
Linking a stay at the Dolphin can sometimes require a few extra steps, as it’s operated by Marriott. In my experience, I’ve called the front desk directly and asked for a Disney-specific reservation number. Once I had that, I entered it into my
My Disney Experience account, and that ensured my reservation linked properly. After that, everything, from park reservations (if needed) to plans, fell right into place.
To add your grandson, you’ll want to check your
Family & Friends list in My Disney Experience. If he already has a profile linked to his own (or his parents’) account, you can send them an invitation to connect. If this is his first visit and there’s no existing account, you can create a profile for him under your account by selecting “
Add a Guest” and following the prompts. Once he’s on your Family & Friends list, you’ll be able to connect him to the reservation and include him in any plans you make.
While you’re at the Dolphin, I recommend starting your morning with a coffee and Mickey waffles from the lobby breakfast spot, Fuel, grabbing a burger and fries from the poolside bar, Splash, for a midday break, and capping the evening with a sweet treat from the ice cream shop, The Fountain, perfect after a night in the parks.
And if you have a little extra time, try some “resort hopping” to nearby Disney Resorts Collection hotels. Disney’s BoardWalk area is home to three of my favorites, and it’s a short walk from where you’ll be staying. Make sure to stroll past
Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts, it’s like a mini waterpark and might just inspire your next vacation.
Let me know how else I can help, Madeleine.
Brent