Walt Disney World Resort is known for providing unforgettable experiences, filled with magic, fun, and adventure for guests of all ages. Whether it’s enjoying the thrilling rides, meeting beloved Disney characters, or staying at one of the resort’s world-class hotels, Disney promises a vacation full of dreams and lasting memories.
However, for one guest, their stay at a popular Disney World hotel was far from the magical experience they expected.
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For many Disney fans, the Swan and Dolphin Resort is a top choice. With its convenient location to EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the BoardWalk, excellent amenities, and a slightly lower price point compared to Disney-owned resorts, it’s a popular option for those looking to stay close to the parks without breaking the bank.
But recently, a guest shared their dismal experience at the Dolphin Hotel, describing it as a “horror show” in a post that quickly gained attention on Reddit.
The guest, known by their Reddit handle ragingseaturtle, detailed their unpleasant stay at the hotel, starting with a number of issues right from the moment of check-in.
As the story unfolded, it became clear that their experience was far from what they had hoped for when booking a stay at this well-regarded resort.
Reddit Post That Started It All
In their Reddit post, ragingseaturtle shared that the family arrived at the Dolphin Hotel excited for their vacation, only to be greeted by a series of issues that completely soured the experience. The first problem arose during check-in, when the hotel staff claimed there was no reservation in the system, despite the guest having confirmation emails.
After some back-and-forth with the front desk, the issue was finally resolved, but this was just the beginning of the frustrations.
The problems continued when the family arrived at their room. The OP (Original Poster) recounted how, after receiving a text saying the room was ready, they arrived to find a room that fell far below expectations.
Here is the original Reddit post from ragingseaturtle:
“At about 11am we got a text that our room was ready and headed over at 1 to check it out and so my kids could rest. The bellhop couldn’t find our bags despite us having a ticket. Thirty minutes of back and forth, and suddenly they’re located and we make our way to our room in the East Tower (had the West Tower last year).
The moment I got off the elevator I knew this wasn’t going to be good. I felt like I was in the Twilight Zone compared to last year; this floor felt like a Motel 6. The carpet was worn, it was hot, and incredibly muggy. I opened the door and was slammed in the face by a mildew smell. It was so horrible. We left the room and came back a few hours later, hoping it worked out, and tried to tough it out. But between the smell and the doors not closing properly (assuming they were swollen from the humidity), we called the front desk.”
“About 2 hours and 30 minutes later (this is now 9:30 at night), a worker from housekeeping came. This poor guy speaks no English and starts spraying some sort of cleaner or liquid all over the room. With what little Spanish I speak, I explain it’s not going to work. He stands by the vent, smells it, and leaves. Another hour goes by and he knocks on the door, and on a piece of paper is written ‘Your room will be changed.’”
2nd time at the dolphin will be my last. Absolute horror show
byu/ragingseaturtle inWaltDisneyWorld
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This post continued with a litany of frustrations, including a room change that didn’t alleviate the issues. In fact, the new room wasn’t much better. From broken fixtures to malfunctioning doors, the issues seemed endless. In the end, the guest was moved to a third room, but not before wasting hours trying to resolve the issues.
The guest’s frustration was compounded by the overall condition of the hotel. The new room, while slightly better, still had several problems, including a broken bathroom door that had to be forcibly opened, and a lack of cleanliness in the carpet.
The family was left feeling disappointed and frustrated by the entire ordeal, especially considering how much they had spent on their stay.
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Other Guests Share Similar Experiences
Ragingseaturtle’s post sparked a wave of comments from others who had stayed at the Swan and Dolphin or similar hotels at Disney World. Many shared stories of moldy rooms, unclean conditions, and issues with hotel service that mirrored the guest’s experience. Some users mentioned experiencing similar problems with check-in, while others described rooms that seemed worn down and in need of renovation.
The recurring theme across the comments was that, despite the hotel’s premium price point, the accommodations were falling short of the expectations that come with staying at a Disney-adjacent resort.
The Future of the Swan and Dolphin Resort
The Swan and Dolphin Hotels, while not owned by Disney, are often associated with the Disney experience due to their prime location and strong connection to the parks. The resort, managed by Marriott, has long been a favorite among guests seeking convenience without paying the premium prices of Disney-owned hotels.
However, given the number of negative reports, including the issues shared by ragingseaturtle, it seems clear that the resort is in need of some serious upgrades.
In fact, plans for the future of the Swan and Dolphin are already in motion. A $275 million expansion and renovation project is currently underway, which will include upgrades to both the guest rooms and convention spaces.
While this will likely improve the overall quality of the resort, it’s clear that some guests feel the current state of the hotel is not acceptable, especially considering its reputation and cost.
For potential visitors to Disney World, the Swan and Dolphin Hotels are still a viable option, but it’s important to be aware that, at least for now, the accommodations may not live up to the high standards expected from a Disney Resort experience. If you’re looking for luxury and comfort, it might be worth considering other Disney-owned properties or new resorts that are receiving more consistent praise.
It’s also a good reminder that even popular hotels can have occasional issues, and it’s important to voice concerns early so that they can be addressed. If you’re planning a stay at the Swan and Dolphin or another Disney World resort, be sure to manage your expectations and do some research ahead of time.
Have you ever had an experience like ragingseaturtle’s during a stay at Disney World? We want to hear your thoughts! Share your story in the comments below and let us know if you’ve encountered similar problems at Disney resorts or other theme park hotels.
