I spent 3 days at the Walt Disney Dolphin hotel for a conference. The amenities were very good. The staff very friendly and helpful and the hotel beautiful. I like that this hotel has all the benefits of being on Disney property such as; Disney transportation, proximty to the Disney Parks, The Magical Express and other things. But since this hotel isn't technically a Disney owned hotel it's a little less over-the-top with Disney-ana. There is one Disney gift shop but otherwise it's a really nice Starwood hotel. The pool looked great for adults and kids, but there is no all-encompassing Disney feeling to it. A really nice alternative for adults that don't need the whole Disney experience.

As for the conference, it was seemeless. The staff, catered food, set-up, break-down, welcome packets at check-in, room available early to accomodate conference attendees. I recommend this for hotel and conference center for anyone planning a large conference as highly as possible.

I didn't have the opportunity to visit the pool or gym or any on-site restaurants, so I can't comment on those things.

I did have the opportunity to have to call the front desk at 2am becasue I had been awakened for the 10th time by a group of cheerleaders statying in rooms adjacent to me being VERY LOUD in the hallway. I don't know what the staff did, but I never heard one peep after that. I was very impressed with how quickly and efficiently my complaint was handled.

We stayed here with a large group of family in October 2011. The food on property is very family friendly, there are several restaurants that have a wide variety of food to take care of every single taste. The location is great to access Epcot and Hollywood studios by boat, and the buses that arrive to take you to other locations are pretty frequent. This stay was a bit off season, so lines weren't as long, although it was the Halloween Special going on at the Magic Kingdom and it was pretty packed. Our room was wonderful, decent view of the waterway.
For the price, you get a great room with a few perks. I would make sure to book early though because the room prices at their regular rate are a bit more than I would be willing to pay.

We are Starwood Preferred Guest Plus Members & chose this resort because we were able to stay for free (with our fifth night free) when we redeemed 40K points.

First, the only con and only reason I did not award his resort a five star rating - our floor (6th east) & room looked like it was ready for a minor face lift - a new coat of paint or carpet would make a difference. That being said, I have read there have been some renovations recently and maybe our floor hadn't received it yet. The hotel was clean - and I am picky - just a little worn.

The pros are numerous - first customer service from our first day to our last night. We were awarded a room upgrade to a balcony with a resort view when we asked for one. The bell men were very courteous and personable, especially with our children. Our last night - after returning from the Magic Kingdom - it was discovered at 9 pm that the Cinderella dress-up shoes we had purchased inside the park were broken. Concierge took our receipt and shoes and the next morning, less than 12 hours later, a brand new pair was delivered to us in our room. Even though the Swan is techinically a Westin and not a Disney hotel, it seemed that the employees had projected that Disney happiness that is common at the parks.

We elected the "green" option and declined housekeeping for three days of our stay and had points deposited almost immediately back into our Starwood account.

Our daughters LOVED the beach and pool which, of course, made us as parents very happy.

Kimonos Japanese Sushi bar (see my review) is EXCELLENT and has karokee late at night!

I stayed at the Dolphin due to a customer show/conference on site. King-size bed was comfortable, but room was small, along with the divided bathroom. Seating in the room was a hide-away bed and a,nd a wood office chair, which did not provide any comfort at all. No balcony, but the view was scenic rooftops of the lower levels. TV was also very small, only 27" flat panel. I usually stay at Hilton properties, and this hotel does not hold a candle to an Embassy Suites or a HGI.

I did have just enough free time to browse the complex and see the pools, grotto, beach and other areas. These ammenities is what would make this hotel stay, if I was there with my wife and kids, but this would not be my first choice when I come back to Disney for an acutal vacation.