I just stayed at the Dolphin in October/Nov (2019) and use a rented ECV - had no problems. There are tons of elevators. I did have to hunt for the best door to go out of if I wanted to get over to Epcot or the Boardwalk area - some doors don't automatically open but definitely there are ones that do. I didn't have any idea about it before I went so I'm sure if I could figure it out you will also. I only mention it cause there are LOTS of doors and walkways around the outside and some will save you some time over taking the main entrance door.
I used the boats a lot - no issues at all. Also no issues with the bus. I think it stops at the Swan first so perhaps there is a higher chance of having all the wheelchair spaces occupied but I never had to wait for another bus. If it had been an issue I might have considered going over to the Swan to catch a bus. Wasn't an issue...and I cannot say for certain every bus goes to the Swan first. I was always the only one in an ECV waiting for a bus at the Dolphin and there was a marked waiting spot. I also used the paths to get to Epcot and DHS a few times without taking the boat - no problems.
I use an ECV for long distances (like touring the parks) so I usually didn't take it to go downstairs in the hotel to grab food or eat breakfast - however it can be a long walk from your room to the elevators so YMMV on that. It's a big resort. Plenty of space in the room for the ECV.
Loved this resort - if you're a Marriott club member the perks are great there and you might want to take a look at joining if you're not. 10 out of 10 I'd stay there again.
Hi Carol.
I agree with everything you said.
The Dolphin Resort is very large. The first time I visited after entering the huge lobby, I went straight to the other side of the lobby to get a glimpse of the walkway through the windows going across to the Swan Resort and the lake with the water taxi.
I was surprised to only see escalators going down to that lower ground level,
After asking around I found out if I went down the hallway to the right of the escalators toward Shula's Steakhouse restaurant I would find several elevators on the right down that hallway.
Looking at the map above, I now remember seeing two hallways on the right side with elevators. I went further to the end of the hallway and took one of the elevators designated going down to Tubbi's Buffeteria.
Once I exited the elevator there is a long hallway to the immediate left. If you travel a short distance down this hallway past the restrooms, make a left turn into the first hallway to the end. The only choice then is to make another left turn where you will see The Fountain food & ice cream restaurant on your immediate left.
Past that is the previously mentioned escalators on your left from the lobby and exit doors on your right.
To the left and right of the main ground-floor exit doors are push-button doors. The first one is in front of The Fountain quick to go ice cream line.
In case you were wondering when your exit the previous elevators just keep going straight down the hallway instead of making a left turn. Tubbi's Buffeteria will be on the right as you go further down the hallway.
And some of the Lobby elevators only go to some floors. I made that mistake a couple of times and notice the elevator only went to the upper half of the floors.
Just like only a few elevators go to the ground floor to Tubbi's Buffeteria.
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