Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort vs Walt Disney World Dolphin

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

Photo: Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
Moderate Epcot Resort Area
Walt Disney World Dolphin

Photo: Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort
Deluxe Epcot Resort Area
Alex Young
Alex Young
· Updated · 5 min read

At a Glance

Tier

Caribbean Beach

Moderate

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Deluxe

Area

Caribbean Beach

Epcot Resort Area

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Epcot Resort Area

Transportation

Caribbean Beach

Skyliner, Bus

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Walk, Boat, Bus

Table-Service Dining

Caribbean Beach

2 restaurants

Walt Disney World Dolphin

7 restaurants

Quick-Service Dining

Caribbean Beach

3 locations

Walt Disney World Dolphin

3 locations

Pool Amenities

Caribbean Beach

Pool, Water Slide, Quiet Pool

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Pool

Extended Evening Hours

Caribbean Beach

No

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Yes

Top Highlight

Caribbean Beach

Disney Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Walking distance to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios

Overview

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

A moderate resort spread around Barefoot Bay with island villages, Skyliner access, and easy connections to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Walt Disney World Dolphin

A large Marriott-operated convention resort on Crescent Lake with Disney benefits and direct access to the Epcot-area walkway network.

Amenities

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

Recreation

  • Pool
  • shipwreck play area
  • Playground
  • Arcade
  • Running Trail (1.4-mile promenade around Barefoot Bay)
  • Water Slide
  • Quiet Pool
  • Marina
  • Fishing around Barefoot Bay
  • Volleyball

Wellness

  • Spa

Rooms

  • Club Level

Other

  • calypso trading post
  • Laundry Facilities

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Recreation

  • Pool
  • Tennis Courts
  • Jogging Trail
  • Arcade
  • Playground
  • Camp Dolphin for children ages 4-12 from 5pm to midnight with themed activities, video games, arts and crafts
  • Swan paddleboat rentals on the white sand beach

Wellness

  • Fitness Center
  • Spa

Rooms

  • Club Level

Other

  • Laundry Facilities
  • Child Care
  • Business Center
  • Boat launch courtyard between Swan and Dolphin; Friendship launches to Epcot and Hollywood Studios
  • Gift Shop

Transportation

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

  • Skyliner

    EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • Bus

    Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney Springs

Walt Disney World Dolphin

  • Walk

    EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • Boat

    EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • Bus

    Magic Kingdom Park, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney Springs

Pros

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

  • Disney Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
  • Moderate price tier with colorful Caribbean theming
  • Large resort with a central Old Port Royale hub
  • Close to Art of Animation and Pop Century via Skyliner
  • Refurbished rooms are a significant improvement

Walt Disney World Dolphin

  • Walking distance to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios
  • Can be booked with Marriott/SPG hotel points for potentially free nights
  • Crescent Lake location with boat service and BoardWalk access
  • Shula's Steakhouse and Il Mulino are top-tier dining options on property
  • Often cheaper than equivalent Disney-owned Deluxe resorts

Cons

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

  • Very spread-out layout makes walking distances from rooms very long
  • Dining options are limited and not highly regarded by guests
  • Bus-only access to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom
  • Lost much of its lush tropical vibe after recent reimagining
  • Some room buildings are far from the main hub and bus stops

Walt Disney World Dolphin

  • Not a Disney-owned resort, so no Early Entry or advance booking perks
  • Resort and parking fees are high in addition to the nightly rate
  • Dated exterior design with the iconic dolphin statues divides opinion
  • Rooms were historically smaller and less updated than Disney Deluxes
  • Bus service to non-walkable parks is less reliable than Disney buses

On-Site Dining

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

  • Banana Cabana

    Table Service

    American

    dinner

    View menu

  • Centertown Market

    Quick Service

    Latin, American

    breakfast · lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • Centertown Market Grab & Go

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

  • Sebastian's Bistro

    Table Service

    Latin

    dinner

    View menu

  • Spyglass Grill

    Quick Service

    American

    breakfast · lunch · dinner

    View menu

Walt Disney World Dolphin

  • Bourbon Steak - A Michael Mina Restaurant

    Table Service

    American, Steakhouse

    dinner

    View menu

  • Bourbon Steak Lounge

    Quick Service

    American, Steakhouse

    snack

    View menu

  • Cabana Bar and Beach Club

    Table Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

  • Fuel

    Table Service

    American, Quick Service - Coffee

    snack

    View menu

  • Phins

    Table Service

    American

    dinner

    View menu

  • Rosa Mexicano

    Table Service

    Mexican

    breakfast · lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • Rosa Mexicano Lounge

    Quick Service

    Mexican

    snack

    View menu

  • The Fountain

    Table Service

    American

    lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • Todd English's bluezoo

    Table Service

    Seafood

    dinner

    View menu

  • Todd English's bluezoo Lounge

    Quick Service

    Seafood

    snack

    View menu

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