Before I even start this review I just want to say this is my first negative review I've ever written about a place - it takes a lot for me to do this.

The benefit of staying at the Dolphin is absolutely the location. I chose this property because I last stayed here in 2014 and I was wowed by the resort. Unfortunately, since then - it has gone downhill and I will not stay here again nor recommend it to anyone else visiting Disney.

I indicated on both our reservation as well as check in that we were celebrating our honeymoon. There was no selection for a king/double in our reservation request (I double checked my confirmation email too), but I would have assumed that indicating that we were celebrating our honeymoon, we would be assigned to a king. I was wrong. They assigned us a double bed so that my new husband and I had to sleep in separate beds all week. When I asked to change due to the fact we were on our honeymoon, they told me that the hotel was fully booked and that the best they can do is move us the next day and we'd lose our view. At this point, I really just didn't want to ruin our stay with an argument so we accepted our room accommodations of two doubles.

Our room itself needed updating, but I know there is a major renovation beginning its work so I am less concerned about that. It had not been vacuumed, and crumbs were all over the floor from the previous guests. However, the sheets were sparkling clean so that was great.

Room service was good and tasty as we ordered in one night. I also liked the addition of the Fuel stop and it was extremely handy for coming in and out of the parks as well as a coffee in the morning!

The new addition of Rosa Mexicano was odd considering the previous buffet had done well. They took out Fresh and basically anything fresh that came with it, literally. Not worth the exponential price for the buffet of items that are left under a heat lamp. The breakfast buffet used to have fresh omelettes, pancakes and waffles, made by a person right in front of you - all of those items just were hard and not good. Peekabu, the grab-and-go buffet downstairs, had the friendliest staff ever, however, a 14% service fee is just absolutely crazy. My husband and I are tip happy people, but putting a sneaky 14% fee without warning is just diabolical. A simple breakfast of eggs, bacon, a waffle and coffee for two cost us $90.

Mandara Spa was great, absolutely no notes there - pure perfection. I believe Bridgit was my massage therapist and she deserves so much praise - best massage ever.

My final issue was the connection between Disney and the hotel. We were told by the park employees that we would be able to ship our lightsaber/droid back home (which added up to a $500 value) through the Dolphin, but when we approached the concierge the night before our departure, we were told it's not possible. Thank goodness we had family that live in Kissimmee that could hold our items until the next time we are down there - we had an early AM departure the next day and we wouldn't have time to stop by a UPS store (even though we shouldn't have to - we were told by Disney CM that this was a perk of staying at a Disney resort). It should also be noted that last time I stayed at the Dolphin in 2014, they DID ship my Disney memorabilia back home to NJ for me, so I know this was indeed something that should have been offered.

Overall, the hotel is fine if you're not staying for Disney. It has truly turned itself into a corporate/conference resort. Which I knew they had the conference center previously, but please stop advertising yourself as a Disney resort and warn your guests that it's not what it used to be. It is incredibly frustrating for those trying to experience the magic of Disney (especially on their honeymoon).