WDW Walt Disney Swan/Dolphin Resort

maliboomer · Post by **maliboomer** » Feb Sat 05, 2005 12:52 am

Does anybody know anything about these? I've never seen them metioned and they look quite good.
Anyone?

Post by **js3901** » Feb Sat 05, 2005 1:36 am

The Walt Disney World Swan resort hotel and the Walt Disney World Dolphin resort hotel were not originally Disney-owned. They were built on Disney property with special permission, due to the elegence that the designers planned. The Swan and Dolphin are not one hotel, as many people think. They are, in fact, 2 separate resorts. And the reason you haven't seen them advertised is because they are mainly geared as high-class rooms and conference centers. Plus, the fact that most people want to stay near the MK (Contemporary resort, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, etc), or people just can't afford it and stay at the moderate or value resorts.

mickster68 · Post by **mickster68** » Feb Mon 14, 2005 2:43 pm

I ocassionally get special offers from the Swan and Dolphin resorts sent via email. I have yet to see a price that I would consider paying for a resort that ISN'T Disney owned! Seems it is much more economical to stay at either a Disney moderate or value resort, plus you get all the bonuses of that Disney "magic". I agree, the resorts have a pretty cool look to them, and they are close to the parks, but we made a point to check them out last time we were at WDW and weren't too impressed. Lobbies were huge, but had kind of "sterile" feeling over-all. Not wonderfully themed like the other resorts on property, but of course, it's all a matter of what you're looking for! Just my 2 cents:)

Post by **js3901** » Feb Mon 14, 2005 4:26 pm

both resort hotels are now owned by Disney and you can see them on the WDW official website...

mickster68 · Post by **mickster68** » Feb Mon 14, 2005 4:35 pm

Oh, didn't realize they were now owned by Disney--did that just happen?
Sorry to confuse matters!

Post by **js3901** » Feb Tue 15, 2005 1:47 am

I think it happened in the last few years. As the resorts are located on Disney Property, only made sense to buy them out.

QuickGold · Post by **QuickGold** » Feb Tue 15, 2005 2:39 pm

I've also seen Swan/Dolphin on Priceline.com

G2-4T · Post by **G2-4T** » Feb Tue 15, 2005 3:50 pm

I want to say that they have never been true Disney hotels, more affliated than the Dwtn Disney ones but not the "real deal" when it comes to Disney lodging. The full take over was fairly recent I believe - a few years ago like mentioned above...

Post by **js3901** » Feb Tue 15, 2005 4:27 pm

yeah, I agree that they don't hold the same magic as Disney - contructed hotels. And I think it's all because of the fact that they weren't disney-constructed. I don't think it right that they are so close to EPCOT. They just don't fit the scenery there.

QuickGold · Post by **QuickGold** » Feb Wed 16, 2005 10:42 am

At any rate, Swan or Dolphin is usually too rich for my blood.

Disneynut · Post by **Disneynut** » Feb Wed 16, 2005 1:20 pm

I have never stayed at the Swan or Dolphin, but I can tell you the location is great if you plan to spend alot of time at Epcot or MGM Studios. Also rates are often less expensive in comparison to Boardwalk, Beach or Yacht Club resorts.

rick-g-tn · Post by **rick-g-tn** » Feb Wed 16, 2005 7:34 pm

And if you like the putt-putt golf courses, they are real handy. I am hoping to go there soon since my daughter graduated with a Nursing degree from College and nurses get a special rate at the Dolphin and Swan.

wdw1090 · Post by **wdw1090** » Mar Sun 27, 2005 7:18 pm

DONT GO TO THERE! ROOMS ARE SMALL, SERVICE IS BAD, AND YOU HAVE TO TAKE A BUS EVERYWHERE AND THE BUSES ARE VERY VERY UNRELIABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DO NOT I REPEAT DO NOT GO THERE!!!!!!!!!

kgmadorin · Post by **kgmadorin** » Mar Mon 28, 2005 10:20 am

js3901 wrote:both resort hotels are now owned by Disney and you can see them on the WDW official website...

Actually, that is incorrect. Disney holds an interest in both properties, but they are owned and operated by Starwood (Sheraton and Westin) Hotels and Resorts. It is confusing, because they appear on the WDW website and can be booked through the WDW reservation center. However, if you surf over to the Sheraton website, you'll see what I mean (sorry... I know these HTML addresses are long!):

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/ ... ncyTotal=1

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/se ... ncyTotal=1

I43taffy · Post by **I43taffy** » Apr Sun 17, 2005 3:32 pm

I have stayed at the dolphin hotel a few times. It's not true that you ahve to take a bus everywhere. But even if you stayed at another resort that was owned by disney, you have to take the buses anyway, unless you want to drive to the parks. There are ferries that run right from the dolphin/swan hotel to epcot, the boardwalk, beach club resort, and I believe MGM too. You are staying at hotel not owned by Disney that still has all the perks. It is a bit pricey though.