What IS the Swan and Dolphin?

[BigAlsGal]

I know they're hotels. What are they to disney? They are on the bus route. They're on the disney website. Why is it you can't book it through the disney site. How different is it price wise? I'm intrigued.

 

[dansdad]

They are not Disney owned so no booking through Disney, but as you stated are on Disney property and do share some of the perks for being on Disney property. Such as Disney Transportation (but not Magical Express) and EMH. Prices are comparable to a Disney Moderate.

http://swandolphin.com/offers/

 

[goofy4tink]

The Swan and Dolphin are two different resorts. They are in the same area as Boardwalk and Yacht and Beach Club resorts. They share a bus route with BW. The boats that run between Epcot and DHS stop at the S/D area as well as the BW/BC/YC.

They are not owned by Disney. They do not participate in either the DDP or DME. It does cost to park there if you have a car with you. And you can't charge back to your room on your room key the way you can at a WDW owned resort.
You can book these resorts online...just google them and you'll get there. They are very nice resorts...I actually think they are more deluxe than the WDW deluxe resorts!!! But they aren't so 'Mickey-fied'.

 

[Mrsjvb]

Shades of Green for the convention set.

heheh. basically they are Disney Resorts, Lite. you get some of the perks, but not all. the prices can be a very good deal, even factoring in the resort fee they charge daily. they give really good discounts to career fields like teachers an the Medical community.

 

[Scott MC]

They are frequently on Priceline at a great rate, and if you join the Starwood preferred program (free), you get an automatic upgrade at check-in, provided its available. The Dolphin is much larger, considered a Sheraton and has double beds. The Swan is much smaller, owned by Westin and has queen beds. Both share a fantastic pool area, and have a Disney gift shop in the lobby loaded with Disney merch. You can walk or boat to Epcot and DHS, and we've never waited long for a bus. If you're ok not being hit over the head with Disney, and are an Epcot/ Studios fan, it's a great deal!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Pea-n-Me]

My understanding is that back when times were tough, they were wooed to be there, but when times got better, Disney wished they weren't. At any rate, they're there, and I'm glad they are as we really like them. (Though I admit that on early trips we were kind of too.) We've never noticed there being any animosity between them and Disney; just the opposite, it seems. We actually really like the inside, there are a ton of amenities, the beds are Heavenly, the location and views are amazing, and we've generally booked for less than the price of a Moderate Disney resort. We don't use Magical Express anyway or get the Dining plan, so for us, it works out great.

My own photos:

Grotto Pool

Sandy beach w Grotto Pool in background

Dolphin Lobby

View from our room at sunrise -next two

View of Studios w/ ToT - doesn't get much more Disney than that

 

[RMulieri]

They are Non-disney owned Deluxe resorts in a Primo area ( Epcot Resort area and Boardwalk).EXCELLENT rates can be had.They offer discounts to nurses and I have gotten some fantastic rates there .

 

[BigAlsGal]

I remember going to disney and seeing those hotels first and they looked sooo awesome to me. I would love to try them sometime and see if they feel disney enough.

 

[Mrsjvb]

I remember going to disney and seeing those hotels first and they looked sooo awesome to me. I would love to try them sometime and see if they feel disney enough.

you know a lot of people are rabidly opposed to staying at a non disney hotel because it isn't Disney enough.

I personally prefer the theming to be less in your face Mickieifed. that's why SoG was always our Go to (until they ruined it by shutting down all the decent restaurants)

I can get all the Mouse I need in the parks and DTD.

 

[Cee]

They are beautiful. Walking/boating distance to DHS, Epcot and the Boardwalk, Yacht/Beach Club resorts. They also have some of the best dining. Bluezoo and Shula's Steakhouse to name just two.

Enjoy!

 

[hsmamato2]

Can't wait..we stay at Dolphin for the 1st time this November!

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Len Testa and zoom Hill did a podcast about the Epcot resorts and talk about the S&D. It talks about the history of the hotels and the funky design choices. Totally with a listen.