Are Swan/Dolphin now Disney Properties?

[raven69david]

I was looking around the website planning my '08 trip and noticed that in the Deluxe section that the Dolphin and Swan are options. I thought these were non-Disney owned properties. Did i miss something?

 

[mgilmer]

I was looking around the website planning my '08 trip and noticed that in the Deluxe section that the Dolphin and Swan are options. I thought these were non-Disney owned properties. Did i miss something?

These are not Disney owned resorts, just on leased Disney real estate.

 

[brergnat]

Disney handles their reservations (some of them).

 

[grannyminnie]

If you're really used to staying in Disney resorts, is it a huge letdown to be at the S/D? I'd like to hear people's thoughts on this, as the prices at S/D are much more affordable to me! Plus, posters have said that EPCOT and MGM are walkable...

 

[raven69david]

These are not Disney owned resorts, just on leased Disney real estate.

I thought so. I wonder why the S/D are now options when selecting resorts in the Deluxe section. I've never seen them there before so that kinda caught me off guard. I'd still like to know what prompted them to include them in the selection of resorts on the WDW website.

 

[CamColt]

If you're really used to staying in Disney resorts, is it a huge letdown to be at the S/D? I'd like to hear people's thoughts on this, as the prices at S/D are much more affordable to me! Plus, posters have said that EPCOT and MGM are walkable...

No way! I have stayed at both the Swan and Dolphin 3 times each and loved them. I do often hear poeple say they lack Disney Magic, but I feel it there just like anywhere else on property. The views, whether its Epcot, the BW, TOT at MGM, etc... just scream Disney to me. I have even found some hidden Mickeys in each hotel. The beds are awesome, and the location can't be beat. Dining options and the location to other dinng options (all the Epcot area resorts) are numerous too. CMs are just as friendly and helpful, if not more, as at the Disney resorts.

Im going back to the Dolphin in December and can't wait.

 

[madalex]

I thought so. I wonder why the S/D are now options when selecting resorts in the Deluxe section. I've never seen them there before so that kinda caught me off guard. I'd still like to know what prompted them to include them in the selection of resorts on the WDW website.

This is not new. S/D have been listed in the Deluxe section and bookable from the Disney website for years.

 

[rie'smom]

If you're really used to staying in Disney resorts, is it a huge letdown to be at the S/D? I'd like to hear people's thoughts on this, as the prices at S/D are much more affordable to me! Plus, posters have said that EPCOT and MGM are walkable...

Gosh no, it's not a letdown at all! We are DVC members and on every trip I book a few nights at either the Swan or Dolphin just because we like the hotels so much. My preference is the Swan due to the 2 queens in a room rather than the 2 doubles found in the Dolphin rooms.
You're right about the affordability-with a AAA, nurse,gov't,rate,etc, the cost is comparable to the WDW mods yet you're getting a room comparable to the WDW deluxes.

 

[DisneyFans4]

If you're really used to staying in Disney resorts, is it a huge letdown to be at the S/D? I'd like to hear people's thoughts on this, as the prices at S/D are much more affordable to me! Plus, posters have said that EPCOT and MGM are walkable...

NO WAY!!! Unless you ever stayed there you would not say this

I absolutely love the Swan and go there every year and I've never felt more like I was at Disney until I've been there and as you can see it's why we go back.

There is nothing like opening the blinds every morning and seeing Spaceship Earth, watching Illuminations from your own balcony and just being able to walk to Epcot and MGM. You also have the BW, YC and BC in walking distance to enjoy.

The S/D may not be Disney owned but you would think they are and their services are impeccable!!

The heavenly beds are truly that and you can sleep very comfortable in them and their rates cannot be beat.

I would not stay anywhere else

 

[asmit4]

One huge drawback is that you can't do the DDP while staying there. Just keep that in mind.

 

[honeymo78]

or use room charge in the parks

 

[DisneyFans4]

One huge drawback is that you can't do the DDP while staying there. Just keep that in mind.

For our family that is not a huge drawback at all. We are AP holders so we have the DDE card which works perfect for us. We don't like to commit ourselves to eating on Disney property during the entire time of our stay.

They do have package delivery which is also great. Whatever you buy in the parks or at DTD will be delivered there.

 

[asmit4]

The marketing of both resorts tries VERY hard to NOT differentiate themselves from all the other disney resorts.

While the DDP is certainly not a drawback for some, I would bet a lot of people book through disney and then want to add the DDP only to find out it's not possible. If you look at their website, they even use the same language like "counter service" in the drop down lists. This can be very deceiving to people that aren't reading the "fine print".

There are plenty of very good reasons to stay at the swan/dolphin but if the DDP or being able to charge to your room at disney are deal breakers for you- then it's good to know ahead of time.

 

[DisneyFans4]

The marketing of both resorts tries VERY hard to NOT differentiate themselves from all the other disney resorts.

While the DDP is certainly not a drawback for some, I would bet a lot of people book through disney and then want to add the DDP only to find out it's not possible. If you look at their website, they even use the same language like "counter service" in the drop down lists. This can be very deceiving to people that aren't reading the "fine print".

There are plenty of very good reasons to stay at the swan/dolphin but if the DDP or being able to charge to your room at disney are deal breakers for you- then it's good to know ahead of time.

I totally agree and that is why I said that at least for me it's not a HUGE drawback. There are different packages to satisfy everyone and that is what is great about it. For our family I don't care for the DDP and as long as I can have my packages delivered to the hotel I don't care that I can't charge it on my room key.

I also think for a deluxe resort their prices can't be beat, especially with all the discounts they offer.

 

[grannyminnie]

One huge drawback is that you can't do the DDP while staying there. Just keep that in mind.

Not for my sis and me...we don't do that anyway.
Thanks for all comments re: my question. The next decision will be S or D! From what I have read so far, the Swan sounds like my choice...
DisneyFans4, may I ask what your room request is (if you do one) to get the view of Illuminations and Spaceship Earth?

 

[Rescue Ranger]

They're Disney partnership resorts more so than just leased property like the downtown hotels. So, they're like half Disney hotels since while you may not get he full Disney "treatment", they still have EMH, Characters, etc.

 

[pooh2001]

YES, we love the Dolphin.

walkable to EPCOT
boat to EPCOT and STUDIES
wonderful pools - yes more than one
great AAA discounts (plus discounts if you are gov, teacher or nurse)
Starwood member (free to join) gets one room level bump up

Bring your own Disney theming - Disney bathroom cups, Disney toothpaste, Disney window clings, Disney plush


We tried th WL it was OK. The CR tower was great but expensive.
We are a Dolphin family.

Go for it

 

[DisneyFans4]

Not for my sis and me...we don't do that anyway.
Thanks for all comments re: my question. The next decision will be S or D! From what I have read so far, the Swan sounds like my choice...
DisneyFans4, may I ask what your room request is (if you do one) to get the view of Illuminations and Spaceship Earth?

What you want to request is an Epcot view. It is also the east wing of the hotel that has that view.

If there is any more info you need don't hesitate to ask.

Not only can you watch Illuminations from your balcony but you can also see Wishes which is a double treat

 

[tnkrbell]

This is not new. S/D have been listed in the Deluxe section and bookable from the Disney website for years

Really???? I have never found them on the Disney website as an option to book online?? hmmm I must not be paying attention

 

[mmmagic7754]

Booking directly with Swan is much less than Disneys website