Does anyone know the 'story' behind the Swan and Dolphin..why doesn't WDW own them?

[Mickeyhugger]

I know they (or used to be) owned by Sheraton. It seems it would make a lot of Disney guests happier to stay at a resort which had the same perks as others, (better character meals, room charging privileges, etc.) Also, couldn't WDW profit more? Is it a 99 year lease of some sort?

 

[rodkenrich]

.

 

[CarolA]

From a book I read years ago....

Disney basically "gave" the lease to one of the Epcot Builders (Tishman or a predecesor) in return for financing or assistance with building Epcot. When Eisner came on board he was not happy, but could not get out of the deal. Eisner did manage to get the builder to agree to use Michael Graves (who Eiser liked) to design the things, so you didn't just get two "box hotels". The lease is a sweetheart deal.....

 

[NMAmy]

I actually prefer the fact that the Swan/Dolphin isn't owned by Disney. I earn points by staying there which doesn't happen at a Disney resort and I usually get an automatic upgrade without all the coyness involved at a Disney resort.

I can live without room charging (I just use my credit card), ME, and better character meals.

 

[rodkenrich]

.

 

[pwrflpills]

I've been curious about these hotels for years and years. When I was younger and they were brand new I was under the impression that Disney built them (because of their unique appearance and location) as Disney hotels, but didn't or couldn't run them very well, so they turned the reigns over to Starwood, or whoever. Well, now I'm learning the truth. Thanks guys.

Anyway, I'm now a SPG (Starwood Preferred Guest) member via the AMEX card they offer, gaining points that way, and I'm headed up to ole' ORL tomorrow for a surprise party and a christening and was tempted to stay at one of these. Only problem is I don't really NEED to and if I use points, it's 10,000 per night. That and it's about 40 mins away from our family activities (Altamonte). So, we're probably not going to do it, I just wanted to see if anyone could convince me otherwise. Like, coupons to Blue Zoo or something