Does pool hopping include the Swan/Dolphin?

[Figaro30]

Wanted to check out the pool there and didn't know if being a DVC member meant I could use their pool also.

Anybody know?

 

[CarolMN]

No, it doesn't. Even though the Swan/Dolphin are on the Disney property, they are not owned or operated by Disney. Believe Starwood is the current owner. So, alas, our DVC pool hopping perk does not include the Swan/Dolphin. They do give us some nice discounts in their restaurants, though. Last time I checked it was 20% off. Enjoy your trip!

 

[Dean]

Swan was Sheraton and Dolphin Westin but since the companies have merged, I assume they are one owner, ?Starwood.

 

[Werner Weiss]

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin are owned by Tishman Hotel Corporation -- and they have been since they were built. (By the way, Tishman Hotel Corporation also owns the Hilton on Hotel Plaza Blvd. at Downtown Disney.)

The Swan and Dolphin have always been affiliated with Westin and Sheraton, respectively. The Walt Disney World Swan still shows up in the Westin directory and the Walt Disney World Dolphin still shows up in the Sheraton directory. You can call the chains' 800 numbers to make reservations.

In late 1997 / early 1998, Starwood Opportunity Fund acquired ITT Sheraton and then Westin Hotels and Resorts, and thus became Starwood Hotels & Resorts. So the Swan and Dolphin are now part of the Starwood Preferred Guest loyalty rewards program.

Despite the Westin and Sheraton affiliations, the hotels have never been branded as Westin or Sheraton. In other words, the hotel with the giant fish was never called the Sheraton Dolphin. Undoubtedly, the license to use the Walt Disney World name as part of the hotel names is even better from a marketing standpoint.

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin have a terrific Web site

And DVC members can't pool hop to the Swan and Dolphin.

 

[glo]

The Swan and Dolphin are not owned by Disney. They do sit on Disney property, but they are Starwood Resorts, and that excludes them from the DVC perks. Hope that helps.

 

[Werner Weiss]

and that excludes them from the DVC perks.

True, when it comes to pool hopping. But not true for all DVC perks.

DVC members get a 20% discount on food (excluding gratuities, tax, and any beverages) at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin restaurants. And they have good restaurants, including the excellent Palio dinner restaurant at the Swan.

In comparison, there are only a few Disney resort restaurants (at Disney's Grand Floridian and Yacht & Beach Clubs), that give DVC discounts -- and the discount is only 10%.

 

[Towncrier]

A 20% discount at "most" Swan and Dolphin restaurants. I don't believe that the 20% discount applies to Schula's.