What is the story behind Swan and Dolphin and Disney?

[kjasmin]

Great history. So, it was a Disney Expansion deal that went south? But, why did they build the monorail slot in the building knowing that the MR will not go through it?

 

[donkthemagicllama]

Jim Hill Media (one of my favorite Disney sites) had an article on this a couple years back.

Here's a link, it includes a lot of details not mentioned in this thread already. It turns out Disney "owed" someone for helping them complete Epcot on time...

http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2004/01/30/2.aspx

Donk

 

[TeddyToo]

$125????? Is that the teacher rate? We are going to WDW in Feb. and if that is the teacher rate I may seriously consider switching to the Swan.

It was a special summer rate for anyone for certain dates in August. I couldn't believe it either Even at the teacher rate of $149 it seems like a good deal, wish I was a teacher. No one gives counselor discounts

 

[sotoalf]

Swan & Dolphin were open in Nov '89. The only reason I know is 'cause we were there early Nov '89 & we visited them- due to all the hype of the "new amazing" hotels opening. They were very popular when they opened.

The Dolphin opened in June 1990. We dined at Palio in February 1990 when the Swan had just opened and the Dolphin was nearing completion. When we returned for 4th of July weekend, the Dolphin was already open.

 

[MissMet]

The Dolphin opened in June 1990. We dined at Palio in February 1990 when the Swan had just opened and the Dolphin was nearing completion. When we returned for 4th of July weekend, the Dolphin was already open.

Yes, I wasn't meaning both of them were literally open in Nov 89, but that I had been in at least one in Nov of 89 & the other appeared finished, because we went & "toured" the property to check it out.

 

[yasmina]

I always laugh when I see those buildings... love the story... accidentally put the swan statues on the dolphin building, and the dolphin statues on the swan building... talk about a big whoops

Are you serious?!