Swan & Dolphin picky details

[KeithVH]

Does anyone know where I can find authoritative info on the max guests per room (basic) at these hotels? Is it 4 or 5? Too, I'm assuming since they do make it clear they are not Disney owned, staying there and then at a Disney hotel in the same trip wouldn't give you the option of transferring luggage like you would get with two Disney hotels? It's too late to call and ask tonight.

 

[AZDISNEYDVL]

Normally at Starwood Hotels(the parent company of Sheraton's and Westin's), it is 2 adults and 2-3 children for basic rooms without an extra charge. When you add more adults, there will be an added fee. I know at my resort it is $20 - $25 depending on the time of year, but I can not comment on the Swan and Dolphin as my property is owned by Starwood whereas the Swan and Dolphin are owned by an insurance company and simply managed by Starwood. Your best bet for a firm answer would be to go the the website, http://www.swandolphin.com/contact.html, here you will find all of the contact information you will need. Ask for the Front Desk Manager if you call for the answer to your first question, and the bell captain for the second. I would assume that they would find a way to get your luggage to the other disney property for you, if the bell captain fails, ask for the concierge, we always like to help with vacations. I hope that helps you, good luck!

 

[TestTrack]

Does anyone know where I can find authoritative info on the max guests per room (basic) at these hotels? Is it 4 or 5? Too, I'm assuming since they do make it clear they are not Disney owned, staying there and then at a Disney hotel in the same trip wouldn't give you the option of transferring luggage like you would get with two Disney hotels? It's too late to call and ask tonight.

I thought they WERE Disney owned now...just not Disney RUN. Which is why they are advertised and booked on Disney's website

 

[imagineer99]

I thought they WERE Disney owned now...just not Disney RUN. Which is why they are advertised and booked on Disney's website

No. Disney does not own the Swan or the Dolphin.

 

[TestTrack]

No. Disney does not own the Swan or the Dolphin.

Why are they referred to as "Walt Disney Swan resort" and "Walt Disney Dolphin Resort" on there website? I wouldn't think Disney would book hotels they didn't own...:shrug:

I guess Disney must get quite a kickback from them

 

[dave2822]

Why are they referred to as "Walt Disney Swan resort" and "Walt Disney Dolphin Resort" on there website? I wouldn't think Disney would book hotels they didn't own...:shrug:

I guess Disney must get quite a kickback from them

They are "official Disney resorts," but are in fact not operated by Disney. As far as kickbacks or the like, I haven't a clue.

And to the OP, I would call the hotel to confirm those details. I'm pretty sure there is a charge for each additional adult (18+) over 2. I'm also pretty sure that there is no luggage transfer to either resort, but there is a rental car service located directly within the Dolphin. Again, I'd check with them just to make sure.

 

[jjgoo]

Why are they referred to as "Walt Disney Swan resort" and "Walt Disney Dolphin Resort" on there website? I wouldn't think Disney would book hotels they didn't own...:shrug:

I guess Disney must get quite a kickback from them

That's a complicated issue. I believe and (I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong) that the Swan and Dolphin buildings are not owned by Disney but built on land owned by Disney and leased to the independent owner.

I believe also that as part of the lease agreement after a certain period of time (20 years?) the lease will expire and the land and buildings on the land will be handed over to Disney. It could be part of the lease agreement that both hotels do enjoy Disney services such as EMHs and internal transportation.

I would guess that they are listed on the Disney travel site because they have an agreement with Disney Travel Company which probably has agreements with all the Disney property hotels. While they are not listed on the site I would guess you could probably book a Downtown Disney hotel with Disney Travel if you wanted.

 

[I-4Warrior]

It's the same deal as the Hilton and the other hotels located near Downtown Disney. On Disney property, but not owned or operated by Disney (Instead, owned and operated by Sheraton and Westin).

 

[AZDISNEYDVL]

The wonderful owners and moderators of this website have already answered this question on the site which can be seen at: http://www.wdwmagic.com/resorts_swan.htm or by just reading the following:

"The Walt Disney World Swan is designated as part of the collection of Walt Disney World Resorts, however it is not operated by the Walt Disney Company in the way that most Walt Disney World Resorts are. Tishman Realty & Construction Corporation and MetLife own the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide manages the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin.
Guests of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin receive many special Disney benefits, including:

• Complimentary transportation to all Walt Disney World® Theme Parks and Attractions, including water taxis to Epcot® and Disney-MGM Studios.
• Extra Magic Hour benefit - Each day, one of the Theme Parks is open for an extra hour so guests can enjoy select attractions (Valid Theme Park ticket and Resort I.D. required).
  On-site Disney Ticket Desk.
• Advance tee times on five nearby championship Walt Disney World® golf courses.
• Dine with appearances by some of the lovable Disney characters for breakfast or dinner in select Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin restaurants."

Chances are they have some type of deal with Disney whether it be a lease or otherwise. I am going to assume that it is much like the deal Disney has with Bill Gates and his co-owner at the Four Seasons(the partner is a large investor for Disneyland Paris) so Disney is allowing a resort on site as long as some Disney things are done. My guess is MetLife gives Disney a discount on insurance, so Disney is doing them this favor.

 

[dave2822]

My guess is MetLife gives Disney a discount on insurance, so Disney is doing them this favor.

Eh, off topic, but for conversation's sake:

Disney isn't really doing any "favors," they entered into a contract with Tishman to design Disney hotels back in the late 80s. Eisner and company then decided they wanted to design the hotels themselves. Tishman was angry, screamed breach of contract. Disney knew they would lose the lawsuit, so they allowed Tishman to create two resorts on WDW property. Disney picked the architect (Michael Graves) to design them.

And here are the Swan and Dolphin, opened in 1990.

Here's another semi-interesting fact: the "catfish" like dolphins that are atop the WDW Dolphin? They are denounced and criticized by many, but are actually designed off of a very similar dolphin design at a famous Italian fountain (forget the name of it) ... anyways, a replica of the fountain can be found in the back of the Italy pavilion at EPCOT ... exact same dolphins. So hey, the resort is more "cultured" than you'd think!

 

[JPVonDrake]

Does anyone know where I can find authoritative info on the max guests per room (basic) at these hotels? Is it 4 or 5? Too, I'm assuming since they do make it clear they are not Disney owned, staying there and then at a Disney hotel in the same trip wouldn't give you the option of transferring luggage like you would get with two Disney hotels? It's too late to call and ask tonight.

To answer your question...

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Standard View:
2 Double Beds - sleeps 4 (5 with rollaway) OR 1 King Bed - sleeps 2 (3 with rollaway)

Walt Disney World Swan

Standard View:
2 Queen Beds - sleeps 4 (no rollaway option)OR 1 King Bed - sleeps 2 (3 with rollaway)

As a courtesy, Disney's Bell Services will happily transport your luggage from a Disney owned Resort to the Swan or Dolphin. Swan/Dolphin Bell Services willl also gladly transport your luggage to any Disney owned Resort.

To confirm, Tishman Reality and Construction Corporation and Metlife own the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide manages the resorts.

 

[KeithVH]

To answer your question...

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Standard View:
2 Double Beds - sleeps 4 (5 with rollaway) OR 1 King Bed - sleeps 2 (3 with rollaway)

Walt Disney World Swan

Standard View:
2 Queen Beds - sleeps 4 (no rollaway option)OR 1 King Bed - sleeps 2 (3 with rollaway)

As a courtesy, Disney's Bell Services will happily transport your luggage from a Disney owned Resort to the Swan or Dolphin. Swan/Dolphin Bell Services willl also gladly transport your luggage to any Disney owned Resort.

To confirm, Tishman Reality and Construction Corporation and Metlife own the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide manages the resorts.

Wow. Thanks JP! Good news. This way I can take advantage of the Allears discount for the extra night we're arriving early for, drop the rental car off early right there at the hotel (National) save a day's rent and not have to worry about shuttling to the Car Center the next day. Coolness.

 

[KeithVH]

JP - can you confirm where you got the info above? I talked to the hotel and the rollaway is not an issue but Concierge says they can't xfer luggage between hotels. Maybe that was old info? I am bummed. Looking for options now.

 

[JPVonDrake]

All information I post is verified through Disney's "One Source" our database of product and service information for Cast Members to ensure accuracy.

Luggage transportation is complimentary between all resorts and hotels on Disney property, both Disney owned and official hotels. For the safety of all of our Guests and Cast, Disney does not allow Guests to transport luggage on Walt Disney World Motorcoaches.