Do Swan and Dolphin guests get Extra Magic Hours? (and other benefits)

[KentB3]

I was wondering if guests at the Swan and Dolphin hotels get any of the added benefits that Disney resort guests get; such as Extra Magic Hours, transportation to the theme parks, and free parking. Although the Swan is owned by Sheraton and Dolphin by Westin, I do know that WDW handles making their hotel room reservations for guests, as well as offering daily character dining.

 

[SpenceMan01]

I can give you a qualified "yes".

From the 2005 Unofficial Guide: "Disney World lodging guests (excluding guests at the independent hotels of Downtown Disney Resort Area, except for the Hilton) are invited to enter a designated park one hour earlier than the general public each day."

Granted, this was before the current version of EMH was introduced, but Swan and Dolphin guests should still be able to make use of EMH. I do know that Disney transportation services these hotels too. We took the boat from MGM to Epcot and we made a stop there on the way. I am pretty sure that busses stop stop there too (maybe Invero can back me up on this).

 

[wdwmagic]

Yes there is full Disney transportation (buses, boats, walkways) to all Disney parks, water parks, Downtown Disney etc.

You also can use EMH, both in the morning and evening.

Items purchased in the park can also be delivered.

There is no Magical Express service however.

Both hotels are also operated by Westin, not just the Dolphin.

 

[KentB3]

I find it unusual that Swan and Dolphin offer EMH and transportation to the parks, while the other non-Disney-owned hotels don't offer these guest perks.
Anyone know how that got arranged for the Swan and Dolphin, but none of the others?

 

[wdwmagic]

I find it unusual that Swan and Dolphin offer EMH and transportation to the parks, while the other non-Disney-owned hotels don't offer these guest perks.
Anyone know how that got arranged for the Swan and Dolphin, but none of the others?

The Disney/Westin relationship with the Swolphin is rather unique. Westin operate the hotel on Disney's behalf, but Disney own much of the rights to the hotel.

 

[ogryn]

Looking at my latest brochure, you cannot charge items to your room at the Swan/Dolphin

 

[wdwmagic]

Looking at my latest brochure, you cannot charge items to your room at the Swan/Dolphin

Thats right, you cant charge park purchases to the room. You can however room charge food and merchandise purchased at the Swan or Dolphin.

 

[luvorlando]

WDW Transportation - yes

EMH - yes

Magical Express - no

WDW purchases charged to room - no

Swan/Dolphin purchases charged to room (including Disney gift shops) - yes

Package delivery from WDW to hotel - yes

Free parking at parks - yes

Free parking at hotel - no

 

[dave2822]

In fact, not only do you get the Disney transportation, but the walkways to EPCOT and MGM are grrreeaaattttt.

Especially when you are in a hurry, when those boats seem to move awfully slowly :lookaroun

 

[Moustronaut]

Free parking at hotel - no

Since when?? When I was at the Dolphin two years ago you could park at the hotel for free.

 

[Disneyfan1981]

When I was planning my honeymoon we considered these two hotels and I remember looking through the Planning guides and stated you couldn't have things sent to your room from the parks, did that change?

 

[wdwmagic]

When I was planning my honeymoon we considered these two hotels and I remember looking through the Planning guides and stated you couldn't have things sent to your room from the parks, did that change?

You cant have them sent to your room, but like the other Disney resorts, you can have them sent to the resort gift shop for you to pick them up. The actual gift shop inide the Swan/Dolphin is ran by Disney, and has Disney CMs.

 

[luvorlando]

Since when?? When I was at the Dolphin two years ago you could park at the hotel for free.

The $7 daily self parking fee is a very recent happening for the Swan and Dolphin.

 

[The Mom]

The $7 daily self parking fee is a very recent happening for the Swan and Dolphin.

I can't imagine why they've started charging for parking. Does anyone know what the daily valet parking fee might be?

BTW, this is an added expense for us, as I usually valet park, but my husband (who tends to join us later) self parks.

 

[jesserin]

$14 - for valet and $7 for all day self park... crazy huh? I half feel like parking my car at the boardwalk and just walking...