Swan/Dolphin question

[disneygirl76]

Hi All! :wave:

Question for you about the Swan and Dolphin. When they opened, although being "Disney Resorts", I believe one was owned by the Westin and the other one, we can't remember. Is this still the way it is or are they true Disney Resorts now? If not, is either owned by the Marriott?

Thanks!
:wave:

 

[Master Yoda]

While I am not sure who currently owns them they are still not owned by Disney and they are not considered official Disney resorts. This currently boils down to no DDP, DME and if I am not mistaken no room charging.

 

[disneygirl76]

While I am not sure who currently owns them they are still not owned by Disney and they are not considered official Disney resorts. This currently boils down to no DDP, DME and if I am not mistaken no room charging.

Wow! non Dining Plan? I knew about room charging not being available and I know they do give EMH's. But I didn't know about the dining plan not being a vacation option. So you get the room seperate from the tickets too?

 

[I-4Warrior]

Neither are Disney owned, they are owned by Sheraton and Westin respectively. But at least you get extra magic hours and a killer location.

 

[Master Yoda]

Wow! non Dining Plan? I knew about room charging not being available and I know they do give EMH's. But I didn't know about the dining plan not being a vacation option. So you get the room seperate from the tickets too?

I believe so. Their computer system is separate from Disney's and pretty much everything that would involve accessing Disney's computers is a no go.

 

[bobjl527]

The are owned and managed by Starwood Resorts. The Swan is the Westin brand, while The Dolphin is the Sheraton brand. They pay for the right to be called Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin.

 

[worldfanatic]

While not owned by Disney. The buildings are pure Disney. I love them!
Michael Eisner, in fact, is the one that approved the designs. Over the objections of many who thought the architecture went way too far.
I prefer to stay at the proper Disney hotels, but I sure love visiting and enjoying the Swan & Dolphin. And Kimonos is a true Gem!!

 

[lives4disney]

Hi, as a previous poster stated they are owned by Starwood, not Marriot.

You don't get the dining plan or DME, but you do have EMH and package delivery to the resort. If you drive to the parks you can get a parking pass for free parking. I agree, the S/D location is fantastic for a great room rate. We don't do the DDP, I have a TiW card that I really love. More freedom IMO than the DDP.

To answer another question, the keys will be separate from the park tickets.

If you are thinking of staying at the S/D, you should join the SPG rewards program. (Starwood Preferred Guest) It is free to join, and you earn points toward stays at any Starwood property - including more S/D stays. Plus SPG members will get automatic free upgrades if available and at some Starwood resorts special amenities in the rooms.

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/index.html

Happy travels,
Lives4Disney

 

[surfsupdon]

They are not Disney and you WILL notice a difference.

But it's still a really nice place to stay, we just do not prefer it.

 

[Kadee]

They are not Disney and you WILL notice a difference.

But it's still a really nice place to stay, we just do not prefer it.

One of those differences is the beds! Ones you can actually sleep on! They beat Disney beds HANDS DOWN!!! They are called Heavenly Beds.... very fitting name!

 

[ewensell3]

Hi, as a previous poster stated they are owned by Starwood, not Marriot.
... If you drive to the parks you can get a parking pass for free parking.

But you will be charged $10/day for parking at the hotel.

Edit - Although even with the parking and the "Resort Fee", you still end up with a "deluxe" location for a "moderate" price (high-end moderate).

 

[ewensell3]

Wow! non Dining Plan?

For what it's worth, The Swan/Dolphin now offers it's own dining plan. From the website:

Be among the first to book our new dining package! Book a two night minimum stay, and for an additional $89 per adult / per day, (minimum two adults) enjoy breakfast and dinner (tax and gratuity included) in several of the resort's world-class restaurants.* From Todd English’s bluezoo, to Shula’s Steak House, Il Mulino New York Trattoria and others, delight in the award-winning dining options that the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is known for.

Children age 12 and under receive complimentary breakfast and dinner when accompanied by a paying adult (one child per adult).

 

[lives4disney]

But you will be charged $10/day for parking at the hotel.

Edit - Although even with the parking and the "Resort Fee", you still end up with a "deluxe" location for a "moderate" price (high-end moderate).

Righto. :animwink: S/D still offers great price and fabulous location and deluxe amenities.

The beds ARE heavenly. I prefer the Swan for queen beds...I really do NOT like the double beds at the Dolphin. Even my kids don't sleep well in a double bed. Double beds have kept us out of the Disney moderates.

Happy travels,
Lives4Disney