If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World, you may be wondering if the Swan and Dolphin hotels are considered Disney resorts. While they are located on Disney property and offer some of the same perks as Disney resorts, there are some important differences to keep in mind.
Location
The Swan and Dolphin hotels are located on Disney property, just a short walk or boat ride away from Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They are situated in the Epcot resort area, which also includes several other hotels such as the BoardWalk Inn and Beach Club Resort.
Ownership
Unlike other hotels on Disney property, the Swan and Dolphin are not owned and operated by Disney. Instead, they are both owned by different companies – the Swan is owned by Westin Hotels & Resorts, while the Dolphin is owned by Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. However, they do have a partnership with Disney that allows them to offer some of the same benefits as official Disney resorts.
Perks
Guests staying at the Swan and Dolphin can take advantage of several perks that are similar to those offered at official Disney resorts. These include:
- Free transportation to all four theme parks via bus or boat
- Extra Magic Hours – guests can enter select parks before or after regular operating hours
- Advance FastPass+ reservations – guests can book FastPass+ attractions up to 60 days in advance
- The ability to charge purchases made in the parks directly to your room
- The option to purchase a dining plan
Differences
While there are many similarities between staying at the Swan and Dolphin versus an official Disney resort, there are also some notable differences:
- Disney’s Magical Express – this complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport is only available to guests staying at official Disney resorts
- Package delivery – guests staying at official Disney resorts can have purchases made in the parks delivered directly to their hotel, while this service is not offered at the Swan and Dolphin
- Disney theming – while the Swan and Dolphin have their own unique theming, they do not have the same level of Disney theming found at official Disney resorts
- Access to certain hotel amenities – some amenities such as certain pools or restaurants may be reserved exclusively for guests of specific hotels, including some official Disney resorts
Conclusion
So, is the Swan and Dolphin considered a Disney resort? The answer is both yes and no.
While they are located on Disney property and offer many of the same benefits as official Disney resorts, they are not owned and operated by Disney and there are some important differences to keep in mind. Ultimately, whether you choose to stay at the Swan and Dolphin or an official Disney resort will depend on your individual preferences and priorities.