Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida and wondering if the Swan and Dolphin Resort is a Disney resort? The answer is yes and no!
Confused? Let’s dive deeper into this topic.
What is the Swan and Dolphin Resort?
The Swan and Dolphin Resort is a hotel complex located near Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World in Florida. This resort is run by Marriott International, but it has a unique history that ties it to Disney.
The History of the Swan and Dolphin Resort
In the 1980s, Walt Disney World was expanding, and they needed more hotel rooms to accommodate guests. However, at that time, Disney was not allowed to own or operate hotels outside of their theme parks. So, to get around this restriction, they entered into a partnership with Tishman Hotel Corporation to build two hotels on Disney property – one shaped like a swan and the other like a dolphin.
These hotels opened in 1990 as the Walt Disney World Swan and Walt Disney World Dolphin resorts. However, in 2005, Marriott International bought both hotels from Tishman Hotel Corporation.
Is the Swan and Dolphin Resort a Disney Resort?
While the Swan and Dolphin Resort was originally built as part of the Walt Disney World property, it is not owned or operated by The Walt Disney Company. Therefore, it is technically not considered an official “Disney resort.”
However, there are some benefits to staying at the Swan and Dolphin that make it feel like part of the larger Disney experience. For example:
- The resort offers transportation options that connect guests to all four theme parks, two water parks, and other attractions within Walt Disney World.
- The hotel features character dining experiences with some classic Disney characters such as Goofy.
- The resort has access to Extra Magic Hours, which allow guests to enter the theme parks early or stay late on select days.
Conclusion
In summary, the Swan and Dolphin Resort is not officially a Disney resort but offers many of the same perks and benefits that guests can expect from a Disney-owned hotel. So, if you are looking for a place to stay near Walt Disney World that has a touch of Disney magic but is not as pricey as some of the official resorts, the Swan and Dolphin may be the perfect choice for you!