What you didn’t know about staying there

While we did stay at the Walt Disney World Dolphin, you will find that our discussion will apply to the Walt Disney World Swan as well. 

So many have asked whether the Walt Disney World Dolphin and Swan Resorts are owned by Disney.  The simple answer is no. Marriott International, Inc. manages both results as well as the newly-opened Walt Disney World Swan Reserve.

However, the resorts are on Disney property (located in the Epcot Resort area) and visitors can enjoy the many benefits Disney offers to guests staying on their property. For instance,

Free transportation around Walt Disney World.

*Buses to the various parks stop in front of the resorts.

*There is a ferry that stops between the Dolphin and Swan Resorts that takes you to the Boardwalk, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts.

* You can catch the ferry to Hollywood Studios and take a ride on the Skyliner (if you have some free time, ride the Skyliner just for the fun of it)

* You can transfer to the Monorail (great to ride if you have some free time) from the following locations: Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and the Transportation and Ticket Center.

Ability to take part in advanced dining reservations.

*You can make Disney World dining reservations for your trip starting 60 days in advance.  Even though this is available for all guests regardless of where they are staying, Disney Resort guests including those staying at the Dolphin and Swan can make dining reservations for their entire stay as opposed to only making reservations for one day at a time.

Close proximity to Disney’s Boardwalk, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts and other great activities

*Disney’s Boardwalk has the feel of those iconic boardwalks found in coastal cities around the United States.  Here you will find dining, shops and a jumping nightlife. The Boardwalk is just a five-minute walk from the Dolphin and Swan or you can take the ferry there.

*If you feel like walking, you can take a stroll to Epcot or Hollywood Studios.  Hollywood Studios is a bit further, but if you are up for the walk then by all means go for it.

*Disney’s Yacht Club, Beach Club, and Boardwalk Resorts are within a five-minute walk.  You can enjoy the amenities each resort has to offer.

Enjoy other benefits:

* With your theme park tickets, you will get to experience Extra Magic Hours. You can access one of the four Walt Disney World theme parks when they open one hour early or remain open up to two hours after regular park closing time.

*Priority access to Disney’s Lightning Lane service. This allows you to reserve access to some of your must-do experiences.

*Complimentary parking at Disney Theme parks with a valid room key.

*Complimentary package delivery of purchases made in Disney gift stores and shops back to the resort

What will you find on-site? There are many amenities for all kinds of budgets:

18 restaurants and lounges

Five swimming pools

Mandara Spa

Jogging trails

Health clubs

Paddleboat rentals

Camp Dolphin supervised children’s activities

Beachside playground

Game rooms

Great view of Epcot

You will definitely like staying at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts.   In November, 2021 a new resort across the street opened: Walt Disney World Swan Reserve.  You will now have 3 hotels to choose from. Even though not owned by Disney, you will experience the many benefits of staying at a Walt Disney World Resort. We highly recommend staying there.

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