| I am a Disney Freak. Yes, I am proud of it and wear | | | | perks that Disney onsite guests receive. They are |
| the title proudly. Disney is a pilgrimage we make at | | | | entitled to the EMH (extra magic hours) which |
| least once a year. We have been there over 30 | | | | enables guests of Disney resorts and a select few |
| times, and have planned numerous trips for others. | | | | others to enter certain parks 1 hour early or stay |
| Besides, the mug controversy and the people in a | | | | after parking closing up to 3 hours later. This is great |
| room controversy, the thing we hear most about is | | | | for the summer when the parks are crowded and |
| the Swan and Dolphin vs. the Disney resorts. We | | | | only onsite guests are allowed to enter a park. |
| have stayed at both Disney resorts and the Swan | | | | Recently they have been using room keys as a way |
| and Dolphin and after staying at the Swan and | | | | of making sure that only onsite guests get on rides |
| Dolphin over 20 of those times, these two resorts | | | | during that time. Another special perk is the use of |
| can't be beat. Yes, the Swan and Dolphin are NOT | | | | Disney transportation to and from your hotel. The |
| Disney owned resorts; the land they sit on is leased | | | | Swan and Dolphin resorts are nestled between the |
| to Starwood by Disney. Both hotels were designed | | | | Disney Studios and the World Showcase in Epcot. As |
| by postmodernist architect Michael Graves, and are | | | | a matter of fact, you can walk to both parks in less |
| considered Deluxe resorts. They have 2,500 rooms | | | | than 10 minutes, but there is a water taxi that takes |
| and suites, seventeen restaurants and lounges | | | | you to both if you want a leisurely ride. The |
| (including one character meal, Todd English's Blue Zoo, | | | | Boardwalk entertainment complex, the Beach Club |
| Shula's Steak House etc...), many shops, five | | | | and Yacht club resorts are within a five minute walk. |
| swimming pools, two health clubs, spa, Kids Clubs, | | | | How much more immersed can you be than next |
| business center, five nearby golf courses and a | | | | door to two deluxe Disney resorts and all their |
| miniature golf course, and much more. If you need to | | | | amenities plus between two Disney Parks (Epcot and |
| leave the property at any time a Mears Limo or | | | | The Studios) |
| Towncar is available for hire at the valet stand. | | | | The Swan and Dolphin also have specials and |
| The rooms are roomy and bright, and were designed | | | | discounts not offered by Disney resorts. Recently |
| with special touches by Michael Graves. Their | | | | they had a "get a room for regular price and the |
| Heavenly Beds are just that..heavenly. You won't | | | | second room was $99" special. They also offer |
| want to get out of them quickly. Many of the rooms | | | | special rates to teachers and nurses with proper |
| overlook Disney fireworks. On our July visit last year, | | | | documentation. For teachers, it includes administrators |
| we had a magnificent room. From the window at one | | | | and school personnel. They are just now finishing a |
| end of the corridor we could see the Epcot | | | | military promotion. Swan and Dolphin guests can also |
| fireworks, from the window on the other end of the | | | | take advantage of American Automobile Assoc. and |
| corridor we could see The Studio fireworks, and | | | | the Canadian Automobile Assoc. discounts as well as, |
| finally from our balcony we could se Wishes off in | | | | Entertainment rate discounts and coupons. |
| the distance. At one point we did not know which | | | | Now what is it about the Swan and Dolphin Resorts |
| way to watch! The Swan and Dolphin have | | | | that differs from Disney resorts? You can not charge |
| exceptional service, from check in to check out. | | | | purchases to your resort key. Purchases at the park |
| There is a Disney desk in both lobbies of each hotel | | | | can not be put on your room key, but must be paid |
| as well as a concierge desk to help with reservations | | | | separately. You can not participate in the Disney |
| and other needs you may have. Packages delivery | | | | Dinning plan or the Magical Express. Mickey Mouse is |
| from the parks can be done until the day before you | | | | not available to make wake up calls in the morning. If |
| leave and items can be picked up at the Disney store | | | | these things are critical to your enjoyment then by all |
| in the hotel. | | | | means do not stay here. Disney has plenty of |
| Guests of the Swan and Dolphin get many of the | | | | options for everyone. |