The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin are on Disney property, but not owned or operated by Disney. They are operated by Starwood, which runs the Sheraton and Westin hotels.

The Swan and Dolphin are located very near Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios and there is Disney boat transportation provided to both parks, plus you have access to the entire official Disney transportation system. Their location is outstanding and the hotels themselves rival the Disney Deluxe resorts in amenities and services, though not in theming.

Swan and Dolphin guests get some of the same "perks" as Disney resort guests, but there are differences. When staying at the Swan and Dolphin you can participate in the Extra Magic Hours program, you get free parking at the theme parks (just show your room key) and you can get package delivery from the theme parks to the hotel. However, you cannot charge items in the parks to your room key, and guests of the Swan and Dolphin do NOT qualify for Disney's Magical Express.

The Swan and Dolphin are similar in decor, though the Dolphin has a more spectacular lobby. The beach-themed decor of both hotels is extremely bright and lively, and clearly a great deal of money has been poured into it -- it's just not to everyone's taste (deep colors, whimsical, a little "loud"). I personally think it's very much in the Disney vein.

The 12-story Swan is smaller, with about 750 rooms, while the 27-story Dolphin has about 1500 rooms. They are both convention hotels, and at times you may find large numbers of convention-goers in the public spaces, though the hotels do their best to minimize contact between convention attendees and leisure guests.

Both hotels have multiple full-service restaurants and lounges (totaling over 15 options) in a variety of price ranges and in every style from casual to elegant, plus 24-hour room service. A couple of the restaurants offer character meals. You can buy refillable mugs.

The Swan and Dolphin share a spectacular pool complex including a grotto pool that is on par with some of the Disney Deluxe resort pools, plus two lap pools, two hot tubs, a kiddie pool and a kids' water play area (sand with water sprinkler).

The hotels have all of the high-end facilities you would expect from a large resort/convention hotel, including an outstanding, fully-equipped health club at the Dolphin and a smaller fitness center at the Swan, tennis, volleyball, jogging trail, paddle boat rentals, spa/massage, beauty salon, shops, laundry service, self-serve laundry, supervised children's program (Camp Dolphin), children's play area, and more.

Standard rooms are attractively furnished, with two oversized double beds (Dolphin) or two Queen beds (Swan) or a King bed (either hotel), plus either a sofa or side chair. Rooms can sleep five if you request a rollaway (there is an extra charge per night). A hairdryer, coffee maker, ironing board, iron, safe and minibar are provided in all Swan and Dolphin rooms.

The Swan rooms have two vanities (sinks), one of which is outside the bathroom, while the Dolphin rooms have only one vanity. Beds at both hotels have been upgraded to the Westin "Heavenly Bed" standard, which includes a pillow top mattress, triple sheeting, down blanket and comforter, and goose down/feather pillows.

There are a variety of room upgrade options at an additional cost, including lake view, resort view or balcony rooms. The Swan offers a reasonably-priced "Junior Suite" that is basically an oversized hotel room (no separate rooms). Both hotels also offer true suites (called Executive Suites), with one or more bedrooms and a parlor, which are extremely pricey.

A mandatory $10 (plus tax) daily resort fee is added to your rate at the Swan and Dolphin hotels. This includes:

• in-room high-speed Internet access
• up to 60 minutes of free local telephone calls, toll free and credit card access calls per day
• 20 minutes of domestic long distance per day
• unlimited access to the resort's health club facilities
• two bottles of water per day
• daily newspaper and in-room coffee

These two resorts offer self-parking at $9 per day, or you can use valet parking for $16 per night ($12 for day valet) plus tip. (If you are dining at bluezoo or Shula's Steakhouse at the Dolphin, day valet parking is free with validation.) There is an Alamo/National rental car location at the Swan and Dolphin.

The Swan is a totally non-smoking hotel.

Swan/Dolphin Specials and Deals

Please note: tax and gratuities are not included in the offers below. All are subject to availability and subject to change without notice.

Starwood Web Site Specials

One of the best places to check is always the Starwood web site, which often has the best deals:

• Walt Disney World Dolphin - click on "Hotel Offers" in the upper right

• Walt Disney World Swan - click on "Hotel Offers" in the upper right

AAA Rates

The Swan and Dolphin almost always offer modest discounts to AAA (American Automobile Association) and CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) members. You'll have to present your membership card at check-in.

To book the AAA rates:

• Walt Disney World Dolphin - Click on the Reserve button. On the next page, on the left side under Rate Preferences, use the pull-down menu to select Automobile Association, and click Search.

• Walt Disney World Swan - Click on the Reserve button. On the next page, on the left side under Rate Preferences, use the pull-down menu to select Automobile Association, and click Search.

Florida Resident Rates

The Swan and Dolphin often offer substantial discounts to Florida residents. These rates are not always offered and may be "blacked out" (unavailable) during peak periods, holidays, etc. You must show your valid Florida ID at check-in.

To book the Florida resident rates:

• Walt Disney World Dolphin - click on "Hotel Offers" in the upper right, then select Florida Residents Special

• Walt Disney World Swan - click on "Hotel Offers" in the upper right, then select Florida Residents Special

Senior Rates

Special rates are available for those who are members of AARP (which you can join if you are 50 or older). These rates are not always offered and may be "blacked out" (unavailable) during peak periods, holidays, etc.

To book the AARP rates:

• Walt Disney World Dolphin - Click on the Reserve button. On the next page, on the left side under Rate Preferences, use the pull-down menu to select Senior Discount, and click Search.

• Walt Disney World Swan - Click on the Reserve button. On the next page, on the left side under Rate Preferences, use the pull-down menu to select Senior Discount, and click Search.

Government Employee Rates

US Federal and State employees, Amtrak employees, and Canadian Provincial employees qualify for discounted rates at the Swan and Dolphin. These rates are not always offered and may be "blacked out" (unavailable) during peak periods, holidays, etc. Government ID must be shown at check-in.

To book the Government Employee rates:

• Walt Disney World Dolphin - Click on the Reserve button. On the next page, on the left side under Rate Preferences, use the pull-down menu to select Government Employee, and click Search.

• Walt Disney World Swan - Click on the Reserve button. On the next page, on the left side under Rate Preferences, use the pull-down menu to select Government Employee, and click Search.

Direct Hotel Specials

You must book the rates below directly through the hotel at (888) 828-8850. Ask for the appropriate rate code.

• Complimentary room on your birthday with a minimum 3-night stay. Must present valid drivers license, passport or birth certificate to verify birth date. Offer valid through 12/31/09. Rate code BDAY. Plus, dine in one of the resort’s signature, award-winning restaurants (Todd English’s bluezoo, Shula’s Steak House, or Il Mulino New York Trattoria) and receive a complimentary birthday cake.

• Memorial Day special: rates from $169 per night from 5/20/09-5/27/09. Rate code EMEM.

• Summer special: rates from $149 per night from 8/19/09-9/11/09. Rate code ESUM.

• Fall special: rates from $149 per night from 9/25/09-10/2/09. Rate code EFALL.

• December special: rates from $149 per night from 12/13/09-12/21/09. Rate code EDEC9.

Entertainment Book Rates

When available, the Entertainment Book rate is 50% off the "rack rates" (the highest possible rates) at the Swan and Dolphin resorts. Sometimes this is a deal, often it's not. These rates are not always offered and are frequently "blacked out" (unavailable) during peak periods, holidays, etc.

The Swan and Dolphin are not listed in every edition of the book, but the discount still applies, when rooms are available. You do not need a coupon from the book, but you will have to show your Entertainment card at check-in.

You must book these rates directly through the hotel at (888) 828-8850. Ask for the Entertainment Book rates.

Annual Passholder Rates

The Swan and Dolphin usually offer substantial discounts to Walt Disney World Annual Passholders. These rates are not always offered and are frequently "blacked out" (unavailable) during peak periods, holidays, etc. You must show your Annual Pass at check-in.

You must book these rates directly through the hotel at (888) 828-8850. Ask for rate code AP.

Military Rates

Active or retired US military personnel, including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reservists qualify for discounted rates at the Swan and Dolphin. These rates are not always offered and are frequently "blacked out" (unavailable) during peak periods, holidays, etc. Proper ID must be shown at check-in.

You must book these rates directly through the hotel at (888) 828-8850. Ask for rate code TROOPS.

Nurse Rates

Nurses qualify for discounted rates at the Swan and Dolphin. These rates are not always offered and are frequently "blacked out" (unavailable) during peak periods, holidays, etc. Proper ID and/or most recent paycheck stub proving employment must be shown at check-in.

You must book these rates directly through the hotel at (888) 828-8850. Ask for rate code NURSE.

Teacher Rates

Certified school teachers and school support staff qualify for discounted rates at the Swan and Dolphin. These rates are not always offered and are frequently "blacked out" (unavailable) during peak periods, holidays, etc. Proper ID and/or most recent paycheck stub proving employment must be shown at check-in.

You must book these rates directly through the hotel at (888) 828-8850. Ask for rate code TEACH.

Starpoints Redemption Offers

Since the Swan and Dolphin are part of the Starwood hotel chain, you may want to join the Starwood Preferred Guest program for free. This allows you to accumulate Starpoints that can be redeemed for hotel stays, hotel restaurant discounts, etc. Also, Preferred Guest members are more likely to get free upgrades at check-in.

Two great ways to get extra Starpoints faster:

• Get a Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express, which allows you to earn one Starpoint for each eligible dollar spent -- a great way to build up your points painlessly. You can earn up to 25,000 bonus Starpoints in your account in the first year!

• You can also transfer points to Starwood from American Express Membership Rewards.

Some of the Starpoints awards that are worth considering for stays at Swan and Dolphin:

• 50% Off Regular Rates awards allow you to redeem 1000 Starpoints and stay at the Swan or Dolphin for up to five consecutive nights for 50% off the rack rate. Thanks to Stacey D for info.

• Free Nights with No Blackouts awards allow you to redeem 10,000 Starpoints per night for a free night at the Swan or Dolphin. Plus, redeem points for 4 nights and get the 5th night FREE!

• Nights & Flights II awards allow you to redeem 70,000 Starwood points and receive 50,000 airline miles and 5 free nights in a Category 4 hotel. The Swan and Dolphin are Category 4 hotels and 50,000 airline miles is enough on most airlines for 2 roundtrip coach tickets in the continental US. Thanks to Dan B for info.

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