Why are Swan and Dolphin not Disney?

The Swan was managed by Westin Hotels & Resorts, and the Dolphin by Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. Eisner had used Graves for other company projects and wanted to continue to build striking, unique buildings. Tishman and MetLife own the buildings, but have a 99-year lease on the land from Disney.



The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin resorts occupy a unique "middle ground" in Orlando because they are privately owned and operated, despite being located on Disney property. The hotels are owned by Tishman Hotel Corporation and MetLife, and they are managed by Marriott International (specifically under the Westin and Sheraton brands). This partnership dates back to the late 1980s when then-CEO Michael Eisner wanted to expand hotel capacity quickly using outside capital. Because they are not "Disney-owned," they have a slightly more "corporate" feel than themed resorts like the Grand Floridian. However, they are considered "Official Disney World Hotels," meaning guests still receive almost all the "gold standard" perks, such as Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours for Deluxe guests. The biggest difference for travelers in 2026 is the booking process: you can use Marriott Bonvoy points to stay there, but you cannot use the Disney Dining Plan, and they utilize their own bus system rather than the standard Disney Transport buses for park transit (though you can still walk or take a boat to Epcot and Hollywood Studios).

People Also Ask

If you make the reservation through the Swan & Dolphin website, you'll need to link it yourself using your confirmation number. However, Disney has made that process very easy: your Swan, Dolphin, or Swan Reserve reservation confirmation number can be entered directly into MDE to link your reservation.

MORE DETAILS

The Dolphin's rooms are a bit larger than those at the Swan, accommodating up to two adults and three children. Families will appreciate that some rooms come with a sofa bed. For those who want more space, the Dolphin offers two-bedroom suites.

MORE DETAILS

Walt Disney World Resort has re-branded Extra Magic Hours. They are now known as Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Theme Park Hours. Guests of Walt Disney World Dolphin, Swan, and Swan Reserve hotels are invited to participate in Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Theme Park Hours.

MORE DETAILS

Epcot®: Walking: When exiting behind the Swan resort, bear to your right and walk to Disney's BoardWalk Resorts. Walk on the boardwalk until it ends and bear to the right until you reach Epcot. Walking time is approximately 10-15 minutes.

MORE DETAILS

If you're heading to EPCOT, the Dolphin is maybe a few minutes closer and if you're heading to Hollywood Studios, the Swan might be a step or two closer.

MORE DETAILS

Yes the pool is shared between the dolphin and swan resorts.

MORE DETAILS

# 1 -The Grotto Pool Both the Swan and Dolphin have their own quiet pools and hot tubs, but the main pool is one they share and it has some really cool features. The Grotto Pool is by the Dolphin and has actual seating in its very large grotto area, along with a slide and two separate areas of the pool to enjoy.

MORE DETAILS

It is owned by The Oriental Land Company, which licenses intellectual property from The Walt Disney Company. Tokyo Disneyland and its companion park, Tokyo DisneySea, are the only Disney parks in the world not owned or operated by The Walt Disney Company in any capacity.

MORE DETAILS

The Versatile, Oversized Alternative. Executive Suites, located at the Walt Disney World Swan, provide a spacious alternative to a standard guestroom, with comfortable bedding and a distinct living area, perfect for work or family gatherings.

MORE DETAILS

In the first five years, four of their six original dolphins had died. Three of the deaths were believed to have been caused by or contributed to by an aggressive tank mate named Bob. Epcot currently holds three remaining captive dolphins.

MORE DETAILS

Can you see fireworks from the Swan and Dolphin? Yes. The hotels are located about midway between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. All three hotels offer at least a few rooms with views of fireworks.

MORE DETAILS

The Swan and Dolphin use the standard Disney bus transportation system, so you should find it to be pretty reliable. The bus ride to the Magic Kingdom should take about 20 to 25 minutes, but remember that the wait time could be up to 20 minutes as well. On the positive side, when you arrive you are a quick walk in.

MORE DETAILS

The walk from the Resort Area to Hollywood Studios follows along the east (right on the map) side of the narrow body of water running from the Resort Area, between the Walt Disney World Swan Resort and Disney's Boardwalk Inn and Villas, under E. Buena Vista Dr. to Hollywood Studios.

MORE DETAILS

It's also less than 20-30 minute walk from Dolphin to Epcot/Hollywood Studios. For Animal Kingdom / Magic Kingdom - Walk to the bus stop in front of the Boardwalk hotel, as the Disney buses are quicker than the ones the Dolphin provides.

MORE DETAILS

Guests of Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa have an entrance right into Disney California Adventure Park. And Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel now has its own entrance into Disney California Adventure Park, as well!

MORE DETAILS

It is roughly a 1/2 mile from the WDW Swan/Dolphin Hotels to Hollywood Studios, walking would be a little quicker than the boat, as the boat would make stops at the Yacht/Beach Club, Broadwalk and then the Swan/Dolphin. It's a pleasant walk.

MORE DETAILS