I Didn’t Want To Tell You About My Favorite Disney World Hotel Hack, But My Editor Is Making Me Do It

When staying at Walt Disney World, many guests believe that they need to choose between staying with their usual hotel brand — and utilizing hard-earned points — OR staying at a Disney resort to access all of the perks that come with staying on Disney property. However, Marriott Bonvoy members can make like Hannah Montana and have the BEST OF BOTH WORLDS at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin.

In my 30+ years of traveling — both to Walt Disney World and other destinations — I’ve stayed at all kinds of hotels, and taken advantage of all kinds of perks. However, very few quite reach this level.

For those unaware, despite being located on Walt Disney World property,  the Swan and Dolphin are not Disney-owned hotels. The Michael Graves-designed hotels were initially part of a joint venture between Disney, the developer Tishman, insurance company MetLife, and Starwood Hotels and Resorts. The hotels are currently operated by Marriott’s Sheraton Hotels and Resorts brand, after Marriott acquired Starwood in 2016.

That’s why rooms at the hotels can be booked using Marriott Bonvoy points, and stays at the hotel will also Bonvoy points for members. In addition, exclusive rates are available to members, as well.

However, thanks to the deal with Disney, guests at the Swan and Dolphin also have access to all of the hotel perks usually reserved for guests at Deluxe Tier Disney hotels including:

• The ability to book Lightning Lanes 7 days in advance
• Early Entry to Disney’s theme parks.
• Extended Hours at select Disney theme parks.
• Complimentary transportation.
• On-site and online Disney tickets.
• Advance tee times at Disney golf courses.

The ability to use Bonvoy Points while also having access to Deluxe Tier Disney perks is one of the many benefits of staying at the Swan and Dolphin.

Discount Offers

Often, the hotels offer a major discounts throughout the year. For example, currently Florida residents can ave Up To 30% off on their stay. The full list of current Swan and Dolphin offers can be found here.

Special Events

The hotels also offer seasonal special events, often tied to Walt Disney World Celebrations. These include Halloween Weekend, which offers:

• Mystical face painting.
• A scavenger hunt adventure.
• An inflatable maze.
• Arts and crafts.
• Hair braiding.
• A Poolside DJ who “spins a sinister selection of monstrous mashups.”
• Trick or Treating.
• Costume contests for both kids and adults.

There’s also the Food & Wine Classic, an event that pairs with EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival and features “gourmet cuisine from award-winning chefs, paired with fine wines, beers, and spirits from around the world. Set against the backdrop of a beautiful resort, the event offers live entertainment, seminars, and fireworks to complete the experience.”

Finally, the Swan and Dolphin caps the year off with a Christmas celebration that dubs the hotels “Santa’s Favorite Resort.” The event features Mrs. Claus and her special Elf Kandy Kane spending time at their special Santa’s Holiday Hangout by the Swan pool, waiting for Santa to arrive.

If you’re looking to access all of Disney’s Deluxe Tier perks while still utilizing your Marriott points, look into the Swan and Dolphin immediately! Stay tuned to AllEars for more!

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Have you used Marriott points at the Swan and Dolphin? Let us know in the comments below.

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