How to Use Credit Card Points to Pay for Your Hotel at Disney World

Attention Marriott Bonvoy Members: Did you know that you can use your membership points to pay for a hotel room ON Disney property? On top of that, if you have a Marriott Credit Card, you can pay for your room solely with credit card points!

So, how can this be? Well, 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.

The Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program was formed in February 2019, emerging from a merger of the parent brand’s previous three former rewards programs: Marriott Rewards, Ritz-Carlton Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest. Members can use Bonvoy points to book rooms at the Swan & Dolphin, and will earn Bonvoy points for stays at the resorts. Typically, a night at the Disney property hotels will cost a member about 40,000 – 60,000 points, though some peak times can get as high as 80,000.

However, Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card holders can earn even more points. For starters, as seen below, each level of credit card comes with a certain number of points upon sign-up and approval.

From there, Bonvoy Cardholders earn further points in several ways, including:

• Earning up to 17 total Marriott Bonvoy®points for every $1 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• Earning 3 Marriott Bonvoy points for every $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases annually on gas stations, grocery stores and dining.
• Earning 2 Marriott Bonvoy points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

If you do use Bonvoy points to stay at the Swan & Dolphin, you’ll also be eligible for Deluxe Tier Disney Resort perks like:

• 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.

Marriott Bonvoy Members can use their points to stay at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels while still having access to the on-property Disney perks. Stay tuned to AllEars for more on Disney’s hotel options!

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Have you ever stayed at the Swan or Dolphin? Let us know in the comments below.