Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel551

Part of the Epcot resorts area, the Swan and Dolphin hotels, cater to an older crowd as a general rule, though younger Disney fans are certainly accommodated.

While on Disney property, the hotels are actually operated by Starwood Hotels and, as such, feature a comfy standard - the "Heavenly Bed" - which is comprised of a pillow-top mattress, a white goose-down comforter, 250 thread-count sheets, and five overstuffed pillows. The rooms also include a mini-bar, an in-room safe, a color/cable TV with remote control (Disney channels dominate, as might be expected), two dual-line telephones (one cordless) with voice mail messaging and data port, a hair dryer, a lighted make-up mirror, an iron and ironing board, high-speed internet access (ethernet cord provided, a daily charge applies), an in-room coffee maker, in-house movies (charges apply), and a Sony PlayStation system (charges apply).

Swan beds are a smidge larger than the beds at the Dolphin, but everything else at the Dolphin is bigger, including the hotel itself.

The hotels share a three-acre grotto pool with tropical waterfall and water slide (it's closer to the Dolphin), Swan boat rentals (ditto), two poolside restaurants, a water volleyball set-up, two lap pools, four whirlpools, a kiddie pool, basketball hoops, and two sand volleyball courts.

The Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course is also very close by.

Open nightly from 5:30pm-12m, Camp Dolphin (for kids ages four to 12) offers fully supervised programs, including arts, crafts, movies, a video arcade, and a special dinner program. Advance reservations are required. Parents with younger children can call 407.828.0920 to request an in-room sitter.

The hotels share several restaurants, running the gamut from high priced "designer" establishments to soda fountain/fast food. The Disney Boardwalk, which boasts a few more restaurants, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios are a boat ride or walk away.

Room service includes less expensive children's menu items, but these must be written in if you use the breakfast form.

We found the rooms left a lot to be desired in terms of sound proofing - children screaming down the hallways resonated throughout the floor, and we could hear each and every shower taken by our neighbors.