Disney resort hotels are designed to provide a lot more than a pillow beneath guests’ heads. They are created to immerse guests in a continuation of the worry-free vacation magic and adventures of the Disney parks. Thus the hotels have themes celebrating the long ago or the far-away or even the world of imagination where toys can be bigger than people.

Walt Disney World Resort offers a broad range of accommodations – 23 resorts that vary in price, allowing guests to pay for only the amenities that are important to them. Disney Value resort guests are treated to larger-than-life theming, swimming pools and playgrounds, arcade rooms and standard amenities – and with more than 8,000 rooms at four resorts, about one-third of Disney’s hotel accommodations fall into the Value category. Families who prefer the great outdoors can rent a campsite at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground (with nearly 800 available) and either pitch a tent or bring along an RV. Moderate resorts, Deluxe resorts and Deluxe Villa resorts are available for guests who prefer additional amenities during their stay.

Consistent among all 23 Disney owned-and-operated hotels is staff trained in the Disney way of friendly helpfulness. Also consistent: perks and benefits that add value to the vacation experience. Here’s a look at some of the reasons why Disney hotels are so popular with vacationers:

* Disney’s Magical Express Shuttle Service – Free shuttle service from the Orlando International Airport

* Disney’s Magical Express Baggage Handling – Disney will pick up your luggage from the airport and deliver it to your resort room

* Disney Transportation – Excellent transportation around the Walt Disney World Resort

* Extra Magic Hours – Enjoy extra time at the Disney Theme Parks just for Disney Resort guests

* Golf Club Rentals – A new free perks allows guests staying at a Disney Resort to get access to the golf club rentals for no additional cost

* Key to the World Card – One card that is used as your room key, tickets, Dining Plan, incidentals, and ID. All in one card!

* Package Delivery – Purchase any souvenirs at the Disney Theme Parks and they will deliver it back to the gift shop at your Disney Resort for free. You never have to carry around another bag at the Disney Theme Parks again.

With the Orlando airport so close, about a 20 minute ride, it is convenient for anyone wishing to visit the many properties. Orlando International airport has over 975 flights daily making the airport is highly assessable from anywhere.

There are various means of transportation from the hotel to the Parks. Disney’s Friendship Launch will take you to Epcot and MGM. Meanwhile there is a shuttle that will take you to all the other areas within the Resort. Both means of transportation depart every 15 to 20 minutes, so you can set your own schedule with very little wait time.

A special perk for those that stay at the Swan and Dolphin hotel is that every day one of the four Parks opens an hour early or remains open three hours later than usual so you can enjoy the park without crowds. You can buy your tickets for the parks in the lobby of the hotel. On some days the Disney characters will visit the dining rooms to the delight of the young children that are eating there. The characters will lavish attention on the children, sign autographs and pose for pictures.

There are five championship golf courses and a walking course that is nine holes. If you are a guest of the Swan and Dolphin you are eligible for advanced tee times. These are very challenging and world renowned golf courses.

The staff is dedicated to make your stay as memorable as possible. They are very friendly and professional. The employees are from all over the world. With the combination of their cultures and experiences they help to make this fine resort an international destination.

Some of the other amenities that The Swan and Dolphin provide are a 24 hour convenience store, a launderette, game rooms, concierge service, two business centers, specialty shops and a kiosk where you can get your boarding pass for your flight home. They even have a limousine service.

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is your home away from home. It is a marvelous hotel to book if you are thinking of a Disney vacation. There is no way you can go wrong by staying at this excellent resort. So, pack up the kids, make a reservation and discover the Magic of Disney World.