Independently-Operated Hotels at Walt Disney World®
There are ten independently owned and operated hotels that despite being 'non-Disney' still reside within the borders of Walt Disney World®. Most of these hotels are owned by large national (or international) hotel chains. Two of these, the Swan and Dolphin, are located adjacent to Disney's BoardWalk area near Epcot®. Seven are clustered in an area close to Downtown Disney® that is unsurprisingly referred to as the Downtown Disney® Resort Area. The remaining independent property is owned by the U.S. Military and is open only to active and retired military personnel and their families. All of these Resort Hotels are included in AAA Vacations® Walt Disney World® vacation packages and offer various forms of special guest privileges. However, these privileges are not necessarily the same as, or are as extensive as, those for Disney owned hotel guests. The Swan and Dolphin are included in the internal Disney-run transportation system, while the Downtown Disney® hotels provided their own transportation to and from the parks.

Guests of the Swan, Dolphin and the Hilton at Downtown Disney can take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours benefit.

None of these independently operated hotels can offer the Magic Your Way Plus Dining package or the Disney’s Magical Express Airport Transfer Service.

When you book on-property, independently owned hotels through AAA, you are eligible for exclusive AAA benefits and savings. These savings and benefits are not available anywhere else – not even if you book directly with Disney!