• Several hotels at Walt Disney World are owned and operated by other companiesroad to animal kingdom florida Aug 05 image by amethyst from Fotolia.com
  
  Many guests visiting the Walt Disney World Resorts stay in hotels, which are not actually Disney owned and operated. Hotels like the Swan and Dolphin, the Regal Sun Resort and the Royal Plaza are all on property, close to all of the fun, but independently owned and operated. Though these hotels are not owned by Disney they still have to adhere to "Disney Service Guidelines" as part of an agreement to be an operating participant on property.
  
  

Swan and Dolphin

• Sure it has the Disney name attached to it, but the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is actually owned and operated by Starwood Hotel and Resorts. It is the only non-Disney hotel, which is allowed to utilize the same benefits a Disney Resort guest would receive. Guests are able to take the Disney bus and boat transportation, charge to their room keys and are able to enjoy Extra Magic Hours at the theme parks.
  
  The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is on the banks of Crescent Lake, the same lake where Disney's Yacht and Beach Club and BoardWalk Resorts are. It is also the lake that connects Epcot to Disney's Hollywood Studios, with boat transportation between the two.
  
  There are many recreational activities at the resort, including a pool with a waterfall, nearby golfing, on-site swan-designed paddle boats and the Fantasia Miniature Golf Course is just across the street. Hungry guests can enjoy four Signature restaurants, including Shula's Steakhouse, five casual dining restaurants, three quick-service locations and five lounges.
  
  Disney's Swan and Dolphin Resort
  1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd.
  Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
  407-934-4000
  swandolphin.com
  
  

Royal Plaza

• The Royal Plaza in the Walt Disney World Resorts gives guests all things needed for a Disney vacation. Guests can enjoy everything Disney, with being right on property, and the luxury of the Royal Plaza. The resort is walking distance to all the shopping and entertainment at Downtown Disney and a scheduled shuttle service is available to other area attractions, including the theme parks.
  
  Guests looking to enjoy what the Royal Plaza has to offer can sit back and relax at the heated pool, whirlpool, onsite gift shops and fitness center. Guests can sit down and eat the Giraffe Café or grab a bite to go from The Marketplace. There is also a sports bar by the pool and a lounge, perfect for relaxing after a long day of park hopping.
  
  Royal Plaza in the Walt Disney World
  1905 Hotel Resorts Blvd.
  Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
  407-828-2828
  royalplaza.com
  
  

Regal Sun Resort

• Located in the Downtown Disney Resort area, the Regal Sun Resort keeps guests close to the Disney action. Though guests cannot use Disney transportation, the Regal Sun provides a scheduled shuttle pick up and drop off service to and from the area's theme parks, including SeaWorld and Universal Studios.
  
  Guests staying at the Regal Sun can enjoy the many recreational amenities on its 13 acres. There are two outdoors swimming pools (one heated), a children's wet deck, spa, health club and daily children activities, including arts, craft and games.
  
  The Regal Sun offers guests an opportunity to enjoy a character breakfast, on select days, without having to fight the Disney crowds. There are four restaurants and two bars, throughout the resort, including LakeView, serving breakfast and dinner daily.
  
  Regal Sun Resort
  1850 Hotel Resorts Blvd.
  Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
  407-828-4444
  regalsunresort.com