Theme Park Scope

Most Disney World Halloween coverage points you straight toward Magic Kingdom, and understandably so.

But if you’re staying at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin this October, there’s a genuinely full slate of exclusive seasonal perks happening without ever needing to step foot in a park.

A quick bit of context on why these hotels operate a little differently: the Michael Graves-designed Swan and Dolphin opened in 1990 as part of a joint venture between Disney, developer Tishman, insurance company MetLife, and Starwood Hotels and Resorts. Today, the complex is owned and operated by Marriott’s Sheraton Hotels and Resorts brand, even though it sits right on Disney property. That unique ownership setup is exactly why the Swan & Dolphin can run their own seasonal events (like this Halloween lineup) completely separate from anything happening inside the parks.

Weekly Costume Contests Every Saturday in October

At 5:00 PM every Saturday in October, the 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st, guests can enter a Costume Contest and compete for prizes. Anyone in costume also gets a special treat from the chef at any of the resort’s sit-down restaurants that day. On top of that, spirited (pun very much intended) cocktail and mocktail offerings are available across the resort’s bars and lounges throughout the month.

Halloween Weekend Activities (October 30 – November 1)

Across the extended Halloween weekend, the Swan & Dolphin are adding several more limited-time activities:

• Scavenger Hunt Adventure — a quest to track down hidden treasures and prizes around the resort
• Inflatable Maze — described as filled with “playful surprises and friendly spooks”
• Spooky arts and crafts activities
• Halloween-themed hair braiding
• A poolside DJ spinning what the resort calls a “sinister selection of monstrous mashups”

Halloween Night Itself (October 31)

The big day gets its own dedicated lineup:

• Trick-or-treating around the resort
• A second Costume Contest, held at 5:30 PM, with separate locations at the Dolphin (Cabana Deck) and the Swan Reserve (Pool Deck, in front of the towel hut)
• Mystical Face Painting, transforming guests into “magical creatures and friendly ghosts”

The SPOOKY Rate

If any of this has you considering a Swan & Dolphin stay, there’s a seasonal room rate to go with it: the SPOOKY rate starts at just $209 per night (plus tax and resort service fee), available for stays between August 15 and October 31. Reservations can be made by calling 800-227-1500 or booking directly online.

Don’t Forget: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Is Right Next Door

Since the Swan & Dolphin sit within walking distance of EPCOT and a quick Skyliner or bus ride from Magic Kingdom, guests can easily combine a hotel-based Halloween weekend with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. The event runs at Magic Kingdom on the following October dates: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 13, 15, 16, 18, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, and 31. One important thing to keep in mind: on party nights, Magic Kingdom closes to non-party guests at 6:00 PM — so if you don’t have a separate party ticket, you’ll still be able to enjoy the park’s Halloween decorations during the day, but you’ll need to head out before the party crowd takes over.

The Perks That Are Always There, Halloween or Not

Beyond the seasonal extras, Swan & Dolphin guests get access to a genuinely strong set of year-round amenities and perks that mirror much of what Disney’s own Deluxe Tier resorts offer:

• The ability to book Lightning Lanes 7 days in advance
• Early Entry to Disney’s theme parks
• Extended Evening Hours at select Disney theme parks
• Complimentary transportation
• On-site and online Disney ticket purchasing
• Advance tee times at Disney golf courses

On top of that, the complex includes multiple pools, an arcade, a full convention center, more than 20 restaurants and lounges, and in-room food delivery — giving guests plenty to do without ever leaving the resort.

If you’re planning a Halloween-season trip and want the Deluxe-tier perks without the Deluxe-tier price tag, the Swan & Dolphin’s SPOOKY rate combined with this exclusive lineup of seasonal events makes a genuinely strong case for itself (especially for anyone who wants Halloween fun on both hotel grounds and inside Magic Kingdom.) If you’d like help figuring out whether this rate or a different resort makes more sense for your specific trip, Adventure Awaits Travel Company offers free trip-planning services that can help you compare your options and land the best value.

We’ll keep sharing seasonal hotel perks as they’re announced, so check back with Theme Park Scope throughout the Halloween season.