A Walt Disney World hotel can be much more than somewhere to sleep after a long theme park day, especially during Halloween.
That's becoming particularly clear at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin this October.
The resort complex is rolling out a collection of Halloween activities that could give guests another reason to spend time outside the parks. Some are available throughout October, while several others will arrive during Halloween weekend.
And unlike Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, these hotel activities don't require guests to spend their evening inside Magic Kingdom.
Halloween Fun Starts Every Saturday
Guests don't have to wait until October 31 for the festivities to begin.
The Swan and Dolphin will hold costume contests every Saturday throughout October. The contests begin at 5 p.m. on October 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31.
That could make packing a Halloween costume worthwhile even for families who aren't purchasing tickets to Disney World's separately ticketed Halloween party.
Costumes can come with another perk, too.
Guests wearing Halloween costumes at the hotels' sit-down restaurants can receive a special chef treat. Meanwhile, Halloween cocktails and mocktails will be offered across the resort.
Those weekly offerings lead into an even bigger celebration at the end of October.
Halloween Weekend Will Be Packed With Activities
Guests staying between October 30 and November 1 will find several additional activities.
A Halloween scavenger hunt will send participants searching for hidden treasures and prizes around the property.
An inflatable maze will add another family-friendly activity, while spooky arts and crafts give guests something a little less active to enjoy.
Halloween-themed hair braiding is also planned.
Guests hanging around the pool won't miss out either. A poolside DJ will bring Halloween music into the celebration.
The largest lineup arrives on October 31.
Halloween night includes trick-or-treating and face painting, along with costume contests for children and adults beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Those contests will take place at the Dolphin's Cabana Deck and the Swan Reserve's Pool Deck near the towel hut.
For families who don't want to spend Halloween night inside a crowded theme park, having activities directly at the hotel could be a major advantage.
Magic Kingdom Has Its Own Halloween Schedule
Guests can still combine a Swan and Dolphin stay with Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
Magic Kingdom hosts the event on numerous October nights, including Halloween itself.
However, anyone without a party ticket needs to remember an important restriction: Magic Kingdom closes to regular guests at 6 p.m. on party nights.
That can dramatically shorten a regular park day.
Swan and Dolphin guests could use that schedule differently. After leaving Magic Kingdom, they can return to their hotel and potentially continue celebrating Halloween there.
It gives families another option instead of treating an early Magic Kingdom closing as the end of their evening.
The Hotels Come With More Than Seasonal Activities
The October events add to a list of benefits already available to Swan and Dolphin guests.
Despite not being Disney-owned hotels, the properties offer several perks normally associated with staying at Walt Disney World.
Guests can make Lightning Lane selections seven days in advance. They can also use Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours at select parks.
Complimentary transportation is another benefit, along with access to Disney ticket services and advance tee times at Disney golf courses.
The complex also offers pools, an arcade, and more than 20 restaurants and lounges.
For travelers still looking for an October room, a seasonal offer starts at $209 per night for qualifying stays through October 31. Taxes and a resort service fee are additional.
Halloween is already one of Disney World's busiest seasonal celebrations, but guests don't necessarily have to rely entirely on the theme parks this year.
At the Swan and Dolphin, the celebration will follow guests all the way back to their hotel.
