Walt Disney World Swan Reserve: A Deluxe Resort Experience

The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve is one of the newest resort options at Walt Disney World, adding another property within walking distance of EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Outside view of the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
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Exterior of the Swan Reserver at Disney World (Photo by Bayley Clark for Magical Guides)

Before we go further, just note that the Swan Reserve is considered to be a Disney resort, and gets all the benefits of staying at a deluxe resort. Today I’m going to answer some of your top questions about the Swan Reserve to help you decide whether this would be a good option for your next vacation.

Where is Disney’s Swan Reserve Located?

The official address for the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve is 1255 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830. You can reach the resort by calling 1-800-227-1500. This resort is considered an EPCOT Area Resort.

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Map

Official Disney Map of the Swan and Dolphin Resort
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Is the Swan Reserve Considered a Disney Resort?

The new Swan Reserve is considered a Disney Resort, but keep in mind this property is not owned or operated by the Walt Disney Company. For that reason, you’ll find that many of the classic Disney resort touches are missing, but you can still enjoy the great benefits of staying at an Epcot area resort.

The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve is considered a Deluxe Resort with the same perks as the other Disney property deluxe resorts.

Is the Swan Reserve Owned by Disney?

The Walt DIsney World Swan Reserve is not one of the Disney-owned hotels. Disney’s Swan Reserve is owned by Tishman Realty & Construction Corporation and MetLife, who also own the Swan and Dolphin Resorts. Marriott International, Inc. manages all three of these resorts, and you’ll find that when you are booking the resort online, you can do this directly with Marriott. 

The resort opened in the fall of 2021, offering a tranquil and luxury resort option that would be perfect for couples and adults visiting the resort. It’s part of the Autograph Collection of hotels from the company, showcasing the high quality of the accommodation on offer here.

The Swan and Dolphin are extremely popular resorts, so it was only time before they added another resort to the collection here. The Swan Reserve is a more modern property than the other two resorts here, which were built back in 1990.

With many business travelers opting to stay at these resorts, they are some of the most popular on property for convention attendees. It’s no surprise that the company decided to add another resort here, and we are excited that it’s expanded the accommodation options on offer to visitors.

Guest Rooms

Rooms at the Swan Reserve are either 2 Queen Beds or 1 King Bed + Sofa Bed. The rooms are meant for 2 Adults / 2 Children to sleep comfortably in the room. There is 330 square feet for the standard rooms at the Swan Reserve.

Check-in time is 4pm and Check-out time is 11am. Contact the resort to check availability for early check-in or late check-out.

How Much Does it Cost to Stay at the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve?

Keep in mind that the rates for staying at the Swan Reserve will vary depending on the time of the year that you are planning your Disney vacation. Rates are naturally much higher during the holiday season and the peak summer season.

The rates start at about $330 a night, but go up significantly based on what type of room you are looking for. You’ll also need to pay a $35 resort fee for each night of your stay here, so remember to budget for this as well when booking your stay.

The great thing about the Swan Reserve is that you can use your Marriott account to enjoy various perks when booking a stay here. If you have been collecting points with Marriott Bonvoy, it may be a good way to reduce the cost of your Disney vacation. 

The resort offers five different standard room options, some of which have upgraded views over the Disney theme parks. You’ll also find one junior suite and nine other suite options, which can give families more space when staying at the Swan Reserve. 

Compared to Disney deluxe resorts, you can sometimes find much lower rates here, but this will vary depending on what’s going on at the time at the resort.

Read Also: How to Redeem Marriott Points Staying at Disney World

Toiletries offered at the Swan Reserve.
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Toiletries offered at the Swan Reserve that smells like citrus.

All hotel rooms include:

  • Hairdryer
  • Internet – Free WiFi Service
  • Alarm Clock
  • Coffee Maker
  • In-Room Safe
  • Phone with voicemail
  • Mini Refrigerator
  • Iron & Ironing Board

Standard Rooms

  • Traditional Room
  • Deluxe Room
  • Family Room

Signature Suites

  • Junior Suite
  • Executive Suite
  • Grand Suite
  • Signature Suite
  • Governors Suite
  • Chairman Suite
  • Presidential Suite

Transportation

One of the biggest benefits for the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve is the easy access to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. The Swan Reserve is technically across the street from the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel and the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, but it is a short 5 minute walk to get to the resorts. The Swan Reserve is closer to the Swan Pools and the main Dolphin pool.

There is complimentary transportation provided to all the Disney parks and Disney Springs from the Swan Reserve. The buses are no longer managed by Walt Disney World Resort and are now managed by the Swan & Dolphin which comes with a few changes.

There is a parking fee for the Swan & Dolphin Resort, but the great news is that you get free parking at the Disney Theme Parks.

Friendship Boat that takes you to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT
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Friendship Boat that takes you to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT

Hollywood Studios: Walk, Friendship Boats

EPCOT: Walk, Friendship Boats

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park: The Swan Reserve Bus will actually take you closer to the entrance than the Disney buses.

Magic Kingdom Park: The Swan Reserve bus will take you to the TTC. You will need to take the Monorail or the Ferry from the TTC to Magic Kingdom. Many people opt to walk to Disney’s Boardwalk Resort or Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club instead to take a bus directly to Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

Disney Springs: The shuttle bus will drop you off at the West Side bus depot near Cirque de Soleil. Uber/Lyft will drop you off on the opposite side, near Rainforest Cafe. You can also walk to Disney’s Boardwalk Resort or Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club to be dropped off at the regular place with the Disney buses. 

Buses and Friendship Boats begin running an hour before park open and 45 minutes after park close. They run every 20-25 minutes similar to the Disney property buses. Walking or taking the friendship boats will drop you off at the World Showcase Entrance to EPCOT. If you want to enter the main entrance at the front, you will need to drive and park in the EPCOT parking lot, or take an Uber/Lyft.

Swan and Dolphin, Swan Reserve Bus
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Swan and Dolphin, Swan Reserve Bus

How long does it take to walk to Disney’s Hollywood Studios from the Swan Reserve?

The walk is about 15-20 minutes depending on how fast you walk. As one of the Epcot area resorts, you’ll be able to walk directly from the Swan Reserve to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Just follow the path from the Boardwalk along the water.

How long is the boat ride from Swan to Hollywood Studios?

The Friendship boats take about 10-15 minutes to get from the Swan & Dolphin to Hollywood Studios. You may have to wait 20-25 minutes for a boat. Unless the boat is docked, it is quicker to walk.

Disney's Swan Reserve Resort Guide & Review
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Can You Walk from the Swan Reserve to EPCOT?

You can also walk from the Swan Reserve to EPCOT, via the World Showcase entrance that comes in between the United Kingdom and France pavilions. It is a very short walk to EPCOT taking about 10 minutes. Walking is usually much faster than the friendship boat.

Following the fireworks at the end of the evening, you’ll be able to exit here and avoid the crowds that are waiting for the Disney resort buses or the Skyliner.

What’s the Parking Situation at the Swan Reserve?

If you are driving to Orlando or hiring a car here, remember to factor in parking costs when staying at any Disney resort. As with the other resorts on property, you’ll be charged for parking each day. Self-parking at the Swan reserve is $29 a day, but you could upgrade to use the valet service for $39 a day. The self-parking here isn’t too far away from the entrance to the resort, so you may want to save on the upgrade and take care of this yourself.

You’ll also be able to use the free Disney buses when you are staying here, which is why many people opt out of hiring a car. We love that you can walk to two of the four theme parks from this resort, making driving unnecessary for many guests. Of course, this is a very personal decision, so you’ll want to decide what is best for you and your family during your vacation.

Swan Reserve Restaurant, Amare Mediterranean Restaurant.
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Swan Reserve Restaurant, Amare Mediterranean Restaurant.

Dining and Shopping

You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to dining in this area. As well as the on-site restaurants, you can head to one of the many restaurants in the Swan and Dolphin, or walk around and enjoy those at the Boardwalk or Yacht and Beach Club resorts. This is without a doubt the best area in the resort to stay in if you are a foodie, as you could eat somewhere different for every meal for a week without trying too hard.

There are four dining options at the Swan Reserve, so you don’t even have to leave your resort to have a good amount of choice for your meals. Firstly, there’s Amare, which is the full-serve restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. You’ll also find Tangerine, which is a casual restaurant located by the pool.

For a quick cup of coffee or pastry on your way out for the day, Grounds is a grab-and-go option offering a variety of quick meals and snacks. Finally, you can visit Stir, which is the lobby bar. While it mainly offers cocktails, wine, and beer, there are some light snacks on the menu here. We are always blown away by the quality of the food and drink in this area, so you’ll certainly not go hungry on your vacation.

Amare

If you are seeking fine dining while you at The Swan Reserve, Amare is the perfect place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This Mediterranean restaurant is about $15-$35 per person for breakfast and lunch and about $35-$60 per person for dinner.

Private dining is also available. You can make reservations ahead of time and you will want to make reservations if you have a large number of people or it’s a busy time for the resort. We have had luck getting a last minute table most of the time.

Grounds

Grounds is a quick service cafe and bakery. You will find coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, and snacks at this grab and go location.

Stir

A lounge option for anyone looking for a bar at the Swan Reserve. You can find drinks and appetizers at Stir.

Tangerine

Tangerine is the pool bar with drinks and light food options perfect for a pool day lunch. Try the signature tangerine-flavored popsicle.

Activities and Amenities

You’ll certainly never be bored when staying at the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve. Of course, most visitors here opt to spend most of their time at the four Disney theme parks, but if you are taking a day off the parks, you’ll have no trouble finding things to do to keep your whole family entertained. 

These are just a few of the highlights of the amenities available at the Swan Reserve. You can also use the amenities at the Walt Disney World Swan and the Walt Disney World Dolphin.

Dolphin Grotto Pool at Disney's Dolphin Resort
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Lounge chairs at the grotto pool at the Dolphin pool. (Photo by Bayley Clark for Magical Guides)

Swimming Pool

The on-site pool area is one of the highlights of the resort, offering a curved swimming pool with plenty of seats for you to relax during a day off from the parks. We love the fire pits that are located around the pool, and there’s also the option to rent a cabana here for an additional charge if you are looking to upgrade your day here. 

Check the hours at the pool for exact timings that it will be open during your stay, but expect it to be open all day long during the summer months. If you time your visit well, you could even enjoy a relaxing swim after a long day in the theme parks.

Can Swan Reserve use Swan and Dolphin pool?

You can use the Dolphin Grotto pool as well as the other pools on property if you are staying at the Swan Reserve.

Walking across the street from the Swan and Dolphin. (Photo by Bayley Clark for Magical Guides)
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Walking across the street from the Swan and Dolphin. (Photo by Bayley Clark for Magical Guides)

Swan Reserve Health Club

Keeping fit on vacation has never been easier when you stay at the Swan Reserve. The Swan Reserve Health Club offers all of the machines and equipment you would expect from a modern gym. Enjoy using the strength-training equipment, treadmills, cycles, and stair climbers, all of which were added when the resort opened last year.

Mandara Spa

Mandara Spa is a Full-Service Spa and Salon. Take a break and enjoy this tranquil oasis at the Dolphin Resort.

Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf

Another great perk of staying at the Swan Reserve is that you are just a short walk away from Disney’s Fantasia Gardens mini golf course. Here you’ll be able to choose from two different courses, both of which offer 18 holes of fun for the whole family. 

The course is themed after the popular movie Fantasia and has been operating here since 1996. It’s a great way to escape the crowds of theme parks during the peak travel season. The Fairway side is much more competitive than the Fantasia Gardens course, but you could try both when you are staying nearby at the Swan Reserve.

Read Also: Disney World Mini Golf Courses: Cost And Other Options

Jogging Trails

A 1-mile loop around Crescent Lake can help you stay healthy on your Walt Disney World Vacation.

Camp Dolphin

Camp Dolphin drop-off is between 4pm and 5pm and pick-up is between 9pm and 11pm. Kids aged 5-12 years can have a night of fun crafts and activities while parents enjoy time to themselves for $12 an hour.

Swan and Dolphin Amenities

As well as enjoying these amenities during your stay, keep in mind that you can head on over to the Swan and Dolphin resorts to use their facilities. This means you’ll enjoy access to all of their swimming pools and recreation areas, which are great for families and children of all ages. 

The Dolphin is home to the Mandara Spa, where you can pamper yourself and relax after a busy few days at the theme parks. There are also endless dining options in these two resorts, so you’ll never struggle to find something to eat at any time of the day.

Check out this room tour from AllEars.net

Additional Benefits

Does the Swan Reserve Have Laundry On Site?

The Swan Reserve doesn’t have laundry on its site, but the good news is that you can head over to the Dolphin and use their 24-hour laundry rooms. These are located on the lower level of the resort, and the machines are self-service and can be used at any time. 

You can purchase your machine tokens from the laundry room, so you don’t need to worry about bringing laundry detergent with you on vacation. If you are looking for dry cleaning, just dial Housekeeping from the phone in your room, and you’ll be able to receive this service.

Read Also: Laundry at Disney World: In-Room, Self Service, Valet

Magic Bands

Magic Bands will not open your resort room door at the Swan Reserve. You also will not be able to charge anything to the room from your magic band like you can when staying at other Disney resorts.

You can still use your magic band for park entry, photo-pass, and lightning lanes.

Early Park Entry

Guests can enjoy the early morning entrance to the four Walt Disney World theme parks, offering you the chance to enter the parks 30 minutes before off-site guests.

Disney's Swan Reserve a Complete Guide
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Does Swan Reserve get extra magic hours?

As well as the earning morning access, you’ll be able to enjoy the extended evening hours that are on offer to Deluxe resort guests on certain nights. Guests of the Swan Reserve can also enjoy the one hour extra time to purchase your Lightning Lane individual passes at 7 am on the day of your park visit. 

Extended Evening Hours are for Deluxe Resort guests and are included with your room reservation. They do require valid theme park admission to be able to use this perk. Lines will be very short for the extended evening hours, so don’t miss out! Check your My Disney Experience App for the most accurate information about extended evening hours.

The Swan Reserve is an exciting addition to the EPCOT resort area. If you haven’t considered staying here before, it’s well worth checking out when looking into the Deluxe Disney resorts. At some times of the year, the rates here are much lower than elsewhere, making it a good value for money option for luxury accommodation. 

You’ll love how close you are to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, helping to maximize your vacation time when staying in this part of the resort.

Swan Reserve turn down service includes this lollipop.
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Swan Reserve turn down service includes this lollipop.

Related Questions

Does Disney Hollywood Studios have extended evening hours?

Extended evening hours are currently at Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT.

Can you see fireworks from Disney Swan Reserve?

You can see fireworks from the Swan Reserve, Marriott Rewards members may be invited to watch them from the top of the Swan Reserve. This is a great view of the fireworks.

Can you walk from Dolphin to Magic Kingdom?

The Swan & Dolphin does not have walking access to Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

Can you walk to Disney BoardWalk?

It is a 5-10 minute walk to the Boardwalk from the Swan and Dolphin Hotels.

Read Also: Comparing Disney’s Dolphin vs Swan vs Swan Reserve

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