Walt Disney World Swan Resort: An Honest Review

The Walt Disney World Swan Resort is not a typical on property Disney resort, and is often overlooked. The Swan resort isn’t owned by Disney, but does have special Disney benefits for guests staying here.

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There are three hotels at this resort, The Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, The Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, and the newer Walt Disney World Swan Reserve. All three share the same amenities, though they are separate bookings.

Today we’re going to share with you everything you need to know about staying in either the Walt Disney World Swan Resort for your next vacation.

Where is Disney’s Swan Resort Located?

The official address for the Walt Disney World Swan Resort is 1200 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830. You can reach the resort by calling (888) 828-8850. This resort is considered an EPCOT Area Resort.

The Walt Disney World Swan Hotel is located in the heart of Walt Disney World within easy walking distance of EPCOT. You also have easy access to Disney’s Boardwalk area and the ability to walk to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Walt Disney World Swan Resort Map

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Does the Swan count as a Disney Resort?

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

Who Owns Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin?

The Walt DIsney World Swan is not one of the Disney-owned hotels. Disney’s Swan is owned by Tishman Realty & Construction Corporation and MetLife, who also own the Swan Reserve 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 on the Swan & Dolphin website.

Guest Rooms

Rooms at the Swan 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 340 square feet for the standard rooms at the Swan.

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. We have been able to get later check-out times as Marriott rewards members.

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

Keep in mind that the rates for staying at the Swan 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 $160 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 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. 

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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. 

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

You can also find Disney packages including tickets on the Walt Disney World Website. This is not as seamless as a Disney resort hotel and you won’t be able to pick up your Disney tickets until check-in. This makes booking more difficult for the day you arrive.

I have also noticed that the negative complaints about the resort tend to come from those that book third party. These third party bookings include on the Disney Website, Costco, Priceline, etc.

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All hotel rooms include:

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

Standard Rooms

• Traditional Room
• Deluxe Room
• Family Room – Quiet Alcoves 

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 Dolphin is the easy access to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT.

There is complimentary transportation provided to all the Disney parks and Disney Springs from the Swan. 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.

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.

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

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 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.

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Can You Walk from the Swan to EPCOT?

You can also walk from the Swan 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?

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 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.

Dining and Shopping

The Swan has a Disney gift shop where you can find official Disney Parks merchandise including Magic Bands.

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 a few lounges to enjoy as well including Chill, the Kimonos Lounge, and the II Mulino lounge.

The Dolphin and Swan Reserve are also a short walk away so be sure to check out the available dining options at both of these resorts as well. This includes Shula’s Steakhouse, Todd English’s Bluezoo, and The Fountain. My husband also loves the Phins bar in the Dolphin to get the signature Phins and Feathers beer during every stay.

Does Disney Swan Hotel have free breakfast?

The Swan does not have free breakfast. Marriott rewards members do receive a $20 voucher for breakfast daily while staying here that can be used at any of the three resorts. You can use the voucher at the grab-and-go breakfasts or the table service breakfasts though there is an up charge at the sit down options.

Garden Grove

Open for breakfast, this restaurant is $15 to $35 per person for breakfast. If you have the Marriott rewards $20 voucher you can use your voucher and pay the difference for breakfast. Gadren Grove is open from 7am to 11:30am.

Garden Grove used to be a buffet and had characters at the breakfast. They no longer do buffet or characters since the pandemic. I don’t think this breakfast is worth the price in my opinion.

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Il Mulino New York Trattoria

This Italian restaurant is open for dinner for about $35 to $60 per person. They are open from 5pm to 11pm. We enjoy II Mulino every time we eat here, we love to share a pizza from here.

Reservations are encouraged, but we haven’t had a difficult time walking up either. If you have a larger party or are visiting at a busy time of year you may want to make an advance reservation.

This restaurant is the most kid friendly for dinner at the Swan, though you can head over to the Walt Disney World Dolphin hotel for more kid friendly options.

Chill

This lounge offers snacks and frozen beverages from 2:30pm to 9pm.

Java

Similar to Fuel and Grounds, this is a quick service cafe open from 6:00AM to 10:00PM. This is perfect for grab and go breakfast, lunch, and snacks. You will find coffee, pastries, breakfast, sandwiches, snacks, and beverages here.

Kimonos

Kimonos serves Japanese style food including sushi. They are open from 5:30PM to 11:30PM and have karaoke some nights. It’s about $15 to $35 per person to eat at Kimonos.

Splash Pool Bar and Grill

If you are looking for poolside dining at the Swan pool, the Splash Pool Bar is an excellent choice. Open from 11:00AM to 6:00PM with light food and cocktail options perfect for your pool day.

The Dolphin and Swan Reserve are also a short walk away so be sure to check out the available dining options at both of these resorts as well. The Dolphin has many dining opportunities to fit your family’s needs.

Activities and Amenities

There is a wide array of activities available at the Swan & Dolphin Resort. Your resort fee covers the rental of Swan Boats on the lake which are a lot of fun. There is also a game room and a children’s activity center at the Dolphin. There is also a 24 hour business center available to guests. 

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Swimming Pool

The Swan has it’s own pool that tends to be much quieter than the Dolphin pool. Though the big pool is part of the Dolphin resort complex, you can still enjoy the Dolphins pools as well. 

The Dolphin Grotto Pool is the largest pool at this property and includes a waterfall. There is also a kid-sized pool behind the Cabana Bar and Beach Club. You will also find a water slide and hot tubs at the Dolphin pool. 

Chairs tend to be taken fairly early in the day at the Dolphin Grotto Pool as it’s very popular and available to guests of all 3 resorts. The pool area for the lap pool and Swan pool tend to be a lot quieter.

Can the Swan use Swan Reserve and Dolphin pools?

The Swan Reserve pool is just for guests of the Swan Reserve. Guests of the Swan can use the Swan Resort pools and hot tubs as well as the Dolphin resort pools and hot tubs.

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Mandara Spa

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

Health Clubs

Keeping fit on vacation has never been easier when you stay at the Swan. The Swan 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.

You can also use the health clubs at the Swan Reserve or the Dolphin.

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Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf

Another great perk of staying at the Swan 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.

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 Reserve 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. 

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Additional Benefits

Does the Swan Have Laundry On Site?

The Swan 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.

Magic Bands

Magic Bands will not open your resort room door at the Swan, so you will need a hotel room key instead. 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 Theme 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. Early access to the Walt Disney World Theme Parks and new Disney fastpass system are a huge perk of staying at this resort.

Does Swan 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 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.

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Honest Review

The Swan is a great choice for your next Disney trip. We have stayed at the Swan. Swan Reserve, and Dolphin many times. We have always had outstanding service as a guest of the Walt Disney World Swan. 

The Swan Reserve is my favorite of the 3 properties, but it is also the newest. It tends to be the most expensive as well, so we normally opt to stay at the Swan unless the prices are similar. The Dolphin resort has the best world-class restaurants, but they are a short walk away from the Swan!

The number of people in your party may determine the best resort for you to stay at. If you have 5 people, you may want to stay at the Walt Disney World Dolphin instead.

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Pros of Staying at the Walt Disney World Swan

There are many reasons why families and individuals would choose to stay at the Swan and Dolphin resort for their next vacation. These are just a few of the benefits of booking a stay at either of these properties:

• The Price – The Swan and Dolphin are considered to be Deluxe properties. However, they rarely command the same prices as the other Disney resorts in this category. For this reason, it’s a great option for anyone looking to enjoy excellent amenities and a fantastic location for their next trip. Also, if you collect Marriott points, you can use these for your next vacation here.
• Location – The Epcot resort area is one of the most popular locations for visitors to Walt Disney World to stay in. From both the Swan and Dolphin, you can walk to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, or alternatively, you can take the friendship boats that link these resorts and parks.
• Transportation – You’ll benefit from a wide variety of transportation options when staying at these resorts. Enjoy boats, buses, and walking access to the parks, making the start and end of your day much easier.
• Dining – The dining options in both the Swan and Dolphin are some of the best on property. You’ll be treated to food that’s far superior to the typical theme park offerings. We highly recommend Shula’s Steakhouse at the Dolphin and Il Mulino at the Swan. On top of that, you’ll also enjoy easy walking access to the other nearby resorts, where you can enjoy even more dining and drinking options in the evenings.
• On-Site Amenities – You’ll be blown away by the spacious grounds of these hotels and the beautiful amenities they offer to guests. You’ll have multiple swimming pools to choose from, as well as a white sand beach to relax on after a busy day in the parks. On top of that, there are plenty of sporting facilities on offer and watercraft rentals.
• Points – For those that are enrolled in the Marriott Bonvoy program, you can redeem points here.  It’s a popular Disney destination for business travelers since they can be on property and use points to save on their Disney World vacation.
• Disney Benefits – Finally, while the Swan and Dolphin aren’t operated by Disney, you’ll still enjoy many of the perks of staying on-site. When Extra Magic Hours and FastPass return, these are offered to guests of these hotels. You’ll enjoy free transportation across the resort and package delivery to your hotel. On top of that, if you are driving during your vacation, you’ll enjoy free parking when you visit the Disney theme parks.

Cons of Staying at the Walt Disney World Swan

While there are many great benefits of staying at these resorts, there are a few drawbacks that you should be aware of before booking your next vacation.

• Magical Express Is Not Included – For anyone who is visiting Orlando without a car, this can be a slight frustration when staying at these resorts. You’ll have to find your own way to your hotel at the start of your trip, which can add additional costs to your vacation.
• Lack of Disney Theming – While for some adults this may be seen as a benefit, for anyone visiting with younger children, you may miss the fun Disney theming found in the other resorts. It’s a luxury resort with beautiful rooms and amenities but lacks any unique theming.
• Resort Fees – The resort fees for the Swan and Dolphin are pretty high and can quickly make this hotel not as much of a bargain as you initially considered it to be. On top of that, there’s also a parking fee if you are bringing a car here.

History of the Swan and Dolphin Resort

The Swan and Dolphin are both included in the Walt Disney Collection of resorts yet are a joint partnership that is managed by Marriott International. These resorts still offer you many of the benefits of staying at other Disney resorts, which is why they are a great option for visitors to the area.

The Walt Disney World Swan opened back in January 1990, and in June of the same year, the Walt Disney World Dolphin also opened. Both resorts were designed by Michael Graves, who is a Driehaus Prize winner. The Walt Disney Company owns the land the two resorts were built on, but the buildings are leased to the company by MetLife and the Tishman Hotel Corporation.

While the Dolphin and Swan have some similarities in their overall aesthetic, they both have unique features from the outside. The Dolphin is the triangular-shaped building, whereas the Swan is the rectangular-shaped building.

They both have a similar color scheme and turquoise waves throughout the design. The Swan is the smaller of the two resorts, with 758 rooms, whereas the Dolphin has almost double that at 1509 rooms. They are located between Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot and enjoy easy access to Disney’s Boardwalk Resort.

Their location is one of the many reasons these are such a great option for your next Disney trip, but there are many more reasons you’ll want to consider staying here.

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The Walt Disney World Swan Resort offers a reasonable price, convenient location, and select benefits of an on property Disney Resort. It’s the perfect choice for your next Walt Disney World Resort Vacation. 

You can’t beat the convenience of staying on EPCOT resorts boulevard and the deluxe resort benefits, without the hefty price tag. You will fall in love with the Swan from the minute you walk into the lobby and smell that White Tea scent.