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As Florida residents and Walt Disney Passholders since 2016, we have stayed on-site and off-site in various Disney hotels. Two of our favorites are sister hotels located just beyond The Boardwalk in the Epcot Resort area – The Swan and Dolphin Hotels.
Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Hotel is a unique resort located in the heart of Walt Disney World, offering a blend of Disney perks with the high-end amenities of a luxury hotel. Operated by Marriott, this resort consists of two sister properties—the Swan and the Dolphin—plus the newer Swan Reserve.
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Staying at Disney’s Swan Hotel
As Marriott Bonvoy members, Mark and I love to stay at the Swan or Dolphin anytime we attend one of the many Epcot festivals we love. It’s within walking distance, which is great because we can walk back to the room at the end of the night instead of cramming into crowded buses or the long skyliner lines at the end of the day.
Plus, it’s like staying at two resorts for the price of one since the sister hotels share many of the amenities! I’ll focus on the Dolphin Hotel in my next blog. Here’s everything you need to know about staying at The Swan Hotel!
Disney Perks at Swan Hotel
Despite being operated by Marriott, the Swan Hotel offers many of the same benefits as Disney’s official resorts, including:
- Early Theme Park Entry: Gain access to the parks 30 minutes before official opening times.
- Extended Evening Hours: Available for guests staying at the Swan on select nights.
- Complimentary Park Transportation: Convenient boat service to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, along with bus transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs.
- Character Dining On-Site: Enjoy Disney magic without leaving the hotel (when available).
- MagicBand Compatibility: While MagicBands cannot be used for room entry or hotel charges, they can still be used for park admission and Lightning Lane selections.
Dining and Restaurants
The Swan Hotel and its sister properties offer an impressive array of dining experiences ranging from quick bites to fine dining.
- Il Mulino New York Trattoria: A refined Italian restaurant with an extensive wine selection.
- Kimonos: A sushi bar known for its fresh sushi and nightly karaoke.
- Garden Grove: A family-friendly dining spot with character dining on select nights.
- Java Bar: A great place to grab a morning coffee or quick snack.
- Fuel: A quick-service café offering grab-and-go options for busy mornings.
Rooms and Accommodations
The Swan Hotel features stylish and comfortable accommodations designed for both relaxation and convenience. Room options include standard rooms and accessible rooms.
- Standard Rooms: Feature two queen beds, a serene ambiance, and upscale decor.
All rooms come equipped with modern conveniences such as mini-refrigerators, coffee makers, high-speed Wi-Fi, and plush bedding to ensure a restful stay.
Location and Transportation
One of the biggest advantages of staying at the Swan Hotel is its prime location within the EPCOT resort area.
- Walking Distance to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios: Take a scenic stroll along Disney’s BoardWalk to reach the parks.
- Water Taxi Service: Relaxing boat rides transport guests to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
- Bus Transportation: Complimentary buses run to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs.
- Flexible Transportation Options: Guests have access to rideshare services and rental cars.
Resort Amenities at Disney’s Swan Hotel
Recreation & Leisure
- Five Heated Pools (shared with Dolphin)
- Grotto Pool with waterfall and water slide
- Two lap pools
- Two leisure pools
- Kiddie pool and whirlpool spas
- White Sand Beach with loungers and games
- Swan Paddleboat Rentals (weather permitting)
- Jogging Trails around the lake and through nearby resorts
- Playground for younger kids
- Game Room / Arcade
Health & Wellness
- Mandara Spa (located at the Dolphin)
- Full-service spa with massages, facials, body treatments
- Fitness Center
- Open 24/7 with cardio machines, weights, and Peloton bikes
- Yoga and Fitness Classes (seasonal)
Family Services
- Character Dining at Garden Grove (Swan)
- Camp Dolphin (at Dolphin Hotel – evening kids’ activity program)
- Cribs and Pack ‘n Plays upon request
Shopping & Essentials
- Disney Gift Shop
- Lobby Convenience Store / Sundries
Is It Worth Staying at the Swan Hotel?
The Swan Hotel is an excellent choice for guests looking for a balance of luxury, Disney perks, and a prime location. While it doesn’t offer full Disney theming, its close proximity to the parks, deluxe resort benefits, and exceptional dining make it a compelling alternative to Disney’s official hotels.
For travelers who value Marriott Bonvoy points, elegant accommodations, and easy access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, the Swan Hotel is a fantastic option for a magical stay at Walt Disney World.
I didn’t know they had character dining.
Not so much dining, but they have pop ins like the other resorts!