Why We Loved Staying at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort

Make the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort your first choice when you plan your dream Disney vacation. Here’s why we loved it!

Planning your next Disney trip? Here’s my full review of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort: covering location, rooms, dining, and all the magical perks.

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When we stayed at this resort in September 2023, we fell in love! So when I sat down to organize my thoughts, my biggest struggle was figuring out what to say first. I also wanted to keep it kinda short, too.

There are three properties, and we stayed at the Walt Disney World Swan Resort – so all my thoughts will be about that specific hotel. But you can bet that all these perks and benefits apply to the other ones, too.

Swan Disney Hotel Experience

To say that I adored the Swan Disney hotel is an understatement. I dream about it. I can’t wait to go back – and I’d live here if that was an option!

So, if you’re looking for the best Disney resort hotel, keep reading! I’ll share my favorite things about the Swan Disney (and hopefully make your decision a little easier)

Location

You can’t beat this location. It’s huge and situated directly on Disney’s Boardwalk. This resort is divided into three properties:

Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort
Walt Disney World Swan Resort
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, their newest addition.

The hotel is situated in the Crescent Lake Area, so it’s really convenient to get to Epcot and Hollywood Studios – by The Friendship Boat, which is such a cute experience. When you take the Friendship Boat to Epcot, you’re taken directly through to the International Gateway, which is much less crowded than Epcot’s main entrance.

Is Swan Resort Owned By Disney?

Nope! Though it’s on Disney property, it’s technically not owned by Disney. It’s managed by Marriott, which comes with its perks: including the fact that you can use your Discover Marriott Bonvoy rewards there, and also, you get the equivalent of a Deluxe Disney hotel, but a little less expensive

Swan Resort Pools

This was one of our favorite things! They have a 3-acre grotto pool, 2 lap pools, a spring pool, 4 whirlpools and a kiddie pool.

So if you’re ever looking for a hotel with plenty to do on a day off from the parks, this is the perfect place.

Are The Rooms Nice?

Yes, they’re more than nice! Our room was spacious and clean with lots of area for us to spread out and relax. It definitely lives up to the Deluxe status.

The entire hotel’s ambiance was high-end and felt luxe, without the hefty price tag. So dreamy!

Disney Perks

Because it holds the Disney resort “Deluxe” status (even if it’s managed by Marriott and not owned by Disney), you get a lot of the perks like early park entry, and complimentary buses to the parks (like Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, since the Friendship Boat can’t take you to those parks).

If you want to plan a budget-friendly Disney vacation, then I can’t say enough good things about the Swan Disney Hotel. This massive, deluxe resort is luxurious with the perfect location and plenty of amenities. Try it and you’ll see why it’s one of my favorites!

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Wondering if the Swan and Dolphin Resort is right for your Disney vacation? I break down the pros, cons, and must-know tips before you book.

Get all the benefits of staying on Disney property—without the Disney resort price tag. Read my Swan and Dolphin review to see why it’s a top choice for families and couples alike.