You’re standing in the middle of the Epcot resort area, looking at two massive, coral-and-teal buildings topped with literal multi-story statues. It's a bit jarring. One side is the Dolphin, the other is the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel and Suites. People get these two confused constantly, but if you’re trying to figure out where to drop your vacation fund, the distinction actually matters quite a bit. Honestly, the Swan is the "smaller" sibling, but "small" is a relative term when you’re talking about a Westin-managed property sitting on some of the most expensive real estate in Florida.
The biggest misconception? That these are Disney-owned hotels. They aren't. They’re Marriott properties. Specifically, the Swan is a Westin. This creates a weird, hybrid reality where you get the "Heavenly Bed" experience of a high-end corporate hotel while being close enough to Epcot to smell the popcorn from the Norway pavilion.
The Logistics of the Swan Hotel and Suites Location
Location is everything. If you’ve ever stayed at a Disney "Value" resort and spent forty-five minutes waiting for a bus in the humid July heat, you know the pain. The Swan solves that, but with a few caveats. You can walk to Epcot’s International Gateway in about ten minutes. You can walk to Hollywood Studios in about fifteen to twenty, depending on how fast your kids are moving. There are also Friendship Boats that chug along the canal, though sometimes walking is actually faster if a boat just pulled away.
Here’s the thing about the Marriott vs. Disney status: you get most of the perks, but not all. You get the Early Theme Park Entry. You get the Extended Evening Hours, which is huge because that's usually reserved for Disney’s "Deluxe" tier. But—and this is a big "but"—the buses don’t go to the main Magic Kingdom gates. They drop you at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). From there, you have to take the monorail or the ferry. It’s a minor annoyance that adds twenty minutes to your morning. If you want the "real" Disney bus experience, some people just walk over to the BoardWalk Inn next door and hop on their bus. Is that allowed? Technically, Disney doesn't check IDs for buses, but it’s a bit of a trek.
What the Rooms are Actually Like
The rooms at the Swan were renovated relatively recently. They don't scream "Mickey Mouse." If you’re looking for wallpaper with hidden characters or bedspreads featuring Goofy, you’re going to be disappointed. These are Westin rooms. Think clean lines, neutral tones, and those incredibly comfortable Westin Heavenly Beds.
If you book one of the suites, the layout gets interesting. The "Grand Deluxe" suites are basically a standard room connected to a very large living area. It feels more like an apartment than a hotel. For families, this is a game-changer. You can put the kids to bed in one room and actually have a conversation or watch a movie in the other without sitting in the dark at 8:00 PM.
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Space is a luxury in Orlando. At the Swan, you’re getting more square footage for your dollar than you would at the BoardWalk or the Yacht Club. The bathrooms are functional, often featuring a double vanity, which is a lifesaver when four people are trying to get out the door for a 7:30 AM rope drop.
Dining: From Fine Art to Quick Grabs
Food is where the Swan and Dolphin complex actually beats Disney-run hotels. It’s not even close. You have access to nearly twenty restaurants between the two buildings.
- Garden Grove: This is the Swan’s primary casual spot. It’s themed like a park in New York City, complete with a massive oak tree in the center.
- Il Mulino New York Trattoria: This is arguably some of the best Italian food on Disney property. It’s noisy, it’s vibrant, and the risotto is legitimately incredible.
- Kimonos: Located right in the Swan, this is the go-to spot for sushi and, weirdly enough, karaoke. It’s one of the few places on property that feels like a "real world" bar.
- Java: This is your morning lifeline. It’s a quick-service counter for coffee and pastries. The line gets long around 8:00 AM, so send a scout ahead.
You also have the "Swan Reserve" across the street, which added even more high-end dining like Amare. The proximity to the BoardWalk means you can also just wander over there for a pizza window slice or a trip to Flying Fish. You aren't trapped in a culinary bubble here.
The Pool Situation and the "Grotto"
Let’s talk about the Grotto. It’s the massive pool area shared between the Swan and the Dolphin. It has waterfalls, a slide, and a lot of rock work. It’s great. It’s also crowded.
The Swan has its own "quiet" pools, which are much better if you actually want to read a book. But if you have kids, you’re going to spend your life at the Grotto. The poolside service is decent, but be prepared for "resort prices." A cocktail by the pool is going to run you $15 to $20.
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The Resort Fee and the "Marriott Tax"
The biggest gripe people have with the Swan is the resort fee. Disney-owned hotels don't charge these. The Swan does. It’s usually around $40 per night, plus tax. On top of that, if you have a car, you’re paying for parking.
This is where the math gets tricky. You might see a room rate of $250 a night, which looks like a steal compared to the $600 at the Beach Club. But once you add the $45 resort fee and the $35 parking fee, that "deal" starts to look a bit different. Always check the total price on the checkout screen before you commit.
However, because it's a Marriott (specifically a Category 6/7 level property in the old system), you can use Bonvoy points. This is the ultimate "hack" for Disney fans. You can’t use Marriott points at the Grand Floridian, but you can use them here. If you’ve been hoarding points from business trips, this is one of the best ways to use them.
Realities of the Guest Experience
The service at the Swan is professional, but it’s "hotel professional," not "Disney Magic." The staff are Marriott employees. They are efficient and helpful, but you won't get the same level of over-the-top character immersion you might find at a Disney-themed resort. For some people, this is a relief. For others, it’s a letdown.
The crowd here is also a bit different. Because it has a massive convention center attached (mostly on the Dolphin side), you will see people walking around in suits and badges while you’re in your flip-flops and Mickey ears. It gives the place a slightly more "grown-up" vibe.
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Why People Choose the Swan over the Dolphin
- Size: The Swan is smaller. The hallways aren't as long. Getting from your room to the lobby doesn't feel like a marathon.
- Beds: The Westin Heavenly Bed is objectively better than the Sheraton beds in the Dolphin.
- Atmosphere: It’s quieter. The Dolphin lobby is massive and can feel chaotic with the fountain and the constant flow of convention-goers. The Swan feels a bit more "boutique," if you can call a 700-room hotel boutique.
Practical Steps for Your Stay
If you’re planning to book the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel and Suites, don’t just click "reserve" on the first rate you see.
First, check for discounts. They offer AAA, AARP, and frequently have deals for teachers, nurses, and government employees. These discounts are often significant—sometimes up to 25% off the standard rate.
Second, download the Marriott Bonvoy app. You can use it for mobile check-in and, more importantly, to chat with the front desk. If you need extra towels or want to ask for a late checkout, the chat feature is much faster than calling from the room phone.
Third, plan your Magic Kingdom days carefully. Remember the TTC bus situation. If you have an early dining reservation at the Magic Kingdom, consider taking an Uber or Lyft directly to the Contemporary Resort and walking over. It will save you the headache of the monorail transfer.
Lastly, take advantage of the walking paths. Most people overlook how beautiful the walk around Crescent Lake is at night. You can see the fireworks from Epcot from various spots around the Swan’s outdoor walkways without even entering the park.
Check the "Refurbishment" schedule before you go. Orlando hotels are constantly painting and fixing things due to the humidity and high turnover. Make sure the main pool or your preferred restaurant isn't closed for maintenance during your dates. If you're looking for a luxury experience that bridges the gap between a high-end business hotel and a theme park vacation, the Swan is basically the only game in town that lets you use your points to do it.