Let me share a little secret with you — here at DFB, there’s a non-Disney resort we like a LOT.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin are a group of three hotels owned and operated by Marriott — the Swan, the Dolphin, and the Swan Reserve. These hotels are located right in the heart of Disney World, and they have some pretty awesome perks. In fact, the perks are SO good that we might recommend you choose them instead of a Disney Resort!
Perks
For starters, these three hotels have some serious perks! Like Disney-owned resorts, they offer Early Theme Park Entry and complimentary transportation to the parks (including buses to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom and Friendship Boats to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios). These hotel reservations can be linked to your My Disney Experience account just like Disney ones, and they can offer the same booking perks — like Lightning Lanes seven days in advance of your arrival and the ability to make dining reservations for the length of your trip 60 days out.
Dolphin Lobby
But perhaps the biggest perk is that the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels count at Deluxe Resorts. This means they offer Extended Evening Hours on select nights of the week. Typically twice a week, Deluxe Resort guests can spend an extra two hours in a specific Disney theme park after it closes to day guests, and you can get that perk by staying here, too!
These Hotels Will Guarantee You More Time in the Disney Parks
Pricing
Another huge reason we love staying here? The PRICE. These hotels are priced more in line with a Disney World Moderate Resort, yet they get the perks and amenities of a Deluxe. For example, looking at staying at the Walt Disney World Dolphin on a weeknight in September? You could get a room for about $250-$300 a night.
Swan Reserve rooms
Like Disney hotels, prices fluctuate depending on the time of year and the room category, but you’ll typically be able to get one of these “Deluxe” rooms for much less than you’d get a room at a Disney-owned Deluxe Resort. Marriott Bonvoy members can sometimes score special deals, as well as teachers, senior citizens, Disney World Annual Passholders, Florida Residents, First Responders, government employees/military, and AAA members. That’s a LOT of discount availability!
See Other Reasons We Love These Hotels Here!
Location
These three hotels on one shared complex have a PRIME location. They’re in the EPCOT Resort area, which means they’re situated right between the International Gateway entrance of EPCOT and the entrance to Hollywood Studios. Remember how we said you can boat to those two parks? Well, you’re close enough that you could actually WALK to either of them as well!
Walkway at the Swan Hotel
Being close to two parks is a huge deal, and you’re surrounded by other popular locations. Disney’s BoardWalk is just a few steps away across the bridge, Yacht Club and Beach Club share the boat route, and the Fantasia Gardens mini golf course is walkable distance, too. There’s so much to access in this area, and of course, you can easily walk between the Swan, the Dolphin, and the Swan Reserve to enjoy amenities at your sister resorts.
5 Reasons You Need to Stay at This Popular Disney Hotel
Dining
If you’re a foodie, this might be the actual BEST place to stay in all of Disney World. These three hotels combined have more restaurants than any of the Disney-owned resorts, and there are some STELLAR options. Between sitdown spots, signature dining, lounges, quick service, and pool bars, there are 21 different options to choose.
Bourbon Steak
Some of our faves include Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, where you can get a truly upscale steakhouse experience; Amare at the Swan Reserve, where you can have a delicious Mediterranean feast; Fuel at the Dolphin, where you’ll find self-serve Dole Whip with toppings; and Rosa Mexicano, where you can get some of the best Mexican food on Disney property. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! You could literally spend your entire week just eating at these three hotels and have a truly delectable time.
See Our Review of Bourbon Steak Here!
If you’re still trying to decide where to stay during your Disney World trip, consider the Swan and Dolphin! No matter why you choose these hotels, you’re likely to have a BLAST. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney tips like this!
Learn More About the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Here!
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Since discovering The Dolphin three visits ago that is our go to resort! We don’t have children (well grown children have come with us) so we don’t mind that it’s not as “Disney” but actually a beautiful hotel and the rooms fit us perfectly. We love the location and all the deluxe perks for the moderate price, and the pool is awesome! Looking forward to another trip in September!