Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin | the disney food blog

You Can WALK To The Parks From These 5 Disney World Hotels!

When we’re at Walt Disney World, we’re always focused on the best ways to get around.

Grand Floridian Resort

Of course, Disney transportation will get you where you need to go on property for free, but those waits can be LONG. Especially right now with social distancing limiting capacity on transport vehicles, and no monorail service at all to EPCOT.

Even in the best of times, we all wish we could just stroll right into the park from our hotel, and we REALLY wish for that super short commute after a long day — when we just want to COLLAPSE in our room.

Well, a few Disney World resorts actually make that possible! And this is their secret superpower! Check out these FIVE Disney World resorts that are close enough to walk to a theme park!

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The ULTIMATE GUIDE to Disney’s NEW and Newly Announced Restaurants!

By Courtney Willingham 1 Comment

In case you haven’t heard, there are a LOT of changes coming to both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort.

Transformation of Epcot ©Disney

While many changes come in the form of new attractions (like the highly-anticipated TRON Lightcycle Run and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind), there are also a whole bunch of NEW restaurants coming soon, like Space 220 and Woody’s Roundup Barbecue to the parks and resorts! Let’s explore all the new and soon to be new options you need to know about.

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Everything You Need to Know About the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin!

By AJ and the DFB Team 1 Comment

This fall is going to be a great time to visit the Walt Disney World Resort with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge AND the 2019 Epcot Food and Wine Festival both opening on August 29! And, a couple of months later the 2019 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic takes place November 8 and November 9, and then it’s the official start of winter holiday season later in November!

And if you want to stay right in the middle of the action this fall (or any time of year), the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin are two hotels that should be on your list of places to stay!

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

Located just a stone’s throw from Hollywood Studios and Epcot, the Swan and Dolphin are sometimes an overlooked hotel choice but they offer convenient access to the all the new and exiting things happening at Epcot and Hollywood Studios this fall and beyond.

And today, our good friends from Small World Vacations are sharing some great tips about planning your visit to the Swan and Dolphin!

Keep reading and be sure to scroll down for an Exclusive, Special Offer from Small World Vacations!

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Changes Coming to the Swan’s Lobby as Swan and Dolphin Redesign Continues

By AJ 1 Comment

Last fall, the Dolphin (of Walt Disney World’s Swan and Dolphin Hotel) revealed a brand new look for its lobby including a new lobby bar called Phins, a new grab ’n go market named Fuel, and more. And now, the Swan’s lobby is undergoing a renovation of its own.

Renderings for the updated Swan

The lobby and public spaces (like the front desk, rotunda, and lounging areas) will undergo part of the $3 million transformation. And the Swan’s coffee bar, Java Bar, will also receive a makeover as part of the redesign project. [Read more…]

News! Pennsylvania or New England Residents — Get a Deal at the Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts!

By Traci C Leave a Comment

If you’re a resident of Pennsylvania or New England and you’re looking to save on your next Walt Disney World vacation, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin has a deal for you!

Stay at the Swan and Dolphin this year!

To celebrate the victory of either the Philadelphia Eagles or the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII next weekend, the Swan and Dolphin has announced the Champions Package. [Read more…]

News: Quick Service Dine Gift Card Offer Now Available

By Traci C 3 Comments

Earlier this week we shared the news that Disney had announced the 2017 Free Dining Offer for Disney World resorts, and now we have confirmation about a Quick Service Dine Gift Card offer for select “good neighbor” hotels.

Are Swan and Dolphin guests getting a free Quick Service Dining offer? Maybe.

Guests who book a Walt Disney World vacation package that includes a stay at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Springs area hotels, or select good neighbor hotels with a minimum 3-day theme park ticket will receive a pre-paid, discounted Quick Service Dining card. [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: February 7, 2016

By AJ and the DFB Team Leave a Comment

Happy Super Bowl Sunday! Go teams! No matter who you’re cheering for it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy our weekly round-up of the most delicious Disney food news. (I’m a Bills fan, so as long as the Giants, Pats, Cowboys, and Dolphins stay out of the big game, I’m happy ;-D)

Warm Peanut Butter Brownie — Cross Section

We are still celebrating the grand launch of the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2016 e-book! The Guide is fully updated for 2016 vacations and is available for purchase and download to help you make the most of your dining plans at Walt Disney World! You can use code HAPPYPLACE to get a $4 discount off the cover price!

We love answering your questions and this week’s reader question was “Where can we get a good breakfast if we are NOT into characters or buffets?” You can check out our answer here.

We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in…

Disney Food News

We love brownies and this week we were talking about the Best Brownies in Walt Disney World!
Residents of the Super Bowl States – the Carolinas and Colorado – can get a great deal at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel and residents of the winning team’s state get a free upgrade!
Ever wonder what the best one credit restaurants are with the Disney Dining Plan? We have some recommendations.
Afternoon tea is coming to the Crescent Solarium at Disney’s Beach Club Resort.
We reviewed the Smoky Cheddar Grits at the Smiling Crocodile in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Disneyland’s River Belle Terrace is now accepting Advance Dining Reservations!

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Disney Food Post Round-Up: March 8, 2015

By Kim Leave a Comment

With the 2015 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival underway, check out our featured Must Eat Treats. Don’t miss the amazing food, flora, and fun at this year’s event!

Strawberry Nigori

If you’re dreaming of a spring vacation (hopefully with abundant sunshine!) to Walt Disney World, you’ll want to book a room at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin for spring savings. Now’s the time to book your Easter character meal too!

For all the details on the above news and more, just click on the links below!

Disney Food News

Take a look at some Must Eat Treats at this year’s Epcot Flower and Garden Festival.
Here’s a brand new dessert that you MUST try — the Warm Peanut Butter Brownie at Epcot’s Sunshine Seasons.
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel announced spring savings. Book now for the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival and Easter!
Planet Hollywood will be revamped for the new Disney Springs renovation at Downtown Disney Orlando.
Take a photo tour with us to see What’s New around Walt Disney World!

Check out all the latest Disney Food News — even the stuff we don’t mention in posts on the blog! — on our Disney Food News Pin Board, including restaurant closures, and more!

We’ve got all the latest for you, so check it out before you go.

DFB Reader Finds

If you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or about Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday!

Stopping to watch candy apples being made at Disney candy kitchens is a sweet pastime! Check out some pictures from our Facebook Friends…

First up, Sharon enjoyed watching the finishing touches being put on these chocolate-covered Mickey apples. Yum!

Watch Mickey candy apples being made

Here’s one of Cast Members making candy apples at 2AM!! And with a smile. LUV!! Thanks to Amy for sharing this delightful photo.

Do you have a favorite Disney Food find? Share your photos with us!

The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015

We recently launched The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 e-Book! This valuable resource is fully updated for 2015-16 Disney vacations, and is now available for purchase and download to help you make the most of your dining plans while in Disney World.

The fully updated DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 e-Book is an instantly downloadable PDF guide, featuring over 490 full-color pages of photographs, information, and advice about our favorite subjects — food and dining in Walt Disney World.

It’s guaranteed to help you navigate your way to delicious dining on your next trip! And if you’re ready to get yours now, head on over to DFBStore.com to pick it up!!

For our Grand Launch Sale, use code: 2015 to get a $4 discount for a limited time! And at the end of this post, we have details on even more savings!

Note: If you purchased the 2014 Guide last year, scroll down for details on repeat purchase discounts.

Here’s Just Some Of What You Get With Our 2015 Guide:

Over 490 Pages of Disney Dining and Planning information, tips, reviews, and recommendations!
An in-depth Disney Dining Restaurant Reviews section, covering all Disney restaurants, food kiosks, bars, and lounges
An updated Disney Dining Plan section and price analysis [Read more…]

WDW Swan and Dolphin Resorts Announce Spring Savings and Easter Character Meal

By Kim 5 Comments

As the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival gets underway, we have more spring news for you.

Pineapple Dole Whip

If you’re still looking for a place to stay while you attend the Festival, you’ll want to check out the springtime savings available at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts. From March 4 – May 17, 2015, guests will save up to 40% off!

For guests vacationing April 1-8 at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel, a full schedule of Easter-themed activities awaits. With meet-and-greets with the Easter Bunny, glow-in-the-dark and traditional Easter egg hunts, bunny hop races, arts and crafts, and a poolside showing of the movie HOP, the young and young-at-heart will find plenty to do when taking a break from the enchanting gardens in Epcot.

Other featured experiences during the week include a special Easter Bunny basket delivery to the room on Easter morning and an Easter dinner buffet at Garden Grove Cafe with Disney character appearances on Sunday, April 5, at 5PM. Additional costs apply for both.

This resort is within easy walking distance of both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and provides [Read more…]

News! 2014 WDW Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic Dates and Seminars

By AJ 17 Comments

Back by popular demand, The Swan and Dolphin Resort at Walt Disney World has announced that it will hold its Fifth Annual Food and Wine Classic this Fall!

Coinciding with the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic offers even more great food and drink for Disney fans!

This event is always amazing and very well done. We can’t wait to go again this year!

2014 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Details

Mark your calendars for Friday, October 31, and Saturday, November 1, 2014. Seminars begin at 4:30 p.m. and the Causeway is open from 5:30-9:00 p.m.

Dining al fresco on the Causeway at the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic!

This year’s event continues the tradition of fun and informative food and beverage seminars that focus on wine, cocktails, sake, beer, pasta-making, and more. The seminars are conducted by experts in each field and last for approximately 60-90 minutes.

At 5:30, the Causeway between the Swan and Dolphin comes alive as the staff of the Resort’s award-winning restaurants host tasting booths. In addition, there is live entertainment as you sample and stroll around the beautiful grounds!

Wine Seminar at the 2012 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic

Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Seminars

You can see details on all of the 2013 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Seminars here!And new for this year, the Classic is adding a Cheese seminar!

Seminars this year include:

Wine Blending;
Let’s Make Caipirinhas!;
It’s Better to “Wine” in Italian;
TQU: Tequila University;
Base to Bubbles (see our Base to Bubbles review here!);
Beer, Please!;
Modern Mixology (see our Modern Mixology review here!);
The Fine Art of Sushi and Sake;
The Cheese Course (NEW!); and
Pasta Making with Chef Cib!

Causeway Tasting Booths with Optional Beer Garden Upgrade!

The Causeway between the Swan and Dolphin Resorts will have tons of great offerings again this year. And we can’t wait to see the menus! We’ll be back soon with full details for you!

Want a little more than just the standard tasting experience? Upgrade to the [Read more…]