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!
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Basics
The Walt Disney World Dolphin and Swan Hotels are technically on Disney property but they’re not owned and operated by Walt Disney World Resort. Guests at these two hotels are entitled to some — but not all — of the perks enjoyed by Disney World Resort Hotel guests including:
- Ability to make FastPass+ reservations 60 days in advance (Valid theme park ticket linked to a MyDisneyExperience account is required)
- Access to Disney’s transportation system, including the Friendship Boats
- Extra Magic Hours at the Disney World theme parks
- Book advance tee times on four of the Disney World golf courses
- Complimentary parking at the Disney World theme parks
Swan and Dolphin Causeway at Night
On the flip side there are also several things guests staying at these two resorts cannot do including: add a Disney Dining Plan to the reservation; use the Magical Express to get to or from Orlando International Airport; and they don’t receive complimentary MagicBands.
You’ll need to factor in those pros and cons when considering a stay at the Swan and Dolphin, but don’t forget about proximity to TWO theme parks that are bursting at the seams with fun stuff this fall and winter!
And remember, both the Swan and Dolphin were recently updated as part a multi-year, $140 million renovation that included upgrading all 2,267 guest rooms and an all-new look for the Dolphin’s lobby including a new bar (Phins), a new quick service location (Fuel), and more!
Phins in the Dolphin Lobby
Dining at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
The Swan and Dolphin boast a variety of dining choices with 17 restaurants and lounges between the two hotels including Signature Dining and Character Dining.
You can enjoy Signature dining experiences at Todd English’s bluezoo, Il Mulino New York Trattoria, Shula’s Steak House, and Kimonos.
Shushi at Kimonos
If you’re looking for something a bit more casual, stop by Garden Grove (you’ll also find character dining here), Fresh Mediterranean Market, The Fountain, and the Cabana Bar and Beach Club.
Check out a review of the Cabana Bar and Beach Club here!
And, quick service options at the Swan and Dolphin include Fuel, the new-ish grab-and-go location with a must-visit frozen yogurt bar!
Frozen Yogurt Toppings
Phins is the bar and lounge inside the Dolphin’s lobby offering guests a place to relax. The menu at Phins features unique signature cocktails, craft beers, and globally-inspired appetizers.
Phins Menu and the 1565 Tiki
Check out our review of Phins and Fuel here!
Other quick service locations include Picabu Buffeteria and Splash Pool Bar & Grill.
And two more locations are coming soon to the Swan – Java, which will serve teas, espressos, coffees, and Nitro Brew; and a new frozen drink counter, which is expected to open in the fall.
See even more about dining at the Swan and Dolphin in our food tour of the hotels!
2019 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic
If you’re looking for even MORE great dining, the 2019 Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic is Friday, November 8, and Saturday, November 9, 2019!
The Food and Wine Classic coincides with the 2019 Epcot Food and Wine Festival. And once again, the Food and Wine Classic will include both Seminars and The Causeway.
Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic
The central attraction of the Classic is the more than 40 tasting stations featuring dishes from the resort’s 17 restaurants and lounges as well as more than 30 wineries on the Causeway. Check out the Menus page for an idea of what you can expect!
Tickets for one night of the Causeway only are $145 per person! This price includes the Beer Garden upgrade for the very first time!
A La Carte ticket booklets containing 25 tickets will be available for purchase at the event for $65. These tickets are perfect for those with a lighter appetite or for underage guests. Offerings range from two to six tickets per item.
For more information on the 2019 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic visit the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic website.
Staying at the Swan and Dolphin
If you’re thinking about booking at the Swan or Dolphin, room rates at start around $240.00 per night in low season. There is also a daily charge of $28.00 plus tax for a Resort Service Package that includes 24-hour health club access; two bottles of water daily in your room; complimentary fitness classes and pool activities; paddle boat rentals; and a complimentary s’mores kit that be can be used at the nightly Campfire & S’mores event.
Swan and Dolphin Resort
Guest rooms at the Swan and Dolphin include Standard rooms, Fireworks view rooms, Family rooms, Alcove rooms, a Premium Studio, or a Luxury Suite.
Guests of the Swan and Dolphin can enjoy a fully equipped health club at the Dolphin, complimentary fitness classes and recreational activities, a beauty salon, gift shops featuring Disney merchandise and sundries, laundry service, children’s activity center, and game room, and more!
Scroll down for an Exclusive, Special Offer from Small World Vacations!
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Oh my gosh! I’ve stayed at the Swan & Dolphin so many times and I never knew there was a Campfire and S’mores thing every night! I am so checking this out my next trip! Thanks!
We love the Dolphin
We have a great senior rate for May 2021
Resort view with a balcony
Can Small Worlds vacation beat our rate ?
$253.58 per night average with fees and taxes ?