There are over 20 Disney World hotels to choose from when planning your vacation, not counting the Good Neighbor Hotels nearby!
Swan and Dolphin
Good Neighbor hotels are hotels that aren’t owned by Disney but have a partnership with the Company that allows people to enjoy some of the perks of staying at a Disney World hotel. This includes things like free transportation to the parks and Disney Springs, Early Entry, and, starting July 24th, being able to book Lightning Lane selections up to seven days before your arrival date. There are a lot of Good Neighbor Hotels to choose from, but we’re personally HUGE fans of the Swan and Dolphin Hotels — here’s why!
The BEDS
Many guests love staying at Disney World hotels because they find the beds extremely comfortable. They’re not too soft or hard, and that’s the perfect medium for many guests. Most Disney World hotels use Beautyrest Disney Pillow Top Mattresses, and they’re so great that most frequent guests can TELL when those mattresses aren’t being used.
The Bed at Swan Reserve
However, the beds at the Swan and Dolphin hotels are even BETTER. The Swan and Dolphin hotels are operated by Marriott, and they choose to use different mattresses. The beds here are Westin Heavenly Beds, described as having a “pillow-top mattress, a white goose-down comforter, and four overstuffed pillows.”
Swan Reserve rooms
And guess what? They truly are heavenly from both what we’ve experienced and heard from our readers who stay there! Getting enough sleep in Disney World is WILDLY important because you’ll be going, going, going all day long, and doing that without adequate rest? It’s a recipe for disaster. We always know we’ll get a great night’s sleep here (but never want to get out of bed, which is a problem).
SO Close To The Parks
Let’s play a little comparison game: at the Swan and Dolphin hotels, you’re within walking distance to EPCOT, a short boat ride away from Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and have complimentary bus transportation to the parks and Disney Springs. A room at these hotels for one night from July 19th through July 20th is between $367-$474 with no discounts, depending on how fancy you’d like to go.
Swan and Dolphin
A similar Disney World hotel would be located on or near Disney’s BoardWalk, which puts you within walking distance of EPCOT and comes with complimentary transportation to the remainder of the parks and Disney Springs. A room at Disney’s Beach Club Resort for the same night would cost around $592 with no discounts, or a room at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is $598 with no discounts.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Staying at the Swan or Dolphin hotels can give you a similar deluxe Disney hotel experience for hundreds of dollars less! For some families, this is a fantastic way to have the same level of service and expectation from your hotel at a lower price point.
You Get A Break From Disney Theming
For those of you out there who aren’t huge fans of having Disney-theming as part of every single second of your Disney World vacation, the Swan and Dolphin hotels might be a great fit. While these hotels are on Disney World property, there isn’t any major of Disney theming in the hotel or hotel rooms.
Dolphin fountain
While some families want Disney-theming everywhere, or at least hints of it, others prefer a simple, elegant hotel experience. If you want a bit of a break from the theming when you’re not in the parks, AND you’re looking to, again, stay at more of a deluxe-level hotel, this is the spot for you!
Swan Reserve Entrance
You’re still close to the action of Disney World, though, which is great! Walk 10–15 minutes, and you’ll find yourself in EPCOT, so you can immerse yourself in the Disney magic whenever you like.
Rosa Mexicano in the Dolphin Hotel
We’re always here to help you plan your next Disney World vacation, so stay tuned to DFB!
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What’s your favorite hotel to stay at when you travel to Disney World? Tell us in the comments!
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Staying at the dolphin in November and I’m a little worried about the no. Disney theming but excited for all the other perks. I just have to remember that the perks out weigh the theming! Can’t wait 138 days to go!
We stayed in October 2022 and December 2023 for 7 nights each trip at the Port Orleans Riverside. 2023, 4 others wo have never been to WDW really loved this resort and we did too!! I am retired US Army and was able to get military discounts for the 3 rooms(3 is max) and 5 day park hoppers (6 IS MAX)at good discounts. Rooms through WDW and park hoppers through MWR (military). My partner and I have been the 7 other times staying at various value and delux resorts. Port Orlans Riverside is the best. We like to stay in the back lodges 34 or 36 as it is close the the first bus stop, get my drift. Large resort but NEVER felt crowded, layout was great. IF one knows how to plan (meal reservations), days off, schedule halloween or christmas parties on days off. We feel the dinner shows for Fantasmic, candlelight processtional is a must. You cannot go wrong at PO Riverside in my opinion.
Nicole: The Dolphin is a wonderful place to stay. It’s only steps from Yacht and Beach and Boardwalk hotels. Explore them for shops and dining AND Disney theming. You will not miss out by staying at the Dolphin.
Great recommendation and rationale. Anything at or near the Boardwalk area is A+ in my book. Let me offer two more plugs for the Swan or Dolphin — Marriott Bonvoy reward points to use or earn while staying there, and Shula’s Steakhouse, if celebrating a special occasion or if you just wish to treat your significant other to an incredible evening.
You should also mention that the Swan, Reserve, and Dolphin charge a resort fee of $45 per day and parking fee of $35 for self and $45 for valet per day. That adds up when you’re not planning for it. People need to be informed… no surprises. However, they are Bonvoy hotels, so you can use points or earn them during your stay!
The picture in the room is weird!
We spend 10 days at the Swan summer of 2023. We had two rooms wife and I and 3 teenage girls in the room next door. It was awesome. For a fraction of the cost we got most of all the perks of a deluxe hotel. We have been to Disney every year for the last 18 years and we have stayed everywhere. I will have to admit Swan and Dolphin give the most bang for your buck! You get bus, skyliner, walking access to all the parks, can’t beat it. The only perk we would like to add was the ability to use our magic band as a room key. Other than that I recommend these hotels over any other. Book at these places, especially if you are a Marriott rewards member, it’s a no brainer!!
We have stayed at Swan and Dolphin many, many times over the past decade. The location (within walking distance of both Epcot and Hollywood Studios), the numerous great restaurant options, from The Fountain for a quick meal or ice cream, to Shula’s for our “special” night out, coupled with great pricing, this is a family favorite. I hesitated to post as I feel it is a best kept secret! To be able to enjoy an evening in Epcot and walk back to your room or take a Friendship boat back, can’t be beat.