If you’re struggling to figure out which Disney World hotel you’re going to stay at for your vacation, may I humbly suggest the Swan and Dolphin?
Swan and Dolphin Hotel
Located in the heart of Disney World, these hotels might not be Disney-owned, but they come with some of the same deluxe benefits at a more moderate price point. I’ve stayed here multiple times, and every single trip, I find myself booking another stay before I’ve even checked out. From unbeatable location perks to incredible dining, here’s why the Swan and Dolphin keep pulling me back in.
The Price Is Right
If you’ve looked at Disney hotel prices lately, you know they can get quite high. The Swan and Dolphin sit in that sweet spot where you get deluxe-style perks without the deluxe price tag.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
These hotels often run cheaper than Disney’s deluxe resorts but still offer perks like Early Entry and Extended Evening Hours which are huge bonuses if you want to maximize park time. Plus, when you compare these prices to Disney’s moderate resorts, you’re sometimes paying the same amount for WAY more benefits.
Walk to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
This is probably the #1 reason I keep coming back. The Swan and Dolphin are within walking distance of EPCOT (and a quick Skyliner trip to Hollywood Studios), meaning you can skip the bus and get to the parks faster.
EPCOT International Gateway Entrance
I love being able to take a quick stroll over to the International Gateway entrance of EPCOT or hop on a Skyliner to Hollywood Studios. If you’ve ever been stuck waiting for Disney transportation at the end of a long park day, you know how valuable this is.
A More Grown-Up Vibe
I love Disney, but sometimes I want a break from the all-day, in-your-face theming. The Swan and Dolphin strike a perfect balance.
It’s a beautiful resort!
You still feel like you’re in Disney World, but the atmosphere is a little more relaxed compared to some of the more heavily themed resorts. If you’re traveling with adults or just want a quieter retreat after a chaotic park day, this is a great place to stay.
The Restaurants Are Top-Tier
For a hotel that’s technically on Disney property, the Swan and Dolphin have some incredibly good food. There’s something for everyone here, from the sushi at Kimonos to the Italian food at Il Mulino.
bluezoo restaurant
bluezoo is another standout if you’re looking for a high-end dining experience. And if you want a quick breakfast or coffee before heading to the parks, there are solid grab-and-go options as well.
Close to Two Other Great Disney Resorts
One underrated perk is that you’re right next to Disney’s BoardWalk and Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, which means even more dining and entertainment options.
Beaches & Cream
A short walk puts you at Beaches & Cream (hello, Kitchen Sink Sundae) or the BoardWalk’s lively nightlife. Even if you’re not staying at one of these hotels, being this close makes it easy to enjoy what they have to offer.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin at night
The Swan and Dolphin are my go-to for a reason. You get a deluxe-like experience without the insane price tag, amazing dining options, and one of the best locations in all of Disney World. While it may not have the same over-the-top theming as some Disney-owned hotels, the perks far outweigh that minor trade-off. If you haven’t given these hotels a shot yet, they might just become your new favorite Disney World stay.
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It sounds like you’ve found a Disney World hotel that truly feels like a home away from home! Staying at the same resort multiple times often means it offers something special
I’m happy to read that our family isn’t the only one who loves the Swan and Dolphin! It has been our go-to destination whenever the mood strikes us. We’ve been repeat guests at the Swan and Dolphin since 2007. We’ve stayed during all the major holidays (anyone remember the Easter Egg Hunt?). We were also there when the German American Idol (Das Superstar?) was filmed on the white sand beach by the Grotto Pool area!
We were there so often that we remember, on a first-name basis, many of the staffers in the lounge (thinking Mama-T, Thabo, et al.) and the fabulously talented Tom Tanada, who played piano in the Dolphin Lobby (we were sad to hear he recently passed away. RIP Tom).
This hotel looks nice and has new rooms but they have so many hidden fees and parking fee is crazy. I’d rather get a deluxe resort using dvc rental website. Unless you can get a discount that’s offsets all the fees swan and dolphin charge it’s just not worth it.