Reviews of Walt Disney World Swan (Deluxe Resort)
Reviewed by UrsulasRevenge Review Date: 09/01/2021
Rating: (10) Recommended
Best Location and Great Deal!
Swan and Dolphin resort should not be overlooked if you are visiting Disney. This is especially true if you are wanting to spend a lot of time at Hollywood Studios or Epcot, since both are easily with in walking distance.
We got a great deal from Costco and honestly was cheaper than staying at all the moderate resorts and even some of the Value. This is especially amazing when the amenities of the resort are on par with a deluxe resort given the amazing and wide selection of restaurants, location, truly one of the best pools on Disney property, free Swan paddle boat rides!, and more. Plus if you are a Marriott Rewards Member you earn points.
Note this may not be for families or those that want nonstop Disney themeing on their trip. But for adults and those that are good leaving Disney at the parks you can't pick a better spot. We loved the atmosphere and choice of great entertainment at the resort or walking next door to the Boardwalk or Epcot in the evening was perfect! Would definitely stay here again!
Pros:
Location!!! Price, food, Amenities, Marriott Points. Deluxe property at moderate price.Cons:
Room was dirty upon arrival, could use with a bit of a refresh on bathrooms, and lack of Disney theme.Reviewed by Anonymous Review Date: 02/15/2020
Rating: (10) Recommended
We love Swan. As my son was growing up we went to pops and Coronado a lot and it was awesome. As he got older we decided to try Swan.. in 2016 I believe. We are booking our third trip there for May. I know there is a parking fee - but that is true of all DW properties now and at Swan, they dont charge after 5 days which is nice because we stay 8 to 9 days. Pops charged us last year for the full 9 days (we regretted not going to Swan as soon as that trip started) The resort fee does blow but again - thats almost anywhere these days and honestly I wont be surprised if DW starts adding one, they have increased the price of everything year after year.
The proximity is the star - You can take a boat or walk to Epcot and HS... after a lifetime of doing the late night bus crunch at park closing, this is what sold us. Its just awesome. And, the buses to AK and MK are rarely packed like other resorts. One word of caution - the buses run slower so if you want to be at MK for an 8am breakfast - plan of being at the stop early or take an Uber. It doesnt bother us - we are never really in a rush and again - that can happen anywhere - at least in their case I know the timing is about every 45 mins so I can plan accordingly.
Price - they are $$ but if you go through Cotsco travel - you can stay here for close to the same price as a DW moderate and they include the resort fee in the pricing, no surprises. You also have 60 days in advance fast passes just as with any DW resort.
So - If you have little ones and it is really important to have all of the DW theming which I understand - my son loved Pops and Sports when he was little - Go to the DW official resorts because Swan does not have it - they are more like being in a nice downtown hotel that happens to be in the middle of DW - If those things are not as important - to be in the bubble as they say - Swan may be for you. And to me - its in the middle of the bubble! The view out the window is all the theming I need - you see Epcot and you are next to Boardwalk resort - Love it!
Food (as all the DW areas) is pricey. We drive so I take some breakfast items and drinks - we eat mostly in the parks anyway. We have had some reasonable meals at the Fountain (adjacent to Swan in the Dolphin) great burger big enough for husband and I to share!
Pros:
Middle of the magic - walk or boat ride to Epcot and HS - pools are great - nice Gyms to work out - love the feel of the whole resort and its amazing location.Cons:
Food is a bit pricey but Epcot is a walk away... Slower bus serviceReviewed by Suzette Review Date: 06/28/2017
Rating: (10) Recommended
I stayed at the Walt Disney World Swan for FREE thanks to my Travelpointology Plans at Travelpointology.com. I stayed for 6 nights with my daughter in a two queen room that was beautiful. We walked to Epcot, took a boat to Hollywood studios, ate at the boardwalk bakery. I cannot say enough about this hotel. The price was definitely right but even if I paid, I would stay there again!
Pros:
the location is amazing, newly renovatedCons:
noneReviewed by GrandmaKristi Review Date: 06/02/2015
Rating: (10) Recommended
54th Anniversary Celebration
My husband and I celebrated our 54th anniversary with a trip to Disney World. Our “go to†resort for many years now is the Swan & Dolphin Resort. We love the atmosphere, the proximity to EPCOT and The Studios, the wonderful restaurant and lounge choices, but mainly the warmth and welcome of their staff. Tony Porcellini, Director of Food and Beverage, and his staff outdid themselves again with their warm welcome and attention to detail. The Swan & Dolphin has our overall favorite food and drinks on Disney property. We spent a very pleasant and entertaining first evening at the Kimono’s bar with our favorite bartender, Chris Deutsch. He is one of those people with a very engaging personality while constantly on the move, keeping everyone happy! Our daughter joined us the next evening (back again to Kimono’s) and we had a great time. Friday night we had dinner at bluezoo – Chad Lobner, Asst. Director of Restaurants, took great care of us (he has been a big help many times over the years). Our server, Karen Newman, and her asst., Khalid El Faghloumi, were so attentive and pleasant. Chef Joab Moyeno came out to greet us and explain his very delicious octopus “amuse bouche.†Pastry Chef Shannon Sherry described her fantastic dessert creations to us. All of these talented, capable professionals made our anniversary celebration something very special. Thank you Tony and your wonderful staff!!
Pros:
Great Location, Great Staff, Great Food & DrinkCons:
NoneReviewed by Anonymous Review Date: 12/11/2022
Rating: (9) Recommended
The Swan staff were all incredibly kind and so helpful! They made our honeymoon so special! We came back to rose petals all over our bed one day, wine and glasses another day. The bell hop were all so helpful and quick. The pools and hot tubs were so nice. We stayed for 7 days and enjoyed every minute.
Pros:
The Disney buses are chartered! Really nice buses. The boats to Epcot and Hollywood studios were great!Cons:
The food on property was very over priced and not good-at all.Reviewed by tgrandolph Review Date: 03/14/2022
Rating: (9) Recommended
I stayed here for 4 nights in December 2021 in a suite: 1 queen/queen room and what the Swan calls a "parlor," which was a large living room area with a sleeper sofa, large dining room table, balcony, and a full bathroom.
Pros:
The rooms were a good size, especially the parlor. We needed a 3rd bed (aka the sleeper sofa), and having the 2nd bathroom was an added perk. I love the Swan/Dolphin property and all that comes with it. Plus, location!Cons:
It wasn't cheap, but what at WDW is?!?Reviewed by BrandonS Review Date: 04/26/2021
Rating: (9) Recommended
The Walt Disney World Swan Hotel is one of the best hotels I have stayed at when coming to visit the parks. The location simply cannot be beat. You can walk to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios. If you’re not a fan of walking, you also have the option of taking a complimentary boat to those parks. Their bus service will take you to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. You also are able to walk to the Boardwalk as well as Beach & Yacht Club.
The hotel itself is beautiful. There are courtyard areas to sit out by and relax. The rooms are standard, but I do wish they had more accessible outlets. Plan on bringing power strips if you have things to charge or use during your stay.
You have a few restaurant choices also and are a couple minutes away from the Dolphin which has even more food options. We really liked everything we eat, but was really happy with the Java cafe. We were able to order breakfast sandwiches and coffee and were out of there in under ten minutes.
Pros:
Unbeatable Location Great restaurants Beautiful hotelCons:
Needs more outlets in the roomsReviewed by Anonymous Review Date: 12/09/2020
Rating: (9) Recommended
Maising hotel also just because it was by the boardwalk who is very very clean it has very contemporary look to ITIT wasn't on site it was pretty cheap resort these are pretty expensive I have to say though the parking was a bit much
Pros:
Very cleanCons:
Resort pizza priceyReviewed by MagicPreppy Review Date: 11/12/2020
Rating: (9) Recommended
Stayed from Aug.31-July 2 - so fairly soon after reopening. As two adults traveling without kids we had a great experience. We felt safe, and we really appreciated the atmosphere.
Pros:
great rooms good price walk to two parks earn Marriott pointsCons:
entrance may be a bit stuffy for kids needs a better way to get an easy meal or snacks at nightReviewed by EAP Review Date: 09/30/2018
Rating: (9) Recommended
The Swan is a fantastic Disney option. It’s extremely convenient to Hollywood Studios and Epcot. It has very good restaurant options, ranging from quick service to fine dining (Il Mulino perhaps being the best). The rooms have all been recently updated. The pool/beach complex is large and beautifully kept. All that plus SPG/Marriott Rewards Points. What more could you ask for?
