8 Things I Wish I Knew Before Staying at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin

There’s a seriously underrated Disney World resort that gets you some IMPRESSIVE perks.

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort comprises three separate hotels on one property with more than 20 restaurants, hundreds of hotel rooms, and lots of fun activities. But should you choose it for your Disney World vacation? I’m breaking down some of its best perks.

Extended Evening Hours

One of the best perks of staying at these hotels is that they “count” as Disney World Deluxe Resorts, meaning they get many of the same bonuses that the other hotels in that category get. If you’re staying at the Swan, the Dolphin, or the Swan Reserve, you can take advantage of Extended Evening Hours.

Extended Evening Hours run on select nights in specific theme parks, allowing Deluxe Resort guests to stay two hours later in that park. Make sure to check the schedule before your visit to see which nights this perk is offered during your stay. (But it helps you get on rides with some seriously low wait times!)

Learn All About Extended Evening Hours Here!

Boat Transportation to Two Parks

An underrated perk of staying at these hotels? The boat transportation! The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin has its own boat dock where you can board a complimentary boat that will take you to either EPCOT or Hollywood Studios.

Along the way, the boats make stops at the BoardWalk and Yacht Club/Beach Club, so you can use them to get to those nearby hotels if you don’t feel like walking. And the view of Crescent Lake? Lovely!

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You Can Walk to the Skyliner

There are two main Disney Skyliner stations within reasonable walking distance to the Swan and Dolphin hotels. One is located at the back entrance of EPCOT, between the Beach Club Resort and the BoardWalk Inn.

Disney Skyliner at International Gateway Station at EPCOT

The other Skyliner station is located at the entrance of Hollywood Studios, and there’s a walking path that runs from the Swan and Dolphin directly to that park! Depending on where you’re starting, one might be closer than the other, so check the map in the My Disney Experience app (or use Google Maps) to see.

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You’re Right Next to the BoardWalk

Not only can you walk to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios from the Swan and Dolphin, but you’re also next-door neighbors to the BoardWalk. This resort is home to a BUNCH of dining options, some fun activities, and lively nighttime entertainment.

It’s a great place to stroll during the daytime and grab a snack, or a fun spot to camp out at night to watch the street performers and order a nightcap. It’s truly the life of the EPCOT area resorts.

Click Here to See What’s at the BoardWalk!

You Can Walk to Mini Golf

Got any mini golf fans out there? The Swan Reserve shares a parking lot with one of Disney World’s mini golf courses, Fantasia Gardens. So if you’re looking for something entertaining to occupy you on your day off from the parks, this is a great stop.

A sign directing walkers to Fantasia Gardens at The Swan Reserve

Access to the Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf course is included with some ticket types, but you can also pay to play at the course. It’s themed to a classic Disney movie — what’s not to love?!

Get the Details on Mini Golf Here!

They Have SO Many Restaurants

I already mentioned that there are over 20 restaurants at the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve, but I think we really need to harp on that point for a second. They’ve got everything from quick service grab-and-go spots to coffee shops to bars to steakhouses. It’s a full spread!

They’re the only resort in Orlando, in fact, that’s home to TWO celebrity chef restaurants. Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina and Todd English’s bluezoo are both great spots to enjoy an upscale meal.

Read Our Review of the NEW Bourbon Steak Restaurant Here!

They Have Some of the Best Pools and Recreation Offerings

If you’re hoping to have a resort day during your vacation, you should know that these hotels have some incredible pools and recreation offerings. There are lap pools, relaxation pools, and even one with a waterfall.

For other activities, you can check out the watercraft rentals, beach volleyball, the basketball court, or even the arcade and bowling alley. There’s a lot more to do than you’d think!

Check Out the Swan and Dolphin’s Bowling Alley Here!

The Holiday Offerings Are Incredible

And if you’re planning on staying at the Swan and Dolphin during any major holidays, be prepared to celebrate! They have a special Not-So-Spooky Halloween Weekend Celebration as well as the Santa’s Favorite Resort offerings around Christmas.