We Regret to Inform You That You’re Booking the WRONG Disney World Hotel

While Disney World hotels have been a major part of the parks from the start, the best stay on Disney World property may not be owned by the company at all.

The Walt Disney World Swan and Walt Disney World Dolphin are, in fact, not Disney hotels, despite being located on Walt Disney World property. BUT…that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth booking!

So, what makes staying at either the Swan or Dolphin — both of which are located in the EPCOT Resort Area — so special?

There are A LOT of Restaurants

The hotels are home to over 20 restaurants and lounges that offer “something for everyone, from the most passionate foodie, to those seeking a quick, yet satisfying meal.”

Some of our favorites include:

• Il Mulino, which offers authentic cuisine from the Abruzzi region of Italy in a “sophisticated, modern setting.” The restaurant offers a wide-ranging variety of traditional Italian dishes, including Antipasti options like Arancini Di Carne (Italian Rice Balls stuffed with bolognese), Calamari Fritti (fried calamari), and Polpette Al Forno (meatballs with tomato sauce and cheese), pizzas, pastas, beef, chicken, veal, and fish dishes, and even large family-style offerings with a per person charge, as well as a selection of specialty cocktails, beers, traditional Italaina desserts, and most notably a selection of red and white wines selected by by the hotel’s Sommeliers.

• Amare offers a large selection of Mediterranean favorites, including Appetizers (Chickpea Socca, Lamb Kofta, Falafel), salads, hummus offerings, and entrees, including Seabass Al Cartoccio, Braised Lamb Cappelletti, Romesco Chicken, and Grilled Souvlaki.

• Located at the Walt Disney World Dolphin hotel, The Fountain captures the vibes of a classic American diner, complete with vinyl stools, glittering tables, a long countertop, and even a neon sign. There are various classic seating configurations in the restaurant, including tables, the aforementioned countertop, and classic booths. The restaurant’s menu features a full rundown of classic diner favorites with appetizers including Pretzel & Cheese Dip and Queso Tots, and the diner classic Disco Fries (AKA fries smothered in a “classic combination” of diner-style gravy and homemade cheese sauce), followed by entrees including including the classic Reuben Sandwich, a foot-long hot dog, a fried chicken sandwich, a flounder sandwich, and grilled cheese served with tomato soup, and the diner’s star attraction: The Fountain Smash Burger. You can finish your meal with a selection from a wide range of milkshakes, including Blueberry Cheesecake, Key Lime Pie, and Banana Pudding.

• Set in an “elegant, inviting space decorated with dark teak wood and a gorgeous collection of colorful kimonos”, the Kimonos’ menu features a large selection of signature rolls, including the Dragon Roll, the Spicy Jalapeño Roll, the Spicy Rainbow Roll, and – of course – the Kimonos Roll. Kimonos also offers soups and salads, as well as starters like Seared Tuna, Gyoza, Gulf Shrimp Tempura, and Grilled Kalbi Beef Short Ribs. The restaurant’s drink menu also offers “hot and chilled sake, plum wine, beer, and fruity specialty cocktails.”

• Finally, there’s Bourbon Steak, one of the newest eateries at the Swan and Dolphin. The latest in a chain from chef Michael Mina, Bourbon Steak is a modern take on the quintessential American steakhouse with premium cuts of beef and seafood infused with global flavor, which aims to showcase the three primary elements of Mina’s culinary philosophy: product, technique, and presentation. The menu includes a large selection of steaks – naturally – including the Hay-Smoked Tomahawk, Filet Mignon, Delmonico Ribeye, and New York Strip. Other offerings include Maine Lobster Pot Pie, Espelette Butter Roasted Chicken, Red Alaskan King Crab, and Red Wine Braised Wagyu Short Rib.

Beloved Disney Snacks!

If you’re not full after a meal at one of those restaurants, you can find not one — but TWO — of Disney’s iconic snacks available at the pair of resorts.

First off, there’s Mickey Waffles, which can be found at Java inside the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel. Available for $7.50 from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM, the iconic waffles come with cinnamon, powdered sugar, and maple syrup.

Over at the Dolphin’s Fuel, you can find a customizable Frozen Yogurt and DOLE Whip station! Classic Pineapple DOLE Whip is one of the six flavors available here, with others including Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, New York Cheesecake, and Caramel Corn. In other words, you can mix 1-2 flavors with 10 different toppings to choose from, like, say, New York Cheesecake and Pineapple Dole Whip.

All the Perks of Going Deluxe…

Beyond food, guests at the Swan & Dolphin also have accommodations on par with Disney’s Deluxe Resorts and offer many of the same perks as Disney’s Deluxe Tier, including:

• The ability to book Lightning Lanes 7 days in advance
• Early Entry to Disney’s theme parks.
• Extended Evening Hours at select Disney theme parks.
• Complimentary transportation.
• On-site and online Disney tickets.
• Advance tee times at Disney golf courses.

… and Marriott Points Too!

As stated above, the hotels are currently operated by Marriott’s Sheraton Hotels and Resorts brand, which means that rooms at the hotels can be booked using Marriott Bonvoy points, and stays at the hotels will also earn Bonvoy points for members.

The Food & Wine Classic

There’s also the Food & Wine Classic, an event that usually pairs with the final weekend of EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival, which features “gourmet cuisine from award-winning chefs, paired with fine wines, beers, and spirits from around the world. Set against the backdrop of a beautiful resort, the event offers live entertainment, seminars, and fireworks to complete the experience.”

Lagoon: Games, Lanes & Eats

The hotels are also home to a major indoor entertainment anchor: Lagoon: Games, Lanes & Eats. This large-format entertainment venue offers an arcade, bowling alley, and casual dining venue.

When you’re planning your next Disney World visit, consider a stay at the Swan & Dolphin resorts. Stay tuned to AllEars for more on the best hotel options.

This Could Be a Game-Changer for Disney World’s NEW Hotel

Have you stayed at the Swan & Dolphin recently? Let us know in the comments below.

Post a Comment