Pools and activities for days. The management of this enchanting locale invites couples to hold their wedding festivities in this sun-kissed setting. If pools are your thing, the Swan & Dolphin are for you. With this prime piece of real estate, the Swan & Dolphin actually have a better location (in my estimation) than half of the Disney-owned hotels at Walt Disney World. The massive complex has 17 restaurants, five … Now £103 on Tripadvisor: Walt Disney World Dolphin, Orlando. Something a lot of people don’t know is that you can save money on Walt Disney World Resorts by booking through a third party.We like hotels.com because you can use and earn free nights. In this regard, Marriott has the edge. Located in the Dolphin wing, the Balinese-style Mandara Spa is spread across 10,500 square feet of space and features a tea garden and a meditation garden. The ... Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is a lovely destination resort near Orlando’s most popular attractions. The land is owned by Disney while the hotels themselves are leased by Disney from the owners, Tishman and MetLife. Featuring Mediterranean recipes reminiscent of Spain, Italy, France, Greece, and Morocco, Fresh offers simple, flavorful menu options. Even with the irritating resort fee plus a potential charged for parking rolled into the actual “out the door” price at the Swan & Dolphin, it comes out to around $250/night many nights. I just returned from a long weekend trip down to Disney World for the Marathon weekend to spectate, not run thankfully. Swan is my go-to during EPCOT festivals. It’s a pleasant walk p… Both are served by Disney transportation to the theme parks and participate in Extra Magic Hours and FastPass+, but neither offers Disney’s Magical Express bus The Disney Swan and Dolphin resorts are massive with a combined 2,270 hotel rooms on 87 acres of lakefront property in Disney’s Epcot and Hollywood Studios area, adjacent to Disney’s Boardwalk. I won’t bore you with the history of how deals Michael Eisner made gave these hotels their murky status (you can read DisneyWar for that) or the contrived, now abandoned backstory of the design choices of the hotels. Gotta update it to Marriott now. However, it is important to note that it's not owned and operated by Disney. We got the chance to experience it recently and now we’re bringing you ALL our thoughts! The Swan’s 758 rooms received the makeover first, with renovation of the Dolphin’s 1,509 rooms now underway. They were both built in the late 1980’s and designed by Michael Graves. For official information concerning Disney, visit Disney.com. This post will give you all the info you need to help decide! This Swan and Dolphin review will go over the resort and its amenities in full detail. The resort also includes basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, plus a game room. Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is a hotel wedding venue located in Orlando, Florida. In the opinions of myself and my 6 family members, the Dolphin was nice, but the Swan is the best option for comfort, quality and value. Namely, the non-optional resort fee. Looking for comprehensive Walt Disney World vacation tips? A total of 84 meeting rooms, including two boardrooms, make the resort a popular location for hosting conventions and other large-scale events. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Purchase Tickets in Advance. Last week, I took a little break from the routine and got away for a little business trip with my husband that actually turned out to be far more fun than business, which was just what I had hoped. Although the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin are inside the World and Disney handles their reservations, they’re owned by Sheraton (Dolphin) and Westin (Swan) and can be booked directly through their parent companies too. All spaces feature built-in electrical and audiovisual equipment. The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel’s Food and Wine Classic is a fan-favorite event where foodies can truly live their best lives. remember the Swan Boats in the Magic Kingdom. GL! The beds truly cannot be beaten and the bathrooms are roomy. We got the chance to experience it recently and now we’re bringing you ALL our thoughts! Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Rooms. Prices are calculated as of 11/01/2021 based on a check-in date of 24/01/2021. put them in line with other Disney Resorts. Located just moments away from legendary theme parks, including Epcot, Magic Kingdom Park and Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World Swan offers a complimentary shuttle service to and from the resort, plus special Disney benefits like Extra Magic Hours in the parks, FastPass+ and on-site character dining. Aside from Shades of Green (also a hotel with an interesting history and murky status), no other hotel that isn’t Disney-owned has as good of a location as the Swan & Dolphin. I’m trying to book on Priceline and it says they offer the airport shuffle . The new hotel will be 14 stories tall, have 349 guest rooms, and open in 2020. Swan offers Queens, where Dolphin has Doubles. What you think of these rooms will largely be dictated by when you last stayed. Walt Disney World Swan Reviews 4.0 out of 5.0. The Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin are on-site hotels near Epcot that are Deluxe-caliber. Free theme park shuttle service and a pool with a waterslide, Some rooms in the Dolphin side of the property could use a refresh, The contemporary Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort puts an interesting spin on inside-the-park accommodations. The Swan/Dolphin has beautiful grounds, is the closest resort to Disney’s Hollywood Studios (great for visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge), and very reasonable room rates. Cuisine Types: Buffet, Asian, Italian, American. The Swan & Dolphin aren’t official Disney World hotels but they do have prime location on-site as well as most other amenities that come with staying at a Disney hotel. The coffee shop and the several restaurants available between both the S&D make staying there extremely convenient. Dolphin vs. Swan. Because of its location near various Disney resorts and theme parks, there are many on-site amenities that cater to families and kids. This year, the Swan and Dolphin have brought back this fun event in a modified way to help guests maintain social distancing. The Walt Disney World Dolphin 1200 Epcot Resorts Boulevard Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-2653 (407) 934-4000 The Walt Disney World Swan 1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd. The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort recently completed a $140,00,000, 3-year renovation. The Swan & Dolphin just wrapped up a $150 million, three-year renovation which included a redesign of all guest rooms, complete transformation of the Dolphin lobby and renovation of all meeting space, which finished its final phase late last year. See Hotel Details. We’ve stayed at many of the Disney hotels as well as both the Swan and Dolphin hotels. Abundant on-site activities will tempt you to stay in and recoup from off-site activities. Dolphin's fitness center open 24 hours a day; Swan's fitness center open daily between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. Tennis court reservations accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, Staffed business center includes high-volume printing, electronic file storage, shipping services and office equipment rentals, Custom catering can be provided by several of the resort's restaurants, See more pool hotels in Orlando-Walt Disney World, See more spa hotels in Orlando-Walt Disney World, See more family-friendly hotels in Orlando-Walt Disney World, See more fitness hotels in Orlando-Walt Disney World, See more business hotels in Orlando-Walt Disney World, See more wedding hotels in Orlando-Walt Disney World, California Do Not Sell My Personal Information Request. Regardless of all that, there are benefits of being official unofficial Disney Resorts. We enjoy the Disney experience (we loved staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge), but Disney theming while not in the parks is not of huge importance to our family, so our favorite place to stay is at the Swan. While I was down there I split my stay between the Hilton Bonnet Creek and Walt Disney World Dolphin so I could experience both resorts and review them for you. Then there are the rooms. The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort offers eight Presidential Suites featuring elegant bathroom and bedroom appointments richly designed in residential style décor. (We’re big fans of Todd English’s Bluezoo.). If the Swan and Dolphin are still a little pricey for you, consider becoming a Starwood member and saving up your points or watching for promotions, or check out our next choice for moderately-priced Disney vacations: Port Orleans Riverside. The resort has re-designed guest rooms, renovated meeting spaces, and the Dolphin Resort lobby has a new contemporary look. Conveniently located, beautifully decorated and filled with amenities and fun for guests, the Swan and Dolphin Resort is an excellent choice for Walt Disney World guests. This is something I’ve bemoaned in previous hotel reviews, so I won’t rehash the topic here. The magic of Walt Disney World® Resort is yours to experience with a stay at our hotel. The Swan Boats in the Magic Kingdom are before my time, but during my next stay at the Swan or Dolphin, I’m definitely giving one of these a try. There’s also the question of treating them as one single hotel or two distinct hotels. 6. We’ve priced out the Swan & Dolphin on other occasions and found it to be more or less expensive than that, so your mileage may vary. We are Marriott Bonvoy Members, have stayed at many of the chain’s other hotels, and have found it to be a solid brand with quality service. My first visit to one of the rooms in the Dolphin was several years ago, and it was dated and, frankly, in horrible condition. This review will include photos and our thoughts on the hotel’s amenities, theme, rooms and value. walking distance from Epcot. While they’re on Disney’s grounds and within walking distance to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, they’re actually Westin and Sheraton properties where you can earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points.. I was actually a bit taken aback, as I had heard this hotel recommended by many friends, and I started to wonder if said friends were actually blind. See 1,418 traveller reviews, 1,347 candid photos, and great deals for Walt Disney World Dolphin, ranked #210 of 370 hotels in Orlando and rated 4 of 5 at Tripadvisor. Swan and Dolphin Hotel At Disney World Review Mar 24, 2019 I’ve been going to the Swan and Dolphin Hotel to visit restaurants and play mini golf since I was a child, but I finally got to stay there this November. Most accommodations feature balconies and modern decor with gray and blue hues. In my experience, this was hands down the best bed I’ve “lost myself in” thus far at Walt Disney World. The Swan and Dolphin still offer an incredible location. When travelling as a family of 4, we can’t do doubles anymore…. review: the pools at the disney world swan and dolphin The sister resorts Swan and Dolphin share all amenities, including a band of pools that sweep along a beach and connect the two resorts. The Dolphin’s sister resort, the Walt Disney World Swan, is owned by Westin. For guests making new reservations for any future arrival date, including reservations with pre-paid rates, from today until July 29, 2020, the Swan & Dolphin will allow the reservation to be changed or cancelled at no charge up to 24 hours before your scheduled arrival date. While some of these restaurants can be pricey, I feel like their value is usually slightly better than other on-site locations. A hotel's guest rating is calculated using data provided under license by Tripadvisor. Oh, and remember the Swan Boats in the Magic Kingdom? Even a grand piano! We’re stalking the swan too due to this blogs express strategies lol! Still, that’s less than half the cost of other Crescent Lake resorts. A Review of Walt Disney World’s Swan and Dolphin Resorts. Parents who belong to the Starwood Preferred Guests rewards program can opt for the $25 daily SPG Kids Pass, which includes unlimited kids meals at all of the resort's restaurants. Being a bit of a Disney snob, I have always looked past the Swan and Dolphin. found at Disney-owned resorts, and have some policies inconsistent with Disney-owned resorts. They are right next to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. The Dolphin’s sister resort, the Walt Disney World Swan, is owned by Westin. Here is my review fo my stay at the Walt Disney World Swan Resort on Disney World property. The Rooms at the Walt Disney World Swan. Pin this review of the Swan and Dolphin resort to help you plan your magical Disney vacation: Prices are calculated as … In terms of quality, service, and all meaningful review metrics, they are akin to the Yacht & Beach Club, except without any significant thematic differences. Driving through the area, you can see significant vertical progress on the Cove, which is (was?) Required fields are marked *. The shower is a nice walk-in with decent water pressure. Wow. Reviewing the Swan and/or Dolphin is a tricky proposition for a few reasons. There are poolside restaurants, kiddie pools, whirlpools, and more. The Swalphin is managed by Starwood Hotels, and simply pays Disney a fee for the prime piece of real estate they occupy. Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel Vs. Walt Disney World Swan Hotel (Orlando, Florida) First-things-first: read both of our in-depth reviews at the these links [below]. The Walt Disney World Dolphin has been fairly recently renovated as has the Walt Disney World Swan. Please note that changes to the reservation will be subject to availability and any rate differences. Swan Dolphin Bus Transportation Mears Bus. I stop short of saying “definitely” there because the Swan & Dolphin still might be good options, especially if you’re looking for a luxury experience, excellent amenities, or close proximity to the parks at a lower price point (and who knows, maybe your kids will be drawn to the “pyramids” of these hotels–I was as a child!). First, what exactly are they in terms of classification? Guests love the Swan and Dolphin Resort's comfortable and clean rooms, which are decorated in soft teal and orange tones and feature the brand's signature Heavenly Beds, crisp white duvet covers and flat-screen TVs. In addition, the dining options are nearly endless! Now £101 on Tripadvisor: Walt Disney World Dolphin, Orlando. Wedding ceremonies and receptions with up to 1,500 people can be accommodated in the Swan Ballroom. Excuse the photo quality here; I made the mistake of opening my blinds when taking the photos, which really messed up the white balance. The Swan and Dolphin location is one of the top reasons it is popular with guests. This location is a chance for couples to have an elegant celebration in a place that allows them to reconnect with their childhood. We are big fans of Disney, but don’t think hotel management is one of the company’s strong suits. THE POOLS AT THE DISNEY WORLD SWAN AND DOLPHIN There’s more on the pools later in this review, but the key point is that the Swan and Dolphin share the third best pool complex at Walt Disney World (the best is the pools at Four Seasons, and second the pools shared by … I’m not sure if AK or DSprings is the same. Style is largely in the eye of the beholder, but I have to admit that I am not much of a Michael Graves (the architect for the hotels) fan. So, are these sister resorts worth the stay, and what do they have to offer? The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort boasts 17 restaurants, ranging from signature fine dining establishments to quick service venues. 4.4 out of 5 84% of guests recommend. Planning on staying here someday? Our balcony was perfect for morning coffee or late night relaxing. The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort recently completed a $140,00,000, 3-year renovation. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. We had a view of the WDW Dolphin and beautiful swan fountains below. Another area where the Swan & Dolphin are strong is dining. Pre-refurbishment? They are part of the Boardwalk neighborhood which is home to Disney’s Yacht Club, Beach Club, and Boardwalk Resorts. The Swan’s proximity to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios make it an outstanding choice for a stay in WDW.The BoardWalk’s entertainment complex is practically in your backyard, just in case the urge to dance or listen to dueling pianos suddenly hits you. Fantasia Gardens, a miniature golf complex, is just a short walk across the street.. No, the Swan & Dolphin doesn’t participate in Magical Express. This resort review features room photos, thoughts on amenities at both hotels, value for money, and how these resorts compare to Disney-owned accommodations. Located along the Disney BoardWalk, it is grouped with resorts known to Walt Disney World insiders as “Epcot Resorts” because of their proximity to Epcot. This resort review features room photos, thoughts on amenities at both hotels, value for money, and how these resorts compare to Disney-owned accommodations. Swan & Dolphin Hotel Review The Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin are on-site hotels near Epcot that are Deluxe-caliber. If you’re big on theme, these hotels probably aren’t going to be for you, unless you consider postmodern design an ample substitute. Make sure to read our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide. Disney Dolphin Hotel at Walt Disney World. With travel to the Orlando and Disney area depressed in 2020, I highly doubt we’d see those categories rise in 2021. And if “I scream, you scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM,” this is THE place to get it if you’re staying at the Swan & Dolphin.. (Updated June 8, 2020.) 1200 Epcot Resort Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL, 32830 1-866-599-6674. 1200 Epcot Resort Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL, 32830 1-866-599-6674. I’m going to dub them “official unofficial Disney Resorts” as I think that incoherent moniker accurately summarizes the arrangement here. Pin this review of the Swan and Dolphin resort to help you plan your magical Disney vacation: Prices are calculated as of 18/01/2021 based on a check-in date of 31/01/2021. 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