Overview of the Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve
If you’ve spent any time around the runDisney community or followed along on social media as I share my race weekends, then you’ve probably seen the Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve hotels. I’ve stayed at all three properties during race weekends (and other Orlando trips), and they’ve become some of my favorite places to stay when visiting Walt Disney World. The hotels offer a great combination of location, convenience, and amenities—often at a lower price point than Disney Deluxe Resorts.
Located in the EPCOT Resort Area, these connected properties offer easy access to several parks and provide many of the same benefits as Disney Resort hotels, including Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Theme Park Hours on select nights. They share common areas in the center and are easily walkable from one to the other.
The hotels share amenities and transportation, but each property definitely has its own personality, pricing level, and is a fit for certain travel needs. After a ton of questions about my favorite…….I decided to write a full guide to all three parts of the property. This should help you to decide which is best for your trip to Orlando!
Shared Benefits of the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve
One of the biggest advantages of staying at any of these three hotels is the transportation and shared amenities. They’re laid out sort of like spokes on a wheel, the center is shared space with shared amenities and a beautiful lagoon.
Disney Transportation
Guests at the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve have access to several transportation options around Walt Disney World.
All three hotels offer:
- Walt Disney World bus transportation to Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs
- Friendship Boat transportation to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- runDisney race buses to race start and finish areas during race weekends
The Friendship Boats are my absolute favorite way to travel to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios and run continuously throughout the day.
Disney Resort Guest Benefits
Guests staying at all three properties also get several Disney Resort perks, including:
- Early Theme Park Entry
- Extended Evening Theme Park Hours (on select nights)
- The option to purchase Lightning Lane selections early
Comparing the Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve
Let’s compare the specific styles and benefits of each hotel option.
Walt Disney World Swan
Overview
The Walt Disney World Swan is often considered the most classic and relaxed of the three properties. Designed by architect Michael Graves, the hotel features elegant white architecture topped with its iconic swan statues and a beautiful fountain just off the lobby.
The Swan has approximately 750 rooms, it’s smaller than the Dolphin and tends to feel quieter and more intimate.
Pricing Level
The Swan generally falls into a moderate-to-deluxe price range. Prices are typically lower than Disney Deluxe Resorts but sometimes slightly higher than Disney Moderate Resorts depending on the season.
For many travelers, it offers a great balance between comfort, location, and price.
Dining Options
The Swan offers several notable dining options including:
- Il Mulino New York Trattoria – a popular Italian restaurant known for pasta, seafood, and upscale dining (this is great for a pre-race meal on RunDisney weekends)
- Garden Grove – a family-friendly restaurant
- Java Bar – quick coffee and breakfast options
Guests staying at the Swan can easily visit restaurants at the Dolphin and Swan Reserve as well.
Who the Swan Is Best For
The Swan is a great option for:
- Families who want a quieter resort
- Couples traveling to Walt Disney World
- Guests who want deluxe-style accommodations without a deluxe price
- Travelers who want a relaxed resort atmosphere
Walt Disney World Dolphin
Overview
The Walt Disney World Dolphin is the largest and most energetic hotel in the complex. With more than 1,500 rooms, it serves as the location for many of the resort’s restaurants, meeting spaces, and convention events.
Because of its size and amenities, it tends to feel a bit busier than the Swan.
Pricing Level
The Dolphin is often the most affordable of the three hotels, which makes it popular with families, conference attendees, and larger travel groups.
Rates and availability can fluctuate depending on convention schedules, but it frequently offers some of the best value for this resort area.
Dining
The Dolphin is home to some of the most well-known restaurants in the Swan and Dolphin complex, including:
- Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina – an upscale steakhouse known for creative dishes and cocktails
- Todd English’s Bluezoo – a fine dining seafood restaurant
- Rosa Mexicano – vibrant Mexican cuisine (my personal favorite)
Who the Dolphin Is Best For
The Dolphin works well for:
- Groups traveling together
- Travelers attending conventions or events
- Guests who want many dining options nearby
- Families looking for the best value
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
Overview
The Swan Reserve is the newest property in the complex, opening in 2021. With about 350 rooms, it offers a more modern and boutique-style hotel experience.
As part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, the Swan Reserve features contemporary design, larger rooms, and many suites. It is a stunning property, and definitely feels high end.
Pricing Level
The Swan Reserve typically has the highest nightly price of the three properties, though it is still often less expensive than Disney Deluxe Resorts in the same area.
Rooms are larger and many offer floor-to-ceiling windows and EPCOT-area views. On my recent trip, I could see both the Epcot and Magic Kingdom fireworks from my room!
Dining Options
Dining at the Swan Reserve is smaller in scale but still high quality.
Options include:
- Amare – a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant
- Grounds – a café and coffee bar
Guests can easily visit the Swan and Dolphin for additional restaurants and lounges.
Who the Swan Reserve Is Best For
The Swan Reserve is ideal for:
- Couples or adults-focused trips
- Travelers wanting newer, modern rooms
- Guests who prefer boutique-style hotels
- Marriott Bonvoy members using points
Comparing All The Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve Visually
This table is a great way to compare all three parts of the property:
Why These Hotels Are Great for runDisney Race Weekends
If you’re visiting Walt Disney World for a runDisney race weekend, the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve are some of the most convenient places to stay.
Race Transportation
All three hotels offer complimentary race transportation to the start areas for runDisney events. Race mornings start very early, often around 2:30–3:00 AM for bus departures, so having transportation directly from your hotel makes the experience much easier. They also have buses waiting right at the finish line to take you back for a nap and shower.
Easy Post-Race Park Access
Another major benefit is how easy it is to get around Walt Disney World after a race. Transportation options from these hotels make it simple to head back to your room, rest, and then return to the parks later in the day.
I can tell you after staying at the Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve….you honestly can’t go wrong. The entire property is lovely. You can easily walk between for different dining options. The pool and Friendship Boats are accessible from all three.
Whichever you choose, you’ll have a wonderful stay.
