It is definitely a little bit more expensive than both the Swan and the Dolphin. Ive given a lot of thought to trying out non-Disney hotels around WDW, and I think the Dolphin and Swan properties provide the right upscale level of service for the Moderate level of price. The Swan Reserve is part of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, and like both the Swan and Dolphin properties, it's classified as a Category 6 hotel. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call. My favorite part of their service is their promise to deliver you the lowest possible price. I included his name here because he was seemingly omnipresent throughout my stay and worked hard to make every aspect a success. Star Wars: Galaxys Edge- Our Review of Experiences, Food, and Guide to Everything! The Swan and Dolphin Resort have 17 bars, lounges, quick service, and table service restaurants. is fantastic. Its a savings of $35. That is what my family of six gets at Disney suites. Guests under 18 years of age . Ryan later joined the team at the world-famous Drago's Seafood Restaurant in New Orleans as executive chef until he was tapped to develop a restaurant concept for Great Divide Brewery in Denver. Top 9 Cheapest Disney World Hotels: Best Budget Disney Hotels! Reserve/Swan/Dolphin seem to all fall into about the same range for the same dates IME. Click here to learn more about these challenging . 1255 Epcot Resorts Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830 USA. The hotel is walkable to Epcot roughly a 20 minute scenic walk. Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying . Thats because, in addition to Early Entry, Swan & Dolphin guests are eligible for Extended Evening Hours, whereas Value and Moderate Resort guests are not. The resorts have boat rentals, a beachside playground, volleyball, and ping pong tables. The overall feel of the resort is more grown up, but not in a stuffy or offputting way. Get Exclusive Discounts + Free Bonuses. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay). But I didnt feel that way at all! . In summary, the Swan Reserve hotel is a great option for guests looking for the most modern hotel touches while still staying on Walt Disney World property. You can make reservations at Amare through Walt Disney World dining reservations but when I walked by they had room for seating. The hotel is located across the street from the Swan and Dolphin. Florida Residents can also enjoy special rates and packages at the Swan and Dolphin. Even super late after parties that walk is well lit and busy enough that I felt fine doing it as a solo female. I provide FREE travel planning for anyone looking to book a Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise, Adventures by Disney, or Aulani Vacation. Features Business-Friendly Family-Friendly Golf Course Restaurant and/or Bar Spa On-Site Room service itself is quite pricey since they add on a bunch of fees, but we wanted to eat in our room after a long travel day, so we were willing to splurge. On Jun 7, 2023. Weve stayed at the Swan and Dolphin a couple times once before the transportation switch and once after. You can also walk to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios from the resort. Walt Disney World 2023 Planning Guide: Experience More, Save Money at Disney, Renting A Car At Walt Disney World | 2023. Both were decades-later additions to well-established resorts with far larger footprints. This Walt Disney World Marriott hotel is a great addition to the resort and provides another option for Marriott Bonvoy Rewards members on property at Walt Disney World. While the Swan & Dolphin did undergo a room overhauls not long ago, these are still newer and more modernized. Here are all the Best Snacks at Walt Disney World you can find in the parks for 2023. The hotel is about a 30 minute ride from the Orlando Airport. Although the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort hotels are not owned by Disney, they are very much on-site hotels. The Swan and Dolphin resort use Disney boat transportation to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. There are also a number of booths off to the sides with some vibrant art in each. $6.00 . To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. It is actually named the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve and is part of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin. Not crazy far off the old limits but also not consistent. In fact, theres really no direct competition for the Signature Suites at the Swan Reserve. We went with a goal and you, our readers, in mind. These are just a few of the benefits of booking a stay at either of these properties: The Price - The Swan and Dolphin are considered to be Deluxe properties. In addition to enjoying standard on-site Walt Disney World benefits and guest perks, Marriott Bonvoy Rewards members can take advantage of program benefits, including earning Marriott Bonvoy points with each stay. Although its not pictured, this gym also has a Peloton, so thats a plus. However, they rarely command the same prices as the other Disney resorts in this category. See More. What is the Cheapest Time to Go to Disneyland? What To Do Take the complimentary shuttle to Walt Disney World parks and take advantage of special Disney benefits including the Extra Magic Hours benefit. In the past, only Disney owned properties were eligible. I was a little worried when I originally heard about this new hotel that it would feel generic and sterile, which is sometimes how I feel when staying at hotels with stark white walls and little character. 4.1 806 Reviews. With this prime piece of real estate, the Swan & Dolphin actually have a better location (in my estimation) than most Disney-owned hotels. Looks like a decent hotel. In the grand scheme of things I dont think it matters much because you will mostly be inside the building, and that all looks lovely. (The Reserve was definitely more expensive than a Lodge or two. I was blown away the fresh, modern, feeling of the room and luxurious finishes. These are more unique un-branded hotels around the world. The Swan is a Westin hotel and the Dolphin is a Sheraton hotel. Our suite only had a shower, but approximately 35 of . For transportation I often chose to Uber or Lyft (read our guide to Uber and Lyft at Walt Disney World) to get to the resorts immediately rather than waiting for bus transportation. Unfortunately the character dining is currently suspended. And let me tell you, this entire hotel has amazing views! Wow, that exterior is pretty awful. This lounge has lots of cool colors, nice uses of texture, and an upscale yet relaxed vibe. The Swan Reserve is considered a Category 6 hotel, meaning youd need anywhere from 40,000-60,000 points to stay one night for free here. This area was also very nice for a morning run. Disney theming is great but a more high-end hotel feel like what I am seeing from these Swan posts would be better since we dont have young kids anyway. If youre not using those things, it may seem like a waste of money. The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic has announced the line-up of interactive food and beverage seminars taking place during this year's event, Friday, Nov. 10 and Saturday, Nov. 11 2023. Using Marriott points, you'll need 40,000 points for an off-peak stay, 50,000 points for a standard stay, or 60,000 points per night for peak season. When you are considering your Walt Disney World vacation you should absolutely consider the Swan Reserve hotel and price it out against the official Walt Disney World hotels. My favorite area of the Swan Reserve is the lobby lounge. Additional Information Pay: $23.10/hour Job Number 23084345 Job Category Food and Beverage & Culinary Location Walt Disn. Bussing to TTC was a pretty big negative, tough countered by walking to the two other parks. We were in one of their smaller shuttles and we stopped at about three other hotels before I was dropped off. The Cast Member seemed to be aware of the issue. To put this into perspective, the pool is behind the bar, the main restaurant is to the left, and the check-in desk is the opposite direction. We stayed in the Dolphin a month ago, and it was very good. This joins a list of my favorite hotels at Walt Disney World because of the modern amenities and comfort. The Mediterranean salad was fantastic and definitely a refreshing healthy meal after a day of enjoying slightly heavier food in the theme parks. Having only stayed in Deluxe before, I was pleasantly surprised. Very modern with floor to ceiling windows and amazing views of the fireworks! While the majority of the Swan Reserve is still standard rooms, thats far more suites than I wouldve guessed. But if youre looking for that Disney magic feel, you wont find it here. No issues with my room. Even when you account for these fees, the Swan Reserve is still much lower than BoardWalk, Beach Club, Yacht Club, etc., but its still annoyingand something to be mindful of when looking at the sticker price, which is not the total nightly rate. If youre planning to spend any amount of time in your room, I do think its worth it to spend a little more. Best cheap & luxury hotels, on-property Disneyland hotels vs close by off-site hotels, and best options to save. The spread-out resorts feel unique to Disney. Senior Human Resources Generalist - Training & HR Marketing. The rooms themselves were more beachy than anything; unlike the Swan, the Dolphin has one sink and two double sized beds. Cook II - Amare. If youre staying at the Swan Reserve, you can take advantage of 60-day dining reservations, early morning theme park entry, 7 a.m. The Swan and Dolphin resort both have a fitness club within the resort. Marriott is expanding the resort adding the Swan Reserve that will be slated to open September 1st. The rooms at the Swan Reserve are bright and airy thanks to the huge ceiling to floor window. Mears now operates these buses, instead of Disney. Magical Extras Discounts & Offerings | Disney Vacation Club | Walt Disney World Resort. The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve is a Category 6 property. SOME CROWS! Maybe theres some fun backstory about the crows being the guardians of their waterfowl friends at this particular avian sanctuary. Whats on the top floor? Amare is the hotels signature restaurant. Click here to learn more about these challenging courses. Have you stayed at the Swan Reserve? It really does feel like an upscale stay. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Previous Post: Top 10 Shows at the Disneyland Resort You Shouldnt Miss on Your Trip, Next Post: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Ride Review 2023, Disney World in Summer- How to Beat the Heat and Avoid the Crowds. Your email address will not be published. Itll take less than 5 minutes to get there from the Swan Reserve, and about 10 minutes or less to get to the restaurants in those buildings. During the educational seminars, guests can expand their knowledge of wine, beer, spirits, or pasta-making through hands-on learning . For assistance with your Walt Disney World vacation, including resort/package bookings and tickets, please call (407) 939-5277. The in-building amenities are also more scaled back, so if you want a wealth of dining options under the same roof, the regular Swolphin will likely be your better bet. I like the paintings. This, combined. The resorts also share two lap pools. The staff went above and beyond for my 4 year olds birthday, bringing balloons and cupcakes to our room and having trinkets upon check in. The benefits of staying at the Swan and Dolphin resorts are location and price. The bus schedule runs every 20-30 minutes. We found the prices and portion sizes to be pretty reasonable. Just across the street from the Swan and Dolphin hotels and the Disney Boardwalk. Yes! by Kim Schultz Last updated: June 6, 2022 Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort - Steps Away from the Magic My family and I took our first trip to Walt Disney World this past June and opted to stay right in the middle of all the fun at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. Yes! Walt Disney World Resort has three championship golf courses plus a nine-hole walking course. This hotel has a lot to offer including walkability to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. This district also includes Disneys BoardWalk Inn and Disneys Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, as well as the aforementioned Swan & Dolphin Resorts. When the My Disney Experience system doesnt recognize a confirmation number you may have to contact the hotel to ask for a different confirmation correct number to link the hotel to your stay and give you the proper on site status. On track to open July 2021, at this time reservations can be made online or by phone at 1-888-236-2427 for September 1 and beyond. Grounds also offers a variety of other grab-and-go options for breakfast and throughout the day. For anyone who is coming to Walt Disney World as a Disneyland fan, this hotel is comparable to the Westin and JW Marriott Anaheim (both Marriott properties) that recently opened to service the Disneyland market. Heres everything you need to know about the Swan Reserve. Also, did I mention that my services are FREE!!!! The Extended Evening Park Hours are only available for the highest end resorts on Walt Disney World property. Yes, I was going to mention this. In perusing browsing availability, it also seems like the suites are more popular. This site is not affiliated in any way with the Walt Disney Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. Just like the regular Swan and Dolphin, we will never stay at Swan Reserve because their maximum occupancy is less than in Disney suites at everything from Art of Animation to the Ft Wilderness Cabins to Boardwalk, Beach Club, or Wilderness Lodge Deluxe suites. You can read about all of the options to get to Walt Disney World from the airport, and luckily Mears Connect does offer service to the Swan and Dolphin complex, which is what we used. This hotel is considered a Category 6 hotel meaning that a night here ranges from 40,000 to 60,000 points Bonvoy Marriott Loyalty Points. Planning a Disney Vacation? For assistance with your Walt Disney World vacation, including resort/package bookings and tickets, please call (407) 939-5277. I stayed at the Dolphin three times this year February (end of Presidents Week), late March/early April, and Labor Day week. Definitely not the bland tower hotel you might expect if all youve seen is the exterior photos. I found the blanket initially on the bed to be too thin so I added another blanket in the closet to the bed as a second layer. There are plenty of outlets and charging ports for all of your electronics and the smart TV offers streaming capabilities which is always nice. On the Epcot side, resort guests have a great view of the nighttime entertainment over World Showcase and the illuminated Epcot Spaceship Earth ball (see photo in Swan Reserve hotel location section above). Of course, your mileage may vary. Discover Walt Disney World Swan Reserve an American Express Travel Luxury Property. July 5, 2022. If not, its really not all that suitable for families. (They definitely did mass layoffs in 2020.) Unfortunately the buses are not operated by Disney and therefore for Magic Kingdom you are dropped off at the Ticket and Transportation Center. The huge windows definitely make for a brighter room than youll find at Walt Disney Worlds Value and Moderate Resorts. I suppose a decision could be based on where you plan to spend the most time. But if you prefer a newer hotel, or really want to be able to experience the views from this resort, then yes I do think its worth it. Rates begin at $278 for a queen room on September 1. Crossing over to Fantasia Gardens for mini golf used to be an adventure in its own right. Having a bit of space to spread out is fantastic, as is being able to watch television or work while others in your room rest. Do you have any recent experience staying in either? And no. It certainly does look nice though, and those views wow! Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Review (Why We Adore This Upscale Hotel) In this article, we review the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, a Marriott-owned and operated hotel located in the Epcot Resorts area. The Swan Reserve opened up after many delays in December 2021. Unfortunately, like the Swolphin, the Swan Reserve charges a non-optional resort fee of $35 per night. document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a14cce97d1fcc3d739fe3ae2b4b818f3" );document.getElementById("fe7f78b4f3").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. During my stay I experienced the Signature King Suite with a view of Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach, and Hollywood Studios. This is an increasingly popular style of room among real world hotels (pretty much all of the new ones in Anaheim are this style), but is incredibly difficult to find on-site at Walt Disney World. . There, they can view important information about Park reopening, reservations, limitations on benefits, features, experiences, new safety measures, etc. Theres something to be said for style thats unique and not simply the type of nondescript modern art thats ubiquitous in chained-brand hotels. The Swan and Dolphin share one main feature pool featuring a waterfall, water slide, and kiddie pool. Hearing your feedbackeven when you disagree with usis both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments! Marriott Bonvoy rewards members also receive complimentary benefits at check in. The hotel has 349 rooms and a variety of room types. Starting planning for a 7-days trip in Spring 2024 with 3 families (2 adults and 2 teens each) so were looking for suites in the same resort together. This is the view that EPCOT facing rooms have of the nighttime fireworks at that park. Dont worry, they do have Mickey Waffles perfect for the kids to start off the day. The Swan and Dolphin is also a Disney Good Neighbor Hotel offering many of the same perks as staying at a Disney owned property. I think I saw the former but at night I couldnt tell if the latter was there as well. As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, my goal is to help you plan the Magic your way. ShopDisney Shares First Look at 1960s Decades Collection, Andors Cast Hated Filming The Prison Scenes, Christmas / Disney Cruise Line / Disneyland / Events / Events / Holidays / Seasonal / Walt Disney World, Disney Releases Halfway to the Holidays Announcement Schedule for the 2023 Holiday Season, Refurbishment of Disneys Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Kicks Off Today. This hotel review features family suite room photos, pool & restaurant info, pros & cons, and much more. Planning a Walt Disney World trip? All of these hotels are within walking distance of Epcots International Gateway entrance/exit in World Showcase between the United Kingdom and France. Both the Swan and Dolphin charge a resort fee ($35) and parking fee ($29 self parking and $39 valet). Thanks very much for this review. My husband and I stayed at the SR last December and were upgraded to a signature suite. You can also now book packages at the Swan Reserve directly on Walt Disney Worlds website. The room is considered a pool view room but I was much more excited about that fact that I could see out to Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom. Walt Disney World Swan (Westin) Walt Disney World Swan Reserve (Autograph Collection) However, the Swan and Swan Reserve sometimes trade places for the priciest position. Mears is great. Swan Reserve is a Deluxe Resort at Walt Disney World, located within walking distance of Epcot and Hollywood Studios on Crescent Lake, with boat and bus transportation to the parks. If youre flying into Orlando, youll probably know that Disney no longer offers the Magical Express. Currently there are 63 breathtaking holes. Does the Swan Reserve get Disney benefits? Then, youll see a sitting area with a pull out couch and huge window looking out across Walt Disney World. With a variety of coffees and lattes, teas, breakfast sandwiches, and grab-and-go items, its a bit pricey but works if youre in need of some caffeine or a quick breakfast before you get to the Parks or wherever youre headed. The award winning agents at MickeyTravels are ready to help you book a truly magical vacation! We offer outstanding benefits to our employees, including medical, dental, vision and life insurance, retirement plan, day care discounts, free meals, employee referral bonus, discount hotel program, English as a second language classes and domestic partner benefits. All of those amenities are available to guests of the Swan Reserve; you can read about all of that in our comprehensive Swan & Dolphin Resort Review. Package includes tickets. Throughout my stay at the Swan Reserve I was impressed by the quality of service and upscale nature of the resort. This is something Ive bemoaned in previous hotel reviews, so I wont rehash the topic here. I would personally like to use the Skyliner to get to a park or two but not a must Im sure we can always take it too another resort location for a meal or drinks just for the experience. Its entirely safe. Those rates are higher than their counterparts charge at the Crescent Lake Disney-owned Deluxe Resorts. In room dining is also available. More Great Accommodations. Just for kids! For Walt Disney World dining, please book your reservation online. Both are ugly on the outside and add visual blight to the skyline, but are pretty nice once inside. The Swan Reserve isnt bad for families. Marriotts website touts the residential-style comfort and boutique dcor of the hotels 349 rooms and suites. Theres also a Skyliner gondola station over there if you want to get to one of the hotels connected to that. And Tangerine is the pool bar located outside serving a variety of food and drinks. 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM Eastern Time. As mentioned before, since this one of the Disney Resorts within Walking Distance of the Parks, you can walk to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Agreed. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. One correction to your Marriott Bonvoy data they eliminated categories this year and point values are now dynamic. They are in walking distance to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios and have easy access to Disneys Skyliner. Walt Disney World has decided to start charging for Disney Resort Parking, for all guests at Walt Disney World Resorts. This site is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or in any other way associated with The Walt Disney Company. For a points stay, it was absolutely amazing for us and our toddlers. Service and management was great; they walked me through all of the possibilities for a late check out for our stay and were polite despite various times, levels of business, and the rudeness of other guests. In addition to exclusive discounts for Mickey Visit subscribers, get our free planning printable and guide to make your life SO much easier. The shuttle service currently costs $16 each direction on the Mears Connect shuttle. ft. of meeting space, including 2 ballrooms and 12 meeting rooms and more than 13,000 sq. This entire area provides a very nice walkable resort vibe. We would walk to Boardwalk and take their busses to get around the TTC issue, and loved the Boardwalk area. We saw plenty of families during our stay, and they all seemed to be having a good time. Disclosure: We have used all the products recommended on Mickey Visit. Our suite night awards werent taken due to our length of stay, but we were upgraded. Thats one of the nicest pool areas in all of Walt Disney World, and it has a footprint about the size of the entire Swan Reserve. Currently there are 63 breathtaking holes. So we are here to help you see whats new and where you can find it. Overall though, yes I do think that the Swan Reserve is just fine for families and kids. Building Batuu: Explore Black Spire Outpost with Your Star Wars: Datapad through the Play Disney Parks App, More Princess Fairytale Hall With Rapunzel and Ariel, Reserve Your Spot Now for Carnevale at Maria & Enzos In Disney Springs. Swan Reserve Rooms and Suites. Continuing with the tour of the room. Its located across the street from the regular Swan & Dolphin hotels, right by Disneys Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course. Rather, they both are managed under the Mariott Bonvoy brand. But if you travel a lot or use a Mariott Bonvoy credit card, you could potentially stay here for free! Of that total, 151 rooms at the Swan Reserve are suites. We generally prefer having a vanity space outside of the bathroom since it makes getting ready in the mornings a bit easier, but its not really a deal-breaker for us. . Prices for the Swan Reserve are all over the place, varying much more than other Walt Disney World hotels. There is a slightly larger issue that youll have to do a bigger work around for. Copyright 2021, Launchpad Digital Network, LLC. "Essential for planning your trip!" Bar Snacks. Family suites at Walt Disney World seem to exist largely at the extreme ends of the spectrum: Value Resorts or Deluxe Villa Resorts. Hopefully this type of room becomes more prevalent at and around Walt Disney World, as the extra space (and privacy for adults with kids!) The Signature Suite is essentially the traditional room plus a living room. Universal Studios Orlando Tickets Discount 2023: Get Cheap Tickets Here! The big downside for me would be access to the boat transportation. We may receive compensation when you click on links to some products featured. Lower to moderate cost with quick, easy access to MK, HS, and Epcot, full benefits (early reservations, earliest park access, early Genie+/Lighting Lanes Ive stayed at some of the auxiliary hotels that had early entry but did not get the early Lightening Lane perk and only hotel transportation). As an added benefit, Guests enjoy full access to all amenities of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, including 18 restaurants and lounges, 6 pools and private beachalong with special Disney benefits. On different nights during my stay at the Swan Reserve I walked to both Disneys Boardwalk and Disneys Beach Club Hotel for dinner (we really enjoyed the Beaches and Cream soda shop). Since its a Mariott Bonvoy hotel, you can also earn and redeem points here. We stayed in a standard room, with two queen beds. The Swan & Dolphin also have better on-site perks than most Disney-owned hotels now that Disneys Magical Express has been retired and so long as the Disney Dining Plan remains suspended. ". He continued his love for the industry and in 2011, joined the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin as sous chef. This means that a free night at the Swan Reserve ranges from 40,000 to 60,000 points, depending on whether that . More notably, the hotel is between Epcot and Disneys Hollywood Studios. Lounges . I tried calling the hotel who directed me to Marriott with no luck on getting a new confirmation number. Theres a new resort at Walt Disney World and we are here to tell you all about it! Given that its essentially two of the standard rooms, this was somewhat surprising. In fact I was Marriott Platinum at the time and was upgraded to a large suite (free, not using a certificate or points). Although the Disney owned spas have not reopened, Mandara Spa is open. Traditional Resort View, Guest room, 2 Queen (s) View More. (If only WDW could figure out some way to maintain a large water fixture in one of their Deluxes, sigh.). Cabanas are also available for rent. Thats not a huge surprise given that this is a less common room category at Walt Disney World. If youre looking for ways to Avoid Disney Resort Parking Fees we have a few options you may not have considered. The pool area. Oftentimes you can find AAA, first responders, and teacher discounts at the Swan and Dolphin. View More. As an Amazon Associate, and affiliate publisher for several companies we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases and will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking the links. Please note: All policies are subject to change and are outside the control of Costco Travel. If you want to avoid this you could walk to Boardwalk or Yacht Club and use their bus for Magic Kingdom. (IMO, there were more families at the pool and more childless adults at the bars.) The big selling point of the Signature Suites is that it has two spaces separated by a wall and door.