Hotel Highlight: Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
The Location
Opening in the fall of 2021, the stunning Swan Reserve is in an ideal location for enjoying everything the Walt Disney World resort has to offer. The resort is a short 6-minute walk to the Friendship Boat Launch (drop off points at Epcot International Gateway & Hollywood Studios), a 10-minute walk to the Boardwalk Resort (with entertainment like Jellyrolls piano bar, the Atlantic Dance Hall, and even a late-night spot for some ice cream!), a 15-minute walk to Epcot’s International Gateway, and a 20-minute walk to Hollywood Studios. Being within walking distance of two parks is probably my favorite benefit of staying in this area. With growing crowds, the fact that you can avoid transportation altogether is a huge win in my book! Plus if you’re a minigolf enthusiast, Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf is right across the street. Complimentary transportation is also provided to Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The Hotel
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the friendly bell staff who will assist you with your luggage and escort you upstairs to the reception area. The design gives off total Miami vibes in the heart of all things Mickey Mouse. The entire hotel is adorned with aqua and warm wood tones with white and gold accents, bathed in sunlight from the numerous tall windows throughout the property.
Check-in is a breeze with the knowledgeable staff at the helm. If your room is not ready when you arrive, stop by the Disney concierge desk to get any last-minute questions answered, or head out to the pool to relax and enjoy a cocktail.
The pool area of the hotel, while on the smaller side in comparison to other resorts on Disney property, offers plenty of loungers for relaxing, and there are additional plans to expand the pool deck in the near future as well. To keep the fun going when you get back from the parks, pool noodles and beach balls are available for the littles! One of the benefits of staying at the Swan Reserve means you also have access to all 5 of the pools and 4 hot tubs at the Swan and Dolphin resorts as well. Definitely check out the Grotto Pool - featuring a waterslide and waterfall. In addition to the pool area, the Swan and Dolphin share a beautiful white sand beach with plenty of recreational activities, like volleyball, watercraft rentals, playground, and ping pong tables.
The Rooms
The Swan Reserve offers a wide variety of room types suitable for couples and large families alike! Standard guest rooms are quite large with plenty of storage, comfortable beds, a lounging area, a minifridge for any snacks or leftovers, and a sleek bathroom with a large walk-in shower. You’ll have great views of either Hollywood Studios or Epcot from your room, but I prefer the Epcot side so that you can see the fireworks at night!
If you are traveling with small children or multiple families, you’ll have plenty of options. The Swan Reserve offers one-bedroom suites and connecting rooms, allowing you to expand up to a two-bedroom suite. The suites offer a living room and spacious dining area. Bedding options include King, 2 Queens, and sofa pull-outs.
Food & Drink
The Swan Reserve has 4 dining outlets available. The main sit-down restaurant is a Mediterranean-style restaurant where a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served each day. For a quick grab-and-go snack or coffee before jetting off to the parks in the morning, stop by Grounds! They have everything from sandwiches, salads, drinks, a few hot items, specialty coffees, and even wine. If you’re spending the afternoon by the pool or are looking for something a little more casual, grab a bite outside on the patio at Tangerine - they even deliver poolside! And when you return from the parks and need a nightcap, pull up a seat at Stir, located in the lobby. I highly recommend trying their craft cocktails!
Booking Benefits
As part of the larger Swan & Dolphin complex, guests of the Swan Reserve enjoy all the benefits of staying at a Marriott property, with a little bit of Disney flare.
As an added benefit, guests enjoy full access to all amenities of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, including special Disney benefits, 18 additional restaurants and lounges, five additional pools, and the Balinese-inspired Mandara Spa.
✨ Daily $50 Food & Beverage Credit
✨ Welcome Amenity
✨ Early Check-in/late Check-out, based on availability
✨ Priority for complimentary room upgrade, based on availability
✨ Complimentary WiFi daily
