Why We Love Staying at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

If you want to stay close to the magic without giving up comfort, dining choices or resort-style amenities, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin deserve a spot on your list.

These neighboring resorts offer one of our favorite locations at Walt Disney World. You can walk or take a boat to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, spend time exploring Disney’s BoardWalk and return to a beautiful resort area after a busy day in the parks.

Here’s why we love staying at the Swan and Dolphin—and how to decide which hotel is better for your family.

The Location Is Hard to Beat

The location is the biggest reason we recommend the Swan and Dolphin.

Both hotels are located in Disney’s BoardWalk area, between EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Being able to walk or take a water taxi to two parks makes a Disney vacation much easier, especially when traveling with teens.

You can also walk over to Disney’s BoardWalk for restaurants, entertainment and a relaxing evening around the water.

After EPCOT fireworks or a long day at Hollywood Studios, avoiding another lengthy bus ride is a major advantage.

[Check Walt Disney World Swan rates on Expedia]

[Check Walt Disney World Dolphin rates on Expedia]

You Still Receive Valuable Disney Resort Benefits

Although the Swan and Dolphin are operated by Marriott, guests receive several valuable Disney benefits.

Eligible guests currently receive Early Theme Park Entry at all four Walt Disney World theme parks. This allows you to enter the park 30 minutes before the official opening time with valid admission.

Guests can also use complimentary transportation around Walt Disney World. Water taxis connect the resort area with EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Disney’s BoardWalk, while buses serve other Disney destinations.

Benefits and transportation arrangements can change, so always confirm the current details before your trip.

The Pool Area Feels Like a Vacation of Its Own

One of the best parts of staying at the Swan and Dolphin is the shared resort area.

The tropical pool complex includes a grotto-style pool with a waterfall, waterslide, rock caves and whirlpools. There are also additional pools and areas where families can relax between park days.

This makes the Swan and Dolphin especially appealing if you plan to schedule a resort day instead of spending every day inside the parks.

After several long days of walking, having a beautiful pool area gives everyone a chance to slow down and recharge.

There Are Plenty of Dining Options

The Swan and Dolphin offer a large selection of restaurants, lounges and casual dining options.

You can enjoy everything from a quick breakfast or poolside meal to Italian food, sushi and an upscale steak dinner. The location also puts you close to the restaurants at Disney’s BoardWalk, Yacht Club and Beach Club.

We love having several dining choices nearby because it gives us flexibility after a long park day. You don’t always want to travel across Disney World just to find dinner.

The Swan vs. the Dolphin: Which Should You Choose?

The Swan and Dolphin share many amenities, but each hotel has a slightly different atmosphere.

Choose the Swan if:

  • You prefer a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.

  • You want a more intimate hotel experience.

  • You like an upscale feel after busy park days.

  • You want convenient access to the shared resort amenities.

Best for: Couples, smaller families and travelers who prefer a calmer resort atmosphere.

[View Walt Disney World Swan availability on Expedia]

Choose the Dolphin if:

  • You prefer a livelier, more energetic atmosphere.

  • You want to be close to a larger selection of restaurants and activity.

  • You enjoy the feel of a large destination resort.

  • You are traveling with family members who want plenty to do outside the parks.

Best for: Families, groups and travelers who enjoy an active resort environment.

[View Walt Disney World Dolphin availability on Expedia]

Why It Works Well for Families With Teens

The Swan and Dolphin are particularly good choices for families traveling with teenagers.

Teens can enjoy the large pool area, restaurants and BoardWalk atmosphere without everything feeling designed only for younger children. The easy access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios is also a major benefit, since those parks are often favorites for families with older kids.

The location can give families more flexibility, especially if you want to separate for part of the day and meet back at the resort later.

What to Consider Before Booking

The Swan and Dolphin provide many Disney resort-style benefits, but they are not identical to hotels owned and operated directly by Disney.

Before booking, check:

  • The current resort fee

  • Overnight parking charges

  • Room configuration and bed sizes

  • Current transportation arrangements

  • Which Disney benefits apply during your dates

  • The final Expedia price after taxes and fees

Compare the complete price—not just the advertised nightly rate—with nearby Disney resorts.

Our Final Thoughts

We love the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin because they combine an excellent location, comfortable accommodations, impressive amenities and convenient access to two theme parks. We stay here on all our Disney trips for the location and if you are a Marriott Bonvoy member you also get points.  

The Swan is our pick for travelers who want a quieter and more relaxed stay. The Dolphin is a great option for families who prefer a larger, more energetic resort.

Either way, you’ll be within walking or boating distance of EPCOT and Hollywood Studios while enjoying one of the most convenient resort areas at Walt Disney World.

Ready to Compare Prices?

[Check Walt Disney World Swan rates on Expedia]

[Check Walt Disney World Dolphin rates on Expedia]

Hotel prices and benefits can change. Compare both properties for your travel dates before deciding which one offers the best combination of price, room type and location for your family.

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