My views on the Swan and Dolphin come from my four stays here, most recently in January 2017. I rank resorts on this site for first time family visitors who may never return first based on visual kid appeal, and second on convenience for a trip focused primarily on the Magic Kingdom and secondarily on Epcot. They are excluded from the Disney Dining Plan and have converted to their own transport system–Disney buses used to serve them. The Swan and Dolphin share more Disney hotel perks than the Four Seasons, most importantly eligibility for Disney World’s Early Entry program and for its Extended Evening Hours. These two adjacent Epcot resorts, connected by a covered walkway, were intended for the convention business, built by Tishman after a billion-dollar lawsuit, and designed by Michael Graves among toaster dreams.Ĭurrently managed by sister Starwood flags Westin and Sheraton respectively, but after the Starwood merger Marriott properties, the 758 room Swan and 1,509 room Dolphin feature a great location for an Epcot-centered trip, great dining for adults and so-so dining for kids, a strong pool complex, adequate rooms, so-so convenience, interesting interior spaces, garish exteriors, and weak kid appeal.Ĭompared to the other Epcot resorts–the Beach Club and Villas, the Yacht Club, and the BoardWalk Inn and Villas–prices are usually quite nice, even after you pay for a resort fee–which the Disney resorts do not charge.
The Disney World Swan and Disney World Dolphin, like Shades of Green and the Four Seasons, are non-Disney hotels located in the heart of Disney World. They are also eligible for early access to Disney’s paid system for individual access to certain rides. Note: guests staying at the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve are eligible for Disney World’s Early Entry program and for its Extended Evening Hours. By Dave Shute OVERVIEW: THE DISNEY WORLD SWAN AND DOLPHIN FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS