Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Review
In my quest to stay at every hotel on Disney World property for my YouTube channel, I've been revisiting some of my favorite resorts recently. You might've seen my previous review for the Walt Disney World Swan on the site a few weeks ago. I was even more excited to test out the Swan's sister property, the Swan Reserve, on a recent Orlando trip. Since Orlando has been trending more luxury, like the Conrad Orlando, it was exciting for me to stay at yet another new points option on Disney property.
Location
The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve is located on Walt Disney World property in the Epcot Resort Area, just like its sister properties the Swan and Dolphin. Its location is next door to those two properties, across Epcot Resorts Boulevard. While it maintains access to boat transportation of the Swan and Dolphin, its location is a little less convenient to the dock to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, as well as the walking path.
Note that the Swan Reserve and its sister properties share their own buses to get to the theme parks. While this may not seem like a big deal, it does make trips to the Magic Kingdom a bit more burdensome. That is because you're dropped off at the Ticket and Transportation Center, where you'll need to take a monorail or ferry to the park. All of that will add 30 minutes of time to your commute versus a Disney-owned bus from another resort. I'd recommend the short walk over to Disney's Boardwalk Inn to grab a Magic Kingdom bus there to save time.
Pro Tip:
The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve is technically closer to the shared Grotto pool than her sister properties. That is true despite the need to walk across the street to reach it.
Typical Marriott Bonvoy Booking Cost
The Walt Diney World Swan Reserve is a Marriott Bonvoy property, so unfortunately there's no award chart to go off of to know how much a night at the property will cost. I've seen vary wildly depending on the season. On my dates, it was 65,000 points a night or $367 after taxes and fees. Marriott does have a 5th night free on award reservations, which can help save you points on longer stays. Marriott certificates earned from Marriott credit cards and status work here as well. For my night, I opted to pay cash since I had an Amex offer saving me 20% on Marriott spending, but keep in mind, you'll pay a $50 resort fee whether you're booking cash or points.
Marriott is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards, but is typically not a great transfer of those points. Marriott also recently partnered with Bilt as a transfer partner as well.
Pro Tip:
The resort shares a parking lot with Fantasia Gardens mini golf, which is a fun diversion for a day that you're not rope dropping the parks.
Resort Disney Benefits
Note, too, that the Walt Disney World Swan is an official Disney hotel, so you'll receive early theme park entry into all four theme parks each day. You will also get Extended Evening Hours on select nights (typically Monday and Wednesday) for certain parks. In addition, with the introduction of Lightning Lane Multi Pass as the replacement to Genie Plus, you'll be eligible to make advanced Lightning Lane reservations 7 nights before your stay. That is a great perk that I'm happy is returning a bit to how the old Fastpass+ system functioned pre-pandemic.
Check In
The Swan Reserve is much more “corporate” looking than the other two sister properties. You'll enter the property off of Epcot Resorts Boulevard. Bellmen are available at the porte-cochere to take your bags and valet your car. Parking isn't free at the Swan Reserve- it's $36 per night plus tax, but you do receive free parking at the Disney theme parks. Valet is $44 per night plus tax.
There's a small lobby with a staffed concierge desk that leads up some large escalators to the main level of the hotel, where check in happens. On the lobby level is a bar, Stir, and main restaurant, Amare. Overall, it's not a ton of space compared to other lobbies at Walt Disney World, but it gets the job done.
Pro Tip:
If you're transferring from another Disney property, like I was, you can actually transfer your luggage for free, same-day.
Swan Reserve Room Review
Thankfully, due to my Marriott Bonvoy Platinum status and a “Nightly Upgrade Award,” I was cleared into an Signature Epcot View Suite three nights out from my stay. I was really excited to see what the room looked like, as this was a great upgrade.
My king suite was pretty massive, with a great view of Epcot. You enter directly into the living room, where there's a large dining table and a seating area beyond next to the window.
In total there were two televisions in the suite- one in the living room and one in the main bedroom. Plenty of plugs were spread out throughout the suite, including next to both sides of the bed. I'm always surprised when this isn't the case, even in new build hotel rooms.
The bathroom was build for usability, accessible from both the living room and the bedroom. The toilet was set aside in its own nook with its own sink, so families could use the shower at the same time and not be disturbed.
The view from the room was amazing, and would be spectacular to watch the Epcot fireworks show Luminous from. I had park tickets that night, so I ended up having a closer view of the show than from my suite!
Pro Tip:
Like its sister property the Swan, the Swan Reserve has two queens in rooms with two beds. The Dolphin only has 2 double beds in similar room types.
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Review: Property Amenities and Activities
While the Swan Reserve is a part of the greater Walt Disney World Resort, we'll focus the highlights on what's available as part of the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve shared facilities.
Pools
The Swan Reserve its own pool that's definitely more of an adult feel than other hotels on property. There's a small pool bar with a food menu that continues the resort's “orange” theme (we are in Florida, after all). The pool you'll want to hang out at is the Grotto pool, which is shared with the Swan and Dolphin. If you're someone who like more activity in their pool setting, you'll love the Grotto. There's plenty of family-friendly fun like a water slide, beach volleyball, and even a kid's playscape.
Beach
Near the Grotto pool is a small “lounging” beach. It's not for swimming (because, gators). The Swan Boats included in your resort fee are here to rent as well.
Sports and Leisure
The Swan Reserve does have a few amenities aimed at relaxation, if you're aiming to do that instead of visit the theme parks.
Gym
The Swan Reserve has a small gym located on the second floor. The equipment was new, as this resort is less than three years old. You can also use the larger gyms over at the Dolphin and Swan. The resorts also provide maps for a jogging trail that takes you around the lake leading to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
Spa
The Mandara Spa is not located in the Swan Reserve, but across the street at the Dolphin. This is a big negative for me, as it requires a walk across the street in Florida humidity to go relax. If you're looking for a spa day, I'd suggest just staying at the Dolphin.
Mini Golf
As I mentioned, the Swan Reserve shares a parking lot with Fantasia Gardens mini golf, which are two separate courses. One is more whimsically themed to Fantasia, while the other is a true “mini” golf course with water hazards and longer holes. Both are great fun.
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Review: Dining
There are a lot of dining options available at the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve. Inside the Swan Reserve, you'll find a few fine dining options, like Stir, which served up an amazing pizza, and Amare, the resort's fine dining restaurant. In the morning, breakfast is served here, though you can opt for room service continental breakfast with your Marriott benefits as well. Tangerine serves drinks and food poolside, and Grounds is a to-go coffee and snack on the main lobby level.
Off Site Dining Options
If you're visiting the parks, I highly recommend Epcot, which has a lot of international food options and typically a fun food festival running. You can also walk over to the Yacht & Beach Club or Boardwalk Inn and dine at their food options as well.
Pro Tip:
Buying discounted Disney gift cards can save you a bundle on dining during your Disney stay.
Resort Service
I loved my time at the Swan Reserve. Everyone seemed very eager to make my stay special, including the very helpful valets which really set the tone for my one night stay.
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Review: ToP Thoughts
It's nice to have a more luxurious option for Disney stays, especially one that doesn't have to break the bank. With the this being one of the newest properties at Walt Disney World, coupled with the ability to earn and burn Marriott points, I can't recommend the Swan Reserve enough. While I do miss the “Disney” feel from other on property resorts, the fact is that you're barely in your room on a Disney vacation. The most important thing is a comfortable bed, which the Swan Reserve certainly delivered on!
