Walt Disney World Swan Review
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin resorts have been a go-to of the points and miles community looking to redeem Marriott points on Disney property for many years (RIP SPG!). The sister resorts have now been joined by another property, the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, adding another option for Marriott Bonvoy loyalists. Recently, I had the opportunity to redeem points at the Walt Disney World Swan for a pretty solid redemption rate. Let's check out how my stay went with this Walt Disney World Swan review.
Location
The Walt Disney World Swan is located on Walt Disney World property in the Epcot Resort Area. It's on a series of connected lakes and canals that allows for boat transportation to two theme parks, Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios, and several other Disney-owned hotels. This is a great perk, as there is a lot of food options both on property at the Swan and at resorts nearby. There is also a walking path between the two parks and all the resorts, making this one of the most convenient resorts on Disney property.
The closest resorts to the Swan are her sister resorts the Dolphin, located across a grand walkway, and the Swan Reserve, which is across the street from the Grotto pool area that all three resorts share access to. Disney's Boardwalk Inn and Villas is across a bridge from the Swan. Lastly, Disney's Yacht and Beach Club is a little further away, on the way to Epcot.
Note that the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve use their own buses to get to the theme parks. This is typically not a big difference from the Disney buses, but you'll be dropped off at the Ticket and Transportation Center for Magic Kingdom visits. That will add about 30 minutes of commute time for your journey. I'd recommend walking over to the Boardwalk or Yacht and Beach Clubs to visit the Magic Kingdom, since their buses drop you off at the front of the park. Since Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios are walking and boating distance, no buses run to those parks.
Pro Tip:
The Walt Disney World Swan is technically a Westin-branded property, so you can actually rent exercise clothing direct from the hotel, just like other Westins worldwide.
Typical Marriott Bonvoy Booking Cost
The Walt DIsney World Swan is a Marriott Bonvoy property, which unfortunately means there's no set redemption rate. I've seen rates vary seasonally, but I was able to score an award redemption for 36,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. Looking ahead to July 2024, which is peak visitation at Walt Disney World, rates vary from 44,000-67,000 points per night. Keep in mind that Marriott does have a 5th night free on award reservations. I should also note that Marriott certificates earned from Marriott credit cards, and status, work for this property as well. I used a certificate earned from my Marriott Bonvoy Business card, and added 1,000 points to make my reservation. Keep in mind, a pesky $50 resort fee is applicable on points or cash reservations.
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.
A base-level room with no view typically starts around $264 per night, plus a $50 resort fee. It should be noted again 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.
Pro Tip:
The hotel charges more for a theme park view room. I wouldn't recommend this, since you're really at the resort to visit those parks! I tried for an upgrade on my one-night stay using a Marriott “Nightly Upgrade Award” to no avail.
Check In
Compared to its sister properties, the Walt Disney World Swan's entry is much more subdued. You'll enter the property off of Lake Buena Vista Dr. A large fountain with, appropriately, swans greets you on the circular drive to the porte-cochere where valets and bellmen can help you with parking and bags. Unlike Disney-owned hotels, parking isn't free. Rather, 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.
The lobby is smaller than the Dolphin or Swan Reserve, but I love the pink color scheme throughout the property– I find it quite relaxing and beachy! A gift shop with Disney ticket desk is to the left as you enter, with check in to your right. You'll notice the signature Westin Green Tea scent throughout.
Pro Tip:
The Swan participates in Marriott's digital check in, which worked flawlessly. I was able to enter my room after visiting Epcot for the day without visiting the front desk for a physical key. If you're transferring from another Disney property, like I was, you can actually transfer your luggage for free, same-day.
Room Review
The last time I stayed at the Swan, the rooms were a bit tired. Thankfully, they've been renovated since in 2017, and I learned after my stay that I had received a newly refreshed room, as the room feels quite updated now.
My standard room with two queen beds was pretty standard looking for a Westin. There's a small closet to the left as you enter the room, with a bathroom door to your right. There were two sinks in the bathroom, though interestingly they were separated into two different areas. The shower and toilet room had its own sink. The shower itself was a faux rainfall variety, and it was a combo tub set up.
In the main bedroom, two queens looked onto a 49” television, which had the device connectivity that I've loved from Marriott hotels around the world. There was a small desk and chair in one corner, with views towards the front of the hotel (though I could see Tower of Terror in the distance!).
Pro Tip:
If you're choosing between the Swan, Dolphin, or Swan Reserve for your family, know that the Swan and Swan Reserve have two queen beds in rooms with two beds, while the Dolphin has two doubles.
Walt Disney World Swan Review: Property Amenities and Activities
While the Swan 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 has a pool attached to the hotel proper that's made for lounging. There's a small pool bar with a food menu that will take care of any requests while “relaxing.” However, the star of the show is the Grotto pool, which is shared by the three properties. There, you have a massive pool with waterfall (complete with hidden sun loungers behind it), a waterslide, and even a playscape nearby for the little ones. There's also the Cabana pool that's attached, which is pretty similar to what's over at the Swan, but with a louder ambiance.
For the longest time, I ranked this as one of the best resort pools at Disney just due to its size. Recently, I think Disney has caught up (and nothing compares to what's nearby at the Conrad Orlando).
Beach
There is a small beach area for lounging only near the Grotto pool. You can also rent Swan boats here for a fee (one rental included in your resort fee). There are beach toys and games scattered about as well for you to use for free.
Sports and Leisure
The Swan has several opportunities on property to exercise and relax. It is a Disney vacation, so for me that's usually not my vibe when in Orlando, but there are options!
Gym
The Swan has a small gym located next to their pool. I wasn't very impressed with the look of the equipment- it looked pretty old. You can also use the larger gyms over at the Dolphin and Swan Reserve. The resorts also provide maps for a jogging trail that takes you past many of the Disney resorts and theme parks– you see a lot of joggers early in the morning when you're headed to rope drop the parks!
Spa
The Mandara Spa is not located in the Swan, but across the way at the Dolphin. Unfortunately, this means that if you wanted a relaxing treatment at the Swan, you would have to leave your building and walk outside, which I don't find to be a great experience.
Mini Golf
The Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf course is located in the Swan Reserve parking lot, across the street from the Swan. While not technically a part of the Swan, it's an easy walk to play 36 holes of great miniature golf, if you're into that sort of activity.
Walt Disney World Swan Resort: Dining
There are a lot of dining options available at the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve. Inside the Swan, you'll find a few fine dining options, like Kimonos for sushi and Il Mulino for Italian. In the morning, breakfast is served at Garden Grove, with a giant faux tree in the middle of the restaurant. The Splash Pool Bar serves drinks and food poolside, and Java is a to-go coffee and snack shop off the main lobby.
Pro Tip
If you're a Marriott Platinum and above, you do get free continental breakfast at the Swan. I recommend asking one of the employees what qualifies for the breakfast, since some “premium” options aren't able to be redeemed with the voucher. You do have some choices to make, at least at Java where I redeemed my voucher. Even if you're staying at the Swan, there are options to use your breakfast at the other two sister hotels.
Off Site Dining Options
There are a billion other dining options located at the Walt Disney World Resort. The Boardwalk is refreshing many of its dining concepts, and are located, appropriately, on the public boardwalk that has carnival games and a fun atmosphere.
If you have a park ticket, Epcot is an epicurean dream, and typically has some sort of food festival running. During my visit, the Flower and Garden Festival was wrapping up, and had a lot of food stalls set up around World Showcase to choose from.
Pro Tip:
Buying discounted Disney gift cards can save you a bundle on dining during your Disney stay.
Resort Service
Overall, the service at the Walt Disney World Swan was excellent. Every employee aimed to make my stay great, and were a pleasure to speak with. While it's hard to get an impression of great service when you're not spending a ton of time enjoying the resort, I could tell folks were proud to work at the Swan.
Walt Disney World Swan Review: ToP Thoughts
A Disney vacation can be an expensive one, so it's great that there are solid points redemption options on property. Especially ones that allow you to take advantage of Disney early and late entry benefits. The Walt Disney World Swan will be a frequently redeemed option for my family when we visit the parks. Since I've now recently stayed at all three Swan/Dolphin properties, I feel like my favorite might be the Swan. The reason is how close it is to the walking path and boat dock to get to the parks. I'll add bonus points for that Westin scent that instantly transports me on vacation.
