The Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve offer a different way to stay near the parks: the adjacent Marriott-affiliated hotels sit within walking distance of Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, while also offering several benefits commonly associated with Disney resort stays.
The three properties are distinct hotels sharing amenities. The 1,514-room Dolphin is a Sheraton that opened in 1990; the 756-room Swan, also opened in 1990, is a Westin; and the 349-room Swan Reserve, opened in 2021, is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. Together, they have 2,619 rooms and 23 restaurants and lounges.
All three can be booked with Marriott Bonvoy points. The Points Guy reported starting award rates of 49,000 points per night at the Dolphin, 50,000 at the Swan and 57,000 at the Swan Reserve. Rates can vary by date. The hotels are not Disney-owned or Disney-operated, despite their Walt Disney World location.
Guests can walk about 15 to 20 minutes to Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or take a complimentary water taxi from the dock between the Swan and Dolphin. Bus service connects the hotels with Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, though the Magic Kingdom bus goes to the Transportation and Ticket Center, where riders continue by monorail or ferry.
The Disney-related benefits include 30 minutes of early theme-park entry each morning, extended evening hours when available, earlier access to Lightning Lane purchases and complimentary parking at Walt Disney World theme parks. Hotel self-parking currently costs $40 nightly, according to The Points Guy. Travelers planning Walt Disney World tickets can also find park tickets and vacation-planning help at the hotels.
Planning Your Trip
Undercover Tourist is an authorized seller of Walt Disney World tickets, often at a discount off gate price.
All guests may use amenities across the trio, including pools. The larger pool area near the Dolphin includes a grotto pool with waterfalls and a waterslide, as well as a lap pool. Other offerings include an arcade, a small bowling alley, sand volleyball, a playground, paddle boats and fitness areas. The Dolphin also houses Mandara Spa.
For choosing among the hotels, the Swan Reserve is the newest, smallest and generally most upscale option, with higher-end room finishes. The Dolphin is generally the least expensive on average, though prices can shift with dates and events. Families who want more dining choices and easy access to amenities such as the playground and arcade may prefer the Swan or Dolphin. A key room difference for groups: two-bed rooms at the Swan have queen beds, while Dolphin two-bed rooms have full-size beds.
