Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge vs Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

A deluxe safari-style resort where guest rooms and public spaces overlook savannas with African wildlife.

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

The newer tower within the Swan and Dolphin complex, positioned near Crescent Lake and marketed as a more boutique-style Marriott option.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

• Bus

  Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney Springs

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

• Walk

  EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios

• Boat

  EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios

• Bus

  Magic Kingdom Park, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney Springs

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

• Savanna views with real African animals from room balconies
• Unrivaled cultural and thematic authenticity among Disney resorts
• Outstanding dining lineup including Jiko, Boma, and Sanaa
• Largest African art collection in the United States on display
• Priced below most other Deluxe resorts for the quality offered

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

• Newest and most modern of the Swan and Dolphin complex
• Spacious tower rooms with contemporary design and updated amenities
• Same Crescent Lake location with walking access to EPCOT
• Marriott Bonvoy points redemption available
• Quieter and more upscale feel than the larger Swan and Dolphin hotels

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

• Bus-only transportation to all parks, no monorail or boat options
• Feeling of isolation from other parks besides Animal Kingdom
• Hallways are extremely long, far walks from room to lobby
• Animals are not always visible from savanna view rooms
• Room construction noise may be ongoing during renovation periods

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

• No Disney on-site perks such as Early Entry or booking advantages
• High resort fees on top of nightly rate increase true cost
• Smaller pool exclusive to Swan Reserve guests, main pools are at Swan/Dolphin
• Limited dining within the Swan Reserve itself
• No direct transportation to Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

• Boma - Flavors of Africa

  Table Service

  African, American

  breakfast · dinner

  View menu

• Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar

  Quick Service

  African

  snack

  View menu

• Jiko - The Cooking Place

  Table Service

  African

  dinner

  View menu

• Kidani Village Breakfast at Sanaa

  Quick Service

  African, Indian

  lunch · dinner

  View menu

• Maji Pool Bar

  Quick Service

  African, American

  snack

  View menu

• Sanaa

  Table Service

  African, Indian

  lunch · dinner

  View menu

• Sanaa Lounge

  Quick Service

  African, Indian

  snack

  View menu

• Sanaa To Go

  Quick Service

  African, Indian

  lunch · dinner

  View menu

• The Mara

  Quick Service

  American, African

  lunch · dinner

  View menu

• Uzima Springs Pool Bar

  Quick Service

  American

  snack

  View menu

• Victoria Falls Lounge

  Quick Service

  American

  snack

  View menu

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

• Amare

  Table Service

  Mediterranean

  lunch · dinner

  View menu

• Grounds

  Table Service

  Bakery, American, Quick Service - Coffee

  snack

  View menu

• Stir

  Table Service

  American

  dinner

  View menu

• Tangerine

  Table Service

  American

  dinner

  View menu

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

• Animal Kingdom Lodge : r/WaltDisneyWorld
  r/WaltDisneyWorld
• Animal Kingdom Lodge Tips : r/WaltDisneyWorld
  r/WaltDisneyWorld
• Is Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort view worth it?
  r/WaltDisneyWorld
• Is the animal kingdom lodge worth it? : r/WaltDisneyWorld
  r/WaltDisneyWorld
• Nothing beats the quietness of the animal Kingdom lodge ...
  r/WaltDisneyWorld

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

• Swan & Dolphin appreciation : r/WaltDisneyWorld
  r/WaltDisneyWorld
• Swan or Swan Reserve? : r/WaltDisneyWorld
  r/WaltDisneyWorld
• Swan Reserve pros and cons : r/WaltDisneyWorld
  r/WaltDisneyWorld
• Thoughts on the Swan Reserve? : r/WaltDisneyWorld
  r/WaltDisneyWorld
• Walt Disney World Swan Reserve and ADR/LL
  r/WaltDisneyWorld

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

• 
  Is Disney World's Animal Kingdom Lodge Worth It?

  DFBGuide

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

• 
  Disney Swan, Dolphin & Swan Reserve FULL Resort Tours

  DFBGuide