Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort vs Walt Disney World Swan

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

Photo: Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
Moderate Epcot Resort Area
Walt Disney World Swan

Photo: Walt Disney World Swan
Deluxe Epcot Resort Area
Alex Young
Alex Young
· Updated · 5 min read

At a Glance

Tier

Caribbean Beach

Moderate

Walt Disney World Swan

Deluxe

Area

Caribbean Beach

Epcot Resort Area

Walt Disney World Swan

Epcot Resort Area

Transportation

Caribbean Beach

Skyliner, Bus

Walt Disney World Swan

Walk, Boat, Bus

Table-Service Dining

Caribbean Beach

2 restaurants

Walt Disney World Swan

5 restaurants

Quick-Service Dining

Caribbean Beach

3 locations

Walt Disney World Swan

3 locations

Pool Amenities

Caribbean Beach

Pool, Water Slide, Quiet Pool

Walt Disney World Swan

Pool, Water Slide

Extended Evening Hours

Caribbean Beach

No

Walt Disney World Swan

Yes

Top Highlight

Caribbean Beach

Disney Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios

Walt Disney World Swan

Same Crescent Lake location and EPCOT walking distance as the Dolphin

Overview

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

A moderate resort spread around Barefoot Bay with island villages, Skyliner access, and easy connections to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Walt Disney World Swan

A Marriott-operated on-property resort between Epcot and Hollywood Studios, with walking and boat access to both parks.

Amenities

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

Recreation

  • Pool
  • shipwreck play area
  • Playground
  • Arcade
  • Running Trail (1.4-mile promenade around Barefoot Bay)
  • Water Slide
  • Quiet Pool
  • Marina
  • Fishing around Barefoot Bay
  • Volleyball

Wellness

  • Spa

Rooms

  • Club Level

Other

  • calypso trading post
  • Laundry Facilities

Walt Disney World Swan

Recreation

  • Pool
  • Water Slide
  • Volleyball
  • Tennis Courts
  • Jogging Trail
  • Arcade
  • Playground
  • Camp Dolphin for children ages 5-12 from 4PM to 11PM with themed activities, video games, arts and crafts
  • Swan watercraft rentals on the white sand beach; Boat Rental in Activities

Wellness

  • Fitness Center
  • Spa

Other

  • Child Care
  • Boat launch courtyard between Swan and Dolphin for Friendship launches
  • Disney Cabanas store at Swan; Resort Essentials boutique at Dolphin

Transportation

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

  • Skyliner

    EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • Bus

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

Walt Disney World Swan

  • Walk

    EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • Boat

    EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • Bus

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

Pros

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

  • Disney Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
  • Moderate price tier with colorful Caribbean theming
  • Large resort with a central Old Port Royale hub
  • Close to Art of Animation and Pop Century via Skyliner
  • Refurbished rooms are a significant improvement

Walt Disney World Swan

  • Same Crescent Lake location and EPCOT walking distance as the Dolphin
  • Marriott Bonvoy points eligible for stays and redemptions
  • Access to Dolphin's extensive dining and amenities via shared complex
  • Swan Reserve and Swan combined offer over 2,000 rooms in the complex
  • Competitively priced relative to Disney-owned Deluxe resorts nearby

Cons

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

  • Very spread-out layout makes walking distances from rooms very long
  • Dining options are limited and not highly regarded by guests
  • Bus-only access to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom
  • Lost much of its lush tropical vibe after recent reimagining
  • Some room buildings are far from the main hub and bus stops

Walt Disney World Swan

  • No Disney on-site Early Entry or advance Lightning Lane booking
  • Resort fees and parking fees add significantly to the nightly rate
  • Shared amenities with Dolphin mean crowded pools during peak times
  • Design is less Disney-immersive than Disney-owned resorts
  • Limited transportation compared to monorail or Skyliner resorts

On-Site Dining

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

  • Banana Cabana

    Table Service

    American

    dinner

    View menu

  • Centertown Market

    Quick Service

    Latin, American

    breakfast · lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • Centertown Market Grab & Go

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

  • Sebastian's Bistro

    Table Service

    Latin

    dinner

    View menu

  • Spyglass Grill

    Quick Service

    American

    breakfast · lunch · dinner

    View menu

Walt Disney World Swan

  • Chill

    Table Service

    American

    dinner

    View menu

  • Garden Grove

    Table Service

    American

    breakfast

    View menu

  • Il Mulino

    Table Service

    Italian

    lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • Il Mulino Lounge

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

  • Java

    Quick Service

    Quick Service - Coffee

    snack

    View menu

  • Kimonos

    Table Service

    Asian, Japanese, Sushi

    dinner · snack

    View menu

  • Kimonos Lounge

    Quick Service

    Asian, Japanese, Sushi

    snack

    View menu

  • Splash Pool Bar and Grill

    Table Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

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