Walt Disney World Dolphin vs Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Photo: Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort
Deluxe Epcot Resort Area
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

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

At a Glance

Tier

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Deluxe

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Deluxe

Area

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Epcot Resort Area

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Epcot Resort Area

Transportation

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Walk, Boat, Bus

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Walk, Boat, Bus

Table-Service Dining

Walt Disney World Dolphin

7 restaurants

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

4 restaurants

Quick-Service Dining

Walt Disney World Dolphin

3 locations

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

None

Pool Amenities

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Pool

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Pool

Extended Evening Hours

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Yes

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Yes

Top Highlight

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Walking distance to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Newest and most modern of the Swan and Dolphin complex

Overview

Walt Disney World Dolphin

A large Marriott-operated convention resort on Crescent Lake with Disney benefits and direct access to the Epcot-area walkway network.

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.

Amenities

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Recreation

  • Pool
  • Tennis Courts
  • Jogging Trail
  • Arcade
  • Playground
  • Camp Dolphin for children ages 4-12 from 5pm to midnight with themed activities, video games, arts and crafts
  • Swan paddleboat rentals on the white sand beach

Wellness

  • Fitness Center
  • Spa

Rooms

  • Club Level

Other

  • Laundry Facilities
  • Child Care
  • Business Center
  • Boat launch courtyard between Swan and Dolphin; Friendship launches to Epcot and Hollywood Studios
  • Gift Shop

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Recreation

  • Pool
  • Tennis Courts
  • Arcade
  • Playground
  • Boat Rental listed in Activities & Recreation; water taxi access to parks

Wellness

  • Fitness Center
  • Spa

Other

  • Water taxi dock for park access
  • Resort shops available

Transportation

Walt Disney World Dolphin

  • Walk

    EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • Boat

    EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • Bus

    Magic Kingdom Park, 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

Pros

Walt Disney World Dolphin

  • Walking distance to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios
  • Can be booked with Marriott/SPG hotel points for potentially free nights
  • Crescent Lake location with boat service and BoardWalk access
  • Shula's Steakhouse and Il Mulino are top-tier dining options on property
  • Often cheaper than equivalent Disney-owned Deluxe resorts

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

Cons

Walt Disney World Dolphin

  • Not a Disney-owned resort, so no Early Entry or advance booking perks
  • Resort and parking fees are high in addition to the nightly rate
  • Dated exterior design with the iconic dolphin statues divides opinion
  • Rooms were historically smaller and less updated than Disney Deluxes
  • Bus service to non-walkable parks is less reliable than Disney buses

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

On-Site Dining

Walt Disney World Dolphin

  • Bourbon Steak - A Michael Mina Restaurant

    Table Service

    American, Steakhouse

    dinner

    View menu

  • Bourbon Steak Lounge

    Quick Service

    American, Steakhouse

    snack

    View menu

  • Cabana Bar and Beach Club

    Table Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

  • Fuel

    Table Service

    American, Quick Service - Coffee

    snack

    View menu

  • Phins

    Table Service

    American

    dinner

    View menu

  • Rosa Mexicano

    Table Service

    Mexican

    breakfast · lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • Rosa Mexicano Lounge

    Quick Service

    Mexican

    snack

    View menu

  • The Fountain

    Table Service

    American

    lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • Todd English's bluezoo

    Table Service

    Seafood

    dinner

    View menu

  • Todd English's bluezoo Lounge

    Quick Service

    Seafood

    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

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