The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is a pair of connected hotels (plus a newer third tower, the Swan Reserve) sitting on Epcot Resorts Boulevard, wedged directly between Epcot’s International Gateway and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Designed by architect Michael Graves and opened in 1990, the Swan is run as a Westin and the Dolphin as a Sheraton, both under Marriott, with giant 47- and 56-foot swan and dolphin statues topping their towers.
Although Disney doesn’t own or operate the resort, guests get certain Disney resort benefits such as early theme park entry, which makes it a favorite option for fans who want a short walk to two parks without paying Disney-owned-resort rates. Some perks are not included, though: the Disney Dining Plan is not available to Swan, Dolphin, or Swan Reserve guests.
Stats at a Glance
- Resort: Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve
- Location: Epcot Resorts Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, FL
- Opened: Swan: Jan. 13, 1990; Dolphin: June 4, 1990
- Rooms: 756 (Swan) + 1,514 (Dolphin), plus Swan Reserve
- Price tier: Deluxe (non-Disney-owned deluxe rate, often below comparable Disney deluxe resorts)
- Park transport: Walking path and boat launch to Epcot and Hollywood Studios; complimentary shuttle buses to other Disney destinations
- Perks: 30-minute early theme park entry at all four parks and extended evening hours on select nights; the Disney Dining Plan is not available to guests here
- Theme: Postmodern Michael Graves design with oversized swan and dolphin statues
Rooms, Theming and Dining
The Swan and Dolphin are architecturally playful rather than storybook-themed: Graves’ design mixes a turquoise wave pattern on the Swan with a banana-leaf motif on the Dolphin, and the buildings’ rooflines carry the giant statues that give the resort its name. Rooms lean more standard-hotel than Disney-whimsical, with the recently added Swan Reserve offering a more modern, business-traveler-friendly aesthetic. Between the three towers there is a wide range of restaurants and lounges, from quick counter service to sit-down dining, plus a spa and multiple pools connected by a shared lagoon area. Because these are Marriott-operated properties that Disney doesn’t own, the Disney Dining Plan can’t be purchased by guests staying here, so meals are paid for directly at each restaurant.
Getting to the Parks and Perks
The single biggest draw is location: a paved walking path and Friendship boat launch put guests at Epcot’s International Gateway or the Hollywood Studios entrance in about 15-20 minutes on foot, or a shorter ride by boat. Complimentary shuttle buses cover the other Disney destinations, including Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. Despite being Marriott-operated, the resort extends certain Disney benefits to guests, including 30-minute early theme park entry at all four Walt Disney World theme parks and extended evening hours on select nights, plus free theme park parking with a resort room key. What guests don’t get is the Disney Dining Plan, which isn’t available to Swan, Dolphin, or Swan Reserve stays.
Who Should Stay Here
This resort suits Marriott loyalty members chasing points or elite status, families who want Epcot and Hollywood Studios within easy walking distance, and travelers who want Disney’s park perks without paying Disney-owned-resort prices. It’s less ideal for anyone wanting to prepay meals with a Disney Dining Plan, chasing themed Disney atmosphere in their room, or families prioritizing quick access to Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom, which require a bus ride rather than a walk or boat.
Explore more: More Where to Stay guides, Epcot guide, Hollywood Studios guide.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin FAQs
Does staying at the Swan and Dolphin get Disney park perks like early entry?
Yes. Even though it’s Marriott-operated, guests of the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve receive 30-minute early entry at all four Walt Disney World theme parks and access to extended evening hours on select nights.
Can Swan and Dolphin guests buy the Disney Dining Plan?
No. The Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve don’t participate in the Disney Dining Plan, so guests pay for meals directly at the resort’s restaurants or elsewhere.
How do you get from the Swan and Dolphin to Epcot and Hollywood Studios?
Both parks are reachable by a walking path or a short Friendship boat ride, generally 15-20 minutes on foot. Complimentary shuttle buses handle transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and other Disney destinations.
Is the Swan and Dolphin cheaper than Disney’s own deluxe resorts?
It’s priced as a deluxe hotel, but because Marriott (not Disney) sets rates, nightly prices are often lower than comparable Disney-owned deluxe resorts, and Marriott loyalty points and elite benefits apply. Just note the Disney Dining Plan isn’t available to guests staying here.
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