If you are looking for somewhere to stay within walking distance to Disney's Epcot and just a short boat ride away from Disney Hollywood Studios then The Swan Hotel is an excellent choice. Surprisingly, although the Swan hotel is on Walt Disney World property it is not a Disney owned hotel. It is owned by the Westin Hotel group and is a sister hotel to it's close, and equally imposing neighbor, the Dolphin.

But is the Walt Disney Swan a good choice for your family? Learn about the rooms,the amenities and Disney benefits as well as how to get a discount on a room.

Photo Credit jmacphoto

The Disney World Swan is in a great location. You are right in the heart of things being just a short stroll from Disney's Board Walk restaurant and shopping area, and of course you are very close to the World Showcase Entrance to Disney World Epcot. You can easily take the pleasant short stroll or even take a boat launch to Epcot. Disney's Hollywood Studios is also on the boat transportation system. For Disney's Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom you can take the free Disney bus transportation.

You notice Disney's Swan Hotel from quite a distance! You really can't fail to see the huge swans at the top of the building. Michael Graves designed this very distinctive resort. For those of you who like details those swans are 46 feet tall!

There are 758 rooms at the Swan with a choice of views. The Standard views are the least expensive but in general the views are not great (often of either the roof or the parking lot). If you can then upgrade to one of the view rooms. There are Lake and Resort views. The best views are of Epcot. Some of the Epcot view rooms also have balconies.

Photo Credit hyku

One of the great things about staying in a Disney resort hotel is the extra benefits which guests get to enjoy in the Disney World Parks. Most of these benefits are available to Disney Swan hotel guests too.

The most valuable Disney resort benefit is the Extra Magic Hours. This allows Disney resort guests to enter the theme parks early or stay later than non resort guests on selected days. These days vary by season, but usually Disney resort guests can enter the park an hour earlier and stay 3 hours later than guests not staying on property. Extra Magic Hours give yo a great opportunity to be in the park when it is less crowded. Walt Disney World Swan hotel guests get access to Extra Magic Hours.

Walt Disney Swan resort guests also have free parking in Disney parks, preferred golf tee times,package delivery to your room, and guaranteed park admission.

The one benefit which Disney Swan guests do not have is that the resort charging privileges do not extend out of your hotel so cannot be used at the other Disney parks and resorts. This really isn't a big deal though as everywhere is of course very happy to accept your regular credit card!

The rooms are beautifully furnished to a high standard. The decor is contemporary with crisp white lined and muted tones. Each standard room has either a King or 2 Queen beds. As the Swan is a Westin hotel it features the excellent Heavenly Bed. I often stay in Westin hotels and always find that this is one of the most comfortable hotel beds available.

The standard rooms have everything you would expect from a high quality hotel and include a 32" flat screen TV, mini bar,safe and high speed internet access.

There are also several suites available at The Swan and Dolphin.

Photo Credit ishutterthought

There are many excellent places to dine in the Swan and Dolphin resorts including the renown Todd English Bluezoo restaurant which is located at the Dolphin. Kimino's offers Asian cuisine fine dining, or if you are looking for Italian specialties then head to Il Mulino New York Trattori. 

One of my favorite Disney buffet restaurants is Fresh Mediterranean Market in The Dolphin hotel. This buffet offers lots of healthy options and a particularly good juice selection.

Head to Shula's Steakhouse if you want traditional American cuisine. Or take a sort stroll to one of the many restaurants on Disney's Boardwalk or check out one of the neighboring hotels. Even Epcot's World Showcase is only a short walk. So you are never going to be short of dining choices if you stay at The Swan.

The Swan and Dolphin share resort facilities so you get a fabulous choice of recreation options. There are 2 lap pools at the resort. But you will probably want to set aside some tine to head to The Grotto. This is a major draw for the Swan and Dolphin as it is certainly one of the best swimming pools of all the Disney resorts. It is a 3 acre tropical fun filled swimming pool with slides,waterfalls, hot tubs and even a beach.

There are volleyball courts,basketball hoops,electric boat rentals, jogging track.s children's pools. There are 2 health clubs and the Mandara Spa. So you are not going to be short of activities!

There are some great offers at Disney World at the moment. Room rates at the Swan start at just $149. Also be sure to ask for a discount if you or a member of your party is active or retired military, a teacher or nurse or a Florida resident.

The Walt Disney World Swan
1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd.
Lake Buena Vista FL 32830-2653
(407) 934-3000

Or visit Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin to book online