You can’t go wrong with a stay at the Walt Disney World Swan or Dolphin. These Marriott resorts are next to each other, have modern and beautiful decor, qualify you for extended evening hours in the theme parks, and are in walking distance of Hollywood Studios, EPCOT and Disney’s Boardwalk.
If you’re deciding where to stay, it might be as simple as choosing the resort with the best rate. Otherwise, if price isn’t an issue, here are the key things to know about each resort to help with your decision.
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Swan Resort
The Walt Disney World Swan is a great place to stay if you’re looking for quiet accommodations and an easy walk to an adult-oriented pool, Disney’s Boardwalk, and boat transportation to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. You can also walk to these theme parks and the Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course (Swan is slightly closer than the Dolphin).
Note: Next to the Swan is the Swan Reserve, a separate resort that is usually more expensive and further away from the theme parks and Boardwalk attractions.
Important things to know:
- The Walt Disney World Swan is a Westin hotel.
- It’s smaller and typically quieter than the Dolphin.
- It’s next to a small beach with hammocks.
- The closest pool is on the smaller side, but tends to have less children (as they are at the pool with the waterslide). There’s also a hot tub, outdoor bar and cabanas with HDTVs and mini-refrigerators.
- Il Mulino New York Trattoria (Italian restaurant), Kimonos (sushi restaurant with karaoke) and Garden Grove (breakfast, American) are in the building, along with Java Bar (coffee, sandwiches, snacks) and Chill Frozen Drinks.
Dolphin Resort
The Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort is a massive building with a lively energy and lots of amenities. Highlights include multiple restaurants, late-night lobby bar, proximity to multiple pools, Dole Whip soft serve machine and Mandara Spa.
Important things to know:
- The Walt Disney World Dolphin is a Sheraton hotel.
- You’ll walk more at the Dolphin Resort than at the Swan.
- The Dolphin is near multiple pools and hot tubs, including the pool with a waterfall, waterslide and seasonal DJ.
- Like the Swan, the Dolphin also has a pool bar and cabanas with HDTVs and mini-refrigerators.
- The Dolphin has more restaurants than the Swan, including Shula’s Steakhouse, Todd English’s Bluezoo, Rosa Mexicano and Fuel (coffee, sandwiches, salads, snacks and soft serve machines).
Disney World for Adults 