What is the Walt Disney World Swan?

The Walt Disney World Swan and its sister resort the Walt Disney World Dolphin, are part of the Epcot Area resort. While the Swan is located on Disney property, it is not operated by The Disney Company. The Swan is a premiere Westin resort.

The Swan is a coral and peach colored resort with giant aqua waves adorning the exterior. The hotel itself is an impressive sight and can actually be seen from Epcot's World Showcase. A 12 story main building and two 7 story wings hold the 758 guest rooms. When you approach the hotel, look up on the roof. The two swans that you'll see are 46 feet high and 56,000 pounds each. The resort was designed by Michael Graves.

The swan theming is carried throughout the resort with a swan fountain in the lobby and furnishings have carved swans in one form or another. The cool, tropical colors are enough to put anyone in a vacationing mood. Check out the murals in the halls on your way to your room. Inside and out, this an unforgettable resort.

Since the Swan isn't a Disney Resort, do I still get any of the Disney resort amenities?

Guests at the Swan enjoy many of the same amenities as Disney-operated resort guests. A stay at the Swan includes WDW transportation to all Disney attractions, free parking at the theme parks, guaranteed park admission, package delivery to your hotel from the parks, same day dining reservations, preferred tee times, and access to guest services. Also, Disney theme park tickets can be purchased at the Swan by Swan guests.

However, unlike other Disney resorts, charging privileges don't extend beyond the Swan and Dolphin. All purchases and dining expenses at both the Swan and the Dolphin can be charged to your prearranged account.

Starwood Preferred Guests can earn points; inquire at check-in.

What are the rooms like?

Michael Graves designed the guest rooms for the Swan and Dolphin which are just beautiful! The design includes features such as: slate entryways in the guestroom foyer, with the same stone surface continuing into the bathroom; new carpeting and designer wall coverings, complemented by custom-designed draperies, accented by a Graves-designed insignia. A 27" color television sits on a contemporary-designed bureau, which connects to a large desk and work area. King rooms feature a pullout sleeper, while the double/double rooms offer a customized lounge chair and ottoman.

The guestrooms include Westin's popular Heavenly Beds. Most guests who have stayed in these room rave about the beds! Each one features a custom-designed pillow-top mattress set; a cozy down blanket; three crisp sheets with thread counts between 180-250; a comforter; a duvet and five of the best pillows in the industry. The headboards on the beds are accented by original Michael Graves artwork, topped by picture-wash lighting that also provides incremental reading lighting. (If you have an allergy to feathers, call housekeeping to get foam pillows and a different comforter.)

Custom-designed carpeting and draperies, accented by a Graves-designed insignia, complement new designer wall coverings. A sleek, maple wood bureau with frosted glass accents replaces existing armoires in the guestrooms, providing ample drawer space for guest belongings.

The bathrooms feature the Heavenly Bath treatment, which includes broad-width shower curtains and signature in-bath amenities.

What are the advantages of staying at the Swan?

Location, Location, Location! The Swan's proximity to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios make it an outstanding choice for a stay in WDW. In addition, the dining options are nearly endless! Not only do you have the Swan and Dolphin's restaurants and lounges, but also those at the BoardWalk and the Yacht and Beach Clubs nearby. Epcot's fabulous restaurants are just a stroll away, too.

The BoardWalk's entertainment complex is practically in your backyard if the urge to dance or listen to dueling pianos suddenly hits you.

Fantasia Gardens, a miniature golf complex, is just a hop across the parking lot.

Is there a resort fee?

Effective February 16, 2008, the resort services package is back for new reservations only. Anyone with an existing reservation will be given the option to pay the resort services fee or to use the services a-la-carte. The Resort Service Package is a mandatory package that includes the following:

$10 per day charge plus 6.5% tax.

Up to 60 minutes free local telephone calls, toll free and credit card access calls (.10 cents per minute after 60 minutes)

20 minutes of domestic long distance per day

Unlimited access to the Resort's health club facilities

In-room High-Speed Internet Access

2 bottles of water daily

What are the different types of room views?

The room categories are:

Standard View - overlooks the hotel grounds which may include the parking lot or roof. This view is comparable to other Disney resorts' standard view.

The Lake View includes a view of the lake, or a view of the waterway to Disney's Hollywood Studios, gardens, and parts of the BoardWalk Villas.

The Resort View offers a view of the courtyard, Dolphin, gardens, and possibly the swimming area. The Resort View with balcony offers, a balcony. Many rooms do not have balconies so if this is important to you, be sure and book that category of room.

Epcot/Studios View - a view of either Epcot or Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Epcot Balcony - looks at Epcot and has a balcony.

When can I check in?

Check in time at the Swan is at 3 p.m. Early check in is available if your room is ready, if not, luggage storage is available for later check in. Check out time is 11 a.m., although later check out can be arranged if the resort is not full. Guests can check out up until 1 p.m. without penalty, and later for an additional charge.

I heard there's a charge to park at the resort -- is this true?

Yes, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin resorts charge for self-parking as well as valet parking. Self parking rate is $9 per day (plus tax), Valet is $12 per day (plus tax), and overnight is $16 per day (plus tax).

Are there additional services, facilities and amenities at the Swan?

In addition to the deluxe accommodations, the Swan also offers special extras that make your stay a little nicer. These include: Nightly turndown service, valet parking, valet and laundry service, lobby level concierge desk, bell service, beauty salon, the HBO and Disney channels, pay-per-view movies, and 24-hour room service.

What is turndown service?

Upon request, a member of the housekeeping department comes to your room and turns down the bedspread and corner of the sheets in preparation for your nightly retirement. They also close your window drapes and turn on several lights in your absence so you can come back to a brightly lit room rather than total darkness. They leave two chocolates on your pillow. Additionally, the housekeeper will replace any bathroom items used since the day housekeeper cleaned your room; towels, soaps, shampoos, glasses, etc.

Are Discounts available at the Swan?

Yes, for a complete listing of Discounts at the WDW Swan and Dolphin Resort Click Here!

Your Disney Vacation Club (DVC) membership card will net you a 20% discount on food purchased at the Swan and Dolphin table down restaurants, however Shula's and bluezoo are excluded.

Members of the Starwood Preferred Guest Club should inquire as to the benefits available to them. 

Are refrigerators available?

Small refrigerators are available to rent for $12 per day plus tax, based on availability. To use the mini-bar for your own personal use, there is a $20 charge.

How does the Telephone System work at the Swan?

Each room is equipped with two 2-Line Speaker Phones. Check upon arrival for fee specifics -- the Resort Service Package includes up to 60 minutes free local telephone calls, toll free and credit card access calls (.10 cents per minute after 60 minutes), as well as 20 minutes of domestic long distance per day. In-room high speed internet access is included.

Where can I get my morning cup of coffee?

Coffee makers and coffee are available in the rooms. Starbucks Coffee is also available at the Dolphin Fountain. If you're more partial to gourmet coffees and lattes, there is a coffee bar called the Lobby Court at the Swan, however it is expensive and has limited hours.

How do I get to around Walt Disney World?

Swan guests enjoy full use of all of the WDW transportation services. Buses run directly from the front of the hotel to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Downtown Disney (Marketplace and Pleasure Island), Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach. Some of the buses service only Swan and Dolphin resorts; others service the Boardwalk and Yacht and Beach club as well.

Epcot can be reached by catching a Friendship Launch (boat) from the courtyard between the Swan and Dolphin, or by taking a short stroll across the bridge to the BoardWalk and to Epcot's International Gateway and World Showcase. The walk is a pleasant one and takes about 10 minutes.

Disney's Hollywood Studios can be reached one of two ways; via the Studios Friendship launch or by walking. The boat launch is found in the courtyard between the Swan and Dolphin.  Note that the Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios launches are shared with the Yacht & Beach Clubs and the BoardWalk. If you miss the launch to Epcot, you can easily walk over and catch it at the BoardWalk or the Yacht Club.

Boats leaving Epcot bound for Studios make their stops in this order: Epcot, Boardwalk, Yacht & Beach Club, Swan & Dolphin, Studios.

Boats leaving the Studios bound for Epcot make their stops in this order: Studios, Swan & Dolphin, Yacht & Beach Club, Boardwalk, Epcot.

The walking path begins directly behind the Boardwalk's Atlantic Dance Hall and continues to Disney's Hollywood Studios Parking lot. It's a pleasant walk that takes 10-15 minutes.

Transportation to the other Disney resorts is trickier. Disney does not provide any resort to resort transportation. Allow yourself 45 minutes to an hour for travel time between resorts, just to be safe. Options include:

Going to the closest open theme park or Downtown Disney and catching a bus to the resort of your choice.

Using a rental car.

Taking a taxi.

Mears town cars are also available should you want a ride directly to another Disney resort. The valet can assist you with getting a car. They are usually parked out front and will pick you up in minutes. Standard fee from the Swan to anywhere else on Disney property (resorts, parks, Downtown Disney) is $16 plus gratuity. 4 persons can fit and share a ride. I find the town cars useful when dressed for dinner and traveling to another Disney resort.

What type of dining options are there?

There is something for everyone at the Swan and Dolphin restaurants. If you have special dietary needs; please check with the restaurant staff upon arrival so that your stay can be made more comfortable.

• Shula's Steakhouse - an elegant steakhouse decorated in heavy dark woods. Located on the lobby level, reservations are accepted. Shula's serves dinner only. (Dolphin)
  
  
• Fresh Mediterranean Market serves breakfast (buffet) and lunch (buffet), a great option for something different. (Dolphin)
  
  
• bluezoo, a restaurant by Todd English, opened late December 2003, open for dinner. (Dolphin)
  
  
• The Fountain - ice cream, shakes and burgers make up the menu. The Fountain is open for lunch and dinner and is located on the lower level. (Dolphin)
  
  
• Picabu Buffeteria (was Tubbis) a cafeteria service and a 24-hour convenience store located downstairs at the Dolphin. Extensive renovations took place first part of 2006. (Dolphin)
  
  
• The Cabana Bar and Grill is located near the pool and is a casual eatery. Burgers and salads are the standard fare here. The Cabana is open daily. (Dolphin)
  
  
• Garden Grove Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily in a garden gazebo setting. The Garden Grove Cafe offers a morning character breakfast buffet. Lunch offerings include fresh seafood and other grilled meats. Dinners are themed buffets featuring Disney characters nightly. (Swan)
  
  
• Kimonos offers Asian specialties and sushi. You can watch the sushi chefs prepare the food and relax and have a drink while you wait for your meal. Kimonos is only open during the dinner hours. Karaoke is also available nightly at Kimonos after 9 p.m. (Swan)
  
  
• Il Mulino New York Trattoria, featuring Italian cuisine in a chic contemporary setting, opened February 2007 (Swan).
  
  
• Splash Grill is the casual restaurant for hamburgers, hot dogs and such. Located near the pool, Splash Grill also offers a full bar, ice creams and snacks. Splash Grill is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.  (Swan)
  
  
• Room Service is available 24 hours a day.  Breakfast, all day dining and late night menus are available.  
  
  Menus From Around the World
  Restaurant Reviews

Where is a relaxing spot for an evening cocktail?

The Swan's Lobby Court serves desserts and drinks during the evening hours. There is also a small lounge in Kimonos. The Splash Grill serves drinks-- get a to-go cup and grab a seat out on the white sand beach.

What's a vacation without swimming?

You'll have your choice of two lap pools or the tropical "Grotto" to satisfy the need for swimming. One lap pool is located near the Dolphin, and the other located near the Swan. Both have hot tubs, away from the liveliness of the Grotto.

The Grotto is a 3-acre water playground complete with waterfalls, slides, water volleyball, and hot tubs. Tropical foliage surrounds the Grotto area, and the white sand beach nearby makes it a perfect place to relax or have fun. A kiddy pool is near the Grotto for the little ones. Pool toys are available for rent, also.

What other recreational activities are there?

There is a beautiful white sand beach with Swan watercraft rentals. The beach is quiet and peaceful in the hours after dark, which makes for a romantic spot. There are 4 tennis courts and a basketball court that are kept lighted throughout the night, for those that still have energy left over after a day at the parks.

There is a large play area for children, located near the Grotto. A jogging and walking path winds around the Swan and Dolphin. Add to that, the boardwalk around Crescent Lake (near the Y&B and BoardWalk), and/or the path to the Disney's Hollywood Studios and you'll have quite an extensive walk or jog. The path around the Swan is pretty with all of the vegetation and small wildlife.

Electric Boat Rentals - Recline and relax on a leisurely ride around Crescent Lake on a Chaise Lounger which can accommodate up to two adults.

There are now two health clubs servicing the complex - one at the Dolphin and one at the Swan.

The Mandara Spa opened in fall 2005. A 12,000 sq foot ancient Asian-inspired retreat. There are 13 treatment rooms, two couples suites, a steam room, Tea Garden and Meditation Garden. Click HERE for photos of this attractively appointed spa.

The Swan and Dolphin each have a game room. The Swan's is next to Splash Grill next to the health club.

Fantasia Gardens is a 5 minute walk away. This miniature golf adventure opened spring of 1996 and includes two 18 hole courses. There is something for everyone--fun and Disney magic on the Fantasia Gardens course, and a more challenging game on Fantasia Fairways. Don't forget to explore activities offered at the nearby BoardWalk and Yacht & Beach Clubs.

Can I shop at the Swan?

Disney Cabanas is the one-stop shopping spot at the Swan. The Cabanas features the usual array of character merchandise, sundries, and essentials like toothpaste and aspirin. Also featured are collections of men's and women's sportswear and resort wear. It is open from approximately 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. daily. There are 4 shops located across the way in the Dolphin, and then there are the shops along the Boardwalk.

Your Disney packages from the parks will be delivered to the Cabanas shop.

Can any of the fireworks be seen from the Swan?

Yes, fireworks can be seen from the Illuminations display at Epcot. Of course, upper floors offer the best view from your room; but viewing from outside is great too. Sit down at the beach that adjoins the Swan and Dolphin themed pool for a great view of IllumiNations' fireworks.

Is there anything special for kids?

Kid's Passport - Upon check-in, your child will receive a Kid's Passport. This entitles them to a free ice cream at either the Dolphin Fountain or Splash Terrace after they have collected at least five stamps from various parts of the hotel including restaurants, shops, and other hotel facilities. If they collect all the stamps, they get free sprinkles on their ice cream as well.

Children's Menus - All hotel restaurants offer special children's menus except for Shula's Steak House where parents are treated to complimentary babysitting while dining.

Kid's Survey - Kids can voice their opinions about hotel programs, accommodations and services on a special kids survey available from the Front Desk.

Anybody know a good babysitter?

Camp Dolphin: There are two sessions available to children ages 4-12. The evening session is from 5:30 p.m. to midnight. It includes dinner, activities, trip to the Game Room, video games, arts and crafts and Disney movies. The cost is $10.00 per child per hour. Your child must be dropped off by 7:00pm. Reservations are required and cancellation less than 2 hours prior will result in a full charge. The programs are staffed by counselors. Camp Dolphin is located in the Dolphin hotel on the first floor next to the Health Studio. Your child may enjoy two hours of complimentary time at Camp Dolphin if you dine at Shula's Steak House, Todd English’s bluezoo or Il Mulino New York Trattoria OR if you purchase a spa service at Mandara Spa. Simply present your receipt as proof of purchase (one child admitted for each adult entree purchased OR for the purchase of any spa service of 75 minutes or more).

What is the convention center at the Swan like?

The convention center offers many different types of meeting spaces. The largest space available is the Swan Ballroom with 23,000 square feet of meeting area. In addition to the Ballroom,  there are 31 meeting and break rooms, and 6 hospitality suites to accommodate your meeting needs. A full range of business services are available, not only to those attending a convention, but other Swan guests as well. If you are planning on using a lap top computer during your stay at the Swan, just let the hotel know before you arrive, and they will make sure your room is equipped with the necessary equipment.

Are there laundry facilities available?

There is a coin operated laundry located on the first floor of The Dolphin. Washers are $1.50 per load and dryers are $1.50 for 45 minutes. The machines do not take quarters however. You must convert them to special 25 cent tokens at the laundry.

How do I get to the resort?

From the Airport (MCO) - Follow signs to Kissimmee south to Tollroad #417 (Greenway). Heading South take International Drive/Walt Disney World Exit. Follow the signs for Epcot Resorts. Turn right onto Epcot Resorts Boulevard and following signs to the Swan.

How can I make reservations for the Swan?

Reservations at the Swan can be made several ways. To inquire about ALL EARS® Reader Rates CALL 1-888-828-8850.

You can call Disney Central Reservations, Westin, or the Swan directly. Westin reservations is (800)228-3000 and the Swan is (800)248-SWAN (7926).

What other basic services are available?

• The ATM Machine is located on the lobby level by the East elevator.
  
• The Cashier at the front desk will cash personal and traveler's checks up to $100
  
• The Concierge Desk can assist with: airline reservations, baby-sitting referrals, church services, notary public, flowers, limousine service, restaurant reservations, tee times and more.
  
• For Facsimile Services, visit the Business Center, open weekly from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  
• Contact the shipping desk to assist in mailing packages or overnight letters.
  
• Stamps are available at Disney Cabanas store.
• An Alamo/National Car Rental Desk is located in the Guest Services Alcove in the Dolphin
  

Tips for making the most of your stay at the Swan

• If you miss the Friendship launch for Epcot, you can easily walk to the Yacht Club or the BoardWalk and catch it there. If you miss the Friendship launch for Disney's Hollywood Studios, the Swan and Dolphin are the last stops, you'll have to wait for the next launch.
  
  
• The Swan hosts many conventions and also tends to be popular with foreign tour groups. When you make reservations you might check with the reservations agent to see if this is the case, if this might affect your stay.
  
  
• Take advantage of the Dolphin's shopping and dining facilities.
  
  The Swan's address and phone number are as follows:

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

Other information:

In late 2006, a $60 million dollar redesign of the lobbies was completed. Both resort lobbies boast over 1,000 new custom lighting fixtures, including dramatic chandeliers artistically crafted in Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean. Woven metal and handcrafted tropical Pao rosewood paneling complete the newly refurbished space, as well as imported Asian Golden Onyx counters on all guest service desks throughout the resort.

In 2003, the WDW Swan and Dolphin hotels completed a $75 million expansion and enhancement plan. The plan included: new meetings and exhibit space; an all-new guestroom design by renowned architect Michael Graves - the original architect of the hotel; and the introduction of a new, nationally recognized restaurant to its existing line-up of dining venues. All of the rooms at the Swan have been totally renovated and feature the new Heavenly Beds!