Swan and Dolphin Resort Disney: Exciting Renovation for Families

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One of Walt Disney World’s most family-friendly hotels just got a dazzling makeover, and we stayed there to check out the redesigned space.

The Swan hotel, part of the legendary Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, has renovated all 756 guest rooms and suites, making them brighter, cozier and more comfortable for families. The renovation is part of a $275 million transformation project that will also expand the hotel’s event spaces.

Our family of five stayed in a multi-room suite during a recent trip to Orlando’s Walt Disney World. Here’s what we loved most, plus what to know before planning your own trip.

A Resort with a Celebrated Disney Legacy

An ornate coral-and-turquoise hotel is pictured in daylight, topped by enormous Swan statues on its rooftop. A boat is traveling in the waterway in front of the hotel. — The Swan hotel at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. Photo credit: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort

One of three hotels that comprise the iconic Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort (along with the Dolphin hotel and the Swan Reserve), the Swan hotel has been beloved by guests ever since its opening in 1990. At the time, the resort was the largest hotel convention space in the Southeastern U.S.

With a distinct postmodern design by the late architect Michael Graves, the turquoise-and-coral resort has long been a famed Walt Disney World Resort landmark. The Swan hotel is topped by two towering swan statues, while the Dolphin hotel features rooftop dolphin statues. The Swan Reserve, which opened in 2021, offers a more contemporary and minimalist design.

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The Room Updates That Make a Big Difference for Families

A view of a newly-renovated bedroom. Pictured are a modern wood king-sized bed, a modern wooden dresser with a white glass top, a taupe sofa and three minimalist decorative mirrors. — A renovated suite’s bedroom at the Swan hotel at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. Photo credit: Linnea Bailey

While the Swan hotel’s exterior hasn’t changed, its lobby, hallways, guest rooms and suites have all been updated.

Gone are the rooms’ luxe carpets, regal headboards and elegant drapes. In their place are beautifully bright and stylish living spaces, with high-quality wood furnishings, modern lighting and a cozy design.

Our suite featured two bedrooms, three full bathrooms and a giant living room, perfect for playtime and lounging. There was also a dining room and bar area, ideal for entertaining and eating together as a family. My kids (ages 8, 5 and 5) loved the chance to spread out and play.

A Location That’s One of Walt Disney World’s Best

A paved coral-hued walkway that passes over a canal to Disney's BoardWalk, lined with palm trees and a sign for Disney's BoardWalk pictured on the right. — The walkway to Disney’s BoardWalk from the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. Photo credit: Linnea Bailey

While there are many fabulous resorts at Disney, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort boasts an exceptional location.

Centrally located along Disney’s Crescent Lake, guests can walk to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the resort is only three miles from Disney Springs (with complimentary bus transportation to Disney Springs and the theme parks).

The resort is also just steps from one of my favorite spots: Disney’s BoardWalk, a Coney Island-style waterfront promenade of restaurants, shops and nightlife. There, you can find nightly “Movies Under The Stars” outside Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, and street performers entertain along the promenade.

Family-Friendly Dining at the Swan and Dolphin

A giant faux oak tree stands in the center of a high-ceiling restaurant. The space has wooden tables and chairs (with some patrons eating), large windows and is filled with natural light. — The Garden Grove restaurant at the Swan hotel, part of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. Photo credit: Linnea Bailey

The Swan and Dolphin hotels are connected by a covered causeway across a scenic lagoon; the Swan Reserve is located across the street. It’s easy to walk between the three hotels, and with 23 restaurants and lounges onsite, there are plenty of dining options.

At the Swan hotel, we savored Belgian waffles and omelets for breakfast at the stunning, light-filled Garden Grove restaurant: a tranquil space with a 25-foot tree as its centerpiece. For dinner, we strolled to the Dolphin hotel for guacamole prepared tableside and sizzling fajitas at Rosa Mexicano, a lively restaurant framed by vibrant murals.

Little Perks and Surprises You’ll Only Notice If You Stay Here

A fountain with three swans and a colorful ceiling mural of orange flowers. — The Swan hotel’s swan-themed water fountain in its lobby. The hotel is one of three at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. Photo credit: Linnea Bailey

With incredible architectural designs found throughout the resort (including prominent swan and dolphin water fountains in each of the hotel lobbies), there are plenty of surprises to be found.

At the on-the-go dining venue Fuel at the Dolphin hotel, we were thrilled to find a self-serve yogurt area serving the famous Disney treat Dole Whip. There are also five swimming pools, a kids club, three fitness centers and a spa; right next door is a Fantasia-themed miniature golf course.

SheBuysTravel Tip: The resort offers complimentary boat access to Disney’s BoardWalk, EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Even if you’re not headed to the theme parks, don’t miss the chance to take a relaxing evening boat ride on one of Disney’s Friendship Boats.

The Benefits of Staying at Either the Swan or Dolphin Hotels

A coral-and-turquoise hotel with a triangular center is pictured across a waterway, with a covered walkway visible to cross. — The view from the Swan hotel of the property’s adjacent Dolphin hotel, part of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. Photo credit: Linnea Bailey

Our suite’s balcony featured stunning views of EPCOT’s nightly fireworks display, the Dolphin hotel and the scenic bridge to Disney’s BoardWalk.

Part of the Disney Collection, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is in a category of its own. It’s considered a Deluxe Disney Resort yet is managed by Marriott, so travelers can enjoy the benefits of both.

While guests may not get all the perks of staying at a Disney-operated resort (a Disney MagicBand+ won’t work as a room key here), guests do enjoy many of the same benefits, such as access to Disney’s early theme park entry and extended evening theme park hours.

Pro Tips for Booking (and Scoring the Best Rates)

A circular outdoor fountain features three swan sculptures and water spouts. It is surrounded with beautifully-landscaped red and yellow flowers and decorative trees. — The fountain outside the Swan hotel at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. Photo credit: Linnea Bailey

Since the resort is a Marriott property, guests can book with Marriott Bonvoy points when booking or through credit card travel portals like Chase Travel. The hotel’s rates are often more affordable than Disney-owned Deluxe resorts, making it a great choice for families looking to balance budget with convenience.

It’s impossible to decide which of the resort’s three hotels are better. You can’t go wrong with any of them; they’re so interconnected that it’s easy to enjoy the resort’s many benefits at any of the three (though we’re partial to the Swan hotel’s gorgeous renovations!).

SheBuysTravel Tip: The resort often offers exclusive discounts for special seasons and for guests in specific professions like nurses, teachers and first responders; be sure to visit the resort’s special offers page for the latest deals.