Review: Walt Disney World Swan Reserve in Orlando
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Walt Disney World Swan Reserve – Booking
The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Hotel is located near Epcot Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It is part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collections Hotels banner, as well as the hotel complex that also includes the Walt Disney World Dolphin and Walt Disney World Swan.
A standard room at the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Hotel costs between 220 and 400 USD per night, depending on the time of year or events. Otherwise, it’s accessible via points, at a cost ranging from 55,000 to 84,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
About 10 days before my arrival, I received an email inviting me to download theWalt Disney World Swan and Dolphin mobile app. There was so much information I needed to know for my stay that it was compiled in this all-in-one app.
These hotels, linked with Swan Reserve, have a multitude of activities, restaurants, pools and facilities accessible to all guests of the three hotels. Among other things, the app lets you find out about restaurant opening times, today’s activities, make reservations for restaurants or spas, and more.
Unfortunately, as is the case with many hotels in the area, a “resort fee” of USD 40 per night is charged, which is included in the cost of the room.
This annoying extra charge includes the following:
- Daily bus transport to and from Disney Parks (Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom) and Disney Springs
- Boat transport to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- High-speed Internet
- Daily one-hour fitness class with a certified instructor
- Free parking in Disney parks
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Walt Disney World Swan Reserve – At a glance
Here is some information about the hotel:
| Opening date | 2021 | Number of rooms | 349 |
| Restaurants | Two | USB sockets in the room | Yes |
| Accepts animals | No. Service dogs only | Smart TV | Yes |
| Mobile card | Yes | Shower/Bath | Shower |
| Balcony | No | Accessible for people with reduced mobility | Yes |
| Parking | 34 USD / day | Lounge | No |
| Gym | Yes | Breakfast included | No |
| Pools and Spas | Yes | Room with kitchenette | No |
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve – Location
This brand-new Walt Disney World Swan Reserve hotel, opening in November 2021, is perfectly positioned in the center of the four Disney parks and not far from Disney Springs.
There’s a boat departure every 20 to 25 minutes from the Swan and Dolphin hotels to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Transport takes about 15 minutes.
On foot, I was able to take a lovely 18-minute stroll from the hotel entrance to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, on a safe and very well laid-out path.
By car, the hotel is about 30 minutes from Orlando International Airport.
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve – Registration
A week before my arrival, someone from the hotel called to welcome me in advance and tell me they were expecting me. I don’t know if it does it for everyone or if it was thanks to my Platinum status with Marriott Bonvoy.
She showed me the hotel facilities and made sure I had linked my hotel reservation to my My Disney Experience profile. This would allow me to take advantage of early entry to the Disney theme parks, 30 minutes before opening.
Arriving at reception on the second floor, I had a head start on what was on offer and was better prepared. The agent was polite and efficient. I got an upgrade to a Suite with a King bed and a sofa bed.
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve – Room
The hotel is only a year and a half old. All floors are new and well-maintained.
This suite was superb!
The entrance to the room consists of a dining/working area, with a desk containing a microwave, mini-refrigerator, TV and coffee maker. A multitude of electrical and USB sockets are scattered around the desk and table, well hidden from view.
Further on, there’s the large lounge with the comfortable sofa bed and another flat-screen TV. The windows are floor-to-ceiling, and the view is magnificent.
On the other side of the lounge is the bedroom, with an equally splendid view.
It includes two wardrobes, a large drawer unit, a work table, a TV and bedside tables.
A small washroom with vanity is located just before accessing the large bathroom. Both sides close with sliding doors.
The bathroom features a large shower and vanity unit with sink. Towels are placed in a wicker basket.
For added comfort, two robes are available for guests. The temperature in each room is controlled by an easy-to-understand electronic module.
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve – Restaurants
The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve hotel has three restaurants or bars and a café/convenience store on the premises.
Hotel guests can also make reservations at the other Walt Disney World Swan and Walt Disney World Dolphin restaurants. Spread over the three hotels, there are 22 restaurants to choose from, in all styles. Reservations can be made via the mobile app or at reception.
The Swan Reserve features :
- Amare: Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Specializing in Mediterranean cuisine.
- Stir: Lounge style for spirits and a light meal
Overlooking the pool or in the shade under the hot Florida sun, Tangerine is a bar offering a simple, light menu.
For a quick healthy meal, snack, coffee and a cold or alcoholic drink, Grounds is a convenience-store-style market next to the Tangerine bar.
Afterwards, you can lounge in the magnificent alcoves or soft armchairs nearby.
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve – Other services
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve – Swimming pool
The elegant swimming pool is surrounded by several cabanas for rent, long chairs, palm trees and parasols. Beach towels and pool toys are kindly donated in a hut, by an employee.
The site also features a fireplace with an inviting large bench.
The 5 swimming pools of the Dolphin and Swan hotels are accessible to guests of the Swan Reserve, and the nearest is a 2-minute walk away.
The Walt Disney World Dolphin’s huge Grotto Pool with its bridges, rocks, waterfall and slide is extraordinary.
The playground, beach, volleyball court and swan boats are all nearby. Other pools for laps, spas and younger children are scattered throughout the complex.
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve – Lounge
There is no lounge at Walt Disney World Swan Reserve. However, Elite Platinum, Titanium and Ambassador members have free continental breakfast for two at the Amare restaurant or to bring to their room.
I’ve tried both.
For room delivery, it must be ordered the day before by 4pm, using the QR Code on the coupon handed out at reception. Only a limited number of items can be ordered (one oatmeal, yogurt or fruit, one coffee/juice/tea and one pastry).
The continental buffet at Amare was much better. Elegantly presented, it contained :
- A wide variety of juices and smoothies
- Cereals and yogurts
- Bagels with smoked salmon
- Cut fruit
- Many types of bread, bagels, muffins, croissants and chocolatines
And all this, as much as you like, with coffee or tea.
To access the island with the hot portion of the buffet with bacon, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, sausages and Michey Mouse waffles, it cost an additional 10 USD per person.
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve – Gym
The fitness room is medium-sized, with several different weight machines and treadmills.
A lemon water dispenser and cold towels are available at the entrance.
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve – Camp Dolphin for kids
Children aged 5 to 12 can go to Camp Dolphin, at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel. The schedule is from 4pm to 11pm.
Under the supervision of animators, they can do arts and crafts, watch movies, play video games or board games, all topped off with a meal and snack.
The cost starts at 65 USD and Marriott Bonvoy Élite members receive a 15 USD discount.
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve – Benefits for Disney Parks
In addition to being in a prime location, the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Hotel gives guests several advantages to get a head start during their visit to the Disney parks:
- Early access 30 minutes before official opening time at all four Disney World parks
- Access to evenings with extended hours, when the park allows it
- Be an hour ahead of Lightning Lane’s individual purchases (at 7 a.m.)
- Free bus or boat transportation to Walt Disney World parks
- Free parking at all Disney parks
- A Disney Planning Center kiosk at the Swan and Dolphin hotels
Transport is efficient and on time. The first bus departure is 45 minutes before the park’s early opening.
For example, the Magic Kingdom park opened at 9 a.m., so opening time for hotel guests was from 8:30 a.m. onwards. The bus left the hotel at 7:45 a.m. and by 8:20 a.m. I was already inside the park, after the bus ride, passing through security, crossing by boat and scanning my park ticket at the entrance.
So I was able to ride two very popular rides before the crowds took over.
Don’t forget to link your reservation to your My Disney Experience profile! Your park ticket or MagicBand will be required to enter the park early. If the reservation does not appear in your profile, you will not have access to the benefits.
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve – My overall impression
The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Hotel adds a touch of luxury and refinement to your stay when visiting the Disney parks.
Disney fanatics may deplore the absence of a magical Disney touch. Indeed, there is no decoration in the hotel to remind us that we are in the most magical place in the world. This hotel could be located anywhere else on the planet and you wouldn’t know the difference.
For the price, expectations are very high and the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve hotel’s services are perfect. It’s modern and sumptuous. Its only flaw is that it lacks a touch of warmth in the hotel.
Read on for more hotel reviews in Orlando :
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