Self-Serve Dole Whip and Coffee Shops — The Elite Disney World Hotel People Keep Sleeping On

Trying to choose the perfect Disney World hotel for your vacation?

Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resorts

You’ll want one with great perks, good transportation options, and a location that fits your needs. You’re also going to want to consider the dining and activity options available if you’re planning to spend some time there on your off days from the parks. One Disney World hotel has all that and more…but people keep sleeping on it!

We’ve been singing the praises of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin for YEARS now, but the hotel complex still isn’t getting the hype it deserves. The Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve offer some serious perks that many Disney-owned resorts don’t even have, and they might just be the perfect place for you to stay on your upcoming trip.

Location, Location, Location

Perhaps the biggest draw for the Walt Disney World Swan, the Walt Disney World Dolphin, and the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve hotels is the location. These three hotels are one massive property, located in the EPCOT Resort area. This means they’re technically walking distance to both the International Gateway entrance of EPCOT and the entrance to Hollywood Studios.

Swan and Dolphin

They’re also next door to the Yacht Club, Beach Club, and BoardWalk Inn, with Friendship Boat transportation available on a loop to the three other hotels and two parks. Having all these popular spots nearby means you’ve got a plethora of dining at your fingertips, rope dropping the theme parks will be easy, and you have plenty to explore on your resort day. Plus, some roomas at the Swan and Dolphin will have theme park views, which means you might be able to see fireworks!

5 Reasons You Need to Stay at This Popular Disney World Hotel

Some Awesome Perks

One thing you’re probably not expecting about staying at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is that you’ll get almost all of the same perks that you would get at the Disney-owned hotels! This means that, like Disney Resort guests, you can purchase your Lightning Lane passes seven days in advance of your trip, enjoy Early Theme Park Entry every day of your visit, and make dining reservations for the length of your trip 60 days before your vacation begins.

Dolphin Hotel

The Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve hotels also offer free transportation to the Disney World parks. As mentioned above, Friendship Boats can take you to EPCOT or Hollywood Studios, but you could also walk to those parks if you desire. Buses are available to take you to Disney Springs, Animal Kingdom, and Magic Kingdom. It’s important to note, however, that the buses to Magic Kingdom drop you off at the Transportation & Ticket Center (unlike the Disney Resort buses, which drop you off directly by the park entrance).

Swan and Dolphin bus at Animal Kingdom

But the biggest perk of all? The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin counts in the Deluxe category of Disney World hotels. This means that you’ll have access to Extended Evening Hours on select dates in select parks — you get the chance to spend two extra hours in the park after it has closed to day guests!

Learn More About Extended Evening Hours Here!

A Resort for Foodies

If dining is important to you when picking a hotel, then there might not be a better choice than the Swan and Dolphin area. Across these three hotels, there are 17 different dining locations, each with distinct menus and themes. From the fancy steakhouse vibes of Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina to the Mediterranean chill of Amare, there’s a little something for everyone.

Bourbon Steak

They’ve got dining options in a variety of price ranges as well, and each of the hotels has its own coffee shop, so you can grab your caffeine before you start the day. Also, you know we have to mention that Fuel at the Dolphin has self-serve DOLE WHIP! Yep, they’ve got a full froyo/soft serve bar with toppings and Dole Whip available. It’s to die for.

The Complete Guide to Eating at the Swan and Dolphin Hotels

Fun for the Whole Family

Finally, we’ve got to chat about the activities available at these hotels. There are six unique pools across the complex, and they’re some of the prettiest that Disney World has to offer. On top of that, you can rent cabanas for a relaxing afternoon or choose to go out on the open water in one of the swan-shaped paddleboats.

Swan boats!

Inside, the Mandara Spa is an excellent choice for those who want to incorporate a massage or facial into their vacation. Fun for the whole family is available at Lagoon Games, Lanes & Eats, which is a combo bowling alley and arcade. Add in the fact that you can walk to the BoardWalk to enjoy their nighttime entertainment or visit Atlantic Dance Hall, and there’s SO much to do here.

Lagoon Games, Lanes & Eats

So if you’re not considering the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, you might be missing out! This hotel area has a lot to offer with more affordable prices than the Disney World Deluxe Resorts most of the time. It’s a true hidden gem!

A Definitive Ranking of Every Disney World Hotel

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