Every year millions of families and couples travel to Disney World to enjoy America's most popular theme parks. Depending upon the quality, location, cost and amenities of the hotel selected for the vacation, it can be a relaxing or trying experience. Disney and other hoteliers have built several dozen deluxe resort hotels in and around the parks,. However, some of the newer resorts are farther away from the parks and the older ones have increased their daily rates dramatically in recent years.

Many experienced Disney visitors have turned to the independently owned Swan and Dolphin hotels.for a comprehensive, affordable, and reliable Disney stay. The hotels share all of their facilities and both are operated by Marriott hotels. In addition, Swan and Dolphin guests enjoy some of the special benefits accorded to Disney Resort properties.

Design and Location

The Swan and Dolphin is a massive hotel complex consisting of 2,267 rooms in two separate but connected buildings on 87 acres of land. The larger Dolphin hotel is a Sheraton brand property with 1509 rooms and 12 stories plus two 56 foot high Dolphin statues. The Swan hotel is a Westin brand.property with 758 rooms on 12 stories along with two 47 foot high Swan statues. Opened in 1990, both structures have modern designs featuring brick facing, lots of glass, and tasteful turquoise adornments. The Dolphin is known for its pyramid like tower that tops the central building. The entire Swan and Dolphin complex contains over 325,000 feet of meeting space for exhibitions and conventions. Over the years, numerous major events have been held at the location ranging from the Major League Baseball Winter meetings to industry trade shows.

The central location of the Swan and Dolphin is tough to beat. It is located at the southwest end of Crescent Lake about .7 mile from the rear Epcot entrance and the main entrance to Disney Hollywood Studios. In less than 20 minutes, you can walk to either property or glide to either one on the Disney Friendship passenger boats. Bus services provide free transportation to the Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom resorts as well as to the Disney Springs entertainment district and the Disney water parks. For many years, Swan and Dolphin guests have enjoyed the same FastPass and Extra Magic Hours benefits as the adjacent Disney hotels.

The guest rooms and common areas in both properties were showing their age a few years ago, but many upgrades have been completed at the Swan and are now underway at the Dolphin. The Swan rooms are now described by Marriott as having "upgraded furnishings, high speed wi-fi, flat screen TVs …revitalizing Weston heavenly beds …. and renovated bathrooms with white tea products." One significant distinction is that the standard room offerings at the Dolphin consist of a king bed or two double size beds and are generally 360 square feet in size. In contrast, the Swan offers a king size bed or two queens in a 340 square foot room and has the special Westin bedding options. Both hotels also have multi room suites and premium location offerings.

The central lobby of the Dolphin has several large comfortable areas for guests to relax including groupings of couches and meeting areas along with a popular bar area with a sports team and large TVs. The Swan’s lobbies are more functional and are designed to facilitate check-in for coffee stops.

Outdoor Activities and Hotel Amenities

The outdoor areas of the Swan and Dolphin provide many activities that distinguish it from other hotels. First, the water facilities are so diverse and immense that they serve most families’ needs just as well as a trip to a water park. The  swimming areas alongside the lagoon behind both buildings are open from early morning to 11:00 p.m. The facilities include five heated pools, a lap pool, jacuzzis, a pool slide, a waterfall grotto, kiddie pools, a playground, some cabanas, and a non-swimming beach area. Second, guests seeking other experiences will find plenty to do such as the fun and reasonably challenging Fantasia miniature golf course across the street. Other workout opportunities are available such as volleyball, basketball, and fitness centers with a full range of aerobic machines, free weights, and other equipment. Third, the Mandara Spa offers a complete menu of massage, salon, and spa treatments to adults. Finally, there is a well-regarded kids camp along with a babysitting service available on site.

Dining

Despite the themed dining available at the 11 country pavilions at Epcot, and the large restaurants available at the nearby Boardwalk, the Swan and Dolphin has a wide range of dining options for guests who spend a long day at the park. There are four restaurants at Swan and Dolphin which offer various types of fine dining at higher prices which should satisfy the tastes of most couples or retirees. The Il Milano New York Trattoria at the Swan is very popular classic Italian restaurant, whiles foodies may enjoy the Todd English blue zoo at the Dolphin. Kokomo presents sushi and some other seafood offerings at the Swan and Shula's Steakhouse at the Dolphin offers choice beef and seafood tableside or at a classic bar with a sports theme.

For general fare, breakfast and family meals, the Dolphin’s Picabu restaurant, which serves a wide variety of complete meals as well as pizza, chicken fingers and hamburgers seems to get the best reviews. The buffet Garden Grove and the Fresh Mediterranean Market have their supporters as well. Ice cream lovers won't be disappointed by the selection and presentation of milkshakes, sundays, and ice cream cones at The Fountain’s take out counter. All day snacks at the 24-hour Fuel in the Dolphin and the restricted hour Java in the lobby of the swan are other alternatives.

Location

The Swan and Dolphin is easy to reach and is about a 30-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. After you follow Interstate 4 or Route 417 to the main Disney World exit, take World Drive towards the theme parks and follow signs for Epcot Resorts. It is an easy right turn and then a left onto Epcot Resorts Boulevard to reach the hotel entrances. Valet parking is used by most people and service is very efficient, but it can be expensive for people taking an extended stay.

Summary

Some people feel that the Swan and Dolphin, like some of the well known Disney owned resorts, have lost their luster and so the property no longer qualifies as an exceptional resort. However, four factors suggest that the Swan and Dolphin should still be considered a great hotel for families and couples looking to maximize a Disney experience at a reasonable price. First, the location can't be beat with ready access to two parks and quick transportation to other Disney sites. Second, the facilities and  amenities include everything you would associate with a world-class resort except for a golf course. Third, Marriott has methodically begun to upgrade and reinvent the 32-year-old property and seems committed to maintaining a high standard for its Westin and Sheraton brands at this location. Stay tuned also for the Disney Swan Reserve, which is another Marriott hotel under construction behind the Swan and Dolphin that will share amenities and add 349 rooms and large family suites to the offerings at this location. Finally, the price of the Swan and Dolphin beats the competition at the nearby Disney deluxe category resorts. A standard room with two beds and no special view for two adults and two children for busy time such as Labor Day weekend will generally cost you about 30 to 50% less at the Swan and Dolphin compared to the Boardwalk Inn, the Yacht Club or the Beach Club.