When planning a magical vacation to Walt Disney World, choosing the perfect hotel can be a daunting task. Two popular options, the Dolphin Hotel and the Swan Hotel, are often compared due to their close proximity and shared amenities. They are close to the magic while having a feel all their own, with some exclusive amenities you can only find at these resorts. Let’s dive into the key differences and similarities between these two fantastic hotels to help you choose the location for your dream Disney vacation.

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The Dolphin Hotel to the left, The Swan Hotel to the right in photo

Why Stay at the Swan or Dolphin Hotels

Both the Dolphin and Swan Hotels are located within the Epcot Resort Area, offering easy access to Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the BoardWalk entertainment district. Guests at both hotels can take advantage of complimentary water taxi service and Disney bus transportation to all four theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. These sister resorts offer the appeal of being close to the action of Walt Disney World, while feeling tucked in their own corner of the world. Check out the latest offers available for both resorts!

New addition the Swan Reserve is a modern version of the Dolphin and Swan Hotels, and guests at all three sister resorts are within close walking distance of each other – with the ability to use pools at any of the three resorts and easily get to dining options as well.

Price and Value

While both hotels offer luxurious accommodations and amenities, the Dolphin Hotel tends to be slightly more budget-friendly and catering to families than the Swan Hotel. However, it’s essential to consider the specific room types, promotions, and vacation packages available during your travel dates to determine the best value for your stay.

Comparing the Two Hotels

Ultimately, the choice between the Dolphin Hotel and the Swan Hotel at Walt Disney World comes down to personal preference. Both hotels offer fantastic amenities, dining options, and convenient access to the theme parks. If you prefer a family friendly, playful atmosphere, the Dolphin Hotel may be the right choice for you. However, if you’re seeking an elegant, sophisticated experience, the Swan Hotel may be the perfect fit. No matter which hotel you choose, you’re sure to have a magical Disney vacation.

Let’s take an in-depth look at both resorts to see which one is the right fit for you!

Dolphin Hotel

The Dolphin Hotel, designed by architect Michael Graves, features a modern, playful design with a distinctive dolphin statue atop the building. The interior boasts a sleek, contemporary feel with vibrant colors and unique artwork.

Nestled in the heart of Walt Disney World near the EPCOT Resort area, the Dolphin Hotel offers a luxurious and enchanting experience for guests of all ages. With its unique architecture, world-class amenities, and convenient location, the Dolphin Hotel is the perfect choice for your next Disney vacation. In this blog post, we’ll explore the many reasons why the Dolphin Hotel should be at the top of your list for your next Walt Disney World adventure.

Reasons to Stay at the Dolphin Hotel

1. Unbeatable Location:

The Dolphin Hotel is situated in the Epcot Resort Area, providing easy access to Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the BoardWalk entertainment district. With complimentary transportation options such as the Friendship Boats and Disney Skyliner, you’ll be able to explore the parks and surrounding areas with ease. Traveling by boat is one of our favorite reasons to stay in the EPCOT resort area, and I love the casual pace this puts on getting back and forth to the theme parks.

Boat Transportation at Walt Disney World

2. Luxurious Accommodations:

The Dolphin Hotel boasts over 1,514 guest rooms and suites, each designed with comfort and elegance in mind. With plush bedding, spacious bathrooms, and stunning views of the resort, you’ll feel right at home during your stay. Many rooms also offer private balconies, perfect for enjoying the Florida sunshine or watching the nightly fireworks.

3. World-Class Dining:

With over 17 restaurants and lounges on-site, the Dolphin Hotel offers a diverse array of dining options to suit every palate. From the award-winning Shula’s Steak House to the casual and family-friendly Picabu Buffeteria, there’s something for everyone at the Dolphin Hotel. Don’t forget to indulge in a sweet treat at the hotel’s very own ice cream parlor, The Fountain.

On our trip there, we tried the Rosa Mexicano for lunch and I enjoyed the appetizer loaded nachos for my meal! They would feed two people easily!

Other dining options include Todd English’s bluezoo, and the buffet-style restaurant, Fresh Mediterranean Market.

4. Relaxing Amenities:

After a long day at the parks, unwind at the Dolphin Hotel’s Mandara Spa, which offers a variety of rejuvenating treatments and services. This is definitely on my places to visit on a future trip! The accomodations inside the spa were beautiful.

I especially loved this central sitting area that had a large two story wood temple structure with light instrumental music playing – it was heavenly!

Or, take a dip in one of the hotel’s five heated pools, including a grotto pool with a waterfall and slide. The Dolphin Hotel has the largest of the pools of the three hotels in the Swan & Dolphin resort area. However guests staying at any of the resorts may go between the pools at the three sister resorts. For those looking to stay active during their vacation, the hotel also features a state-of-the-art fitness center and tennis courts.

5. Family-Friendly Activities:

The Dolphin Hotel offers a variety of activities and entertainment options for guests of all ages. Kids will love Camp Dolphin, a supervised children’s activity center, while adults can enjoy nightly entertainment at the hotel’s lounges. The hotel also hosts special events and character meet-and-greets throughout the year, ensuring a magical experience for the whole family.

The Dolphin Hotel Final Thoughts

With its prime location, luxurious accommodations, and endless entertainment options, the Dolphin Hotel at Walt Disney World is the perfect choice for your next family vacation. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney enthusiast, the Dolphin Hotel offers a magical experience that you’ll never forget. Book your stay today and discover the magic of Walt Disney World from the comfort of the Dolphin Hotel.

The Swan Hotel

The Swan Hotel, also designed by Michael Graves, showcases a more elegant and sophisticated design. The exterior is adorned with graceful swan statues, while the interior features a refined color palette and tasteful artwork.

The Swan Hotel, one of the two iconic sister hotels at Walt Disney World near the EPCOT Resort area, offers a unique and elegant experience for guests visiting the most magical place on Earth. With its distinctive architecture, luxurious accommodations, and convenient location, the Swan Hotel is an ideal choice for families and couples alike. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various features and amenities that make the Swan Hotel a must-visit destination during your Walt Disney World vacation.

1. Architectural Design:

Designed by renowned architect Michael Graves, the Swan Hotel boasts a striking and memorable exterior. The hotel’s facade features a pair of 47-foot tall swans perched atop the roof, making it an unmistakable landmark within the Walt Disney World Resort. The hotel’s interior is equally impressive, with a grand lobby adorned with chandeliers and a soothing color palette that evokes a sense of tranquility.

2. Luxurious Accommodations:

The Swan Hotel offers a range of room options to suit the needs of every guest. From standard rooms to spacious suites, with a total of 756 room offerings, each accommodation is designed with comfort and style in mind. All rooms feature the signature Westin Heavenly Bed, ensuring a restful night’s sleep after a long day at the parks. Additionally, guests can enjoy amenities such as flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

3. Dining Delights:

With a variety of on-site dining options, the Swan Hotel caters to every palate. Guests can indulge in Italian cuisine at Il Mulino New York Trattoria, savor fresh seafood at Kimono’s sushi bar, or enjoy a casual meal at the Garden Grove. For a sweet treat, stop by the Java Bar for a specialty coffee and pastry.

4. Recreation and Relaxation:

The Swan Hotel offers a range of recreational activities for guests to enjoy during their stay. Take a dip in one of the hotel’s three heated pools, or unwind in the whirlpool spa. For those looking to stay active, the hotel features a state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis courts, and jogging trails.

5. Prime Location:

Situated in the heart of Walt Disney World, the Swan Hotel offers convenient access to all four theme parks, as well as Disney Springs and the BoardWalk entertainment district. Guests can take advantage of complimentary transportation via bus or boat, making it easy to explore everything the resort has to offer. It is a quiet resort tucked away from the bustle of the theme parks, yet still close to get to all of the action.

The Swan Hotel Final Thoughts

The Swan Hotel at Walt Disney World provides a luxurious and memorable experience for guests seeking a sophisticated and serene retreat during their vacation. With its stunning architecture, comfortable accommodations, diverse dining options, and prime location, the Swan Hotel is a top choice for those looking to make the most of their Walt Disney World adventure. If this sounds like the best fit for you, contact Get Away Today to find out about the best offers available for this resort!

Which Hotel is Right for You?

Take into account what your goals for your vacation are, how big of a party you’ll be traveling with, and how important easy access to amenities like dining, spa, and pool will be on your vacation. For our family, the Dolphin Hotel was the clear winner between the two, based on the close proximity to the grotto style pool and additional food options, but if you’re looking for a quieter retreat, perhaps the Swan Hotel would be the best fit for your trip? Either way, both resorts have a lot to offer guests with plenty to do at either location.

Food & Wine Classic at the Swan & Dolphin

Each year the Swan & Dolphin Hotels host their own Food & Wine Classic celebration over one weekend in the fall. Tickets are required for this special event and typically sell out for this popular activity. Check their hotel schedule to see if it is happening during your stay!

Also check out my review of the brand new Swan Reserve Hotel, because it was different enough from both the Dolphin and Swan Hotel to talk about it in its own category of resort. No matter which resort you choose, if you’re staying at one of these three properties you gain access to the pools and dining at each location. So the nice part is, you’re just steps away from it all at any of these three resorts!

Savings for your Disney Vacation

If you’re planning to head to Walt Disney World Resort this year, there are lots of new things to see! You’ll want as much time as possible to see it all – including the all-new TRON Lightcycle / Run – now open!

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