Disney World Swan Hotel: Prime Location; Bookable With Points

The Walt Disney World Swan in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, isn’t exactly what you’d expect from a hotel sitting smack-dab on Disney property. It leans more business hotel than storybook. That’s largely because — unlike Disney’s other resorts — it’s not run by Disney at all. It’s managed by Marriott.

You'll still get most of the Disney resort guest perks (like early park entry and early Lightning Lane selections), but you'll pay a lower rate than comparable Disney-owned hotels. Plus, you can earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points on stays. Nightly rates start at under $300 per night during the off-season (like September), and you can often find lower prices on discount sites like Undercover Tourist.

The Swan is also one of only three non-Disney hotels located directly on Walt Disney World property, alongside its sister hotels, the Dolphin and Swan Reserve. And with its prime location between Epcot and Hollywood Studios, plus access to 23 restaurants and six pools across the trio, it’s one of the best Disney hotels in Florida.

Marriott invited me to stay for two nights in August 2025 at the Walt Disney World Swan to find out what it’s like staying at this hotel. It doesn’t offer the whimsical Disney-themed touches found at Disney-owned hotels, but I walked away thinking the Swan might just be the most practical choice on Disney property.

The Swan’s location is a highlight

There are two reasons people book the Swan: it gives you the option to earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points at a Disney hotel and it has a great location.

Epcot’s International Gateway entrance is about a 15-minute walk away — faster than any Disney bus ride, and infinitely more pleasant than cramming onto a shuttle at the end of a long day. Hollywood Studios is technically walkable, too (a 25-minute trek), though many guests opt for the complimentary boat or bus.

And with the Skyliner gondola station so close, you can hop between resorts for a cocktail or a character meal without ever getting in a car.

The Swan, the Dolphin and the Swan Reserve

The Swan is part of a trio of sibling hotels that share most amenities but have some subtle differences.

• The Swan: Smaller and slightly more understated, with a colorful lobby mural and freshly renovated rooms.

• The Dolphin: The biggest and grandest, complete with a sparkling chandelier, a lobby fountain and several signature restaurants.

• The Swan Reserve: The newcomer with a boutique feel, offering family suites and citrus-themed touches that nod to Florida’s history.

Since they all share the same pools, restaurants and Disney perks, choosing between them usually comes down to price. The Swan Reserve often charges the most and since it’s across the street from the other two hotels, it’s also the least convenient for theme park walking access.

Disney perks without the Disney price tag

Although the Swan and its sister hotels are operated by Marriott, you are still technically on Disney property, which means you still get the core Disney perks that matter most:

• Early park entry: This can be a game-changer if you want to be first in line for popular rides like Flight of Passage or Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

• Lightning Lane selections: These fast passes can be booked seven days out (instead of the usual three days out for non-hotel guests).

• Free parking at the Disney parks: This perk that can save you about $30 per day if you’re driving. Complimentary buses and boats are included too, but the free theme park parking makes it especially appealing for locals and road-trippers.

One caveat: Parking at the Swan itself is not free. Self-parking is about $36 per night plus tax, while valet is $44.

And rates at the Swan are shockingly reasonable compared to Disney-owned resorts. Rates start below $300 per night during off-season — still pricey, but far less than what other Disney hotels charge.

Even during the peak season, rooms at the Swan are much less expensive than other Disney hotels. On Christmas night, the priciest day available at this hotel, you can snag a room for just over $500 per night.

Compare that with the BoardWalk, which is just a short walk from the Swan. Overall, it’s a nicer hotel, with elegant Disney touches. But even in the off-season, rooms go for more than $500 per night. Want to go on Christmas night? Expect to pay over $1,000.

There are only a few Disney-owned hotels that regularly cost less than the Marriott-owned Swan. Those options include Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort and Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. But those hotels are located much further from the parks, and you’ll need to rely on slow shuttles to get there.

Rooms at the Swan

The Swan’s 756 rooms underwent a full renovation in 2025, and the new look is sleek and modern. But if you’re hoping to see Mickey motifs on the bedspread or Moana murals on the wallpaper, you won’t find them here.

For some travelers, that’s a perk. After a long day surrounded by Disney theming, the minimalist design can feel like a welcome break. For others — especially families who want every second of their vacation sprinkled with pixie dust — the lack of character touches may be a letdown.

Pools and other activities

The Swan’s pool scene is surprisingly robust. There are waterfalls, a waterslide and hammocks along the sand. You'll also find lawn games and swan paddle-boat rentals, both free for guests. Nearby, you can play mini golf for about $20 per person.

With six pools spread across the three properties, you’ll never feel boxed in. Families can stick to the waterslide pool, while couples may prefer one of the quieter, shaded pools nearby.

Dining at the Swan

Across the three hotels, there are 23 restaurants and lounges, ranging from grab-and-go coffee to celebrity-chef dining like Todd English’s Bluezoo or the newly opened Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina at the Dolphin.

At the Swan specifically, dining highlights include:

• Il Mulino: A classic Italian spot.

• Kimonos: Sushi, with a karaoke bar that’s surprisingly lively at night.

• Garden Grove: Casual, family-friendly dining under whimsical tree decor.

For quick bites, the Swan has Java for coffee and snacks, and Chill for frozen drinks.

Marriott Bonvoy benefits

Here’s where the Swan really shines: Alongside the Dolphin and Swan Reserve, it's one of only three Disney resorts where you can both earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points.

Marriott credit card holders can maximize earnings and use status benefits on top of Disney perks. You can also transfer points from credit card rewards programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards® or American Express Membership Rewards to Marriott to book a stay.

For Marriott elites, this is arguably the single best Disney hotel and one of the best points redemptions in the Marriott portfolio, period.

What’s not so magical about the Swan

Not everything is a fairy tale. A few drawbacks:

• Resort fee: The Swan charges a mandatory daily resort fee, which is a hefty $50 per night. It stings, though it does include perks like paddle boat rentals. You’ll also get plastic ponchos, which came in handy when a summer thunderstorm hit during my stay. Even if you book on points, Marriott still hits you with a resort fee. Disney doesn't charge resort fees at its own hotels.

• Lacks playful Disney touches: Rooms and public spaces feel more like a Vegas convention hotel than a Disney resort. If you want immersive Disney decor, consider Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Disney's Contemporary Resort or Disney's BoardWalk Inn instead.

• Crowds: With three hotels and convention facilities, the complex can sometimes feel overwhelming if your stay aligns with a bigger conference. This resort is more bustling than cozy.

Is the Walt Disney World Swan worth it?

The Walt Disney World Swan may not drip with Disney magic, but it’s hard to beat its combination of location, perks and Marriott Bonvoy rewards. It’s less a whimsical resort and more a smart strategy play for your wallet and your schedule. If you stay here, you could get early access to Guardians of the Galaxy in the morning, sip frozen drinks by the pool in the afternoon and redeem points while you’re at it.

For many travelers, that mix of practicality and perks makes the Swan not just a solid Marriott choice, but one of the best hotels at Disney, period.

Featured photo by Sally French.