Guests at This Disney World Hotel Have Access to 6 Pools and 23 Restaurants — Along With Major Park Perks

Although there is no shortage of accommodations to choose from when picking a hotel for a Disney World vacation, my stay at The Swan Reserve showed that it's possible to have a perfectly balanced Orlando trip that satisfies theme park lovers and upscale sanctuary seekers alike.

Located on a complex comprised of three resorts, which includes the Walt Disney World Swan Resort and the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort, The Swan Reserve is the newest and most modern of the three, having opened in 2021. I had previously stayed at the Swan Resort years ago and found that the Reserve has all the status of its older sibling but is set apart by a contemporary and fresh feel.

Additionally, the three hotels are somewhat in a special category of their own: Even though they're considered a Deluxe Resort of the Disney on-property hotels, they're also Marriott properties, which brings its own set of benefits for travelers.

The Swan Reserve has a clean aesthetic and subtle Disney decor — perfect for brand fans who range from slightly familiar to full-on Disney Adults (thanks to a Mickey Mouse ears installation on the side of the lobby).

With six pools and 23 restaurants and lounges between the three properties, they offer much more than great access to Walt Disney World's parks — even though its proximity is a major selling point for lovers of both Disney and luxury.

The Rooms

During my five-night stay this year, I stayed in one of the Swan Reserve's 149 Signature Suites which just so happened to have perfect views of Hollywood Studios and Epcot. I arrived at night as if on cue for the finale of Hollywood Studios' "Fantasmic!" show, and was welcomed into my room with a view of fireworks through the window.

Although not all suites have this view — some also have a view of the pool — they're all comprised of a bedroom and separate living room with a large dining table and can accommodate up to four guests (two adults and two children). The bedroom is also complete with two large closets and a dresser.

The Swan Reserve also has several other types of suites along with three kinds of traditional rooms — which have the option of two queen-size beds or one king — and floor-to-ceiling windows.

A significant plus for parkgoers? After returning to our rooms after a long day on our feet in the Florida sun, the water bottles in the mini bar area were continuously replenished.

Cribs and roll-away beds are available on request.

The bathroom has sleek glass-enclosed showers and amenities, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, and a hairdryer. The toilet is closed off by a pocket door for extra privacy.

Food and Drink

As a park-going Disney fan, I needed a solid breakfast and caffeine boost before heading to the parks each day. Every morning, I stopped at Grounds — the Swan Reserve's quick service eatery for coffee, breakfast sandwiches, snacks, and more — to fuel up. With egg white spinach wraps and cold brew that rivals Starbucks, there was no need to waste time in the parks looking for breakfast options as I could enjoy my coffee and made-to-order sandwich while waiting for a shuttle to the parks.

The Swan Reserve is also home to Amare, a Mediterranean restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including dishes like tonnarelli alle vongole and grilled mahi mahi.

Those looking to imbibe in the hotel can head to Stir, the lobby-level bar that also serves light bites. Expansive in size, the bar is in a welcoming and open space with no Disney theming.

A major perk to staying at the Swan Reserve is its proximity to other Swan or Dolphin Resorts dining options. Most notably, foodies will find seafood restaurant by famed chef Todd English as well as Shula's Steakhouse at the Dolphin resort, which also recently welcomed New York City favorite Rosa Mexicano.

Also on the premises are Japanese and Italian restaurants and poolside eateries at all three resorts.

Activities and Experiences

When it comes to activities on site, the Swan Reserve has all the hallmarks of a warm-weather getaway, including a vibrant pool (along with a poolside restaurant), mini golf, and more.

A pool day at the Swan Reserve is the perfect solution for those looking for a relaxing day away from the parks. Situated on the third-floor deck of the property, it's complete with an outdoor restaurant, Tangerine, which serves up salads, sandwiches, flatbreads, and cocktails. However, those looking for a bit more Disney decor can head to a pool at the Swan or Dolphin properties, which includes a grotto pool with waterfalls and two lap pools.

Thanks to its fitness center, the Swan Reserve is also an excellent fit for guests looking to keep their healthy lifestyles in check while traveling. For anyone looking to work out outdoors, there's a jogging trail around its scenic Crescent Lake, with trail routes up to four miles. The longer run will include views of five Epcot-area resort hotels.

To top off the fun, guests can also head to a "Fantasia"-inspired mini golf course which is next to the hotel.

The Spa

The Mandara Spa is located at the Dolphin Hotel and is accessible to Swan Reserve guests. The facility offers a Balinese-themed sanctuary in the middle of the "Disney bubble," with treatments like massages, facials, body wraps, manicures, and pedicures. However, beyond treatments, the spa is an oasis, complete with various relaxation rooms and gardens, and is open from 8 a.m to 8 p.m. The Mandara spa also offers opportunities to save on treatments, including $75 off a 60-minute massage and facial combination.

The spa is also complete with a salon.

Family-friendly Offerings

While a day at a Disney park could seem like the most family-friendly option, hunkering down at the property will also provide plenty of things to do with families of all ages.

In addition to its variety of pool options, kids ages 5 to 12 can spend the day at Camp Dolphin, the complex's on-property kids camp. Campers can play video and board games, do arts and crafts, and enjoy a meal and snack under the supervision of counselors. Camp Dolphin also offers nighttime activities for kids. However, the fun can begin even before your stay, as the Swan Reserve has printable puzzle and game books are available online for younger guests to make their own activity books.

Other activities for kids include s'mores on the beach, hair wraps, and a poolside craft station. A volleyball court, ping pong tables, and a playground are also on the premises. Swan paddle boats, tubes, and rafts are also available to rent for a ride on Crescent Lake.

Off-property, guests can take a complimentary shuttle to Disney Springs, which is not only home to a plethora of shopping and dining options but also to Cirque du Soleil's "Drawn to Life" show, which showcases beloved Disney characters with the help of incredible gymnasts and acrobats.

Accessibility and Sustainability

All three hotels accommodate guests in wheelchairs or with hearing impairments. The properties have several ADA-accessible rooms with a wheelchair-accommodating shower or bathtub. The ADA-accessible rooms at the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve also have compliant doors and clearance on each side of the beds to accommodate guests in wheelchairs. The hotels' public bathrooms are also wheelchair accessible, and the complex has parking reserved for any guests who require it.

The complex's restaurants and bars are also wheelchair accessible, as are five of its swimming pools, which have an ADA-compliant lift.

Disney World Resort hotels reminds guests to be environmentally friendly by recycling, reusing towels, and shutting off lights to work towards its "Disney Planet Possible" initiative.

Location

While it was clear from my time at the hotel that guests who don't intend to head to the parks will still enjoy their stay, its proximity to them — with some being within walking distance — is a major selling point for Disney fans of all levels.

The Swan Reserve provides complimentary transportation to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, and Animal Kingdom. Categorized as an Epcot-area resort hotel, it's in the perfect location to get to Epcot as it's just a 20-minute walk on a set path or can also be accessed via a water taxi.

Hollywood Studios is also walkable from the resort, taking a little over 20 minutes. Guests can also get there via water taxi.

Parkgoers heading to Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom can take a shuttle bus that departs from a convenient location at the hotel's entrance. Animal Kingdom visitors will be able to go directly to the park via the shuttle, while those heading to Magic Kingdom will first be taken to a transport hub, Disney’s Ticket and Transportation Center, and can then choose to either take a monorail or ferry to the park from there. (Pro tip: Be sure to factor in extra time if you'll be dropped off at the transportation center.)

The Swan Reserve is also within walking distance of Disney's Boardwalk, with restaurants, shops, and nightlife venues.

The hotel is also about a half-hour drive from Orlando International Airport.

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

Since the Swan Reserve is considered a Deluxe Resort Hotel, previously mentioned perks like complimentary transportation to the parks, as well as early theme park entry and extended evening hours, are provided to all guests.

General information on special offers and pricing can also be found on the resort's website. Hotel guests who prefer to drive to the parks will receive complimentary parking.

To sweeten the deal a bit more, the Swan Reserve is a great option, as it's also a Marriott property. Marriott Bonvoy members can earn or redeem points on their stay — perhaps creating the best of both worlds for Marriott loyalists and Disney fans. Currently, Marriott Bonvoy members who stay more than five nights can take advantage of special package offerings through January of 2025 and can treat themselves to a $100 resort credit.