06/29/2025
Our stay at the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve was a refreshing change from traditional Disney resorts, offering a mix of upscale amenities and convenient access to the Disney parks—though we did not visit any parks during this trip. I did, however, try some of the transportation options to get a feel for what park days would be like.
**Pros**
**Pool Options:**
Swan Reserve guests have access to all pools at the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve. The grotto pool at the Dolphin is stunning but gets very busy in the afternoon. For a calmer experience, the Swan Reserve’s smaller pool is much quieter and perfect for relaxing.
**Room Views:**
We upgraded to an Epcot view room, and the views were spectacular. Watching fireworks from our room was a highlight—especially seeing Cinderella’s Castle in the distance and catching the Happily Ever After show after Luminous.
**Walkability:**
The location is excellent for walking to Disney’s Boardwalk, Yacht Club, and Beach Club. One morning, I walked to Yacht Club to pick up breakfast and returned easily, making the area feel very accessible.
**Transportation Access:**
The Friendship boats to Hollywood Studios and Epcot are convenient, and Epcot is also within walking distance via the International Gateway. The Skyliner is a bonus for quick access to other Disney resorts.
**Daily Housekeeping:**
Rooms were clean, and daily housekeeping was a welcome luxury. Coming back to freshly made beds, clean towels, and emptied trash made the stay feel truly relaxing. We even enjoyed turndown service on our first night.
**Deluxe Extended Evening Hours:**
Like Disney Deluxe resorts, guests at the Swan Reserve (and all Swan and Dolphin hotels) enjoy Extended Evening Hours at select parks when available—a major perk for those wanting extra park time.
**Other Amenities:** Access to a full-service spa, fitness center, kids’ club (Camp Dolphin), arcade, playground, and a variety of restaurants and lounges across the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve properties.
**Cons**
**Room Storage:**
For a family of four, the Swan Reserve rooms are a bit cramped in terms of storage. There were only two drawers for clothes and just one hook in the bathroom, making organizing swimsuits and towels a challenge. The single sink in the bathroom also limited counter space.
**Bus Transportation:**
Bus transportation felt inconsistent. We ended up walking to the Boardwalk to catch buses to our desired destinations. Additionally, buses from Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve do not pick up or drop off at the standard Disney bus areas for Disney Springs or Magic Kingdom, which can be inconvenient.
**Food Options and Value:**
The on-site grab-and-go and sit-down restaurant options are convenient, but prices are high. For example, Mickey waffles and a breakfast sandwich with drinks for the family cost $73, and the waffles did not come with a side. Walking to Yacht Club for breakfast provided more value—for the same price, we got a side with our waffles and a similar experience.
**No Free Water Park Day:**
Unlike Disney resort guests in 2025, Swan Reserve guests do not receive a free water park day as part of their stay.
Overall, the Swan Reserve offers a stylish, modern alternative to traditional Disney resorts, with great pools, excellent views, and easy access to the parks and Boardwalk area. For our family, we’ll likely stick to Disney-owned properties for Disney trips, but I can absolutely book Swan Reserve stays for anyone interested in giving it a try and experiencing a different type of Disney vacation. If you’re curious about this unique option—or want to take advantage of deluxe perks like Extended Evening Hours—just let me know, and I’d love to help you plan your stay!
