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Is the Dolphin or Swan more expensive?

Despite fewer resort facilities at the Swan, stays there will often cost more than those at the Dolphin. No matter which one you visit, the free transportation to Disney parks and the ability to earn or redeem Marriott points is the icing on the cake. Featured image courtesy of Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin.



Generally, the Walt Disney World Swan (a Westin property) is more expensive than the Walt Disney World Dolphin (a Sheraton property). While they share the same resort complex and amenities, the Swan is positioned as a slightly more "boutique" and upscale experience, featuring Queen-sized beds compared to the Dolphin's Double-sized beds. In 2026, price differences typically range from $20 to $50 per night, depending on the season. The Dolphin is the larger of the two and often hosts more large-scale conventions, which can occasionally drive its prices up during peak event weeks. However, for most families, the Dolphin is the better value because its standard rooms can accommodate five guests with a rollaway bed, whereas the Swan rooms are strictly limited to a maximum of four occupants.

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Daily $40 resort service package fee (+ tax) includes daily benefits for two guests: In-room wireless internet.

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The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin are Deluxe Disney Resorts managed by Marriott. Our guests enjoy Onsite Disney Resort benefits; in addition, Bonvoy Rewards members can take advantage of an array of program benefits, including earning Marriott Bonvoy points with each stay.

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The Swan was managed by Westin Hotels & Resorts, and the Dolphin by Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. Eisner had used Graves for other company projects and wanted to continue to build striking, unique buildings. Tishman and MetLife own the buildings, but have a 99-year lease on the land from Disney.

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Yes the pool is shared between the dolphin and swan resorts.

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Walt Disney World Resort has re-branded Extra Magic Hours. They are now known as Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Theme Park Hours. Guests of Walt Disney World Dolphin, Swan, and Swan Reserve hotels are invited to participate in Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Theme Park Hours.

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Can you see fireworks from the Swan and Dolphin? Yes. The hotels are located about midway between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. All three hotels offer at least a few rooms with views of fireworks.

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If you make the reservation through the Swan & Dolphin website, you'll need to link it yourself using your confirmation number. However, Disney has made that process very easy: your Swan, Dolphin, or Swan Reserve reservation confirmation number can be entered directly into MDE to link your reservation.

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Epcot®: Walking: When exiting behind the Swan resort, bear to your right and walk to Disney's BoardWalk Resorts. Walk on the boardwalk until it ends and bear to the right until you reach Epcot. Walking time is approximately 10-15 minutes.

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The Swan and Dolphin use the standard Disney bus transportation system, so you should find it to be pretty reliable. The bus ride to the Magic Kingdom should take about 20 to 25 minutes, but remember that the wait time could be up to 20 minutes as well. On the positive side, when you arrive you are a quick walk in.

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From the SWAN to the BOARDWALK is approximately . 4 miles. To the DOLPHIN Resort: There are paved, lighted walkways. From the SWAN to the DOLPHIN is approximately .

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The Dolphin's rooms are a bit larger than those at the Swan, accommodating up to two adults and three children. Families will appreciate that some rooms come with a sofa bed. For those who want more space, the Dolphin offers two-bedroom suites.

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Guests of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin enjoy many unique and special Disney benefits.
  • Complimentary Scheduled Transportation. ...
  • On-Site and Online Disney Tickets. ...
  • Advance Tee Times. ...
  • Complimentary parking at Disney theme parks. ...
  • Disney Planning Center. ...
  • Extra Magic Hours Benefit. ...
  • FastPass+ ...
  • Character Dining.


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Yes, guests of the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve get Early Theme Park Entry. This benefit allows guests of the hotel to enter the parks at least half an hour before they open to regular visitors.

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I love staying at the Swan and Dolphin. My recent stay with my family of three ended up costing about $300 a night, but it was well worth the money. Overall, the location, amenities, and Marriott benefits make the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve hotels some of my favorites at Disney World.

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Does the resort provide transportation to and from the Orlando International Airport? Yes (fees apply)! If you would like a private transfer to or from the airport, please CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT THE FORM, then email to the transportation department.

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Epcot Forever is a temporary show, they run it while they are doing lagoon work so it's short and to the point. It runs at approximately 11 minutes or so each evening, which is perfectly quick for tired families but also may be a bit underwhelming compared to other fireworks spectaculars at Disney.

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Even though Disney doesn't consider Disney's Boardwalk, Yacht Club, Beach Club, and even the Swan and Dolphin as Skyliner Resorts, they might as well be. One of the perks of these resorts is their walking distance to International Gateway where the EPCOT Skyliner station just happens to be located.

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