Disney World: Swan Resort Hotel Guide & Recommendations

The most unforgettable moment from my month-long trip to Boston was, without a doubt, the whirlwind 3 nights and 4 days I spent at Orlando’s Disney World.

Leaving behind the relatively quiet and predictable routine of Boston, I decided to dive headfirst into some intense fun. With just two weeks to go before the trip, I scrambled to book flights, accommodations, and reservations for popular restaurants inside Disney World.

Pro tip: Book early. Seriously. Prices for flights and hotels skyrocket the closer you get to your travel date, and scoring a table at Disney’s top spots? Practically mission impossible if you wait.

Arrival in Orlando: Let’s Go Disney!

This trip was entirely spur-of-the-moment. Orlando! Disney World! Can you feel the excitement? 🎉

The ride from the airport to Disney World took about 40 minutes via Uber. Google Maps had me thinking it’d be quicker, but nope! Once you enter Disney World, it’s another long drive before you reach the actual heart of it. The place is enormous—like, it-could-be-its-own-country enormous.

Where We Stayed: The Swan Resort

Address:
Walt Disney World Swan
1200 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, USA

Disney World is so massive that most people recommend staying for a week to fully explore it. We only had two full days, so staying inside Disney World was a must. After some research, we chose the Swan Resort, primarily for its balance of location and cost.

Many Disney hotels and resorts cost a fortune—some even exceed a million won per night (gulp). The Swan Resort, though not cheap, felt like a sweet spot at about 450,000 won per night. If we’d booked earlier, we probably could’ve gotten a better deal, but honestly? Worth every penny.

First Impressions of the Swan Resort

The Swan Resort is connected to the Dolphin Resort by a scenic bridge across a lake, and guests can use the facilities at both locations. This shared setup is a huge bonus, as you’ll see later. Both resorts are gigantic, and the Swan’s standout feature? Transportation.

Right outside the resort, boats whisk you away to the theme parks of your choice, and shuttle buses are plentiful and well-organized. For Epcot, you can even stroll there via a charming boardwalk. It’s super convenient, especially if, like us, you’re short on time.

The resort was bustling with people, yet the atmosphere felt relaxed. The lobby itself had different zones for lounging, dining, and entertainment, making it feel spacious and welcoming. And yes, Disney characters were sprinkled everywhere, adding a magical touch.

The Room: Simple but Stellar View

At check-in, the staff proudly announced they’d upgraded us to a high floor next to a suite. And WOW. The view was incredible. Our room overlooked Epcot, and at night, I could see the park’s iconic glowing structure twinkling in the distance. (Not that I had much time to admire it—I was usually knocked out from exhaustion!)

The room itself was clean and functional. Nothing too fancy, but the bed was heavenly. I’m very picky about sheets, and these were clean, soft, and super cozy. My only complaint? The pillow was too high for me (as someone who loves using baby pillows!).

Amenities & Night Swimming at Dolphin Resort

The Swan Resort has plenty of adult-friendly spaces like bars, restaurants, and cafes. Meanwhile, the Dolphin Resort feels more family-oriented, with game rooms, casual dining options, and multiple pools.

Speaking of pools: The Dolphin’s pool is the real MVP. It has three different sections—a deep lap pool, a kid-friendly pool, and a massive leisure pool. We decided to go for a night swim, and it was pure bliss.

Under a canopy of stars, the quiet pool felt like a private oasis. No crowds, no noise—just us floating in warm water. There’s even a jacuzzi if you want extra relaxation. If you’re visiting, don’t miss out on a nighttime swim. It’s magical.

Food & Facilities

While breakfast wasn’t included (not that we had time for it anyway), there was a Starbucks on-site, which became my morning lifesaver. Basic toiletries like shampoo and body wash were provided, but no toothbrushes or toothpaste—though the front desk was happy to provide them on request. Just pack your face wash and personal skincare essentials, and you’re good to go.

The overall vibe at night was tranquil and safe. Despite being near water, there were zero bugs in April, making evening strolls an absolute delight.

Why Stay Inside Disney World?

Disney World’s sheer size is no joke. If you stay outside, the commute to the parks alone eats up precious time and energy. Within the resort, transportation options like boats, trams, and cable cars are well-connected and efficient. This convenience allows you to maximize your fun, even with a short stay.

For anyone planning to visit Disney World on a tight schedule, staying within the park isn’t just a luxury—it’s a lifesaver. Time saved equals more fun, less stress.

Final Tip: If you want the best of both worlds—peaceful sleep and lively fun—stay at the Swan and hop over to the Dolphin for nighttime activities. You’ll thank me later. 😉