Resort Walt Disney World SWAN, DOLPHIN & SWAN RESERVE Resorts

[SteveH]

What renovations? There has been no announcement or even solid rumors Dolphin is going to start or has started room renovations. In our hopes and dreams we've decided they will start after the convention expansion.

Not sure how trust worthy this site is as it's a real estate site, but they had some different take on the renovations and the overall budget was stated to be $300 million, I read this on another site to but can't find that link. Guess we'll see in a few months.

"Beyond the event space, 1,500 guest rooms in the Dolphin will also receive the same renovation treatment that was recently completed at the Swan Hotel. These room updates are expected to begin in May 2026 and wrap up by the end of 2027."​

 

[Duck143]

Looking to book a room at the Swan in January 2027, but the Swan, Reserve and Dolphin say sold out. Are they just not available this far in advance? I can't imagine all 3 resorts are sold out.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Not sure how trust worthy this site is as it's a real estate site, but they had some different take on the renovations and the overall budget was stated to be $300 million, I read this on another site to but can't find that link. Guess we'll see in a few months.

"Beyond the event space, 1,500 guest rooms in the Dolphin will also receive the same renovation treatment that was recently completed at the Swan Hotel. These room updates are expected to begin in May 2026 and wrap up by the end of 2027."​

I'd call that pretty solid given its a real estate website who said the info came straight from hotel management. May 2026 we're watching you!!

 

[Dave006]

Looking to book a room at the Swan in January 2027, but the Swan, Reserve and Dolphin say sold out. Are they just not available this far in advance? I can't imagine all 3 resorts are sold out.

Yes for January 18-21, 2027 they are all (3) sold out for an event.

Dave

 

[Artygal90]

Our family (me, DH, and our 4 year old) is booked at the Swan on our first family trip to WDW over July 4th weekend. We'll have two resort days. I understand the Swolphin is more geared towards conference attendees and other adult guests. What are the most kid-friendly amenities at the resort? Is there anything like what the Disney resorts advertise - poolside games, movie nights, evening campfire activities, that kind of thing? It looks like he will be too young for the "Camp Dolphin" kids' activity center but I'm sure the grotto pool will be a hit. Is there anything else your kids have loved doing? Also, what are the most kid-friendly dining options nearby? I saw there are something like 23 restaurants between the 3 hotels, but most of them looked somewhat higher-end.

 

[Best Aunt]

Our family (me, DH, and our 4 year old) is booked at the Swan on our first family trip to WDW over July 4th weekend. We'll have two resort days. I understand the Swolphin is more geared towards conference attendees and other adult guests. What are the most kid-friendly amenities at the resort? Is there anything like what the Disney resorts advertise - poolside games, movie nights, evening campfire activities, that kind of thing? It looks like he will be too young for the "Camp Dolphin" kids' activity center but I'm sure the grotto pool will be a hit. Is there anything else your kids have loved doing? Also, what are the most kid-friendly dining options nearby? I saw there are something like 23 restaurants between the 3 hotels, but most of them looked somewhat higher-end.

If you walk around the lake over to the BoardWalk, the BoardWalk's movie and campfire will be right there, facing the lake. BoardWalk calls that the Village Green Lawn. You should be able to sit down and watch the movie even if you are not staying there. You can make smores, but you have to pay for the kit.

Same for the Yacht & Beach Club. The movies and campfire are on the beach next to the lake.
Beach Club activity schedule:
https://cdn1.parksmedia.wdprapps.di...26-q2/YB_Aframe_Recreation-0326V2_DIGITAL.pdf

BoardWalk activity schedule:
https://cdn1.parksmedia.wdprapps.di...fy26-q2/DAKL_Aframe_Recreation-0326_Jambo.pdf

The activity schedules for Disney-owned hotels are on Disney's official website. Find the hotel, then click on Recreation, then click on Activity Schedule.

Make sure you download the Swan/Dolphin app, which is different from the DisneyWorld app.

You should check out the menus to see what your child will eat. The Swan/Dolphin app has the menus for Swan/Dolphin restaurants.
I find that the menus for the Disney restaurants are easier to find on this website than on the official Disney website:
https://allears.net/dining/menu/

 

[Dan Murphy]

Our family (me, DH, and our 4 year old) is booked at the Swan on our first family trip to WDW over July 4th weekend. We'll have two resort days. I understand the Swolphin is more geared towards conference attendees and other adult guests. What are the most kid-friendly amenities at the resort? Is there anything like what the Disney resorts advertise - poolside games, movie nights, evening campfire activities, that kind of thing? It looks like he will be too young for the "Camp Dolphin" kids' activity center but I'm sure the grotto pool will be a hit. Is there anything else your kids have loved doing? Also, what are the most kid-friendly dining options nearby? I saw there are something like 23 restaurants between the 3 hotels, but most of them looked somewhat higher-end.

https://swandolphin.com/activities/on-site-activities/

This may help some also.

Enjoy that upcoming trip, should be fun, exciting.

 

[Karalee402]

Our family (me, DH, and our 4 year old) is booked at the Swan on our first family trip to WDW over July 4th weekend. We'll have two resort days. I understand the Swolphin is more geared towards conference attendees and other adult guests. What are the most kid-friendly amenities at the resort? Is there anything like what the Disney resorts advertise - poolside games, movie nights, evening campfire activities, that kind of thing? It looks like he will be too young for the "Camp Dolphin" kids' activity center but I'm sure the grotto pool will be a hit. Is there anything else your kids have loved doing? Also, what are the most kid-friendly dining options nearby? I saw there are something like 23 restaurants between the 3 hotels, but most of them looked somewhat higher-end.

We stayed at the Dolphin for the first time when our youngest was 4, and she absolutely loved it. The pools are fantastic, and I highly recommend taking a Swan boat out; that was her favorite activity. She loved eating at The Fountain (in the Dolphin) - it's typical burgers, fries, shakes, but the atmosphere is fun. There's also a pretty good quick service in the Dolphin lobby called Fuel. They have a self-serve frozen yogurt bar that she still talks about. The Dolphin also has a fun arcade with a little bowling alley that my kids enjoyed. I also second the recommendation of walking over to the Boardwalk for the movie on the lawn/smores. They also have performers most nights that do acrobatics/juggling/jump rope tricks, and they're such fun to watch. You'll have the best time and your little one will LOVE it!

 

[gottalovepluto]

Swolphin has a dining rewards program that earns Bonvoy points for signature restaurants called Swan & Dolphin Rewards IG link …have I been living under a rock? I had no idea. Anyone used this?

 

[SteveH]

@gottalovepluto no idea how long it's been around but I've NEVER heard of it until you posted about it. Best kept secret? Found this page from 2012 though. That site even points to a link that you could sign up for it online but that page is now missing. I did find this site off of the Swan Dolphin Dining page, under Make a Reservation then look for Dining Passport Program. That said that site looks a bit sketch and "old school" and since they asking for Credit Card into I'd be very cautious.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Hello Swan & Dolphins fans.

Doing a little spring cleaning around the DIS here and we're in need of "freshening up" some of these "older" but still very active resort threads - mainly to clean up some of these 10+ year OPs, clean up post 1 links, etc.

My personal opinion is that I don't think page 1 of these threads needs to be the exhaustive repository of resort info that they once were, but some level of passion for/knowledge of the resort and keeping a post or two fresh can be helpful.

@Dan Murphy whether you'd like to continue to 'volunteer' or if someone else would like to take over, I'd appreciate if someone can work on a new thread here at some point.

Please feel free to PM me with any questions.

Thank you!

 

[gottalovepluto]

For Amex Plat holders looking to spend their Resy credits- Amare, Il Mulino and Bourbon Steak are now showing on Resy

 

[pindecisive]

BW or YC bus or a Minnie Van that takes you right to the curb at the MK entrance.

Dave

This was a great tip, thank you again!

I did do Lyft for the other parks since there didn't seem to be any significant difference in pick up/drop off areas for AK or HS.

 

[gottalovepluto]

For Amex Plat holders looking to spend their Resy credits- Amare, Il Mulino and Bourbon Steak are now showing on Resy

Tried it at il Mulino. Didn’t credit. Went back to resy to get a screenshot for Amex and all 3 have disappeared

 

[Nimbus]

Tried it at il Mulino. Didn’t credit. Went back to resy to get a screenshot for Amex and all 3 have disappeared

It is currently showing on the Resy website.

 

[AngusIsMySpiritAnimal]

Swolphin has a dining rewards program that earns Bonvoy points for signature restaurants called Swan & Dolphin Rewards IG link …have I been living under a rock? I had no idea. Anyone used this?

Lol I only just heard about this too ... but couldn't find an actual link. Do you have to sign up through the Swolphin app perhaps?

 

[mkm1998]

Is it odd that the Dolphin is showing sold out for large parts of November 2026, but not actual Thanksgiving? I was able to book through Capital One with my preferred dates, but I'm thinking the rate is higher than what would be if booked directly. Does anyone know if there is something going on there November 17-21st?

 

[Sarahbros]

Im having the same issue with our dates between nov 30-dec 3 2026. I have been checking since january (we love the resort so much) but absolutely nothing has opened up. I know rooms tend to open closer to the date but im feeling a little discouraged about that happening at this point. Would love any insight

 

[mkm1998]

Im having the same issue with our dates between nov 30-dec 3 2026. I have been checking since january (we love the resort so much) but absolutely nothing has opened up. I know rooms tend to open closer to the date but im feeling a little discouraged about that happening at this point. Would love any insight

Right? Okay glad I'm not the only one! I just find it odd because I would have assumed the dates around Thanksgiving would have been harder to book. Not the week before when kids are still in school. I just am finding it odd that my rate on Capital One Travel for the week prior to Thanksgiving is more than what it would be to book directly with the Swan for the actual week of Thanksgiving.

Just trying to save a few bucks anywhere we can. Park tickets aren't cheap!

 

[Dave006]

Im having the same issue with our dates between nov 30-dec 3 2026.

The Dolphin, and Swan are both sold out Nov. 30 - Dec 3. But it is wide open the rest of Nov. Where are you looking to book? Are you looking via Disney or directly at the Marriott booking system?

Dave