Walt Disney World Swan Resort

Matthew Reidel

If proximity to Walt Disney World’s Epcot is high on your list but you prefer sophistication over spectacle, this upscale Marriott property may very well be your perfect landing spot. Blending comfort, service, and convenience, it delivers the kind of experience discerning travelers appreciate—especially those seeking a polished stay just outside the Disney bubble. From the moment of arrival, service stands out. The staff exudes that effortless Marriott professionalism—attentive, genuinely friendly, and eager to help without hovering. Whether arranging transportation, recommending dining options, or simply offering a warm greeting, every interaction reinforces the hotel’s commitment to elevated hospitality. Dining options here exceed the typical “resort-adjacent” fare. Each restaurant we sampled, even for a casual drink or light bite, impressed with consistent quality and attentive service. There’s an emphasis on freshness and presentation, making it easy to linger longer than planned. Our guestroom, generously sized and thoughtfully designed, offered the essentials for a relaxing weekend stay. The space felt fresh and comfortable, with the expected touches of an upper-tier Marriott. The bathroom, while modern and attractive, could benefit from a larger vanity area—an improvement that would make getting ready in the mornings far more convenient for couples or families. Location, of course, is this property’s ace. Epcot is within an easy stroll or a charming water taxi ride, and if your plans extend further across Walt Disney World or into Orlando, rideshares are simple to arrange and quick to arrive. Bottom Line: This Marriott offers an ideal balance—refined yet relaxed, close to the magic yet comfortably apart from it. With excellent service, appealing dining, and a prime Epcot location, it’s one of the best off-property stays for those who want Disney access without sacrificing adult comfort. A touch more bathroom counterspace would make it near perfect.

John Costa

The Swan Hotel offers exceptionally clean accommodations, comfortable bedding, and highly convenient access to the Boardwalk, boat transportation, and several Disney parks. Guests are able to walk to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios with ease. Bus transportation to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom is efficient, with boarding locations situated away from the more crowded Disney docks. The staff demonstrates a consistently friendly and professional demeanor, and service across all areas of the hotel is prompt and attentive. Additionally, the hotel’s pools are beautifully maintained, and the surrounding grounds are kept in immaculate condition.

Michelle Wolfe

We stayed 4 nights at the Swan Resort mainly to get early park entry and snag Lightning Lane passes 7 days in advance. In theory, it sounded like a strategic Disney master plan. In reality… if I could do it over, I would’ve saved half the money and stayed at the Disney Springs Drury Plaza. Here’s why: the resort fees and parking charges were painfully high—especially considering we basically used the room just to sleep. We didn’t even get to enjoy most of the perks we were paying for! The room itself? Nothing fancier than your average hotel room. The good stuff: The staff were friendly, and the location is absolutely fantastic. Being able to walk to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT is a big win. But let’s be honest: We could’ve saved around $600 staying at the Drury and spent that on souvenirs and Mickey-shaped snacks instead of parking fees. Lesson learned: convenience is great—but not $600 great.

Kimberly Harle

The Walt Disney World Swan, a Westin property under the Marriott umbrella, offers a good location near two major Disney parks and the lively Disney Boardwalk. Guests can walk or take a short boat ride to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, which makes park access convenient and flexible. The proximity to the Boardwalk also adds easy options for dining and evening entertainment. The hotel itself feels more like a traditional Westin than a Disney resort. There are only a few Disney touches, and while you do get benefits like early park entry, the atmosphere is more understated and businesslike than whimsical. The rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, but the overall experience is closer to a convention hotel than a themed resort. Dining options across the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve are good but limited by hours, with some venues open only for certain meals. The pool area is pleasant but simple, especially compared to Disney’s more elaborate resort pools. There are activities such as movies on the lawn or karaoke, though these are not well promoted—most guests stumble upon them by chance. Fireworks from Epcot can be seen from a few areas, but the views are limited. Where the Swan falls short is in Disney’s signature hospitality. Birthdays or anniversaries aren’t acknowledged in the same way as Disney-run resorts, and MagicBand connectivity can be inconsistent. Overall, the Swan provides a clean, comfortable, and convenient stay in a good location with easy access to parks and the Boardwalk. With better communication about activities, more Disney charm, and smoother technology integration, it has the potential to move from a solid three-star stay to a strong four.

Matthew Johnson

Watch out for the hidden fees that they do not tell you about while booking or checking in. These fees cover “perks” that you likely will not use or are normally included in every other hotel (such as WiFi). I received a nearly $400 charge that I did not expect after my stay. It’s essentially a built in fee that, upon looking up, you can easily find; however, nobody actually tells you about it throughout. Even if they told you about it upon check in, there’s likely nothing you can do. Though the hotel is nice and in a great location, I would rather take that $400 charge and apply it to staying at an actual Disney Resort like the Yacht Club for the experience.