Disney theming is scarce at Walt Disney World Swan. The Swan is not a Disney hotel, it is part of Starwood Resorts and Hotels family of deluxe resorts, together with the Dolphin. It opened in 1990 and its latest renovation was in 2003.

Resort

Theme and atmosphere

The Swan has a contemporary design and an elegant swan theming -- from the two swans on the rooftop to the discreet swan motifs of the furnishing.

The atmosphere is casual and relaxing. The oases of lush vegetation and pleasant pastels colors - turquoise, coral, mauve remind of its "kin", the Dolphin hotel. The decorations abound in tropical imagery -- floral (and geometric) motifs, pineapples and exotic birds.

Location

The Swan hotel is near the Dolphin, conveniently close to EPCOT and MGM Studios, across Crescent Lake from Disney’s BoardWalk.

Address:

1200 Epcot Resort Blvd
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830

Phone: (407) 934-3000 Fax: (407) 934-4499

Nearby attractions:

• The Magic Kingdom
• EPCOT
• MGM Studios
• Disneys Animal Kingdom

Hotel

Rating

• Four Diamonds(Five Max.), according to the AAA Rating System
• Four Stars (Five Max.), according to Expedia Rating System
• Three Stars (Five Max.), according to the Mobil Travel Guide Star Rating System

Hotel amenities

Rooms

758 guest rooms including the 55 suites

Room categories:

• Standard Rooms
• 340 square feet
• Maximum occupancy: 4 people
• Two queen beds. There are also a limited number of rooms with king size beds.
• Concierge Rooms
• Maximum occupancy: 4 persons
• Benefits: robes, private lounge offering continental breakfast and fruit, cheese and bar in the afternoon.
• Suites:
• Studio
• around 650 square feet
• Maximum occupancy: 5 people
• A king bed, a double sofa sleep bed
• One Bedroom Executive/Two Bedroom Executive
• around 650-950 square feet
• Maximum occupancy: 6-10 people
• Two queen beds and a sofa
• A king bed, sleeper sofa
• Grand Suite -- two bedrooms
• Maximum occupancy: 7 people
• Two queen beds and a sofa
• A king bed, sleeper sofa
• Governors' Suite -- one/two bedrooms
• Maximum occupancy: 7 people
• Two queen beds and a sofa
• A king bed, sleeper sofa
• Presidential -- one/two bedrooms
• 2,451-2,589 square feet
• Maximum occupancy: 10 people
• Two queen beds and a sofa
• A king bed, sleeper sofa

There are also nonsmoking rooms.

Standard room amenities:

• Two queen-size beds/one king-size bed
• Desk, table with chairs, an armoire
• Room service 24 hours
• Iron/ironing board
• In-room safe
• Hair dryer
• Voice mail
• Television
• Air conditioning
• Housekeeping
• Newspaper -- daily
• Extra towels, linens, bedding
• Hypo-allergenic bedding available

Other available room amenities:

• Pay movies
• VCR -- some rooms
• Wake-up calls
• Minibar -- surcharge
• Coffee makers -- available
• Cribs (infant beds) -- available
• Internet Access -- fee
• Turndown service -- upon request

Refrigerator -- not available

Informative price list:

• Standard guest rooms: $259 - $379
• Concierge rooms: $369 - $409
• Standard Studio suites: $625 - $715
• Concierge Junior suites: $715 - $815
• Executive suites (1-2 bedrooms): $865 - $1,345
• Presidential suites (2-3 bedrooms): $2,835 - $3,255

Dining

Palio -- Italian Bistro

• Hours: 6:00pm - 11:00pm
• Veal, chicken, pork, beef.

Kimonos -- Japanese sushi bar

• Hours: 5:30pm - 11:00pm
• Gyoza, yakitori, Oriental hors d'oeuvres, octopus, red snapper, shrimp

Gulivers Grill -- American diner

• Hours: 5:30pm - 10:00pm
• Steak, seafood, prime rib.

Garden Grove Café

• Hours: 6:30am - 2:00pm
• Soup, sandwiches, salads, burgers

Splash Terrace -- American cuisine

• Hours: 11:00am - 5:30pm
• Hamburgers, hotdogs

Court Lobby Lounge

• Hours: evening
• Wine, cocktails

Kimonos Lounge

• Hours: evening
• Cocktails

Character meal on-site:

• Gulliver's Grill
• Goofy, Pluto -- Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 6:00pm - 10:00pm
• Rafiki, Timon -- Monday, Friday 6:00pm - 10:00pm
• Garden Grove Cafe
• Goofy, Pluto -- Saturday, Sunday 8:00am - 11:00am

There is the possibility to share dining options with the Dolphin, as the hotels are very close to each other.

Strong points.Weak points.

Pluses

• Luxury -- Disney's most luxurious resort.
• Starwood Preferred Guest program possibility -- One can book a stay on Disney property on his/her starpoints.
• Discounts possibility
• Spa, health club -- Onsite, offer full service.
• Boat rides
• Leisure -- Great recreational options
• Sandbeach -- Private, white sand.
• Fine dining -- Excellent options and possibility of sharing with the Swan.
• View -- some rooms have a Magic Kingdom view.
• Location -- Very convenient
• Atmosphere -- There is the advantage of not so much theming for those who like less "sugary" accomodations.
• "Heavenly" beds -- Beds have pillow-top mattresses, white goose-down comforter, five overstuffed pillows.

Minuses

• Price -- Rooms are expensive.
• Atmosphere -- Not convenient for those who look for "Disney magic".
• Small rooms for four -- There have been complaints of the visitors in as far as the room size is concerned, too small for four persons.
• Small bathroom -- Visitors have complained of the bathrooms being too small with not enough counter space and movement space.
• Many conventions on-site -- When there are such actions going on, the lagoon pool might be closed for private parties.