Disney fans know that where you stay can be an important part of the theme park experience. Two of the more iconic hotels in the Florida resort area, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, may puzzle some travelers: The buildings look similar enough in color and design that they could be confused for one hotel, but the two have several differences. When it comes to Disney Swan versus Dolphin, it’s important to know what benefits they share and what sets them apart.

This guide can help you make the best of your stay at the Disney World Swan or Dolphin, no matter which hotel you choose.

Shared services at the Disney Swan and Dolphin

Though the Swan and Dolphin hotels are managed by two Marriott Bonvoy brands, in some ways they function as one resort property. Many services and amenities are shared between the two, providing guests with more value during their stay.

One item to note is that neither hotel is an official Disney resort hotel, and Disney Magic Bands do not work as room keys.

Location

The hotels are located between Epcot and Hollywood Studios, with the Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom parks nearby. From both properties, guests can use free transportation to Disney parks, including boat or bus transfers as well as pedestrian options.

The hotels are next to the Disney BoardWalk, which puts plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment options at your doorstep.

Amenities

Guests of either hotel can access services at both properties, including use of the spa, pools, restaurants and child care.

The Mandara Spa. (Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin)

The Mandara Spa pampers guests with its lengthy roster of massage and beauty treatments, and fitness enthusiasts have their choice of three health centers with a variety of exercise classes.

Six pools are available for guest use, with a lap pool, a white sand beach, private cabanas and whirlpools featured. Other activities include basketball, pingpong tables, watercraft rentals and a playground.

One of the pools at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin property. (Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin)

There are a variety of dining options, totaling 22 on-site restaurants and lounges. No matter what you’re looking for — a fine-dining experience, a casual family meal or a cocktail in the lounge — you’ll be sure to find something that pleases your palate.

Cost

If you want to redeem points for a stay, the amount needed varies by night because Marriott Bonvoy has ditched award charts in a shift to the dynamic pricing model. Elite status members can still take advantage of eligible perks, which can include benefits like complimentary breakfast or potential room upgrades for top-tier members.

For those paying cash, special rates and discounts are available to Florida residents, older people and Walt Disney World passholders.

When staying at either of these hotels, guests receive free parking at the theme parks. However, both hotels charge a daily $35 resort fee, which covers amenities like staff-led fitness classes, boat rentals and in-room internet.

Walt Disney World Swan

You’ll be able to identify this hotel from the two 56-foot-tall swans positioned atop the building. The Swan is the smaller property, and it operates under the Westin brand. A popular benefit for guests is early access to the parks; they can stay later, too.

Design

The hotel boasts the expected Westin amenities, which focus heavily on wellness. The experience begins with the brand’s white tea scent wafting through public areas. Throughout the hotel, everything showcases Westin touches from menus with healthier items to guest rooms with white tea-scented toiletries and Heavenly Showers.

Rooms follow Westin’s redesign model with Heavenly Beds boasting pillow-top mattresses and soft duvets. There’s even a Sleep Well menu featuring meals and snacks meant to promote rest.

Guests have the option of selecting a room with one king bed, two queen beds or a king bed with a sofa bed. Some of the rooms have balconies. Larger rooms can accommodate up to two adults and two children.

Unlike at Disney properties, the Swan doesn't have much of a Disney theme, which for some can be a respite after a day in the parks.

Amenities

Many of the amenities at the Swan, such as pools, spa services and restaurants, are shared with guests of the Dolphin.

That said, there are plentiful dining options in the Swan, including Kimonos for sushi and karaoke, Il Mulino New York Trattoria for Italian and a casual poolside grill, among others.

What makes it different?

Compared with the Dolphin, the Swan has a more upscale, adult-oriented vibe. It’s also smaller, with about half as many rooms, making it easier to navigate. For some families, this can be important.

All Swan double-bed rooms come with two queen beds, while the Dolphin provides full mattresses. However, rooms at the Swan accommodate only four people, as opposed to five at the Dolphin.

Bathrooms at the Swan have a traditional showerhead and a wand; at the Dolphin, it’s an overhead rainfall shower.

Also, the Swan pool area is much smaller than that of its neighbor. If you think you’ll be spending a lot of time poolside, it may be worth it to stay at the Dolphin so you’re closer to the action.

Cost

Walt Disney World Swan tends to have pricier rooms than those of its neighbor. Rates during busier periods, like annual or school holidays, can regularly be more expensive at the Swan.

For example, on Easter weekend, rates at the Swan tend to be about 12% higher than those at the Dolphin, coming in at $405 per night versus $358 at the Dolphin. During the summer months, the trend for Swan to be a bit higher in price than the Dolphin continues.