Disney perks and Marriott Bonvoy points: My stay at the Walt Disney World Swan

3 weeks ago 8

I grew up only a few hours from Orlando and visited Walt Disney World often as a kid. I was always curious about the coral and turquoise hotel with the five-story-high swans sitting atop the roof. It wasn't until well into adulthood that I finally stayed at the Walt Disney World Swan Resort, and it is now one of my favorite hotels on Disney property.

Even though the Walt Disney World Swan and its sister properties, the Walt Disney World Dolphin and Swan Reserve hotels, are not technically official Disney World hotels, they are near Disney's BoardWalk resort area between Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. Not only is the Swan conveniently located near two of Disney's theme parks, but it also offers several perks for both Disney guests and Marriott Bonvoy members.

If you, too, have been wondering what lies within that swan-topped hotel, here's everything you need to know about this Marriott resort at Disney World.

Getting there

The Walt Disney World Swan is located approximately 20 minutes from Orlando International Airport (MCO). The second closest airport is Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), which is about a 45-minute drive, though most travelers come in through MCO. Assuming you are, as well, there are a few options for getting between MCO and the Walt Disney World Swan.

Rental car counters and ride-hailing services are plentiful, but you could also take the Mears Connect shuttle, which services hotels at and around Disney World. The round-trip price is $32 for adults and $26 for kids ages 3 to 9. Kids under 3 ride for free.

The resort also offers a private airport transfer service, which you can request here.

Booking details

Like its sister properties, the Walt Disney World Swan is managed by Marriott International. That means you can earn or redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for your stay in addition to paying cash rates. If you are a Marriott Bonvoy elite member, you'll receive the same benefits here as you would at any other Marriott property.

Standard room rates range from $256 to $340 per night. The resort often has special offers available for Disney World annual pass holders, Florida residents, senior citizens, educators, first responders and military personnel. I was able to take advantage of a corporate rate of $224 per night during my stay.

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Points pricing ranges between about 45,000 and 84,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

If you have an eligible Marriott Bonvoy cobranded credit card, you may also be able to use your free night certificate at the Walt Disney World Swan resort. For example, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card comes with an annual free night certificate that you can use for properties that charge up to 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. That would work for a night that falls at the higher end of the range, but you could use a 50,000-point free night certificate on a less expensive night or a 35,000-point free night certificate if you fork over the up to 15,000 additional points allowed to "top up" your certificate.

As a Marriott Bonvoy Gold member (a status I earned by keeping The Platinum Card® from American Express in my wallet and enrolling in the benefit), I received a complimentary upgrade to a balcony room and also received a points bonus of 500 Marriott Bonvoy points upon check-in. In total, I earned 5,675 points for this two-night stay thanks to my Gold status.

When booking the Walt Disney World Swan, you'll want to use one of the credit cards that earn the most points for Marriott stays, as well as one that possibly offers automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status for value-added benefits. These include:

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; automatic Platinum Elite status; and 25 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; automatic Gold Elite status; and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; automatic Gold Elite status; and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; automatic Gold Elite status; and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; automatic Silver Elite status; and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: Earn 3 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; automatic Silver Elite status; and 5 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.

The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Things we loved

The Walt Disney World Swan is within walking distance to both Epcot (about 10 minutes) and Hollywood Studios (about 15 minutes), but you can also utilize the resort's water taxi to get to both parks or take the complimentary shuttle to get to Disney's other theme parks and Disney Springs.
Though the pricing is similar to what you'd pay at one of Disney's moderate resorts, the guest rooms and amenities (like the pools, restaurants and spa) are closer to what you'd find at one of Disney's pricier Deluxe resorts.
Between all three properties, there are 23 restaurants and lounges to choose from. You can even get Mickey waffles with breakfast.
It isn't always easy to earn or use hotel points at Disney World, but it's easy at the Swan Resort. For my two-night stay, I earned 5,675 points, which includes my Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite 25% points bonus and my welcome gift of 500 points.
Despite not being an "official" Disney World property, the Swan resort offers Disney perks like complimentary theme park transportation (or free theme park parking if you choose to drive), a Disney gift shop, 30-minute entry into the parks prior to the official opening time and extended evening theme park hours on select nights, prearrival Lightning Lane selections seven days prior to check-in, a Disney vacation planning desk and more.

Things to consider before staying here

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the $45 daily amenity fee included things I might actually use, like daily swan paddle boat rentals and access to the relaxation areas of the on-site spa. But, if you aren't planning on spending much time at the hotel, you may not have the chance to make use of these amenities.
Although there is a Disney gift shop and some hints of Disney, you don't have that same feeling of being immersed in the Disney bubble as you would at an official Disney resort. If you aren't really into the in-your-face Disney theming, you may consider that a good thing.
The hotel does provide complimentary transportation to Disney theme parks and Disney Springs, but it isn't on as frequent a schedule as the official Disney shuttles. The water taxis and shuttles arrive every 20-25 minutes, so you may wait a bit longer than you would at an official Disney resort.

The vibe

Because it is on Disney property, the 765-room (including 169 suites) Walt Disney World Swan is occupied mostly by families and has a sophisticated yet friendly feel. The resort was designed by internationally acclaimed architect Michael Graves, who also contributed to the guest room redesign.

Walt Disney World Swan. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY

The resort's muted color palette gives it a peaceful ambience, which is a welcome reprieve before or after a long day at Disney's theme parks. The coffee shop is located near the front desk, and the restaurants are grouped together in a central location, making finding your next drink or bite to eat simple.

With six pools to choose from, families can easily enjoy the lively waterslides and waterfall at the grotto pool, while those looking for a calm spot to catch some rays can head for the quiet pool closer to the hotel.

The room

Similar to the hotel's public spaces, the rooms felt calm and serene, with hues of blue and white set against blonde wood furnishings.

Walt Disney World Swan. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY

The room was spacious, with plenty of closet space for storage, as well as high beds that you could slide a suitcase under. The beds featured wooden headboards with white cushioning, a bedside lamp between the two beds and plenty of standard USB and USB-C outlets.

Walt Disney World Swan. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY

The in-room amenities enriched the resort's upscale setting, with two comfortable robes and two pairs of slippers in the closet, water bottles by the bed and a full lineup of toiletries in the bathroom, including a loofah, shower cap, shoeshine mitt, sewing kit, lotion and more.

I was too busy at the parks to enjoy the nighttime view from my balcony, but several of the balcony rooms provide a view of Epcot's nightly fireworks show.

Food and drink

With 23 dining outlets to choose from between the Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve, you can easily satisfy pretty much any craving you have. I picked up iced coffee each morning from Java, along with premade overnight oats to store in my room for a quick breakfast in the morning.

If I had been there longer, I would have made time for a heartier breakfast from Garden Grove and a dinner of authentic Mexican cuisine from Rosa Mexicano. This trip was quick and busy, but I've also been known to stop for a nightcap at Phins lounge at the next-door Dolphin resort.

The resort also has two celebrity-helmed restaurants, Shula's Steak House and Todd English's bluezoo.

Amenities and service

This resort's amenities were where I was really kicking myself for not booking a longer stay. The Grotto pool complex is one of my favorites at Disney because of its large size, the poolside dining and drinks (they will even deliver your order to your seat) and variety of relaxation areas and activities.

In addition to this and the property's five other pools, you can visit the full-service Mandara Spa. Before or after your treatment, you can relax in the spa's tea garden or meditation garden.

The Swan also has several sandy waterfront beach areas where you can hang out, play volleyball or rent a Swan pedal boat.

Kids can visit the on-site kids club, Camp Dolphin, for an additional fee, or the whole family can enjoy campfire s'mores, movies under the stars and daily crafts and activities by the pool.

Out and about

In addition to proximity to Disney World's four theme parks and two water parks, the Walt Disney World Swan Resort is within walking distance of Disney's BoardWalk area. Disney's BoardWalk is home to several dining outlets, shops and entertainment. During the daytime hours, you can rent standard or surrey bikes and in the evening, you can imbibe at the magic-themed Abracadabar or watch talented musicians face off at Jellyrolls dueling piano bar.

If you are visiting Disney's theme parks, remember that guests of the Walt Disney World Swan are eligible for 30-minute early theme park entry to any Disney park and extended theme park hours on select evenings. This benefit is invaluable when you are trying to maximize your time (and ride count) in the park.

Guests of the Walt Disney World Swan are also eligible to purchase and begin booking their Lightning Lane selections (Disney's skip-the-line service) seven days prior to check-in. Though it carries an additional fee, this is another perk that can help you get on more rides with shorter waits during your vacation.

Accessibility

The Walt Disney World Swan has accessible guest rooms with features like roll-in showers, spacious floor plans that allow for easy navigation via wheelchair and hearing-accessible features like visual alarms and notification devices for the door and phone.

Public areas of the resort are also wheelchair accessible, and the pools have accessible lifts.

As always, we recommend calling the resort prior to booking to ensure the property meets any accessibility needs.

Checking out

If you have an upcoming Disney trip but don't want to forgo your Marriott Bonvoy perks, the Walt Disney World Swan is a clear choice. The benefits you get are similar to those at one of Disney World's top-tier Deluxe resorts, but at a much lower price point and with the added value of earning or burning Marriott Bonvoy points.

Even if you aren't a Marriott loyalist, this resort stands on its own as one of the best resorts at Disney World.

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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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