Published October 2025 | CreditVana Insights
The Walt Disney World Swan in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, isn’t your typical Disney resort. Unlike Disney-owned hotels filled with character theming, the Swan is managed by Marriott — which means you’ll enjoy many of Disney’s most valuable perks, but at a lower nightly rate and with the ability to earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points.
For travelers who value location, perks, and financial flexibility over pixie-dust theming, the Swan may be one of the smartest lodging choices at Walt Disney World.
Location: Walk or Boat to the Parks
The Swan’s biggest selling point is its prime location on Disney property:
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Epcot: A 15-minute walk to the International Gateway entrance.
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Hollywood Studios: About 25 minutes on foot, or a quick complimentary boat ride.
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Skyliner access: Nearby gondolas connect you to other resorts and dining experiences.
The Swan shares amenities with its sister hotels, the Dolphin and Swan Reserve, giving you access to 23 restaurants and six pools.
Marriott Connection: Earn and Redeem Points
As one of only three Marriott-operated hotels on Disney property, the Swan is uniquely positioned for points travelers:
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Earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points on your stay.
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Use credit card rewards (like Chase Ultimate Rewards® or Amex Membership Rewards®) transferred to Marriott.
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Maximize elite status benefits while still enjoying Disney perks.
For Marriott loyalists, this is arguably one of the best redemption values in the portfolio, especially compared to more expensive Disney-owned resorts.
Disney Perks Without Disney Prices
Despite not being Disney-run, the Swan still qualifies guests for key Disney benefits:
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Early park entry: Beat the crowds on rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
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Early Lightning Lane selections: Book popular rides seven days out.
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Free theme park parking: A $30/day savings for drivers.
However, note that on-site parking is not free: self-parking is about $36 per night, valet $44.
Room Rates: Cheaper Than Disney Hotels
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Off-season rates: Start under $300/night.
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Peak season rates: Even on Christmas night, around $500/night — roughly half the price of nearby Disney-owned resorts like the BoardWalk Inn.
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By comparison, many deluxe Disney resorts regularly top $700–$1,000 per night during peak holidays.
The Swan makes Disney accessible at a lower price point, especially for families who don’t mind a more minimalist hotel design.
Rooms and Renovations
The Swan’s 756 rooms were fully renovated in 2025, featuring a modern, streamlined style. Unlike Disney resorts, you won’t find Mickey-themed bedspreads or character murals.
For some, the sleek design is a refreshing break after a day in the parks. For families seeking maximum “Disney magic” at every moment, the neutral décor may feel like a missed opportunity.
Amenities: Pools, Activities, and Dining
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Pools: Six across the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve, including waterfalls, waterslides, hammocks, and shaded quiet areas.
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Activities: Lawn games, swan paddle boat rentals (free for guests), and nearby mini golf.
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Dining: 23 restaurants across the three properties. Highlights at the Swan include:
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Il Mulino (Italian)
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Kimonos (sushi + karaoke bar)
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Garden Grove (casual family dining)
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Quick bites: Java (coffee/snacks) and Chill (frozen drinks).
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Fees and Drawbacks
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Resort fee: $50 per night, even on award stays. This covers extras like paddle boats and ponchos. Disney-owned resorts do not charge resort fees.
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Business feel: The Swan leans more convention hotel than whimsical Disney escape.
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Crowds: With three hotels and meeting spaces, the complex can feel busy during conferences.
CreditVana Takeaway
The Walt Disney World Swan blends Marriott rewards with Disney convenience, making it a standout choice for savvy travelers who care about value and flexibility.
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✅ Best for: Families and couples who want Disney perks without Disney prices, and Marriott members looking to maximize points.
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⚠️ Not ideal for: Guests seeking immersive Disney theming or a quieter boutique-style stay.
With its unbeatable location, park perks, and Marriott Bonvoy integration, the Swan is less about fairy-tale magic and more about smart strategy for your wallet and vacation planning.
✅ Tip from CreditVana: Use a travel rewards credit card that earns extra points on hotels to book your stay. Pairing Marriott Bonvoy points with free 3-bureau credit score monitoring from CreditVana helps ensure you get the most value out of your money — both on vacation and back home.
