If you’ve ever driven to the Disney parks in Orlando, Florida, you’ve seen the famous Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin statutes that mark the two sister properties. Fans like myself grew up spotting those sculptures as the first sign of Disney after a long road trip. The new Walt Disney World Swan Reserve blends the signature look of Swan and Dolphin with modern updates in a boutique-style resort.
“We’re honored to play a key part in travelers’ lives for more than 30 years now. We often hear from guests about how they grew up coming to the resort and are now getting married here or bringing their kids here,” Jim Curtis, the Director of Sales and Marketing at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, told us. “In fact, the first couple who was married in the Swan Reserve grew up coming to the Swan and Dolphin as kids. It’s so special for us to continue to be part of people’s lives and now give them even more options when they come to stay with us, to fit whatever their lives look like now.”
Inside Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
Though the new resort has a similar look and color scheme as the original properties, Swan Reserve is geared towards multiple demographics. “The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve is designed to be a more upscale, boutique-style property,” Curtis explained. “Of the property’s 349 rooms, 149 are signature suites, which feature separate bedroom and living areas, complete with a large dining table. They’re perfect for families, featuring a pull-out sofa in the living area, but are also a fantastic option for guests looking for a little more space than a standard guest room can offer. Throughout the resort, keen eyes will note elegant and thoughtful touches, like different tropical wallpapers on each elevator landing to help guests recognize their intended floor.”
Guests will see signature design elements from the two original hotels honored inside Swan Reserve. “The Swan and Dolphin are some of the most recognizable pieces of Michael Graves architecture, and we wanted to respect that. With the Swan Reserve, we and our design partners at Gensler wanted to create something new and distinctly unique that still complements its sister properties,” Curtis said. “To achieve that, we incorporated the water and tropical elements you’ll find at the Swan and Dolphin as a key design inspiration for the Swan Reserve. Inside and out, the hotel’s design inspiration is a bold tribute to the environment surrounding it. The exterior building design recreates the reflective light from the hotel’s scenic Crescent Lake, while the interior creates a tropical feel which intentionally blurs the lines between indoors and out, with everything from lush greenery to distinctive tropical murals on each floor.”
Though the two original properties are already known for some of their fantastic dining options, Walt Disney World Swan Reserve expands the choice of dining outlets even more. “We are extremely proud of our food and beverage program. With the inclusion of the four new venues at the Swan Reserve, we now have 22 restaurants and lounges at the property, and those and the other amenities are available to guests staying at any of the three resorts. The new signature restaurant at the Swan Reserve, Amare, offers three meals a day and features Mediterranean-style cuisine,” Curtis told us. “The pool bar, Tangerine, pays homage to Florida’s citrus legacy and offers a variety of cocktails in addition to lighter poolside fare and a round of complimentary signature tangerine-flavored popsicles every afternoon. Plus, guests on the go can grab a drink and light bites at the lobby bar, Stir, or a snack, sandwich, house-made juice or coffee at grab-and-go Grounds.”
Those looking for a stunning view of the surrounding parks and resorts will find one in every room at Swan Reserve. “One unique aspect of the Swan Reserve is that every single guest room has floor-to-ceiling windows for guests to be able to enjoy the spectacular views of Walt Disney World. Additionally, the entire top floor of the resort is event space. It is a truly a one-of-a-kind location to get married or have a celebration. Guests are surrounded by 360-degree views of Walt Disney World, and the firework shows every night in a gorgeous, modern event space with stunning chandeliers,” Curtis explained.
“We’re excited for guests to see all of it, and we’re excited to see them. The entire experience is one we know our guests will love. From arrival to check-in to dining, to the pool and recreational activities, everything at the hotel is designed to be easy and offer a relaxing experience. We truly want it to be an oasis in the middle of Walt Disney World.”
