Magical Mal's Diary
Swan, Dolphin & Reserve

Swan, Dolphin & Reserve · EPCOT area · $$$

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

TBD
Boat🚶 Walkable🚌 Bus

The newest and most polished of the Marriott trio, opened in 2021 across the street from the Swan as part of Marriott's upscale Autograph Collection. The Reserve is a boutique-feeling tower with a calmer, more adult atmosphere than its siblings: sleek rooms (many with park-view balconies on high floors), a large share of suites that work beautifully for families who want space, an intimate pool, and Amare, its Mediterranean restaurant. You're a couple of minutes' walk from the main Swan and Dolphin campus and all its restaurants, and the same EPCOT and Hollywood Studios walking paths and boats are yours, along with early park entry and Marriott points. If you want the location with a newer, quieter hotel, this is the pick of the three.

🛏️ The Rooms

The Reserve is the smallest and newest of the three, styled like a boutique Autograph Collection hotel: soft neutrals, spa showers, and a big share of suites, many with two bathrooms, that families quietly love. Upper floor park view rooms watch fireworks from bed. It feels closer to a stylish city hotel than anything else on Disney property.

The Lobby & Grounds

The lobby is intimate by Disney standards, lounge seating and art over spectacle, with a calm that continues through the whole building. You are across the street from the main Swan and Dolphin campus, connected by a short walk or shuttle, close enough for everything and far enough to sleep in silence.

🏊 Pools & Recreation

The Reserve keeps its own smaller rooftop deck pool scene, calm and adult leaning, and full privileges at the big Swan and Dolphin grotto complex across the way cover the family swimming. Between the two you can pick your energy level day by day, which is a luxury none of the three alone offers.

🍽️ Dining at Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Amare serves Mediterranean all day and does it well, with a terrace made for slow breakfasts. The full Swan and Dolphin restaurant roster is a five minute walk, the BoardWalk ten, World Showcase fifteen. Staying here is really buying a quiet room at the center of the best food neighborhood at Disney World.

Full menus, grades, and what to order for every restaurant live on the Dining page.

🚌 Getting to the Parks

🏰 Magic Kingdom
Bus
🌐 EPCOT
Walk about 12 minutes to the International Gateway, or the boat from the Swan dock
🎬 Hollywood Studios
Friendship boat from the Swan dock, or a 20-minute walk
🦁 Animal Kingdom
Bus

How each ride type actually works is covered in the Transportation guide.

🎀 Mal's Tips

Book the Reserve when you want the location but your crew has outgrown splash zones; it is the grown up bed of the trio. Suites here can beat two Disney moderate rooms on price for a family wanting space. Confirm the shuttle schedule if mobility is a factor, the walk to the main campus is short but sun exposed.

Best for: Newest rooms in the EPCOT area, suites, calm adult vibe