Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Hotel

Written By: Gail Clifford | Published By: Weekend Notes | September 23, 2022

https://www.weekendnotes.com/walt-disney-world-swan-hotel-orlando-florida/

Peering through the Uber windscreen, we spy one of the most iconic images in the world: Welcome to Walt Disney World with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Donald Duck ready and waiting for us. My Uber driver, Tywan Wade, agrees, “I love working here. Every time I see the sign it just makes me happy.”

If you’re part of a Disney Family, as I am, staying on site at one of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels offers benefits beyond proximity and early park entrance. Staying at the WDW Swan Reserve Hotel, the newest property on the Swan & Dolphin complex, is an experience all to itself.

Arriving at the property is an event. This 14-story, 349-room hotel towers over the miniature golf course nearby. The smiling face of Lucky greets me as I exit the car. He organizes my luggage for me, even finding space for my groceries in the limited valet refrigerator space. My hard-boiled eggs received their very own valet tag. How’s that for service?

Visiting as part of a press trip, courtesy of Visit Orlando, I was pleased to learn this resort is part of the Marriott family of hotels. Better still, you receive enhanced benefits by staying here, including an increase in the number of points awarded per stay (yet can still reserve a visit using your Bonvoy points).

Entering the lobby up the escalators from the arrival portico, the chandeliers add to the excitement as you see Alice in Wonderland style design before you’ll spot the front desk or concierge desk off to the right. Look behind you and you’ll spot some Disney ears over a desk just waiting for a purpose. I suspect it’s used for conventions and special events.

Stay in Epcot or Hollywood Studio facing rooms, starting on Floor 7, and get a bird’s eye view of your favorite Disney World Park.

Or reserve the 15th floor Vue for events, especially popular with weddings with not only the best view in town, but the highest point in all of Walt Disney World. The concierge and Director allowed us a sneak peek at this space, and it is well worth a visit.

In addition to sumptuous rooms, with either a king or two queen beds, or suites, with two connecting rooms to allow more space for the family, there’s a breakfast area and coffee bar on the main level with an outstanding new restaurant, Amare, ready for any of your meal requirements.