Swan at Walt Disney World

The Walt Disney World Swan is a resort hotel designed by architect Michael Graves located between Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios behind Disney's BoardWalk Resort and across from its sister resort, the Walt Disney World Dolphin. The Swan, which opened January 13, 1990 on Disney property, is not owned by the Walt Disney Company, but is instead owned by Tishman Hotel Corporation and operated by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide under the Westin brand.

The Dolphin and Swan share similar elements, but each has a distinctive appearance. The Swan's main structure is a 12-story rectangular main structure with a gently arching top and two 7-story wings on the Dolphin side. The main structure is crowned with two, 47-foot tall Swan statues. The colored facade is adorned with turquoise waves similar to the Dolphin's banana-leaf motif.

The resort, along with Disney’s Dolphin Resort, has two lap pools and one grotto pool with a waterslide and waterfall. Drinks can be ordered by guests near the pools through a near by cabana bar. Residents have access to a spa, arcade, day care program, along with multiple gift shops. The posh guest rooms at both resorts have been recently redesigned to include sophisticated décor and popular Heavenly Beds® to comfortably whisk guests away to a good night's rest after a full day of exploring Orlando's premier attractions.

When you can’t fit another thing into your exhilarating day, it’s time to retreat to the haven we have carefully prepared for you at our Disney World Hotel. Inspired and designed by the award-winning architect, Michael Graves, our 2,265 sophisticated rooms and suites welcome the weary guest home with cutting-edge style and gracious luxury.

Dining

• Il Mulino New York Trattoria - For more than 20 years, Il Mulino's chefs/founders, Fernando and Gino Masci, have delighted guests and gourmands from around the world with the vibrant flavors of Italian cuisine and an absolute devotion to exemplary service. It's no wonder that Il Mulino New York has been voted the #1 Italian restaurant in New York City for two solid decades by Zagat! Il Mulino New York Trattoria reflects the infectious enthusiasm and joy the Mascis take in bringing the Italian tradition of fine food and hospitality to your table. Simple, straightforward, wholesome and always fresh - it's the Il Mulino New York tradition.
• Kimonos - Award-winning Kimonos restaurant and lounge is a favorite among locals and international guests alike. Voted top restaurant for sushi by the Orlando Sentinel readers, guests experience the fine art of sushi preparation each night. The décor at Kimonos is as impressive as the cuisine. Dark teakwood, colorful kimonos and an intimate atmosphere are the inviting hallmarks of this authentic Japanese sushi bar. House specialties include traditional Oriental hors d'oeuvres, gyoza, tempura platters, kobe beef and duck satay.
• Splash Terrace - Traditional and contemporary lunch fare, snacks and ice cream, just steps from the pool and our white sand beach. Outdoor seating with table service. Open seasonally.
• Garden Grove - Guests will feel as if they have been transported to the tranquil gardens of Central Park after stepping into the Garden Grove restaurant in the Walt Disney World Swan Resort. The centerpiece of this unique restaurant is a beautiful 25-foot oak tree, adorned with twinkling lights and paper lanterns, a true spectacle for diners. During the day, families can feast in the park-like atmosphere while bright sunlight from the restaurant’s tall windows illuminates the room. In the evening, the lights are dimmed and the oak tree centerpiece shimmers while guests dine under street lamps in a dreamy nighttime garden setting.
• Java Bar - Enjoy a variety of coffees, such as espresso and cappuccino, as well as other popular beverages, and freshly prepared pastries in a relaxed and inviting setting. Located near the back entrance of the Swan. Open mornings and evenings.

Touring Tips

• Swan guests have complimentary transportation to all Walt Disney World theme parks and attractions. Length-of-stay passes are available, as is package delivery from shops across the resort. Swan guests can also use Extra Magic Hours at certain theme parks on certain days. However, room charging (using hotel key as a credit card at Walt Disney World) is not available and hotel restaurants do not participate in any Disney dining plans or discounts. Also, guests staying at the Swan & Dolphin have parking, boat, and Walt Disney World Bus privileges.
• The Walt Disney Swan Resort is located near many Disney hotspots and hotels. Walking paths are available from the resort to both Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. The resort is located a short walk away from The Walt Disney Dolphin Resort, Disney's Yacht and Beach Club, and Disney's Boardwalk Resort. These hotels provide a vast array of fine dining and entertainment experiences.

History

In the late 1980s, Disney saw that they were losing business to area hotels that catered to conventions and large meetings, so Michael Eisner decided to build a convention-oriented hotel near Epcot. The Tishman Group, the contractor who was hired to build Epcot and who also had hotels in the nearby Disney hotel zone, claimed that the Epcot deal gave them exclusive rights to operate convention hotels on the Disney property. So Disney partnered with Tishman to develop the Swan and Dolphin complex. Eisner had used Graves for other company projects and wanted to continue to build striking, unique buildings. Tishman owns the buildings, but has a 99-year lease on the land from Disney. Disney also receives a share of the hotel's revenues, and has a say in any design or architecture changes to the interior or exterior of the buildings.