There are a number of lodge choices close to EPCOT, together with third social gathering choices: the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resorts. This trio presents an intriguing various to the trio of official resorts round Crescent Lake. Accordingly, we’re going to match the Swolphin to Disney’s Seashore Membership Resort. (Up to date April 16, 2025.)
The rationale we’re evaluating the Swan & Dolphin to only Seashore Membership is for the sake of simplicity. In our Rankings of ALL Walt Disney World Motels from Worst to Finest, we rank all the Disney-owned Crescent Lake Resorts individually, and Seashore Membership is the one one which cracks the highest 10.
That’s partially attributable to redundancy, if we’re being trustworthy. Which means that if Seashore Membership didn’t exist, Yacht Membership would transfer as much as fill its spot. If each didn’t exist, BoardWalk would transfer up. Equally and maybe confusingly, BoardWalk ranks increased than Yacht Membership. It’s all about Seashore Membership being probably the most well-rounded and crowd-pleasing of the trio. However all three are distinctive resorts, and a few visitors will want Yacht Membership or BoardWalk (or each!) over Seashore Membership.
Then there’s the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin, which now additionally contains the a lot newer Swan Reserve tower throughout the road. It’s straightforward to lump the Swan & Dolphin collectively, as their sister resorts identical to the Yacht & Seashore Membership, however with none thematic daylight between them. Whereas hardcore Swolphinophiles (it’s a factor) may be capable to discern a distinction, they’re indistinguishable to common visitors.
Nonetheless, Swan Reserve is way completely different the the OG Swolphin. This new tower is about as non-descript as doable, wanting like an workplace in Scranton. Fairly completely different from the post-modern pyramid subsequent door! Inside, the visitor rooms on the Swan Reserve are incredible; they’re much better than even the up to date rooms on the common Swan & Dolphin. Facilities are a bit on the lighter aspect, however the lodge is a simple stroll to the principle Swolphin ‘campus’ (the pool is definitely a shorter stroll from the Swan Reserve than the principle buildings, despite the fact that you must cross the road.
Anyway, all of that is value retaining in thoughts as we dig into the Swolphin vs. Disney’s #1 Resort at Crescent Lake comparability…
For a lot of Walt Disney World followers, we all know selecting a 3rd social gathering lodge is a non-starter. That’s truthful, by which case perhaps this comparability isn’t for you. However earlier than you bounce, perhaps it’s. The Swan & Dolphin are inside strolling distance of EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, serviced by Friendship boats to each. The situation is nearer to parks than nearly all of Disney-owned motels.
A part of the Walt Disney World expertise is staying within the “Disney Bubble,” these are firmly in that. Nonetheless, it’s not fairly the identical on the Swan & Dolphin. Whilst companions with Walt Disney World that supply some on-site perks (Early Entry and Prolonged Night Hours), they’re Marriott motels which have loads of variations from Disney-owned motels.
The rooms aren’t themed. There aren’t nods to characters, Disney particulars or design, and that type of factor. The vibe is completely different on the Swolphin, for higher or worse. Nonetheless, as on-site motels which can be inside strolling distance of two parks, it’s inconceivable to disregard the Swan & Dolphin. Particularly provided that they’ve their very own distinct types and aren’t simply generic motels that you can discover anyplace in the USA.
With that apart out of the best way, let’s get to the comparability of the Swan & Dolphin and Seashore Membership. As with our earlier Walt Disney World ‘versus’ posts, we use 6 parts of two completely different resorts to find out which is “the very best.”
Theme: Seashore Membership – For lots of Disney followers, that is the brink subject that’s tough to get previous. Seashore Membership has “Disney” theming, whereas the Swan & Dolphin don’t. Or so the argument goes. Seashore Membership has a theme ensuing from former Disney CEO Michael Eisner’s obsession along with his childhood holidays within the seaside communities of the Northeast, with Seashore Membership’s theme meant to recreate the seaside resort cottages scattered round New England within the early twentieth Century.
Nonetheless, I’d argue that the Swan & Dolphin have themes ensuing from former Disney CEO Michael Eisner’s obsession with architect Michael Graves and his placing and distinctive model. Let’s name it “Gravesitecture.” It’s a really distinct post-modern model that’s fairly polarizing. Love or hate it, these motels are in all probability the head of Gravesitecture, and there’s nothing else fairly like them on the planet.
They mix postmodern and eccentric designs with modern design in a method that’s not thematically-rich, however arguably shouldn’t be a complete lot completely different than Disney’s Modern Resort. I’d additional argue that it’s very tough to say the Modern “feels” like Disney theming whereas the Swan & Dolphin don’t. (Completely completely different than considering the Modern seems good whereas the Swan & Dolphin are ugly.)
With all of that mentioned, when making a price judgment about theme, as we’re doing right here, Seashore Membership wins handily. Except for time vacationers visiting from the yr 1992, Gravesitecture appeals to about 3.37% of the inhabitants, and people of us in all probability nonetheless put on L.A. Lights and carry Walkmans. For no matter it’s value, I’m amongst that 3.37% of the inhabitants, however I however acknowledge that Michael Graves’ distinct model doesn’t resonate with most individuals. It took some time for it to develop on me!
Rooms: It Relies upon – As soon as we get previous that threshold subject of theme, this turns into a a lot tighter race. Following a serious refurbishment of its 2,267 visitor rooms, the Swan & Dolphin are function glossy, fashionable design and glorious options. The “Heavenly” beds, specifically, are the very best at Walt Disney World, and the loos and furnishings are equally good. There’s no pretense of theme past “fashionable,” however if you happen to’re on the lookout for high quality, it’s powerful to beat these visitor rooms.
Seashore Membership likewise simply completed a big refurbishment to its rooms, which restored a few of their thematic prospers within the course of. Due to new Donald Duck particulars and a larger number of textures and delicate items, the brand new rooms on the Seashore Membership now really feel like Walt Disney World rooms. Not by a ton, however sufficient.
Truthfully, it’s exhausting to crown a winner right here as a result of each new rooms (carried out as of 2025) are recent and enhancements over their predecessors. It actually relies upon upon what you’re on the lookout for. Disney doesn’t put the identical emphasis on luxurious bedding, loos, or different touches, that means theme essentially have to be top-notch for it to carry its personal towards actual world opponents. Alternatively, most rooms on the Swan & Dolphin lack balconies. (If this have been a comparability to the Swan Reserve, it might win–these rooms are the very best of the bunch.)
Eating: Swan & Dolphin – Each resorts have their upsides and drawbacks when it comes to eating. The upside of the Swan & Dolphin are a formidable lineup of upper finish eating places and bars. Because it does a variety of conference enterprise and caters far much less to households, the Swan & Dolphin do refined and grownup restaurant choices very well and at extra aggressive worth factors than Disney-owned opponents. Not being on the Disney Eating Plan helps on this regard, too. Alternatively, household choices and counter service eating are woefully poor on the Swan & Dolphin (The Fountain is overpriced and never that good).
Seashore Membership is equally weak when it comes to counter service choices, with Hurricane Hanna’s being its strongest choice…which isn’t actually saying a lot. The upside to Seashore Membership is that it affords higher mid-range and household choices. On this case, we predict it’s truthful to incorporate the Yacht Membership eating places, too, as we’re together with all eating places at each Swan & Dolphin. Even with that in thoughts, Swan & Dolphin get a slight edge due to amount and high quality, notably due to a few of the top-rated eating places in all of Orlando.
All Crescent Lake resorts must be rebuked for the district’s pathetic counter service decisions. Moreover, and as we’ve talked about earlier than, the eating places all through Crescent Lake are so extremely straightforward to entry from each other that we don’t suppose eating is an outcome-determinative issue.
Transportation/Location: Push – With all Crescent Lake resorts, location is likely one of the largest promoting factors. They’re all straightforward to stumble again to after a day of Ingesting Across the World at EPCOT, grazing world wide throughout the EPCOT Worldwide Meals & Wine Pageant, or drowning your sorrows after having spent a full day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Each inside strolling distance to EPCOT by way of the Worldwide Gateway and Disney’s Hollywood Studios is an enormous deal, and an enormous benefit–nevertheless it’s one shared by all of those resorts. Seashore Membership is nearer to EPCOT, whereas Swolphin is nearer to DHS. Friendship boat service can be accessible from all of those resorts, in order that’s one other push. Sadly, bus service is poor on the Crescent Lake resorts, however as soon as once more, that’s a shared drawback.
Seashore Membership does supply simpler entry to the Worldwide Gateway Skyliner station, which affords entry to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in addition to 4 different resorts. We don’t advocate utilizing this to get to DHS, although, because it’s inefficient.
Swimming pools: Seashore Membership – Swan & Dolphin have a few of the most underrated swimming pools at Walt Disney World. Nonetheless, even their superb swimming pools that might rank extremely as in comparison with most Walt Disney World resorts are surpassed by Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht & Seashore Membership Resorts.
We in all probability sound like a damaged document at this level, however Stormalong Bay is the gold commonplace of Walt Disney World swimming pools. This sprawling pool complicated 3 acres in dimension with sand on the backside, a lazy river, nice lounging area, and 230-foot water slide is in a league of its personal. This is likely one of the finest facilities in all of Walt Disney World.
Swan & Dolphin’s lovely grotto pool with rock-work and a waterfall that overlooks a white sand seashore is the second-best pool on the Crescent Lake resorts, and there are 4 different swimming pools along with it. There are additionally poolside eating places, kiddie swimming pools, whirlpools, and extra. Nonetheless, except you might be an grownup who would favor fewer children round, this slate of swimming pools can’t add as much as Stormalong Bay.
Value: Swan & Dolphin – If Disney particulars and themed design are the brink subject for some diehard Walt Disney World followers making the Swan & Dolphin a non-starter, worth is the brink subject for others making Seashore Membership a non-starter.
On any given evening of the yr, rack charges at Seashore Membership are at the very least double the worth of Swan & Dolphin. On many nights, that’s nearer to 2.5 to 3x the associated fee. It will take Free Eating with 4 adults in a room on the Seashore Membership to start bridging that hole, however even then, Swan & Dolphin affords higher worth. (With reductions, we’ve managed to ebook Swan & Dolphin for below $200/evening.)
Nonetheless, it’s value noting that this isn’t all the time the case. The Swolphin makes use of dynamic pricing, whereas Disney doesn’t. Because of this you may be capable to ebook a room months upfront at Seashore Membership for 30% off throughout excessive occupancy dates. As that date attracts nearer, motels at Walt Disney World may promote out attributable to mentioned discounting.
In contrast, as soon as room stock decreases on the Swolphin, costs begin rising dynamically. So as an alternative of being $200/evening and cheaper than the Seashore Membership, that room may skyrocket to over $500/evening, making it dearer than Seashore Membership. This works the identical method in reverse for low-demand dates, therefore these sub $200 costs within the first place. Level being, the Swan & Dolphin are usually less expensive, however that’s extremely variable primarily based on whether or not demand is low or excessive.
Issues that have to be factored in if you happen to’re contemplating the Swan & Dolphin are the resort price. As common readers of this weblog know, I abhor resort charges and strongly advocate customers combat again towards them. With that mentioned, even after factoring in all of those nickel-and-diming charges, the Swan & Dolphin are nonetheless normally less expensive than Disney’s Seashore Membership Resort.
There’s additionally doubtlessly parking in case you have a rental automotive, which Walt Disney World now not prices. Mears Join (the paid substitute for Disney’s Magical Specific) is obtainable to Swan & Dolphin and Seashore Membership, and it’s normally probably the most cost-effective choice for events of three or fewer. Greater households ought to hire a automotive or use rideshare.
Verdict: It Relies upon – Whole cop out, I do know. Should you’re a first-timer to Walt Disney World or taking a rite-of-passage household journey with babies, it is best to keep at Seashore Membership. That’s true even when it’s considerably dearer–except you’re on a decent price range and even the Swolphin is a splurge.
There’s one thing particular about Seashore Membership, and it has sure Disney intangibles which can be tough to quantify. A kind of “if you recognize, you recognize” kind of issues. And in case you have children, you in all probability know. As dad and mom ourselves now, our household journeys staying within the Crescent Lake space might be at Seashore Membership versus the Swolphin.
It’s an identical story after we’ve used our DVC factors previously when it was simply the 2 of us–our price foundation for staying at Seashore Membership was decrease than paying out of pocket for Swan & Dolphin. (It’s an identical story if you happen to’re renting DVC factors to save cash.) Conversely, if we had an enormous price range and cash have been no subject, we’d additionally select Seashore Membership.
Alternatively, we’ve stayed on the Swolphin many instances as a pair and liked it. These motels are nice choices for honeymooners, solo vacationers, adults-only journeys, and even households who don’t should be immersed within the “magic” of Walt Disney World 24/7. Actually, some events may truly recognize a reprieve from the Disney power when retiring to their lodge for the night.
Hardcore Disney followers may not be capable to comprehend this or view it as a betrayal to the bubble. However not everyone seems to be a diehard WDW fan! Past that, you can argue that the Swan & Dolphin’s exterior is garish (counterpoint: once you’re staying contained in the lodge, you see it lower than these on the Seashore Membership with views of the Swan & Dolphin) and it doesn’t have the identical caliber of theme.
Nonetheless, the distinction between a ~$250/evening resort (after charges) and a ~$450/evening resort (after modest reductions) may be too important to disregard. This may very well be notably true for frequent vacationers to non-Disney locations, who earn and redeem Marriott rewards.
For many readers who do not view this as heresy, this in all probability will come right down to pricing, theme/ambiance & pool. If cash is not any object or if you happen to’re a kind of households of 4 touring throughout Free Eating, Seashore Membership is a compelling choice. For others, Swan & Dolphin do a “ok” job with some semblance of theme–or at the very least Walt Disney World “bubble immersion.”
Staying on the Swolphin feels to me like staying at a Walt Disney World resort, and the numerous amount of cash saved helps me sleep simpler at evening. (Oh, and people Heavenly beds assist, too.) This can be a divisive subject amongst Walt Disney World followers, so your mileage could differ.
Whereas we hope this put up is useful in providing a head-to-head comparability of probably the most essential parts of every Walt Disney World resort expertise, we all know it’s not definitive or the ultimate phrase for each visitor. Along with studying the feedback earlier than making your individual determination, we recommend supplementing this with our full evaluation of the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resorts and our Disney’s Seashore Membership Resort Evaluate.
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Study motels on our Walt Disney World Motels Evaluations web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Evaluations. To economize on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Suggestions for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets put up. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys put up takes a singular have a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Trip Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the very best place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for every little thing you could know!
Your Ideas
Is cash the deciding issue for you, or is theme? Does Stormalong Bay present sufficient worth so that you can assist bridge the worth hole? Is there one other “exception” you’ll be able to consider to make Seashore Membership the higher decide? Are we lacking a key variable that might, doubtlessly tilt the scales in Seashore Membership’s favor? Do you agree or disagree with our picks? Any questions we will help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even once you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!