My best friend Ashley and I recently stayed at Walt Disney World’s Swan Reserve. We stayed in a traditional room with two queen-sized beds. We were not supposed to have a view, but the view from our window was still amazing. We could see the Tower of Terror and a few other attractions at Hollywood Studios. We could also see the pool area, which was nice and surprisingly quiet. The room itself was very modern, with clean lines and a very upbeat color palette. The bathroom had a walk-in shower with an overhead rainhead as well as a detachable shower head option near the faucet. The bathroom was spacious and bright, with nice lighting. There was a single vanity sink with storage underneath. Perfect for two people. The Swan Reserve is part of the Autograph Collection by Marriott. Not the first Autograph collection that I’ve stayed in, and it definitely won’t be the last.

As I get older, I disagree when people say that you aren’t in your room often, so why does the room matter? It really does matter. Especially at Disney World, where you are walking 10,000 + steps a day and most of the time in warm weather. Our room was perfect for the two of us, and even if you were to add a 3rd or 4th guest. This room would still have worked. There are adjoining room options at The Swan Reserve, so that is always an option if you need more space or upgrade to a suite. A mini refrigerator and storage were in the drawers in front of the beds. As well as a nice closet space with plush robes. There was an iron in the closet and plenty of hangers if you needed them. There was a safe and a coffee-making station that was convenient for those early mornings when you didn’t want to stop at the cafe downstairs.

The beds were incredibly comfortable and plush. There was a pillow top mattress with at least 4-6 pillows on each bed. You will have your fair share of pillow options here. There was an alarm clock and writing desk, which is great if you need to get a few things done on vacation. I sat on the bed with my laptop and plush robe to work, but whatever works for you. We did have one morning where it poured, so we stayed in bed in our robes and watched TV, had amazing snacks, and waited for the rain to pass. I love having that option. There was plenty of storage space under the best for suitcases, etc. So if you have multiple suitcases, this won’t be an issue.

The restaurants at the Swan Reserve did not disappoint. There’s Amare, which has more of an upscale vibe, and Tangerine, the pool bar. I have to say, my favorite salad during the entire stay at Walt Disney World came from Tangerine. It was the Amare Salad with grilled Mahi Mahi as well as a Shirley Temple. Yes, I’m that chick! All in all, we loved the food options. You are within walking distance of the sister resorts, The Swan and Dolphin, so plenty of options exist. We didn’t swim while we were at The Swan Reserve, but that is an option. There are Cabana’s available to reserve and live music during the day. I always recommend bringing a sound machine. I was grateful that we did because as beautiful of a view as Pool Rooms can be, there’s a chance they can also be quite loud. Same with your neighbors. The outlet and USB options were plentiful in our traditional room. However, I do recommend bringing a charging station. I have to charge so many things during my stay. (Laptop, lighting clip-on, iPhone, Apple Watch, charging bricks/fuel rods, etc.) Not to mention that if you purchase Magic Band +, you must charge them each night. So, you might want to check out my Resort Room Essentials Video so you are prepared.

As I said, you are within walking distance from The Swan and Dolphin Resorts, so plenty of food and drink offerings exist. You are also in the Epcot Resort area, which is a plus. You have access to The Boardwalk and Yacht & Beach Club as well. Being within walking distance from Epcot and Hollywood Studios is a HUGE perk. There’s a bus that will take you to Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom (TTC), and Disney Spring. You do have to walk over to the Swan and Dolphin to get on the Friendship boats to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. It’s only about a 5 -6 minute walk to the sister resorts. You can also walk to Hollywood Studios and Epcot’s International Gateway in between the UK and France Pavilion. It’s about a 15-20 minute walk and a nice and scenic option. I loved being able to walk to the Boardwalk. There’s so much going on over there, so you can not get bored staying in the Epcot Resort Area. The location for the Swan and Dolphin and Swan Reserve is perfect. You are paying moderate prices for Disney Deluxe perks and amenities. We were able to take advantage of Epcot’s Extended Evening Hours since we were considered a Deluxe Resort. The park emptied out, and we stayed, took incredible rides, and took advantage of the shops staying open late. This is a HUGE perk that you need to take full advantage of if you are staying at the Swan Reserve or the Swan and Dolphin.

As far as the Magic Kingdom bus. I’d recommend making a breakfast reservation at Steakhouse 71 or at one of the other Monorail Resorts. Then take an Uber, Lyft, or Minnie Van there instead of to the TTC (Transportation and Ticket Center). This is where the Magic Kingdom bus brings you if you are staying at one of these resorts. It’s not horrible, but there are always ways around it. We did both options, and I much preferred heading to a monorail resort for a yummy breakfast and then over to Magic Kingdom rather than having to mess with the TTC. These are just a few of the tips and tricks that you will learn and be able to utilize when you work with me as your travel advisor. I love sharing it with my clients, and I know you will have the best time at the Swan Reserve. Honestly, I don’t have anything negative to say about the Swan Reserve. It’s an incredible Resort, and the staff was so friendly. Ashley had some of the best tea EVER at their cafe, and I did hear that their coffee is dynamite. If you aren’t looking for a “Mickey Mouse Decor,” this will be a great option to consider for your next trip to Disney World. This is an amazing way to stay in the magic without feeling like you are in the middle of all the craziness.

If this sounds like something you’d like to book for your family, please contact me. This is just the beginning of where I come in.

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All the Best,

Caroline Christiansen, Professional Advisor for Glass Slipper Concierge