Welcome to Rebooked, Condé Nast Traveler’s column about the hotels our writers keep going back to. These are places we’ve chosen repeatedly—not out of habit, but because they reliably deliver something special.
Property snapshot
– Property: Walt Disney World Swan
– Location: Lake Buena Vista, Florida (on Crescent Lake)
– Times visited: 14
– Best for: Couples and families who want quick access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios without being fully inside Disney’s themed hotels—also great for travelers redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points
Why I booked the Swan the first time
My first stay at the Walt Disney World Swan was in May 2021, my first Disney trip after pandemic travel restrictions began to ease. I wanted a return that felt relaxed and low-stress. Crowded buses and jam-packed monorails were the last things I wanted on a trip where I hoped to enjoy the parks again, so proximity to the gates was a priority. The Swan sits within easy walking distance of both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which made it the obvious choice—one that has kept pulling me back ever since.
How it changed my idea of a Disney stay
I initially picked the Swan for logistics, but the hotel reshaped how I plan Disney days. In the past I faced the familiar dilemma: stay for fireworks or leave early enough to find a decent dinner. At the Swan, that problem disappears. I can watch the nighttime shows and then get room service, grab pizza on the way to the elevator, or pop into Kimonos for a late-night sushi roll—Kimonos also doubles as a karaoke bar, so it’s never a quiet end to the night. That mix of convenience and comfort is what convinced me to return again and again.
What to expect during a stay
The Swan is a 758-room Marriott Bonvoy property on Crescent Lake, with the Dolphin and the Swan Reserve nearby. Designed by Michael Graves and opened in 1990, its silhouette—topped by two large swan sculptures and accented with swan fountains and a distinctive wave pattern—has become one of the most recognizable shapes on Disney property.
Inside, the hotel balances grown-up resort polish with just enough Disney adjacency to feel part of the magic. Recently refreshed rooms are comfortable and appointed with thoughtful touches like complimentary bottled water and welcoming beds after long park days. If you want nightly fireworks views, request a room or a balcony facing EPCOT—the sight and sound from there are hard to beat.
Dining at the Swan is a highlight in its own right. Il Mulino serves classic Italian, Rosa Mexicano delivers tableside guacamole and lively margaritas, Kimonos pairs sushi with karaoke, and Bourbon Steak (a newer addition) is worth a special-occasion meal for its desserts alone. Multiple pools and attentive poolside service mean you can claim a lounger without worrying about losing it, and the Mandara Spa is the place to go if you need to recover from several 20,000-step days.
Location and getting around
The Swan’s location is one of its key strengths. Both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios can be reached on foot, so you can return to your room minutes after fireworks instead of standing in a long bus line. If you prefer not to walk, the Friendship boats glide across Crescent Lake and drop you off at both parks, and the Disney Skyliner links EPCOT and Hollywood Studios as well. Buses from the resort serve Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs.
Just beyond the hotel is Disney’s BoardWalk, a charming stretch of waterfront bars, restaurants, and entertainment. It’s a great spot for a pre-dinner drink or an evening stroll, and the BoardWalk’s proximity puts the EPCOT International Gateway a short walk away—perfect for rope-dropping favorites like Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie in the France pavilion for a morning croissant.
Why I keep coming back
Fourteen stays (not counting visits to the Dolphin and Swan Reserve) is a lot, and I prefer the Swan because of its location, the guest rooms, and access to the larger pools. I’ve stayed at newer, flashier Disney hotels with heavier theming, and while those can be fantastically immersive, the Swan offers something different: a comfortable balance between theme-park magic and everyday comforts. It’s delightful to meet characters, but it’s also delightful to walk into a hotel and buy a Topo Chico in the lobby like a grown-up. That small, normal luxury matters.
Value is another major draw. Being able to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for stays lets me keep more cash for meals, souvenirs, and extras. My usual Swan morning involves grabbing an iced coffee from the hotel café, walking to whichever park I’m feeling that day, and knowing I can slip back to the room for a midday swim before heading back out to finish the evening. That flexibility—coming and going on my own schedule—wasn’t something I fully appreciated until I stayed somewhere that didn’t allow it.
The hotel also handles curveballs with grace. When a storm at home extended one of my trips by a few days, the staff made the unexpected extension hassle-free and even sent an unsolicited slice of birthday cake to my room. Small gestures like that stick with you and make repeat visits feel personal rather than transactional.
The Swan doesn’t try to out-Disney Disney; it sits beside it and offers a slightly different experience that suits a wide range of travelers. Consistency is hard to achieve, yet the Swan delivers it—year after year. For me, that dependable mix of location, comfort, dining, and straightforward hospitality is why I’ve returned 14 times and will probably keep coming back.
