- Mar 13, 2024
- 8,676
- 36
We LOVE a day at EPCOT, but sometimes between the festival crowds and the long wait times, we just need to escape, and we found the perfect place to do so.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
Disney World’s Swan and Dolphin Resort is a hidden oasis to some Disney guests, while others have visited the parks for years without ever thinking of it. While it is not owned by Disney World, instead it’s a Marriott resort, it is located within minutes of both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. If you’re anything like me, and the parks become overly crowded and the heat is scorching, heading to this resort can turn your whole day around.
There are two ways that you can head to the Swan and Dolphin Resort from EPCOT. First, you can take the walking path that starts at the International Gateway, where you will pass Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club, and end up right at the resort. The walk is around a half mile, and depending on factors will take 10-15 minutes. The other option is to take a Friendship Boat located right outside of the International Gateway, which will stop at the Swan and Dolphin.
There’s the boat!
If you are looking for a grab-and-go snack, soda, or even a coffee, you can head to either Fuel, inside the Dolphin hotel, or Java, inside the Swan hotel. Fuel even has a self-serve frozen yogurt bar if you’re looking for a sweet treat. Also, hot tip, this is one of the only places you can find Dr. Pepper on Disney property, so act accordingly.
DIY DOLE Whip
Both locations have a specialty coffee and espresso bar to give you that afternoon caffeine fix to keep your Disney day going. They also sell sandwiches, salads, chips, and more for easy convenience. No long lines or Mobile Order is necessary.
Inside Java at Swan
The Fountain is a cozy diner inside the Dolphin resort that you could opt to visit. Well-known for their decadent milkshakes and hand-dipped ice cream cones and sundaes (we recommend the apple pie caramel sundae!), you can also get some delicious burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, chili, soup, and more at this fun location. (And if you don’t have time to sit and dine at The Fountain, you can grab an ice cream treat at the to-go counter!)
The Fountain
If you aren’t looking for a bite to eat or coffee, you can simply sit and relax in the lobby. The Dolphin’s lobby on the second floor has plenty of seating near a fountain that is just inviting you to come take a break indoors. There are a few nooks and crannies inside these resorts with seating that is quite so take a look around. One of my favorites is the courtyard area at the Swan. These hotels also have gift cards that sell some Disney merchandise, so you can even take time to stroll through them.
Dolphin Lobby
While this will obviously take time out of your park day, if you are truly looking for an escape, this is worth it. I promise, you won’t regret the visit here. If you are looking for a longer break from the parks, there are several fantastic restaurants here that you can make a reservation for, including Bourbon Steak or Il Mulino.
Il Mulino
The next time you need a break from the park, keep the Swan and Dolphin Resort in mind. For more Disney tips, be sure to follow us at Magical Guides!
What is one way you like to escape the Disney World parks when they become chaotic? Tell us in the comments your hacks!
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
Disney World’s Swan and Dolphin Resort is a hidden oasis to some Disney guests, while others have visited the parks for years without ever thinking of it. While it is not owned by Disney World, instead it’s a Marriott resort, it is located within minutes of both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. If you’re anything like me, and the parks become overly crowded and the heat is scorching, heading to this resort can turn your whole day around.
There are two ways that you can head to the Swan and Dolphin Resort from EPCOT. First, you can take the walking path that starts at the International Gateway, where you will pass Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club, and end up right at the resort. The walk is around a half mile, and depending on factors will take 10-15 minutes. The other option is to take a Friendship Boat located right outside of the International Gateway, which will stop at the Swan and Dolphin.
There’s the boat!
If you are looking for a grab-and-go snack, soda, or even a coffee, you can head to either Fuel, inside the Dolphin hotel, or Java, inside the Swan hotel. Fuel even has a self-serve frozen yogurt bar if you’re looking for a sweet treat. Also, hot tip, this is one of the only places you can find Dr. Pepper on Disney property, so act accordingly.
DIY DOLE Whip
Both locations have a specialty coffee and espresso bar to give you that afternoon caffeine fix to keep your Disney day going. They also sell sandwiches, salads, chips, and more for easy convenience. No long lines or Mobile Order is necessary.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-Magical Guides-WDW-Java-at-Swan-3-700x394.jpg
Inside Java at Swan
The Fountain is a cozy diner inside the Dolphin resort that you could opt to visit. Well-known for their decadent milkshakes and hand-dipped ice cream cones and sundaes (we recommend the apple pie caramel sundae!), you can also get some delicious burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, chili, soup, and more at this fun location. (And if you don’t have time to sit and dine at The Fountain, you can grab an ice cream treat at the to-go counter!)
The Fountain
If you aren’t looking for a bite to eat or coffee, you can simply sit and relax in the lobby. The Dolphin’s lobby on the second floor has plenty of seating near a fountain that is just inviting you to come take a break indoors. There are a few nooks and crannies inside these resorts with seating that is quite so take a look around. One of my favorites is the courtyard area at the Swan. These hotels also have gift cards that sell some Disney merchandise, so you can even take time to stroll through them.
Dolphin Lobby
While this will obviously take time out of your park day, if you are truly looking for an escape, this is worth it. I promise, you won’t regret the visit here. If you are looking for a longer break from the parks, there are several fantastic restaurants here that you can make a reservation for, including Bourbon Steak or Il Mulino.
Il Mulino
The next time you need a break from the park, keep the Swan and Dolphin Resort in mind. For more Disney tips, be sure to follow us at Magical Guides!
Join the Magical Guides Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
YOU CAN, TOO.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Magical Guides-Guide-Covers-Fan-11-11-24-2.png
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
GET YOUR GUIDE NOW
What is one way you like to escape the Disney World parks when they become chaotic? Tell us in the comments your hacks!
