
Walt Disney World Swan
Best for families and travelers who want walking/boat access to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Walt Disney World Swan is a large Disney-area resort hotel with direct walking and boat access to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios; read this if you want easy theme-park access and family-friendly pools. The Ritz-Carlton Residences Orlando, Grande Lakes offers luxury residential-style accommodations in the Grande Lakes area; read this if you prefer private-pool suites and a quieter, upscale residence experience near Orlando’s shopping and convention districts.
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Best for families and travelers who want walking/boat access to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Best for travelers seeking residential-style luxury and larger private pool/ villa-style accommodations in the Grande Lakes area.
When Walt Disney World Swan wins: choose the Swan if you want immediate access to Disney parks, lots of on-site dining and entertainment, family-friendly pool options, and a wide range of meeting and event space.
When The Ritz-Carlton Residences Orlando, Grande Lakes wins: choose the Residences if you want a quieter, luxury residential stay with private-pool room types and a smaller, more exclusive-feeling property near Grande Lakes amenities.
Bottom line: Swan is the practical choice for Disney-focused family trips and large groups; the Ritz-Carlton Residences is the better pick for travelers prioritizing private residential-style rooms and a high-end Grande Lakes address.
| Category | Walt Disney World Swan | The Ritz-Carlton Residences Orlando, Grande Lakes |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Large Disney-area resort hotel, busy and family-oriented | Luxury residential-style accommodations, quieter and residential |
| Location | Epcot Resort Area — walking/boat access to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios | Grande Lakes area — near outlets and convention center |
| Size (rooms) | 758 guest rooms (Walt Disney World Swan property) | Not published |
| Ages | All ages welcome (family-friendly) | |
| Pools | Five outdoor pools plus shared three-acre Grotto complex with slide, kiddie pool and whirlpools | Number of outdoor pools - 1 (private-pool guestroom types also offered) |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple signature and casual outlets (Il Mulino, Kimonos, Garden Grove, pool bars and lounges) | 1 restaurant and 1 bar/lounge listed |
| Spa & wellness | Mandara Spa on site with extensive treatment menu and 24-hour fitness studio (WestinWORKOUT) | Wheelchair-accessible spa listed (name/details not published) |
| Known for | Direct Disney access, family pools, shared Swan/Dolphin amenities and large meeting capacity | Residential-style suites with private pools and proximity to Grande Lakes golf and outlets |
| Fees & policies | Mandatory resort fee (amount varies by date/source) and Disney benefits for guests (early entry, complimentary park parking, shuttle service) | Resort fee: USD 55 per accommodation, per night listed; children stay free using existing bedding |
Walt Disney World Swan sits in the Epcot Resort Area with short walks and boat links to parks.
Pick the Swan if you want immediate, practical access to Disney parks and BoardWalk amenities.
The Ritz-Carlton Residences Orlando sits in the Grande Lakes area, near outlets and convention venues.
Choose the Residences for a quieter, upscale base close to Grande Lakes destinations and shopping.
Swan rooms are hotel-style guest rooms across a large resort with family-oriented layouts.
Swan is practical for families needing flexible, park-oriented room types and on-site services.
The Ritz-Carlton Residences emphasizes residential-style units, including private-pool suites.
The Residences suit travelers who want multi-bedroom, private-pool accommodations with a residential feel.
Walt Disney World Swan has a broad mix of signature dining, casual options and pool bars.
Swan offers more variety on property for families, park days and late-night entertainment.
The Residences list one on-site restaurant and one bar/lounge in supplier copy.
Expect a quieter, smaller dining footprint at the Residences; plan to eat off-site or at partner venues for variety.
The Swan shares a large pool complex and multiple dedicated pools suitable for families.
Swan is better for families who want a variety of pool experiences and supervised water play.
The Residences focus on private-pool guestroom types alongside a single outdoor pool.
The Residences are aimed at guests who prioritize private-pool accommodations and in-room privacy over large communal pools.
Walt Disney World Swan has a full spa and 24-hour fitness studio plus on-site nightlife options.
Swan offers more on-site wellness hours and nearby nighttime options for guests who want activity after park hours.
The Residences list a wheelchair-accessible spa and wellness options but present a more private, low-key evening environment.
Expect quieter evenings and a spa-focused, residential wellness experience rather than late-night entertainment.

Walt Disney World Swan — walking/boat access to Epcot and short walk to Hollywood Studios plus Disney transport and park benefits.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences Orlando — multi-bedroom rooms with private pools and outdoor hot tubs available.

Walt Disney World Swan — multiple signature and casual restaurants and pool bars across the resort complex.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences Orlando — residential-style accommodations in a quieter Grande Lakes neighborhood.
Walt Disney World Swan — it has multiple family-focused pools, supervised pool hours, complimentary life vests and quick access to Disney parks.
The Ritz-Carlton Residences — listed 3- and 4-bedroom units with private pools make it a strong option if you want private, residential-style space under one roof.
No — dining locations at Walt Disney World Swan do not accept the Disney Dining Plan; The Ritz-Carlton Residences supplier listing does not mention the Disney Dining Plan.
Yes. The Swan has the Mandara Spa with a full treatment menu; the Residences list a wheelchair-accessible spa (supplier listing) though the supplier listing does not publish a spa name or full menu.
Explore how Walt Disney World Swan stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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