For the first page of this review of the Disney World Swan and Dolphin, see this.
REVIEW: THE POOLS AT THE DISNEY WORLD SWAN AND DOLPHIN
The sister resorts Swan and Dolphin share all amenities, including a band of pools that sweep along a beach and connect the two resorts.
While no single pool in this collection is stellar, as a suite they offer pretty much anything any guest would want of a pool.
Moreover, the sweep of pool after pool after pool after beach after pool is quite compelling–making this overall the third best pool complex at Walt Disney World (Four Seasons is first, then the pools shared by the Yacht Club and Beach Club).
There’s five pools here and a beach with an extensive play area. On the map below, they are not all labeled, but are at center right, connecting the two resorts in a curve around a small lake.
Starting with the pool closest to the Swan, and working our way around…
The lap pool nearest the Swan has no particular kid appeal, but is a fine spot for adults to sunbathe.
It has a small bar with seasonal hours…
…and a hot tub.
At one side is the Swan gym, which is also where you will find towels.
Next begins a beach that stretches all the way to the Dolphin.
It includes a playground (note at the right edge the hammocks)…
…volleyball net…
…and rentable Swan boats.
In the evening you can make s’mores here.
Night at the beach.
Next is the Grotto pool. This serves as the main family pool, and bridges divide it into three visually distinct areas.
The area closest to the Swan…
…the middle, with a “grotto” and waterfall…
…and water slide.
And the end closest to the Dolphin.
The Grotto pool at night.
There’s several hot tubs near the Grotto pool–images of two of them are below:
At the Dolphin side of the Grotto pool is a small gift and pool toy shop, where you’ll also find the pool towels.
Beyond the Grotto pool is the semi-circular Spring pool.
The Spring pool at night.
Near it there’s a splash pool for little ones.
Finally, there’s another lap-style pool close to the Dolphin.
Here you’ll also find a substantial pool bar and grille, the Cabana Bar and Beach Club.
A closer shot of the bar.
No individual pool here except the Grotto pool is spectacular…but the sweep of pool, beach, pool, pool, pool, pool, along with all the other amenities, is really something!!
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Is there a lap pool with lap lanes?
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Deborah, at least as of my last visit, no. The pool nearest the Swan has the right dimensions for being a lap pool, but it is not marked as such…
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Is there anything especially for toddlers besides the little splash pool? Splash pad etc? Thanks!
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Not that I can recall…
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Hi Nici,
From my understanding the Grotto pool is open 24 hours, but lifeguards are only there from 9am – 9pm.
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Thanks, Kelly!
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Is the grotto pool open 24 hours?
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Is there a bar at the grotto pool?
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KT, no, but the bar at the lap pool by the Dolphin is not far, and sometimes wait staff walks around and takes orders from people at the Grotto.
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