Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin files permit to greatly expand its pool and recreation area

Gallery / 2 Photos
Permit for Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin pool area expansion

Posted: Friday January 21, 2022 10:25am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort has some big plans for its pool and recreation area according to a recent permit filing with the South Florida Water Management District.

Permit for Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin pool area expansion

The plans call for two new pools, including two water slides and a water activity pool. (Thanks to @danlb_2000 on the WDWMAGIC Forums for spotting the permit)

The circle on the right is the location of the new pools, and the circle on the left is the new playground area

The new pool area is proposed to be built next to the existing main feature pool, on a piece of land that is currently a playground. In the permit plans, the playground is relocated to an area on the other side of the main feature pool, near to the pool bar and lap pool.

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin already has one of the best main pool areas at Walt Disney World, and this addition would enhance the resort's appeal even further.

Main entrance at The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

The resort recently opened the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, which would also be served by this new pool area addition.

Overlooking the Dolphin from the balcony in The View event space at the top of the Swan Reserve

Discuss on the Forums

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BrianMar 19, 2024

That'll be a welcome change. The overall design is still in keeping with modern sensibilities, but any time you see carpet in a hotel room these days it's gives off a feeling of being dated.

TarzanRocked99-Mar 19, 2024

Soft, but also switching to wood floors in the rooms

Epcot82GuyMar 19, 2024

Their pool complex is actually my favorite on property. But, I agree a room update is probably more needed. They did a really nice job with the lobbies - especially the Dolphin. But, the last "blue" room redsign was a bit left field. And, the various design elements (exterior, new common areas and blue rooms) do feel a bit disjointed in design right now. Now... if we could just add some more color elements from the original two to the Reserve tower... We just might have something. haha

BrianMar 19, 2024

Just soft goods, or something more substantial? They completed a major renovation in 2017.

SirwalterraleighMar 19, 2024

That’s a good question… A lot of people don’t even realize they have that whole grotto thing hidden back there…cause it’s not anywhere near the Disney walking paths S&D have a really nice thing going over there

TarzanRocked99-Mar 19, 2024

Taking place as we speak… Swan first

Horizons '83Mar 19, 2024

I’d imagine room refreshes should occur in the next couple years for the Dolphin and Swan.

TarzanRocked99-Mar 19, 2024

It’s on indefinite hold until other higher priority projects are completed

Horizons '83Mar 19, 2024

Was wondering the same thing. I’ll be staying at the swan reserve in a few weeks. I’ll ask my bartender friend, better than a bus driver’s opinion right? 😂

danlb_2000Mar 19, 2024

Does anyone know if this project ever happened? Haven't heard anything about it since the permit was filed.

SirwalterraleighJan 24, 2022

I had almost completely forgotten about those… you gotta think those are gone…the “L” word. One thing Disney isn’t responsible for is the complete turn on recreation they are “responsible” for…that’s industry wide. I bet there are near zero hotel operators who actually want a pool. I can’t really blame them.

Epcot82GuyJan 24, 2022

At full operation, they currently have 4. 3 grotto tubs at the main complex and a smaller, "typical" hot tub at the Swan pool. (I know they were doing path work and what not on the Swan one, so not sure it has survived or will survive the Reserve changes.)

flynnibusJan 24, 2022

This x1000 Between the disabled effects and the consequences/tradeoffs made when they fenced it - it comes off now as very disjointed and overly complex for what looks like no reason. It's been robbed of its soul.