The Complete Guide to Eating at Disney's Swan and Dolphin Resorts | the disney food blog (2024)

Eating at Disney World can be delicious and…overwhelming!

There are table service restaurants, quick service restaurants, lounges, snack kiosks, food trucks, and more within the parks, the resorts, and Disney Springs. Where do you go? What’s worth your cash? Well, we’ve eaten at basically every single Disney World restaurant and have shared tons of reviews with you over the years to make that dining journey easier. But today we’re taking a deep dive into ALL of the restaurants at one popular hotel in particular —

Within this post, we’ll be sharing a quick overview of each and EVERY restaurant at the Swan & Dolphin resorts, the top eats at each one, and other facts you need to know. For more details on each restaurant, click the links below to be taken to the pages we have created for every single one. That’ll let you see and read all of our reviews for that particular place.

Keep in mind that menus can and do often change, so be sure to check and see what’s available during your trip. Alright, with that housekeeping out of the way, let’s begin!

Amare

Inspired by the“tastes and cultures of the Mediterranean region,”Amare is the signature restaurant of theSwan Reserve.

The cuisine at Amare focuses onfresh, premium ingredients, seafood, citrus, olive oils, pasta, and pitas. There is also an extensive Mediterranean-based wine list available, including specialized wine flights.

Abreakfast buffetanda la carte selectionsare available for morning guests from6:30AM – 11AM.Lunch options include salads, flatbreads, and entrees such as grilled line-caught mahi-mahi from11:30AM – 2:30PM. Dinnerselections feature items like “hearth-fired Tiger Prawns and charred octopus, and entrees including sea bass al cartoccio, and handmade manti dumpling filled with bahrat spiced lamb, cauliflower, roasted eggplant, tomato, yogurt sauce.” Evening hours are5PM – 11PM.

Though you won’t be disappointed by anything here, we were particularly impressed by the flatbreads!Amare also has a selection of flatbreads on the menu, we enjoyed the La Vegetale flatbread, which isRoasted Grape Black Pepper Pecorino Cheese, Aged Balsamic, and Baby Arugula.

This flatbread was good and we enjoyed it. We almost thought it was too sweet, probably because of the balsamic, but overall it was very good and LOADED with arugula.

Click here to see our full review of Amare

Todd English’s bluezoo

Todd English’s signature restaurantat the Dolphin Resort in Disney World,bluezoo, is well-known and highly acclaimed for its seafood and innovative menu items.

The restaurant has won several awards, including the AAA Four Diamond award.While this isn’t a spot for cheap eats, it’s a good choice for special events or celebrations, especially if they’re for grown-ups.

The bar menu here is truly one-of-a-kind and offers a blend of updated twists inspired by familiar classics as well as a selection of contemporary and signature drinks — libations that are the original creation of bluezoo mixologists. Either way, you are in for a treat.

A fun fact about the way the menu works at bluezoo: the uber-talented Chef Chris Windus always has a special chef preparation on the menu, using the very best seasonal ingredients he can lay his hands on.For part of the year, that means a Chef’s Tasting Menu, a multi-course meal created just for that day. At other times, Chef Windus prepares his Chef’s Creation, a special entree that also uses only the best of what is available.

If bluezoo is on your agenda, definitely be on the look out for those special chef menus!

Click here for our review of bluezoo

The atmosphere at theDolphin Hotel’s Cabana Bar and Beach Club will remind guests more of an upscale beachside lounge in South Beach than a resort hotel in Walt Disney World. At night watch the whole bar area transforms into an illuminated night spot featuring frozen & signature drinks just steps away from the Dolphin Lap Pool.

You’ll want to start with the co*cktails, which are cleverly named… and generously poured. 😉

Trust us on this one.Order the Crispy Calamari.It comes on a fabulous bed of Queso Blanco Aioli!And it’s all drizzled withSpicy Lime Buffalo Sauce, because you know we love my Buffalo Sauce! (And yes, we got a little extra on the side because #wealwaysgetmoresauce.)

In addition to plenty of co*cktails to enjoy by the pool, a substantial food menu is also available.

Click here for our full review of Cabana Bar and Beach Club

The Fountain

Comfort foodis the name of the game at thiscozy dinerin theDisney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel! Well-known for theirdecadent milkshakes and hand-dipped ice cream cones and sundaes(we recommend the apple pie caramel sundae!), you can also get some deliciousburgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, chili, soup, and moreat 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!)

From the savory side of the menu, we love the soft pretzel bites on the appetizer menu, which come with — you guessed,cheeeeese sauce!

And from the sweet side of the menu, we love that Caramel Apple Pie Sundae with Soft serve Ice Cream over Apple Pie Filling in Caramel Sauce, Whipped Cream and a Cherry on top. A quintessential American dessert!

This spot is typically open from 12PM to 11PM.

See our full page on the Fountain review here

Fuel

If you need some “fuel” in the Dolphin Hotel ofWalt Disney World’s Swan and Dolphin, then look no further than…Fuel!

Fuel is agrab-and-go market, but it boasts a bit more than your typical snacks and sandwiches (though you’ll find those, too!). A specialtycoffee and espresso bar and a DIY Frozen Yogurt station are among the offerings that elevate Fuel from your typical grab-and-go. This spot definitely comes in handy for those attending conferences and needing to get a quick bite in between sessions.

Since it is all prepackaged, there aren’t a lot of standouts, but we did find a pretty epic chocolate cupcake once, so keep an eye on that pastry case for a new hidden gem!

This spot is typically open from 6AM to 11PM.

Click here for our full page with links to ALL of our reviews of Fuel!

Garden Grove

Garden Groveat theSwan Resort offers breakfast daily.The setting is inspired by New York City’s Central Park, witha 25-foot oak tree providing a stunning focal point!

A la carte offerings for breakfast include Biscuits & Gravy and Avocado Toast, while lunch entrees include sandwiches such as Pastrami on Rye and a Shawarma Kebob along with burgers and salads.

Please Note:As of January 2020,character dinners are no longer heldat Garden Grove.

It currently serves breakfast Thursdays through Mondays from 7:30AM to 11:30AM and is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Click here for more details about the Garden Grove!

Grounds

Grounds at the Swan Reserve is the counterpart to Fuel in the Dolphin.If you’re looking for a grab-and-go option at theSwan Reserve, head on over toGrounds.

Grounds serves up a variety of coffees, lattes, teas, juices, and frappés, as well as breakfast and deli sandwiches, pastries, and more.

This spot is typically open from 6AM to 8PM.

Click here for our FULL PAGE with all of our reviews from Grounds

Il Mulino New York Trattoria

Il Mulino New York Trattoria— located in Walt Disney World’s Swan Hotel — serves traditionaldinners from the Abruzzi region of Italy.

A second location for the original Il Mulino New York in Greenwich Village, this restaurant offers rich, authentic flavors amid brick walls, dark wood tones, and rustic lighting.TheIl Mulino Loungefeatures a wine bar and an outdoor terrace where guests can enjoy their beverage of choice. Small batch bourbon, cognacs and brandy, signature co*cktails and much more are among the offerings.

Highlights from the menu include the Arancini di Carne, these areItalian Rice Balls stuffed with House-made Bolognese over Spicy Marinara Sauce. The meatballs were not fried to be crispy but are cooked well and fork-tender. The real stars are the creamy rice balls with the stellar marinara. The serving is three large rice balls — plenty as a shared appetizer between two or three people! If you’re not a fan of spice, this dish might not be for you, but we found them very tasty!

Risotto con Funghi,this is Arborio Rice with Wild Mushrooms and Truffle Oil. Every bite is SO rich and creamy and LOADED with delicious mushrooms. Top it off with freshly grated parmesan, which makes the dish even better. We would get this again and again.

But if you’re looking for something meatier, the Costolette di Maiale is your dish.This hearty dish is aPork Chop with Cherry Vinegar Peppers and Mushroom Sauce. The pork is served on the bone and the chef recommends medium for the cooking temperature. It is tender and smothered in a delicious sauce with a fun tanginess from the vinegar and spiciness from the peppers. The vinegar is not overwhelming but you do taste it, so it might not be a favorite for those who don’t like more vinegary flavors.

Il Mulino is open for dinner from 5PM to 11PM.

See ALL of our reviews of Il Mulino here

Java Bar

The Dolphin has Fuel, the Reserve has Grounds, and the Swan has Java Bar. So, no matter which of these resorts you’re staying at or visiting, you’re never far from a caffeine fix.

You’ll findspecialty coffees, lattes, and assorted pastriesto get your morning started. A selection of sandwiches is also available, with items like croissant sandwiches in the mornings and deli-style eats and salads on offer for the rest of the day.

This is where you’ll find theketo-friendlyOctane Coffee along with a bunch of other specialty coffee drinks! And keep an eye on that pasty case, as we’ve found some hidden gems here in the past.

Java Bar is typically open from 6AM to 8PM.

See our full page on Java Bar here

Kimono’s Sushi Bar

co*cktails and Japanese appetizers are the name of the game atKimonos Sushi Bar (which has been named the best Sushi in Orlando by the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper). This spot offers traditional Japanese sushi and cuisine in a contemporary atmosphere.This restaurant has been named theBest Sushi in Orlandoby the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper and offers traditional Japanese cuisine in a contemporary atmosphere. Come for the great fish, but you’ll want to stay for the karaoke in the evenings!

Kimonos’ menu includes a wide array of sushi, beverages, and Japanese specialties. The sushi is definitely the biggest draw of Kimonos, but they also offer soups, salads, and several other appetizers and small plates.We love the Bagel Roll, which featuredsalmon, cream cheese, and cucumber. TheDragon Roll is gorgeous, made withtuna and giant crispy shrimp! If you’re a long time fan of sushi or a newbie looking for a great spot to tip your toes into the world of the Japanese specialty, this spot won’t disappoint.

Sample dishes like gyoza, tempura, kobe beef, and duck satay, then stick around for some karaoke and sake in the late evening in the lounge! (Karaoke typically takes place on Wednesday through Sunday starting at 9:30PM.)

Kimono’s is typically open for dinner from 5:30PM to 1AM.

Click here for our FULL review of our meal at Kimono’s!

Phins

Phinsis the strikingbarin the recently renovatedlobby of the Walt Disney World Dolphinof the Swan and Dolphin Hotels in the EPCOT Resort area.

Enjoycraft beers, wine(including on tap options),specialty co*cktails, andglobally-inspired appetizers in this stunning space. It’s a fun spot to grab a pre-dinner co*cktail, and they serve up some unique options, like the Smoke N’ Roses with Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon, Bliss Maple Syrup, Amarena Cherry Juice and Fresh Lemon. Finished in our Signature Smoke Box.

This spot is typically open from 3PM to 12AM.

See our full page on Phins here

Picabu

You’ll findPicabuinsidethe Dolphin at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort.In a colorful & spirited atmosphere, make your meal selection from avariety of food stationswith delectable options for everyone!

Set up“cafeteria style,” this counter service restaurant features options like made-to-order Omelets for breakfast, and a Taqueria and more for lunch and dinner. Its famous dishes include Carne Asada Tacos and Bowls, Picabu Family Meal (Whole Chicken served with three sides).

This spot is typically open from 7AM to 12AM.

See our full page on Picabu here

Rosa Mexicano

Note: This restaurant is scheduled to open in early 2023.

Rosa Mexicanowill open its first Orlando-area location at theWalt Disney World Swan and Dolphininearly 2023!The new restaurant will offer “an elevated fiesta dining experience” which will include signature menu items and award-winning margaritas.

The menu at Rosa Mexicano will offera contemporary interpretation of authentic Mexican cuisinewhich will include beloved classics and innovative dishes that pay tribute to Mexico’s richly varied culinary regions.Over 100 varieties of tequila and agave-based spiritswill be featured. The restaurant’s signaturefrozen pomegranate margarita(which was named the best in New York City!) will also be available.

Rosa Mexicano currently has locations in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Maryland, and there are other locations coming to Connecticut, Virginia, North Carolina, and Las Vegas, Nevada.

See our full page on Rosa Mexicano here

Shula’s Steak House

Shula’s Steakhouse, named after the location’s original owner and American football great, the lateDon Shula, has honed its restaurant presentation to be dark, mature, and indulgent.

The food portions here are extremely generous, and it is my sincere hope that you don’t mind indulging in decadent steaks, side dishes, and desserts if you’re choosing to dine here. It’s a truly magnificent meal, butnot for the faint of heart! And with these large portions comes some hefty prices, so prepare your wallet and warn your credit cards, it’ll be tasty, but costly!

Dishes to get here? Thick Cut Nueske’s Bacon, this starter dish includesBacon with a Bourbon-Honey Glaze, Tomato Jam, Cheddar Grits, White Cabbage, and Fennel Slaw.The bacon had anexcellent smokey quality to it, and while it it is on the thicker side in terms of the slices of bacon themselves, it is still tender and easy to cut!The grits are creamy and cheesy,and all of the elements paired nicely with the crunch from the fennel slaw.Thesweetness from the bourbon-honey glaze combined with all of the other ingredients made for a very interesting bite, but everything works so well together. It was like they were all singing their own little harmonies to one beautifully bacon-filled tune.

And it’s a steak house, so you have to get a steak. All of the cuts at this spot are beautiful, so you really can’t go wrong. If you want a heartier, fattier ribeye, you’ll get a perfect one here. We tend to lean toward the leaner, tender filets. At Shula’s, this is a no-frills-just-good-meat kinda spot, so you won’t find your steak drowning in sauce or spices, just beautiful steaks cooked to perfection and not hiding behind any fluff.

Shula’s is typically open for dinner from 5PM to 11PM.

See our full page on Shula’s Steak House here

Splash Pool Bar and Grillserves a variety of sandwiches and salads, perfect fordining poolsideat the Walt Disney WorldSwan Hotel.

Thesubstantial food menufeatures eats like Chicken Wings and a Maine Lobster Club. Andspecialty co*cktailsare served by the glass and, in some cases, by the pitcher!Mix and Match Beer Bucket Specialsare also available.

Splash is open seasonally, typically from 11AM to 8PM.

Stir

Stiris a relaxing lounge in the lobby of theSwan Reserve.Like Phins at the Dolphin, this is an airy bar for a quick drink before dinner or maybe right after a full day of conference meetings.

But there’s more than just sips in store at Stir. Guest can enjoy “specialty co*cktails and light bitesincluding the Chef’s selection of handcrafted salamis of Spain & Italy and a Soppressata, red onion, torn mozzarella, San Marzano flatbread.”

Stir is typically open from 3:3oPM to 12AM.

See our full page on Stir here

Tangerine

Poolside sips and bites to eat can be yours at theSwan Reserve’s Tangerine!

Tangerine serves signature drinks as well as some casual meal options including flatbreads, salads, burgers, and sandwiches.Don’t forget to cool off with the spot’s signature popsicle, which is tangerine-flavored, naturally!

Tangerine is open seasonally, usually from 11AM to 8PM.

See our full page on Tangerine here

And that’s it! There are quite a lot of dining options at the Swan and Dolphin resort with something for everyone — those looking for quick eats, those looking for a comfy lounge, and even those looking for the ULTIMATE in fine dining at Disney.

For more details about the Swan and Dolphin resorts, watch our video below!

And for details about every SINGLE restaurant in Disney World, the most unique dining experiences, and more, check out our DFB Guide to Disney World Dining!

We’ve compiled all of our BEST tips and tricks from years of Disney World travel into one eBook that you can download to your tablet or smartphone and take with you! We’re offering our readers 25% off with code WDW2023.

Click here to take it home!

What is your favorite restaurant at Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resorts? Tell us in the comments.