Credit: DisneyDisney World visitors staying at a pair of popular resort hotels just got even more reasons to look forward to their vacations. August has officially arrived, and with it comes a wave of fresh guest experiences that weren’t available just days ago. From exclusive entertainment to limited-time food and drink offerings, these additions are giving hotel guests even more to do without leaving the resort.
While Walt Disney World hotels already offer plenty of advantages, these latest additions bring a new layer of fun throughout the month. If you’re checking in during August, several of these experiences are already underway and ready to enjoy.
Why the Swan and Dolphin Stand Out
The Walt Disney World Swan and Walt Disney World Dolphin continue to be among the most unique hotels on Disney property. Although Disney doesn’t own them, they’re located in the heart of the resort near EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, making them a popular choice for many guests.
The hotels also include many of the same benefits guests receive at Disney Deluxe Resorts. Visitors can book Lightning Lane selections seven days before arrival, enjoy Early Entry every morning, take advantage of Extended Evening Hours on eligible nights, use complimentary Disney transportation, purchase Disney tickets through the resorts, and even reserve Disney golf tee times in advance.
Now, August is bringing an impressive lineup of brand-new experiences that go beyond those year-round perks.
Summer Concert Series Is Officially Underway
One of the biggest additions now live is the Swan and Dolphin Summer Concert Series. These evenings are available to hotel guests and visitors who purchase a resort pass, creating a lively atmosphere with live music, themed food trucks, specialty cocktails, and outdoor entertainment.
The concert schedule continues throughout the month, with performances on August 8, 15, 21, and 29, kicking off on August 1. Each event brings its own unique menu and themed beverage lineup, making every concert feel a little different from the last.
Because the series is already underway, guests arriving this week can jump right into the festivities.
Limited-Time Food and Drinks Change Throughout August
The concerts are paired with rotating food and beverage offerings that change from week to week.
The Bites on the Move food truck is serving exclusive menu items throughout the month. Upcoming offerings include bratwurst on a pretzel bun in August; tequila-lime shrimp or braised beef tacos with pineapple salsa on August 1; smoked wings with a sweet-and-spicy glaze on August 1; and a final taco celebration on August 29 to wrap up the summer series.
The specialty cocktail program also rotates throughout August. Different beverage partners take over during each event, offering themed drinks that match the evening’s atmosphere. Guests visiting on August 7 and 8 can expect bold cocktail offerings, while later events feature premium tequila and whiskey selections, culminating in a celebratory finale during the final weekend of the month.
Because the menus continue to change, guests staying multiple nights may have a different experience each time they dine.
Extra Sweet Treats Are Available Right Now
The new August offerings aren’t limited to concerts.
Families visiting throughout the month can receive a complimentary kids’ scoop of ice cream at The Fountain when purchasing a child’s entrée, making dessert a little more rewarding.
Additional one-day promotions are also scheduled during August. National Chocolate Cookie Day on August 4 brings discounted chocolate chip cookies to Java, Fuel, and Grounds. Later in the month, National Chicken Finger Day on August 25 includes a complimentary soda with qualifying chicken-finger orders.
These limited-time specials give guests even more reasons to explore the restaurants and quick-service locations around the resorts during their stay.
Daily Activities Keep the Fun Going
The August calendar also includes a full schedule of activities, now available every day.
Guests can spend the afternoon riding Swan Boats between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., race down the resort water slide from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., or enjoy outdoor games throughout the day.
As the sun goes down, the entertainment continues with S’mores on the Shore and Cinema on the Beach every evening.
Families looking for even more activities can also visit Brena’s Arts and Activities or the Fun Team Craft Station during the afternoon for an additional fee, while Camp Dolphin offers supervised children’s activities daily from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Together, these experiences help turn a resort day into a full vacation experience without needing to enter a theme park.
August Is Packed With New Reasons To Stay
The Swan and Dolphin already offered many of the same advantages as Disney’s Deluxe Resort hotels, but August has added even more value for guests.
With the Summer Concert Series now in full swing, rotating food trucks, specialty cocktails, limited-time desserts, and a full calendar of daily entertainment await visitors beyond the parks. Since these offerings are already active, guests checking in now can immediately take advantage of everything August has to offer.
For anyone planning a Disney World vacation this month, the Swan and Dolphin are delivering much more than just a place to sleep. They’re offering an entire lineup of exclusive experiences that make staying at the resort part of the vacation itself.
