Swan

[piratemom]

Does anyone know what the discount is for teachers at the Swan? I also heard there is a senior discount. We are starting to plan our trip and we've never stayed at the Swan, because we didn't think we could afford it. I looked online, but couldn't find any prices/discounts. Has anyone heard of this or used it?

 

[piratemom]

With the parking, it's still cheaper than the moderates by about $7. The only thing holding me back is that we really wanted to do the meal plan.

 

[Gepettotrevor]

Just got back from the swan. I think its definately nicer than the dolphin because the rooms and beds are bigger, the resort is less crowded, and busses pick up at the swan before the dolphin. Dont forget there IS a counter service type place at the swan (splash grill). During huge conventions, the crouds tend to stay over at the dolphin vs the swan.

HOWEVER....the dolphin is still an exceptional resort and is definately worth staying at. Which ever resort you decide to stay at, i hope you have a great trip.

The 9 dollars a night for parking does save some parking spots. You don't get people cheating and parking there for park access. We stayed with a teacher's discount...the extra money was NOTHING staying at a deluxe hotel for the price of a moderate/value.

 

[dave2822]

With the parking, it's still cheaper than the moderates by about $7. The only thing holding me back is that we really wanted to do the meal plan.

It's true that it is unfortunate that the Swan/Dolphin does not participate in the Dining Plan, but if you will allow a total stranger :wave: to try to convince you:

You just can't compare the quality of a deluxe resort to a moderate. Now, this isn't to say that the moderates aren't great resorts, they are, but the perks of staying deluxe just outweigh them so heavily.

Bigger rooms, better views, more comfy beds, you don't have to trek in the heat to get food or walk a mile to a pool, the pools are bigger and nicer, the transportation factor (buses get sickening, boating/walking are much preferred), more food options/variety, the list goes on and on...

And for that price, and with some budgeting, you can still make out way ahead of if you chose a moderate with the Dining Plan.

Again, this is just my opinion, you and others may completely disagree with me, but at least it's something to think about.

Whatever decision you make I'm sure you'll enjoy your trip

 

[ask!]

We are staying at The Dolphin this August....I too could not decide between the Dolphin and the Swan....what made my decision was that I read that the Dolphin is closer to the pool and since there is more rooms, hopefully, more of a chance for a free-upgrade....I would so love a balcony!

As far as the dining plan, it is something to consider. However, do you really need a sit-down table service full meal everyday? My teens are not into "dining" and one character breakfast will be enough, so after looking at all the dining choices, I feel that a table service meal everynight is more than we need.....my kids eat to live and then want to go....after a bit of research, I found there are counter-service places that seems worthwhile, good food, nice environment, good theme (check out the CS thread) and much less $$$$$ than the sit downs.

So, something to consider is how important is the sit-down dining? I do think it can add up...check the menus on all ears......pretty pricey without the dining plan.

Hope it helps!
Andrea

 

[dave2822]

We are staying at The Dolphin this August....I too could not decide between the Dolphin and the Swan....what made my decision was that I read that the Dolphin is closer to the pool and since there is more rooms, hopefully, more of a chance for a free-upgrade....I would so love a balcony!

Not to start a thread drift, but are you purchasing the room on one of the teacher/nurse/senior/etc discounts?

Generally the Dolphin's room request database is set up to accomodate guests in a specific order. Guests paying full price and guests who are there on business will usually gobble up the "view" rooms. This isn't to say that your room won't be equipped with a great view or a balcony ... but the "best" views (i.e. the Illuminations views) are almost always taken up.

In short, very rarely do they give out free upgrades, so to speak.

 

[piratemom]

We are staying at The Dolphin this August....I too could not decide between the Dolphin and the Swan....what made my decision was that I read that the Dolphin is closer to the pool and since there is more rooms, hopefully, more of a chance for a free-upgrade....I would so love a balcony!

As far as the dining plan, it is something to consider. However, do you really need a sit-down table service full meal everyday? My teens are not into "dining" and one character breakfast will be enough, so after looking at all the dining choices, I feel that a table service meal everynight is more than we need.....my kids eat to live and then want to go....after a bit of research, I found there are counter-service places that seems worthwhile, good food, nice environment, good theme (check out the CS thread) and much less $$$$$ than the sit downs.

So, something to consider is how important is the sit-down dining? I do think it can add up...check the menus on all ears......pretty pricey without the dining plan.

Hope it helps!
Andrea

Unfortunately, one of the things my family looks forward to is the eating. :lol: We love to do the Biergarten, the dinner in Mexico, and France. It sort of has become a tradition that we look forward to. I was hoping, too, that the meal plan would open up some new adventures for us to try like Canada, United Kingdom and the Brown Derby. We haven't tried these, thinking that they would be too expensive for us. Even if we chose lunches at these places, I'm sure they count as sit down meals and not counter service, right? We also didn't get a chance to do the 50's Primetime with our kids because the past 3 times we've gone, we've been with a big group and seating wasn't possible, so we want to take themt there, also.

When we go to Disney, we are up at 7 am and get back to our rooms after midnight, so when we stayed at AKL, even though it was beautiful, we didn't really spend much time at the resort. We are such "park people" , I guess.
I guess we'll have a "pow wow" and try to weigh the options. The deluxe would be nicer than the moderate, and the busses could be avoided, which would be nice.
I'm even more confused now.

 

[ask!]

~ Dave,

I understand what your are saying but it is the Year of a Million Dreams and I'm dreamin'!

I would consider a balcony room a bonus and a blessing ( a dream come true)....yet, in my heart and wallet, I am just thrilled about the great rate for the great location.

~Piratemom,

Good luck making your decision. These are fun problems to have! Sounds as if the dining plan is important for your family.....and when I went back and looked at my trip plan, we actually do have a sit down meal everyday but one and that is our water park day.

For me, our decision was based on location, location. location. Since my friend told me about EPCOT's backdoor, I have always wanted to be able to walk back to the hotel via the International Gateway after visiting EPCOT and viewing Illuminations..... at least one of my dreams will come true!


Warmly,
Andrea

 

[wolf359]

My wife and I stayed at the Swan back in September of 2005, and we stayed because of a particularly good teacher discount, $99 or $109, or something like that.

Overall, we really enjoyed our stay, especially being within walking distance of EPCOT and the Boardwalk, with many other destinations being a boat ride away. However, can you feel a "but" coming?

While the room was nice, it was pretty plain. In spite of the theming of the two resorts, the rooms themselves are pretty much standard rooms that could be in a hotel anywhere. The bed was nice and comfortable, but the room itself was no bigger than what you'd find at a Disney moderate.

We're not big fans of the dining plan, but we did miss not being able to charge back to the room or have package delivery. Also a minor thing, but this resort has NO vending machines and the general store closes at night. Since I forgot to pick up drinks before arriving (there is a refrigerator in each room though) when I wanted a Coke around 11:30pm the front desk suggested I could walk out to the bus stop to use the vending machine out there. And then when I did, and it wasn't even working...

I realize this is all subjective, so obviously what we liked or didn't like may not apply. However, I think the main reason we enjoyed our stay was because we had that feeling of "getting something for nothing" and not because we actually enjoyed the resort all that much. At the time we both agreed that it was nice for the price we paid, but couldn't imagine playing any more than we did. Looking back on it now, I think even if they offered some of those super bargain-basement rates again we'd still probably stay at a moderate (or even a value) Disney resort instead unless we'd planned on spending most of our time at EPCOT.

 

[piratemom]

Thanks for your insight.

We did stay at the Boardwalk back in 2001 and were within walking distance to Epcot although we didn't really walk it that much. So, the closeness to Epcot is not a selling point for us, really.

It's interesting to know that the rooms aren't much bigger than the moderate rooms, though. I think I would miss not being able to charge and send packages back to the room. That is something we used alot the last time we went. With kids we had lots of souveniers and I would hate to have to carry them around (ie the rifle my son bought at the Pirate shop :lol: ) I'm also a bit afraid, since we do have kids, that we would be missing out on the "Disney" magic of the hotel, too. Are the pools at the Swan / Dolphin "themed" in any way? slides?

 

[ask!]

Dear Piratemom,
On another thread I asked about the cost per person for the Dining plan...less than $40 per person...wow! I didn't realize what a huge savings the dining plan is, especially after looking at the prices for dinner table service! Definitely something to consider! I didn't realize the huge savings! Oh, well, I hope I get my balcony!:lookaroun

Andrea

 

[jimjjr]

Upgrades

Something else to consider. If you have stayed at a Sheraton/Westin, etc before and are a member of the Starwood Preferred Guest, you will receive an automatic 1 stage upgrade (pending availability) if I recall correctly. For instance, book the basic room and you'll be upgraded to a preferred view (not necessarily a balcony, but perhaps a view of the fireworks). The only real disadvantage with the points thing is that they eliminated the Concierge level. The 2nd and 3rd times we stayed there we were able to use points (1500 per night) to upgrade to the Club level and got the free continental breakfast and evening hors d'overs. Also got better rooms. I really liked both, (and have stayed in both) but the Swan has nicer rooms and bigger beds.

Good luck.

 

[piratemom]

I hope you get your balcony, too ! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

Yes, it's $39.95 per adult and only $11.99 for children ordering on the children's menu. I think it's a great deal. I know we spent more than that on past visits on food. Most of the sit down dinners are at least $30-$35 by the time you figure in beverages. It even includes gratuity !!! What a deal !! Snacks will be nice, too. The choices for even the snacks are nice (frozen coffees, ice cream, popcorn, etc)

 

[PilotWife]

No, not that I know of. Swan and Dolphin are the only ones.
Also, Swan and Dolphin offer senior discounts, which I think Disney should offer. Disney should also offer a senior ticket price. Most senior bring family with them and many seniors over 80 can't ride the roller coasters. (even though my 70+ parents do :ROFLOL: )
I wish Disney would consider some teacher/nurse/military discounts like the Swan/Dolphin.

Disney sometimes does offer room only discounts for military, it is publicized through our Info, tickets, and tours office on the bases. And they usually do it once or twice a yr. Also, if you go thru Shades of Green AND they are booked we can request a rate for a Disney Resort at a really good discount. But this is for military and DOD civilians only.

Hope this helps some of those involved with the military.

Jennifer

 

[AZDISNEYDVL]

Your best bet, if you want a guaranteed view of the fireworks, is to call SPG(if you are a member anyway) and use points to upgrade. Base level SPG members do not have an automatic upgrade option although, some front desk agents are more than happy to upgrade, it really depends on their mood. Only Gold members (upgraded to the next available room type) or Platinum (upgraded to a suite, usually the lowest level of suites if available) as well as some corporate and other special levels of SPG. If you are not a member, it is worth looking into as Starwood is in most major vacation destinations (many in and around WDW) and allows points to be used for flights on most major airlines. As a personal note, I would definately go with the Swan as it is definately more for adults, more comfortable as they offer larger beds in rooms with two beds, and even though it is farther from the pool, it is not too far.

 

[piratemom]

You have all been very helpful. We had a talk last night and we decided to stay at either the Swan or Dolphin and not get the dining plan. We decided we don't need all those appetizers and desserts and the money we'll save will be worth it. Plus, like it was said, we'll get a bigger and nicer room for less money.

Now, I don't think there is a refrigerator in the room. Anyone know?? Can you request/rent one? We like to eat breakfast in our room to save time and money and we will need one. Also, my parents have medicine that has to be kept cold.

 

[ask!]

Dear Piratemom,

I agree with you about "all that food"...it does seem delicious and I would prefer it, but my kids eat to live and they do not enjoy "dining"....after looking at the menus, I think they are too "gourmet" for them at this time....maybe next time we go they will be able to appreciate the diversity of the menus...and if that is the case, then I will definitely take advantage of the dining plan because it does seem to be a great value.

Now for a personal question, how will you decide between the Dolphin and Swan? I am going crazy because I am not sure ...bigger beds? closer to pool? smaller hotel? convience store? I am booked at the Dolphin but there is still time to change my ressies.....what are you thinking?

Any advice would be appreciated!
Andrea

 

[ask!]

Dear Piratemom,

I just spoke with 2 reps from the Swan and Dolphin and I have a feeling I spoke with someone representing each resort because one recommended the Swan while the other the Dolphin

Swan has queen size beds
Dolphin has more square foot space
Dolphin only slightly closer to pool although it does not appear that way on Expedia's map or the description in the Unoffical Guide
More shops, restaurants etc at the Dolphin
More quiet at the Swan

I am going to stick with my first instinct and keep my ressies at the Dolphin....either way, I think we can't go wrong. When do you leave?....I'm going in 18 days and I could post my honest opinion when I return if that would be helpful.

Good luck with your decision!
Andrea

 

[dave2822]

I've stayed at both the Swan and the Dolphin, they are basically my homes away from home, IMHO I'd stick with the Dolphin. Like mentioned, they are both excellent resorts, the decor is nearly identical, but, as mentioned, there is more variety in food choices at the Dolphin.

Picabu offers pretty good food at reasonable prices, and the Dolphin Fountain is great for a late night ice cream or burger. Sure you could just walk over from the Swan, but why would you want to trek out into the humid air for any longer than you have to?

I guess the distance to the pool may just be "slightly" shorter at the Dolphin, I've never measured, but it sure feels closer. The Dolphin lobby is also larger and more impressive.

Again, you can't go wrong with either one, but as long as we've turned this thread into Swan v. Dolphin, I figured I'd throw in my two cents

To all those going in the near future, Enjoy your trip!! :wave:

 

[ask!]

Thanks Dave for taking the time to respond...you words are very helpful....Dolphin it is!

Andrea

 

[piratemom]

Dear Ask !
I had a sick child and haven't been online all day....sorry.

I am not going until next summer, but we're leaning toward the Dolphin, too. It looks like it offers more and the rooms are bigger, a little bit, I think.

I know you will have an awesome time. Are you getting a discount? I am a teacher so I'm getting that perk. We get so few of them, you know. :ROFLOL: