Swan?

[dobiedadorf]

Hi. We're taking our first trip to the World in June 04, staying 8 nights at the Swan, club level (great teacher's rate.) Has anyone stayed there?

Also, what do you think would be my best admission bet, 7 day park hopper plus or length of stay? There is about 100 dollars difference each (x3.) If we got the PHP, we would have to take a day off from the theme parks once in our nine day trip, as well as not go into a park the evening we arrive (which will be 6ish, so probably not a problem.) What have your experiences been with the day off? Thanks.

 

[SamatBCV]

There is plenty to do with a day off: boating (water mouse or pontoon on many of the WDW lakes), Disney Quest along with the rest of Downtown Disney, water parks, visit the other hotels, or try one or more of the 4 mini golf courses. Of course there is also the non-Disney stuff like Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. It's easy to come up with a full days worth.

 

[johnvree]

First, I think you can buy an 8-Day Park Hopper.

Second, as to the Swan, last year we (me, wife, 2 kids, 2 and 4)stayed at the Swan for four nights. The hotel was great. It feels big and impressive when you are in it. The location is one of the best, especially for Epcot and MGM. I can't comment on the room because my sister-in-law, who does a lot of business with the S&D, got us the Italian Suite comp'd. The suite was the size of 6 connecting rooms, three of which are taken up by a foyer (with a piano), a living room and a formal dinning room. The bell hop told me about some of the famous people that stayed in the suite. When he got his tip he quickly realized that I was not one of them. The staff was fantastic. The AC was not working properly in one of the rooms. A very professional maintenance person was there and had it fixed within 15 minutes. the restaurants are great, especially Palio (sp?).

Some people have commented that the hotel doesn't feel as 'Disney' as the other resorts on the property. So when I got there, I was looking for it. I noticed a little difference, but not very much. The resort feels very 'Disney'.

 

[surfsupdon]

The rooms are very nice. Standard hotel rooms with very pastal colors throughout.

Excellent location.

And, yes, that teachers rate sure is GREAT!!

 

[The Mom]

I stayed there a few weeks ago. The rooms were nice; great beds! The pools are a bit of a trek, but worth it. It's very convenient to MGM, Epcot, and the Boardwalk. You might want to eat there, then rent a "surrey" bike after dinner. If you walk down to the bridge, you can watch Illuminations. (at least the fireworks) I found it very enjoyable, especially for the price I paid.

 

[surfsupdon]

Originally posted by The Mom
I found it very enjoyable, especially for the price I paid.

That's the BIG key!! I too would have felt ripped if we had to pay the full rack rate price of almost 400/night during the holiday rate times, but because it was kept to jsut over 100/night it was well worth it.

 

[Disneyfalcon]

I have always heard if you're going to stay 7 days or longer you should look into an annual pass. The prices around $369 vs $329 are very close. (Although if you're wanting to go to the water parks that would make you want to buy the premium annual pass which is more.) If you're planning another trip you could go right before they expire next summer.
Have fun!

 

[Debbie]

I would look into an annual pass then plan to go for a short trip next year!
The Swan is very nice and I hope to stay there again someday.

Call Pam with KingdomKonsultants and she will help you with any questions you have (especially since it's your first time). I hope you come back from your trip finding yourself addicted to WDW like the rest of us here are! Good Luck!

 

[BRER STITCH]

I recommend the 7-day PHP so you can use the water parks if you want to.

Also, the first night there will be too short to waste at the Parks, so you can relax and get your bearings around the Hotel and grounds, unpack, and rest up for your first big day!!!

Think of the great meals or souvenirs you could buy with the $300 you save!!!

For that length of trip, you will probably be happy to take a day off from visiting the theme parks. There's so much else to do at WDW that most people never take time to do. It could even be a midweek "lets sleep in and lay by the pool day, get a nice dinner and head to Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island" day.

HAVE FUN!

:sohappy:

 

[ImSweetPea]

great teacher's rate.
________________

Whats this is all about?????? Is ther some kind of teachers rate???

 

[dobiedadorf]

Thanks for all the info and advice, guys! I'm usually a swing by the seat of my pants kinda gal, but the prospect of dropping 5 grand on a vacation is enough to make me very, very compulsive about knowing what I am doing!

Sweat Pea, the teacher's rate at the Swan/Dolphin is $129 for the Dolphin, $145 for the Swan, standard rate. We upgraded to club level at the Swan and after they added taxes and resort fee (which I hope to waive when we get there) they charged my credit card about $230 for the first night deposit. To access this rate you need to show a copy of a valid teacher's license at check in.

--Sharon