Saratoga Springs or Swan/Dolphin?

[roryc]

I've got an AP rate at an SSR studio for $184.50 total and I can get the Swan or Dolphin for just under $220 total for AAA. The deal is that it's just me, for one night. I had really hoped to stay at one of the MK Deluxes but just can't justify the cost for just little old me without a heftier discount than AAA.

Background: This is an add-on night for a little bit of R&R for me after an off-site disney work-related convention in Orlando. I have 2 small children, so I'm really excited about doing what I want to do in the parks and the resort without having to make sure everyone approves

So, which would you choose? I think I'm leaning towards the Swan/Dolphin with the boat access to Epcot and MGM, plus the ability to be able to watch Illuminations from the resort, although most likely not the room since the price is standard limited-view.

Ideally, I'd like to check in, lay by the pool for a couple hours, maybe nap, then head to a park, get dinner, maybe another park, or just head back to the resort and crash. Then get up the next morning after a leisurely breakfast, check out and head to another park.

The standard rack rate is higher at SSR (AP discount ends up being nearly 50%), so I'm thinking that's the "higher end" property between the two. But I most likely won't even use the kitchenette, and there's no park boat transportation, so I'd have to say that I think I'm leaning towards the Swan/Dolphin.

I'd love to hear from people who have stayed at both properties, or who have traveled by themselves to either of the properties.

 

[jayandstacey]

I haven't been to Saratoga, so I'm a bit biased, but I would choose swan/dolphin simply thanks to the location. The idea that you can walk to two parks, 3 other hotels and the boardwalk entertainment area means you can really max out your day - without spending any of it on the buses.

Plus, if you sleep light, a 3am walk around the lagoon is really neat. And the 50 or so places to eat within walking distance - that's for me

 

[blanq]

I have stayed at both the Swan and SSR. I honestly I love them both and would recommend either to you. Since you have just one night, and if I were in your shoes, I would go with the Swan. There is just so much nightlife, and great access to MGM/Epcot that it would be the most convenient location and allow you to maximize your time. Ask for a king room, and then you can spread out in a huge Heavenly bed for a heavenly night's sleep after your evening of fun.

 

[rie'smom]

I'd pick the Swan or Dolphin because of the location.

 

[jwfla422]

We also love them both. But, if you're talking just one night I'd go for the Swan because of the location. You can cover a lot more territory in the short time you'll be there staying at the Swan. SSR is a bus ride away from all of the parks and right across from DTD, but you will spend more time riding the bus, etc.

 

[nbodyhome]

I would usually take the S/D, unless you were wanting easy DD access. The rooms are beautiful and I love the Heavenly Beds!

 

[Bichon Barb]

We are about to book the Swan for an October trip, and I found this deal on allears.net http://www.allears.net/acc/sd_discounts.htm

$189.50 per night! Hopefully they will honor it when I call.

BTW, we've never stayed there, but we chose it because it's walking distance to Epcot and the F&WF. But I think SSR has a great location too because it's walking distance to DD.

Good luck.

 

[roryc]

Thanks so much for all the replys. It seems like everyone is in agreement on the Swan/Dolphin. That's what I was thinking, but wanted to get opinions from those of you who have done both. I have to admit I'm getting excited about the S/D especially since they have a beach...I don't think SSR has one.

I was really hoping for the GF Garden View with an AP rate, but that's not going to happen. For half the price, the S/D makes the most sense with my limited time to max out on advantages of being close to the parks and having all the relaxation amenities I'm hoping for.

Thanks again!

 

[Bichon Barb]

FYI, my friend/travel agent just booked Swan for us. She used the allears code. I think it was $213 a night after tax.

 

[NancyIL]

Have you tried calling the Swan/Dolphin directly to see if they have an AP rate?

This is what the sticky at the top of the Resorts Board says about the AP discount:

Annual Pass holder - You must have an Annual Disney Pass.
Those eligible would be clients that have a valid on date of arrival Disney Annual or Premium Annual pass. You must present the pass at check-in to qualify for the discounted rate. Please note that proof of eligibility is required to receive any discount. Failure to produce such proof at check-in will result in hotel charging the full, regular rate for that room. Using this discount will give you a free one grade upgrade up to the resort view with balcony type rooms. Also included is a late check-out of 2 PM on day of departure

I usually travel to WDW solo, and the Swan is my preferred resort.

 

[Tiffany]

I've got an AP rate at an SSR studio for $184.50 total and I can get the Swan or Dolphin for just under $220 total for AAA. The deal is that it's just me, for one night. I had really hoped to stay at one of the MK Deluxes but just can't justify the cost for just little old me without a heftier discount than AAA.

Background: This is an add-on night for a little bit of R&R for me after an off-site disney work-related convention in Orlando. I have 2 small children, so I'm really excited about doing what I want to do in the parks and the resort without having to make sure everyone approves

So, which would you choose? I think I'm leaning towards the Swan/Dolphin with the boat access to Epcot and MGM, plus the ability to be able to watch Illuminations from the resort, although most likely not the room since the price is standard limited-view.

Ideally, I'd like to check in, lay by the pool for a couple hours, maybe nap, then head to a park, get dinner, maybe another park, or just head back to the resort and crash. Then get up the next morning after a leisurely breakfast, check out and head to another park.

The standard rack rate is higher at SSR (AP discount ends up being nearly 50%), so I'm thinking that's the "higher end" property between the two. But I most likely won't even use the kitchenette, and there's no park boat transportation, so I'd have to say that I think I'm leaning towards the Swan/Dolphin.

I'd love to hear from people who have stayed at both properties, or who have traveled by themselves to either of the properties.

Just you for one night go with the S/D as you are in the middle of everything and will not have to spend a lot of time traveling on bus to get to parks, that is assuming that hanging out at EC or the ST is what your plan is.

 

[roryc]

NANCYIL,

Thanks for the AP suggestion! I never even thought to ask if the S/D had an AP discount. As it turns out it's the same price as AAA, $189.50 for my dates, but that information might help an Annual Passholder who doesn't have AAA.

 

[DisneyFans4]

I've never stayed at SS and I know I'm a big Swan fan, however, based on location alone I just love the Epcot resorts!!

 

[NancyIL]

NANCYIL,

Thanks for the AP suggestion! I never even thought to ask if the S/D had an AP discount. As it turns out it's the same price as AAA, $189.50 for my dates, but that information might help an Annual Passholder who doesn't have AAA.

Did you change to the AP rate to get the room upgrade plus the late check-out? You mentioned you have a standard limited-view room with the AAA rate.

 

[mouseRD]

Have you signed up to be a Starwood member (free on their website)? The Swan/Dolphin are both Starwood hotels & members sometimes get perks like room upgrades when available & a late check out. There is a check-in desk just for Starwood members at these hotels. Can't beat the heavenly beds at the Swan & the staff there (& at the Dolphin) are great - very professional & helpful. The concierge desk (available to everyone - located in the lobby) staff have often been very helpful to us on our trips - securing dinner reservations, etc.

 

[roryc]

Did you change to the AP rate to get the room upgrade plus the late check-out? You mentioned you have a standard limited-view room with the AAA rate.

I completely forgot about the upgrade and late check-out that you'd mentioned with AP...I'll definitely switch it!!! I was just thinking about the $$$, which was the same. But you're right that the room upgrade and late checkout are definitely great added perks. Thanks again!!!

 

[roryc]

Have you signed up to be a Starwood member (free on their website)? The Swan/Dolphin are both Starwood hotels & members sometimes get perks like room upgrades when available & a late check out. There is a check-in desk just for Starwood members at these hotels. Can't beat the heavenly beds at the Swan & the staff there (& at the Dolphin) are great - very professional & helpful. The concierge desk (available to everyone - located in the lobby) staff have often been very helpful to us on our trips - securing dinner reservations, etc.

Yes, I am a Starwood member. I wonder if I book at the AP rate, with upgrade and late checkout, if I'll still get Starwood points. I'll ask when I call to switch the ressie tomorrow and update the results.

 

[DisneyFans4]

Yes, you get points for your stays as well as purchases no matter what discounts you got. Remember, all purchases within the Dolphin and Swan also get points. What I do is charge everything to the room so it's all on the one bill.

 

[roryc]

Yes, I was able to switch the AAA rate to AP to take advantage of the upgrade and late check-out and they did confirm that I will get Starwoods Points even with the AP rate.

Thank you to everyone for all your assistance!!!

 

[ObsessedwiththeMouse]

I would do Dolphin, simply because I've always wanted to stay there! Ah, someday....