All star resort or Swan hotel?

[OP95]

Hi everyone ,

As per title I have seen that I can book a stay at the swan hotel for around £600 more than if I stayed at an all star this is including the resort fee. I stayed at the dolphin a couple of years ago and did not enjoy it that much due to not having the Disney feel and customer service not being the best. but I loved being on the boardwalk and walking to the two parks as I visit HS the most,I am open to give it another try. Though being dropped off at the ttc and having to use other Disney resort buses to miss that is slightly off putting. Do you think it is still worth me upgrading?

Any advice is appreciated!

 

[EACarlson]

Hi everyone ,

As per title I have seen that I can book a stay at the swan hotel for around £600 more than if I stayed at an all star this is including the resort fee. I stayed at the dolphin a couple of years ago and did not enjoy it that much due to not having the Disney feel and customer service not being the best. but I loved being on the boardwalk and walking to the two parks as I visit HS the most,I am open to give it another try. Though being dropped off at the ttc and having to use other Disney resort buses to miss that is slightly off putting. Do you think it is still worth me upgrading?

Any advice is appreciated!

I personally would not pay that much extra to be at the Swan compared to an All Star. It's a little nicer, but when I'm at WDW, I'm not in the room enough for it to really matter. How long is the stay? If it's spread over 14 days, I would consider it. Could you move to a Skyliner resort? Pop would be fantastic for the ease and speed of getting to HS and Epcot, but still be Disney.

 

[jmasgat]

For a short stay, may not be worth it. And agree about looking at Skyliner resort--I'm currently juggling reservations for January between Pop and Swan/Dolphin. I just stayed at Dolphin last month, and I had no issues--but then, I don't need the Disney vibe. As for transportation to MK--you can use bus to/from Boardwalk or Yacht/Beach-- a little extra walk, but if you want to rope drop then its worth it.

I would also keep an eye out for a DVC rental reservation--last minute ones can sometimes be had for a deep discount.

 

[nursejackie]

It depends what you want to get out of your resort. I've stayed at the Swan just the once, and I agree, it was nothing like being in Disney (I know others will disagree but we all have differences wants and needs). If you are just sleeping in your room, then maybe the cheaper option is for you. I wouldn't stay at a value personally, I would consider a moderate, or renting DVC points for deluxe, that what we do.

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

I love the Swan - before becoming DVC members we would pretty much stay there exclusively but that was only bc their rates rivaled value resorts in the seasons we would travel AND location, location, location. But agree with others that for such a short stay, that’s a sizable jump in price (think what else you could use that $ for on the trip). I’d stay at a value on the Skyliner.

 

[Lewisc]

How many nights. Walking distance to 2 parks. Access to deluxe evening hours, I think that's continuing next year. Great selection of restaurants.

Taking the ferry from the TTC to the MK isn't the big deal some posters say.

 

[OP95]

I personally would not pay that much extra to be at the Swan compared to an All Star. It's a little nicer, but when I'm at WDW, I'm not in the room enough for it to really matter. How long is the stay? If it's spread over 14 days, I would consider it. Could you move to a Skyliner resort? Pop would be fantastic for the ease and speed of getting to HS and Epcot, but still be Disney.

Thanks it was for 14 nights , sorry forgotten to add. I have considered pop on my list but it is under room refurb
when I go next November so have been put off slightly for going there, and it’s about £600 more or so as well. Maybe I’ll re consider.

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

Thanks it was for 14 nights , sorry forgotten to add. I have considered pop on my list but it is under room refurb
when I go next November so have been put off slightly for going there, and it’s about £600 more or so as well. Maybe I’ll re consider.

I change my response - for 14 nights I would absolutely stay at the Swan - no question.

 

[OP95]

For a short stay, may not be worth it. And agree about looking at Skyliner resort--I'm currently juggling reservations for January between Pop and Swan/Dolphin. I just stayed at Dolphin last month, and I had no issues--but then, I don't need the Disney vibe. As for transportation to MK--you can use bus to/from Boardwalk or Yacht/Beach-- a little extra walk, but if you want to rope drop then its worth it.

I would also keep an eye out for a DVC rental reservation--last minute ones can sometimes be had for a deep discount.

thank you it will be for 14 nights , I believe my 11 month window is next week. I have put in some requests so hopefully something will come up.

 

[EACarlson]

Thanks it was for 14 nights , sorry forgotten to add. I have considered pop on my list but it is under room refurb
when I go next November so have been put off slightly for going there, and it’s about £600 more or so as well. Maybe I’ll re consider.

Do you have or can you attain any Bonvoy status before your trip? Getting Bonvoy status that gives you free breakfast would more than make up for the additional cost of the Swan. For $50/night, I'd probably do it. I don't know how much more than that I'd be willing to do.

 

[Dug720]

I'd go with All Stars...but I have had major problems with Marriott in the past and avoid them like the plague, so I'd take almost anything over their places.

 

[SteveH]

Location, Location, Location! For 14 nights I'd hands down stay at the Swan, way way better beds, more food options and you can walk or boat to two of the parks, AK's bus stop location is as good or slightly better then Disney buses, MK is the only one that might have me walking to YC or BW.

 

[OP95]

Do you have or can you attain any Bonvoy status before your trip? Getting Bonvoy status that gives you free breakfast would more than make up for the additional cost of the Swan. For $50/night, I'd probably do it. I don't know how much more than that I'd be willing to do.

I do have a membership with then and I think I have around 26k points from my trip with the dolphin. I think I am at the lowest status.

 

[OP95]

Thanks all, I think I’m just going to keep all stars and save the £600 and put that towards souvenirs/ experiences in the parks appreciate all the advice!

 

[jimmymc]

The theming hasn't really changed since you last stayed at the Dolphin. You'd just be paying for the better location.

 

[Lewisc]

Do you have or can you attain any Bonvoy status before your trip? Getting Bonvoy status that gives you free breakfast would more than make up for the additional cost of the Swan. For $50/night, I'd probably do it. I don't know how much more than that I'd be willing to do.

Free breakfast is a benefit earned by Platinum Elite members, 50 stays 50nightsDoesn't work for many of the leisure travelers on DIS.

I think some $$ credit cards give you platinum status


Edited to
50 nights not stays. Thanks to poster.

A typical leisure traveler won't hit that #

 

[EACarlson]

Free breakfast is a benefit earned by Platinum Elite members, 50 stays. Doesn't work for many of the leisure travelers on DIS.

I think some $$ credit cards give you platinum status

50 nights, not 50 stays. Some US credit cards offer status, OP is from the UK, to the best of my knowledge, Marriot does not offer a UK credit card like that.

 

[bdrex28]

The Swan counts as a Deluxe Resort I believe so you get some of the benefits of being in a Deluxe.

I do agree that it doesn't have the vibe of the Disney themed hotels though. I love being on the boardwalk and I've stayed at the Dolphin and Swan using Marriott points the first night of a WDW trip because I didn't want to use DVC points for a stay when I don't get in until 10pm at night. The rooms are great and I like the boat service to epcot and hollywood.

I've never stayed more than one night though.

 

[Dave006]

The Swan counts as a Deluxe Resort I believe so you get some of the benefits of being in a Deluxe.

Yes the Swan, Swan Reserve, and Dolphin are considered Deluxe resorts and have access to Extra Evening Hours (EEH).

@OP95 already decided stick with their All Stars reservation and save the £600 / ~$760 USD. They offer room service, interior hallways, and multiple dining options. However there is no food-court as other Value and Moderates have available to guests.

Most if not all the Swan rooms have been refreshed and the carpets removed for simulated wood floor and cleaner color palate.

Dave

 

[Lewisc]

. I have considered pop on my list but it is under room refurb
when I go next November so have been put off slightly for going there, and it’s about £600 more or so as well.

POP would cost you the same as Swan, inclusive of resort fees.
POP is a value resor?.