Analysis Paralysis - Pop vs. Swan vs. Grand Floridian

[CallCaedmon]

I'm taking my daughter to Disney World in March over Spring Break to celebrate her 12th birthday and am struggling to determine the best option for hotels on our trip.

My daughter is a thrill seeker and will gravitate to rides like FoP, Everest, Guardians of the Galaxy, Tower of Terror, etc. and ideally we will hit the parks at rope drop, go back to the room for a nap during peak hours, and return late afternoon to avoid wait times.

My ideal option would be Boardwalk or BC but they are both substantially more expensive than my other options even considering a split stay. I currently have a reservation at Pop for 6 nights and am holding a Swan reservation for 6 nights. My Pop reservation costs ~$1400 while my Swan reservation is ~$2900. There is also a confirmed DVC reservation available for GF where I could do a split stay between Pop and GF for a few hundred extra and would get two nights of extra evening hours during our stay at a deluxe resort.

Where I'm stuck is I feel like there are drawbacks to every option available so I'm hoping all of you grizzled Disney veterans can help me determine if one of these is the clear winner over the others. Here are my options as I see them but would welcome any thoughts I haven't considered already too!

1. Stay at Pop for our entire trip & purchase after hours for MK during our trip
   1. Cons - Very small rooms, motel-style hotel and may be noisy during the day which will make it hard to get rest like we're hoping.
   2. Pros - Cheapest option, no need to change hotels mid-stay, skyliner access, After hours night would help offset the loss of extra evening hours from a deluxe resort
2. Stay at Swan for the entire trip
   1. Cons - Not a disney property (magic bands don't work there, buses go to TTC, etc.), More than twice the price of Pop which seems excessive for what we're getting.
   2. Pros - Walking distance to Epcot and HS, no need to change hotels mid-stay, extra evening hours at a deluxe hotel
3. Split stay between Pop and GF
   1. Cons - I've read mixed reviews about buses and monorail waits from GF and am concerned we'll be waiting longer for transit here. MK is probably our lowest priority park so the proximity isn't as much of a value to us here. This is also a single confirmed reservation that could get sold at any time so my FOMO is in high gear on this option.
   2. Pros - My daughter LOVES Mary Poppins and the refurb rooms seem like a great option. It's also a chance to stay at GF and I doubt we would ever be able to do this with our whole family due to cost. Also get to use two extra evening hours from a deluxe resort.
4. Stick with Pop for now and hope a better DVC reservation goes up for sale at Boardwalk or BC
   1. Cons - No idea if confirmed reservations will come open or not
   2. Pros - may be able to get a confirmed reservation for BC or BW to get exactly what we want

Am I misinformed on any of these Pros/Cons? Any options I'm missing given our plans for the trip?

Thanks in advance for reading!

 

[Genie+]

I would pick the split stay between Pop and Grand Flo.

 

[CallCaedmon]

I would pick the split stay between Pop and Grand Flo.

Thanks! Any reason(s) that one would be your recommendation?

 

[gottalovepluto]

Pop is a value, you will hear your neighbors and outdoor activity. If you need a quiet afternoon this is not the hotel for you. It’s not crazy motel 6 loud but you will hear neighbor’s toilets flushing, kids running outside and pool music if by the big pool.

Swan is my vote. If you’re worn out from not getting your afternoon rest for the first half of the trip you won’t have the energy to rope drop and hit late hours later so I don’t think splitting something with Pop is wise for you. Swan recently remodeled btw so rooms should be nice. If you don’t want to TTC you can Minnie Van ($35) or walk to BW and bus.

ETA- I like to do my arrival night at Pop to save a little money and then move to my chosen hotel. They’ll transfer luggage even to Swolphin.

 

[CoP Luv]

I would stick with either Pop or Swan only. I HATE split stays and being homeless for a good part of the day. I have stayed at both and love the proximity to two parks. I have had loud neighbors at Pop and the following year, feel like no one is around me. The one thing about the deluxe hotels that I do not like (especially at that price point) is sharing of busses with other resorts. While I would love to stay at GF once, every time I visit there, it is busy and the transportation is slow unless you are going to MK. So for me, it doesn't appear to be worth the extra money (and I have stayed at many deluxe, just not GF - and find myself going back to Pop every year as a solo traveller or with one other person). Pick a hotel you think you will enjoy - either for the price point, proximity to parks, food options, amenity options....Good luck and have a wonderful time!

 

[gottalovepluto]

Forgot one thing about Swolphin- book a refundable rate if you pick them! Their rates are dynamic and can change even close to your trip, if it’s refundable you can modify if the price drops.

 

[jennab]

I'm taking my daughter to Disney World in March over Spring Break to celebrate her 12th birthday and am struggling to determine the best option for hotels on our trip.

My daughter is a thrill seeker and will gravitate to rides like FoP, Everest, Guardians of the Galaxy, Tower of Terror, etc. and ideally we will hit the parks at rope drop, go back to the room for a nap during peak hours, and return late afternoon to avoid wait times.

My ideal option would be Boardwalk or BC but they are both substantially more expensive than my other options even considering a split stay. I currently have a reservation at Pop for 6 nights and am holding a Swan reservation for 6 nights. My Pop reservation costs ~$1400 while my Swan reservation is ~$2900. There is also a confirmed DVC reservation available for GF where I could do a split stay between Pop and GF for a few hundred extra and would get two nights of extra evening hours during our stay at a deluxe resort.

Where I'm stuck is I feel like there are drawbacks to every option available so I'm hoping all of you grizzled Disney veterans can help me determine if one of these is the clear winner over the others. Here are my options as I see them but would welcome any thoughts I haven't considered already too!

1. Stay at Pop for our entire trip & purchase after hours for MK during our trip
   1. Cons - Very small rooms, motel-style hotel and may be noisy during the day which will make it hard to get rest like we're hoping.
   2. Pros - Cheapest option, no need to change hotels mid-stay, skyliner access, After hours night would help offset the loss of extra evening hours from a deluxe resort
2. Stay at Swan for the entire trip
   1. Cons - Not a disney property (magic bands don't work there, buses go to TTC, etc.), More than twice the price of Pop which seems excessive for what we're getting.
   2. Pros - Walking distance to Epcot and HS, no need to change hotels mid-stay, extra evening hours at a deluxe hotel
3. Split stay between Pop and GF
   1. Cons - I've read mixed reviews about buses and monorail waits from GF and am concerned we'll be waiting longer for transit here. MK is probably our lowest priority park so the proximity isn't as much of a value to us here. This is also a single confirmed reservation that could get sold at any time so my FOMO is in high gear on this option.
   2. Pros - My daughter LOVES Mary Poppins and the refurb rooms seem like a great option. It's also a chance to stay at GF and I doubt we would ever be able to do this with our whole family due to cost. Also get to use two extra evening hours from a deluxe resort.
4. Stick with Pop for now and hope a better DVC reservation goes up for sale at Boardwalk or BC
   1. Cons - No idea if confirmed reservations will come open or not
   2. Pros - may be able to get a confirmed reservation for BC or BW to get exactly what we want

Am I misinformed on any of these Pros/Cons? Any options I'm missing given our plans for the trip?

Thanks in advance for reading!

I don’t like GF and getting to Epcot from there is a pain. You could always uber/lyft though. Plus MK is your low priority park.

Is your daughter a pool person? If so, I wouldn’t pick pop. My son loves a pool slide though.

What about a moderate? Have you looked into CBR? Also on skyliner so easy access to EP/HS and slightly larger rooms.

Swan/Dolphin - yeah I don’t like the no Disney bus transportation or charging to room. However, again you could do a rideshare to AK and walk over to YC and use their bus for MK.

 

[bgirl29]

I would choose Swan. You still get the deluxe evening hours and can choose not to have housekeeping, so you do not have to worry about them coming during your nap. Also the bus to AK drops you closer than Disney busses. We just walk to boardwalk for the bus to MK.

 

[CallCaedmon]

Pop is a value, you will hear your neighbors and outdoor activity. If you need a quiet afternoon this is not the hotel for you. It’s not crazy motel 6 loud but you will hear neighbor’s toilets flushing, kids running outside and pool music if by the big pool.

Swan is my vote. If you’re worn out from not getting your afternoon rest for the first half of the trip you won’t have the energy to rope drop and hit late hours later so I don’t think splitting something with Pop is wise for you. Swan recently remodeled btw so rooms should be nice. If you don’t want to TTC you can Minnie Van ($35) or walk to BW and bus.

ETA- I like to do my arrival night at Pop to save a little money and then move to my chosen hotel. They’ll transfer luggage even to Swolphin.

Thanks! We've stayed at Art of Animation but never Pop so I appreciate the heads up on noise. I suppose another option could be to do a split stay between Pop and Swan to get the benefit of the deluxe extra evening hours.

 

[CallCaedmon]

I would stick with either Pop or Swan only. I HATE split stays and being homeless for a good part of the day. I have stayed at both and love the proximity to two parks. I have had loud neighbors at Pop and the following year, feel like no one is around me. The one thing about the deluxe hotels that I do not like (especially at that price point) is sharing of busses with other resorts. While I would love to stay at GF once, every time I visit there, it is busy and the transportation is slow unless you are going to MK. So for me, it doesn't appear to be worth the extra money (and I have stayed at many deluxe, just not GF - and find myself going back to Pop every year as a solo traveller or with one other person). Pick a hotel you think you will enjoy - either for the price point, proximity to parks, food options, amenity options....Good luck and have a wonderful time!

Thanks! I've only stayed at value resorts on property so I don't have any context for Deluxe. I see folks saying that switching buses is horrible and others saying it's no big deal so I appreciate the experience!

 

[CallCaedmon]

I don’t like GF and getting to Epcot from there is a pain. You could always uber/lyft though. Plus MK is your low priority park.

Is your daughter a pool person? If so, I wouldn’t pick pop. My son loves a pool slide though.

What about a moderate? Have you looked into CBR? Also on skyliner so easy access to EP/HS and slightly larger rooms.

Swan/Dolphin - yeah I don’t like the no Disney bus transportation or charging to room. However, again you could do a rideshare to AK and walk over to YC and use their bus for MK.

Great questions! I meant to mention that I doubt we'll use the pools at all while we're there so that's not a big factor for us.

I did consider CBR as well but there seem to be lots of complaints about buses there and the size of the resort so it seems like a big gamble on which area we get placed in. The lack of a Skyliner transfer seems like it would be a big benefit though.

 

[CallCaedmon]

I would choose Swan. You still get the deluxe evening hours and can choose not to have housekeeping, so you do not have to worry about them coming during your nap. Also the bus to AK drops you closer than Disney busses. We just walk to boardwalk for the bus to MK.

I didn't know that about their AK buses! That's definitely a pro I hadn't considered.

 

[jennab]

Great questions! I meant to mention that I doubt we'll use the pools at all while we're there so that's not a big factor for us.

I did consider CBR as well but there seem to be lots of complaints about buses there and the size of the resort so it seems like a big gamble on which area we get placed in. The lack of a Skyliner transfer seems like it would be a big benefit though.

I debating staying at CBR and if we would, I would have just done a rideshare to AK/MK or walked to Rivera if close to their bus stop.

Since it’s only the 2 of you, pop rooms shouldn’t be that bad either and if you don’t care about pools…. Although, not as many food options, but you are on skyliner and can visit other resorts that are on it as well.

 

[kylenne]

I love the GF to death but it genuinely makes no sense for y’all to stay there given your priorities. If it’s in the budget, just stay at the Swan. Neither point you listed as a con for it is an actual issue that will impact your vacation as much as having walking access to the two parks you intend to spend the most time at tbqh. Especially at the end of the night when you walk past those massive Skyliner lines.

EEH is huge because it means another opportunity to ride Cosmic Rewind for free (the 6pm VQ can be joined even if you did the 7a or 1p VQ), and it’s absolutely fantastic at MK.

Walking is objectively the best way to get to HS for rope drop, you will beat Skyliner guests there every time and every minute counts if you’re trying to do the heavy hitters efficiently. Food is also far superior at Swolphin.

Marriott has dynamic pricing as others have said so I agree with the advice to book refundable and keep an eye out for price drops. Many times Swolphin can be booked for the price of a Disney mod even factoring in resort fees.

 

[CallCaedmon]

I love the GF to death but it genuinely makes no sense for y’all to stay there given your priorities. If it’s in the budget, just stay at the Swan. Neither point you listed as a con for it is an actual issue that will impact your vacation as much as having walking access to the two parks you intend to spend the most time at tbqh. Especially at the end of the night when you walk past those massive Skyliner lines.

EEH is huge because it means another opportunity to ride Cosmic Rewind for free (the 6pm VQ can be joined even if you did the 7a or 1p VQ), and it’s absolutely fantastic at MK.

Walking is objectively the best way to get to HS for rope drop, you will beat Skyliner guests there every time and every minute counts if you’re trying to do the heavy hitters efficiently. Food is also far superior at Swolphin.

Marriott has dynamic pricing as others have said so I agree with the advice to book refundable and keep an eye out for price drops. Many times Swolphin can be booked for the price of a Disney mod even factoring in resort fees.

Thank you!

I didn't know that about the extra VQ for CR during EEH either so that's definitely another pro. There is an after hours at MK while we're traveling that I was looking at too but it wouldn't give any extra free CR opportunities.

 

[QueenofPrideRock]

I would choose Swan. You still get the deluxe evening hours and can choose not to have housekeeping, so you do not have to worry about them coming during your nap. Also the bus to AK drops you closer than Disney busses. We just walk to boardwalk for the bus to MK.

I second this and what @kylenne said! I've stayed at all three resorts you're considering and, in your case, think Swan is worth the extra $$$. You still very much feel in the bubble being on Crescent Lake, the beds are comfy and perfect for napping, EXCELLENT access to Epcot and DHS and the lack of MBs wasn't a big deal for us at all. We did exactly what others have said and just bopped over to Boardwalk for the MK bus.

 

[CallCaedmon]

I second this and what @kylenne said! I've stayed at all three resorts you're considering and, in your case, think Swan is worth the extra $$$. You still very much feel in the bubble being on Crescent Lake, the beds are comfy and perfect for napping, EXCELLENT access to Epcot and DHS and the lack of MBs wasn't a big deal for us at all. We did exactly what others have said and just bopped over to Boardwalk for the MK bus.

Thank you! Walking access to the parks we plan to visit the most definitely seems like a valuable benefit. I'll try to keep checking the Swan to see if any lower rates open up as it's hard to justify the $400/night rate approaching some deluxe Disney hotels. At least I still have a reservation there so I can use what I have if nothing else is available.

 

[blbrodger1]

I would not do a split stay. Even if Disney assists with luggage, you're basically without a hotel for a day while you're waiting to "check in" and the transfer is time out of your trip that you could be enjoying the parks.

I'd totally eliminate the Grand Floridian. It's not that grand in my opinion. Does not really impress that much, and is not worth the extra cost.

Although they're totally different, the Swan/Swan Reserve and Pop are my two resorts of choice.

If you can swing it, go for the Swan. Being able to walk to two parks is worth its weight in Disney gold. You don't need to depend on any transportation, and you essentially have access to so many amenities and restaurant options at Dolphin, Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk, etc. Highly recommend the breakfast buffet at Rosa Mexicano at the Dolphin. The park transportation to AK is good from Swan/Dolphin. For MK, we walked to the Boardwalk in order to avoid the ticket and transportation center. If you stay at the Swan, you can use the pools at both Swan and Dolphin. The Dolphin pool is VERY cool with a grotto type area and a fake cove and beach area. The resort fee also includes use of a swan paddle boat for the lake.

Pop is a great choice because of the Skyliner. Quick and easy transportation. The options for food at Pop are not as good as the Swan, and it's a bit more chaotic, and maybe noisier, but it's still a solid choice for a great price that allows you to treat yourself in other ways.

Whatever you choose, you'll have a wonderful trip.

 

[CallCaedmon]

Really appreciate all the thoughtful responses. You guys are the best!

At this point I've heard loud and clear that being able to walk to Epcot and HS is such a valuable benefit that I'm fairly sold on either the Swan or a new option of doing a split stay between Pop and Beach Club. At current rates, I can do a full stay at the Swan for $2900 or a split stay between Pop and Beach Club for $3300. I'm going to chat with my daughter to gauge how important staying at Disney the whole time vs not having to change hotels is to her. I know it sounds silly but she was pretty excited last time to get to use her magic band to get into the room and buy items around the park and hotel. Appreciate all the help!

 

[elvispursley]

We stayed at Sean this past fall and had a great time. The rooms are nice, updated, and large (we were able to park 2 scooters in the room). The food options were great and who can complain about free bottled water?! We did as mentioned above and used the BW bus for MK. AK we used the Swan’s bus once and Disney’s once. Live being able to walk, boat, or skyliner to HS and walking into Epcot can’t be beat.

We’ve never stayed at Pop and no offense, don’t really care to (I’d consider it if it were just me). Don’t really like split stays as we, too, are nappers in the afternoon and not having access to the room is a deal breaker. I think if MK isn’t a top priority, I’d skip the Pop/GF stay. What would your DD prefer?