Back from Swan - A Long Review

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Hi All,

I'm back from a short, 3 day trip to the Swan. My sister and I went on this trip so it was just 2 adult women.

We arrived after midnight (planes late) so actually arrived on Thursday, 8/5 at about 12:30 am. Decided to use valet since we were really tired by that time. It was $14/day. We had booked the least expensive room on the web site with a AAA discount, got a free upgrade (Starwood Gold) to a room with view of the waterway and courtyard between the Swan and Dolphin and a balcony. Room was very nice, clean, and comfy beds. I have a nice bed at home and it was one of the few places I've ever stayed where the hotel bed was as comfy. I slept very well there. Didn't hear any noise from hallways or adjoining rooms.

Employees were very pleasant, professional, and helpful. We had a problem with our safe the first morning and security was at our room within a few minutes of calling the front desk. Turned out it needed new batteries - we hadn't been able to program a code in. That was taken care of quickly and we were on our way.

We picked up our car from the valet and headed to AK. The first thing we came across was a crash between a Disney bus and a service truck. Luckily it appeared only the drivers had been in the vehicles. We were second to arrive on the scene, the service truck was lying on it's side across our side of the street and we watched the driver crawl out of the cab. Disney bus was on the other side of the divided road with the front of it bashed in and windshield broken. That driver was sitting on the curb looking pretty shaken. By the time I said "who should we call -911?" a security van was on the scene. They directed us to make a u turn (happened at an intersection) and we passed the reedy creek emergency vehicles on the way to the accident.

But I digress - back to the Swan. It was very pretty with the swan fountain and soft colors. Sits in a great location - I didn't realize just how close it is to the Boardwalk, YC/BC and EPCOT/MGM. Can't beat the convenience for the price. We walked to the Boardwalk a couple of times and took the boat a lot.

I did however, and this is just my opinion, miss the themeing of a Disney resort. I stayed at the WL on my previous trip and the way Disney carries out a theme in every detail and to touch so many senses - it's hard for a regular resort to compare to that. But that's the opinion of a disney fanatic like me, my sister (who is not so much) LOVED the Swan. She prefers to have a break from all things being Disney - so I guess it's just up to your own perspective.

We did have some billing problems. Remember we picked up the car from the valet the morning after we arrived? We parked in self park after that but when the bill arrived we were charged every day for valet parking. I called down, front desk transfered me to someone else (valet I guess). He asked if I turned in the ticket - which I had. He wasn't friendly, just business like, but did take the other two days parking charge off. There was also a $4.21 charge at the Disney Cabanas. DSis called on this one and that's the gift shop I believe? We only went in there to pick up some packages and while there I paid cash for a postcard stamp. They ended up taking that off too. Strangely that was also our room number - 421 - so I'm wondering if something got keyed in the register wrong? Who knows, but they fixed that too.

Weather was very humid and it poured Saturday afternoon but we had a great trip overall. I would recommend the Swan, it is a great deal for a deluxe hotel on Disney property, but personally I'll probably stay at a Disney resort next time - just my honest opinion

 

[rlduvall]

Thanks for posting. Gives us all good comparisons for future visits. Sounds like you had fun. That wreck would have shaken me up, though. Whenever I see a wreck, I feel the people's anguish, lol.

 

[patrickbrian184]

I do agree that is not have the traditional disney resort feeling. For me and my DF it was a great escape from the parks because sometimes that can be a bit overwhelming. It was nice when we were down there on WED the 4th, because we went from 11am to 2am non-stop at parks. (E-Night at MK) To get back to the swan and have that laid back "not so disney" feeling was great. The beds were fantastic!!!!! I was very close to going to the front desk before I left and ask them how much they wanted for the bed, and how much to ship it home.

 

[swilphil]

I find that the Dolphin lobby next door has a more magical feel to it, although I find the Swan's small intimate atmosphere appealing too. Dolphin and Swan--I love them both!

 

[lvs_eeyore]

patrickbrian184 you can actually order the beds that they use at the Swan and Dolphin. Im trying to remember the exact address of the site but I know it has to do with Westin. I will see if I can find it and post it.

Found it....http://www.westin-hotelsathome.com/default.htm

 

[patrickbrian184]

That is awesome. I will to see if I can pass that expense by the DF. I don't think we really need a honeymoon......jk

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

I agree with you guys. The Swan is a lovely hotel, the service was great, the problems we had were quickly taken care of, and those pillow top beds are VERY comfortable. My sister has the same opinion as you PatrickBrian184 and that's a good way to describe the Swan - "laid back". It's got a peaceful atmosphere, calming colors. It's just my personal thing, I like the total immersion (sp?) in a theme that a Disney hotel gives you and I missed that, but I'm in no way saying the Swan is bad. It IS a great value.

I also missed out on the Swan & Dolphin restaurants as we only had a few days and spent most of our time in the parks, e night on Friday night, so I didn't get the whole experience. I made it over to Tubbi's late one night for a snack and that's great to have somewhere open 24 hours. Blue Zoo looked like someplace I'd like to try. Dolphin does have a big themed lobby but I think I prefer the Swan's also. I like the serenity of it.

We had A LOT of fun in a short time