Choose Swan or Contemporary?

[bballmom56]

I've been lurking here awhile and have picked up tons of tips and information. Thank you so much to everyone. But now I have a dilemma. I have ressies at the Swan at the teacher rate of $149 for 6 nights in June. I was checking out the new Disney Visa rates for room only at the Contemporary. The CM I spoke with gave me $184 (would have been $159, but my daughter is 20 and therefore a third adult). Then she offered me Disney Visa summer dream maker package at the CR for $135 more than I would spend at Swan for the room and UPH tix. I was really looking forward to the Swan after all I have read about it. It sounds wonderful - love the idea of the location to Epcot. Rooms recently renovated - Heavenly beds. Grotto pool sounds great, Boardwalk area sounds nice. Seems to be more away from the crowds. Since my kids are older (son is 15) I thought this sounded like a really great place at a great rate. But the CR is right on the monorail line and is a Disney hotel. Yet some of the opinions I've read have not been all that complimentary of the CR. For those of you that have experience with both of those resorts, which would you choose? Also, for people that have older kids, which would they prefer?

 

[Kimberle]

I have stayed at CR and loved it! In fact, we are returning in Sept.

CR all the way, baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Connears]

We loved the Swan for our New Year's trip. It is also very convenient for Epcot and MGM(walk or boat); great restaurants(at swan and dolphin) and BW,BC YC dining a walk away. CR is great for MK to walk or monorail and has fun shopping, restaurants. If you are spending alot of time at MK, CR is a better choice. I also got the teacher's rate at Swan, but upgraded to CL for $214 and really enjoyed it. No loser either way.
Connears

 

[luvmarypoppins]

We have stayed at both. We are going back to the swan in april. Its because we couldnt get a good rate from disney, but I did see they had a contemp. room available and I am toying with the idea but it would blow my budget. I would say contemporary if you have never stayed at a disney hotel before. Also I think it depends how much time you are spending in the room, resort versus park time. If all you are doing is basically sleeping in the room then you might want to rethink to the swan.
Plus: contem- better or I should say closer dining options for refillable mugs and snacks stops.
Marina: Fishing trips,waterskiing, wakeboarding, parasailing etc. right in your own back yard if you are planning on doing any of those.
Close up view of water parade, wishes from your resort etc,
I would say the cons would be the decor of the place if you are not into that theming, I did notice check in took forever and if you get a garden wing its a little longer walk to places.
Swan - we like it, its in our budget. The only things I dont like our non charging back to the room from the parks and the hike for refillable mugs and snacks to the dolphin. The grotto pool is awesome. our 3 ds 15,14 and 12 loved the water volleyball and the transporation is fine. The ds didnt like the pink shampoo or oatmeal soap. You will like either place whatever you decide. Good luck.

 

[cinmell]

The CR is my favorite resort so that's the one I would choose. I love being in the MK area and being able to walk to the MK. I also enjoy being on the monorail line.

 

[diathoney]

The last time we were at the Contemporary during the summer they had a "Pool Party" going on. They were giving away free hats and glasses, playing Carribean music. It was a lot of fun. It's nice being on the monorail too - easy access to MK or Epcot. The shopping area at the CR is the best! There's Chef Mickeys, Concourse Steakhouse, Calfornia Grill or the food court for eating. The CR rooms are nice and large. You can get 2 Queens, plus a day bed (twin). It's nice to have the extra room (and beds).

The Epcot area is also great. TheSwan has 2 Queen beds and easy access to Epcot or MGM, plus all the food choices at the Boardwalk. The Boardwalk has the entertainment (magician, jugglers on the weekend. If your kids like Epcot & MGM, this is the best location.

It's a tough choice. You'll love either one.

 

[sotoalf]

Go with the Contemporary. It's got the largest standard rooms on property, terrific dining options, loads of water activities. Many people dismiss the CR's decor as "sterile" and "garish," but I think those adjectives better describe the art-deco-gone-mad decore at the Swan.

 

[lillygator]

I would stay at the Contemporary....but then I would like to be Disney all the way!
Have fun where ever you choose.

 

[Mercy]

Well I love the Swan/Dolphin, but if I got a rate similar to there at the CR I would probably go there. You can always get the teacher rate at the S/D, but good rates at disney resorts aren't always available.