Comparison pricing question

[SwanVT2]

So we hope to stay at the Swan Feb. of 2014 with a teacher's rate, but with the resort fee and taxes added on I am wondering if it might be more economical to stay at a moderate? We are mostly looking to hang at the resort b/c our DD will be almost 2 and that is why the Swan is tempting. Has anyone done the comparison of these type of rates? Wondering if we should try CBR or POR instead. TIA!

 

[MrEVILdrPorkchop2u]

Funny you should mention this. My DW also qualifies for the teacher rate and I qualify for the military rate. We have toyed with staying here different trips, but everytime we run numbers we realize we came out way ahead going moderate instead. We always drive since DW will no longer fly since a very scary event on her last trip. So we would be paying the parking fees on top of all of their other fees. For us, it just doesn't make sense. Swan and Dolphin are beautiful resorts though.

 

[etail]

For us the rates can vary so you'll need to check for the week you want. They are indeed close and don't forget to include the cost of airport transfers (no magic express), parking and resort fees. I will note that the teacher rate got us some of the least desirable rooms (low floor, view of mechanicals on roof and high volume hallway traffic) but we could walk to Epcot or Studios, had many dining options and a pretty good pool (limited slide hours depending upon the season). We also use or save Starwood points so that influenced our choice but in the end my DW now wants the more "Disney" feel of a moderate over Swan/Dolphin.

 

[bek]

I'm putting together a last minute trip and priced everything. I have AP and FL resident discounts and the moderates were in the same price range as the Swan/Dolphin. We ended up at the Swan/Dolphin because they have a Suite with a guaranteed two connecting rooms, which we needed for this trip with the kids and grandkids.

My DH and I stayed at the Dolphin last October and loved it but I'm not sure I'd pick it for a mostly resort stay.

Have you priced Animal Kingdom Lodge? It's a great place for a mostly resort stay. My then 2-year-old grandson thought it was amazing when we stayed there January a year ago. AKL oftentimes has discounts or maybe try renting DVC points for a studio?