Does anyone prefer the Swan over a Disney resort?

[DisneyFans4]

Would you know how much they charge for that? Thanks

I believe it was $60.00.

 

[LukenDC]

Can guests of the Swan use the Grotto pool? If so, is it a hike to get to the Grotto pool from the Swan?

 

[Tiffany]

I believe it was $60.00.

Was that each way or roundtrip? We used FLTours towncar service for our r/t and it was only a $109 r/t but if you got towncar service r/t for $60 that is something I would be interesting in getting the details from you so I could use it for our December stay at the Swan.

 

[Tiffany]

Can guests of the Swan use the Grotto pool? If so, is it a hike to get to the Grotto pool from the Swan?

You can and it is a little ways but no longer than from the Dolphin. The lap pool at the Swan is great and has the same food and drink service as the Dolphin side.

 

[DisneyFans4]

Can guests of the Swan use the Grotto pool? If so, is it a hike to get to the Grotto pool from the Swan?

The Grotto pool is for Swan and Dolphin guests. How far the pool is depends on where your room is. I never thought it was a far walk. The quiet pool is closer which is where I spent alot of time anyway.

 

[DisneyFans4]

Was that each way or roundtrip? We used FLTours towncar service for our r/t and it was only a $109 r/t but if you got towncar service r/t for $60 that is something I would be interesting in getting the details from you so I could use it for our December stay at the Swan.

I don't know the rate now but the $60 was one way. I had to have a large car as there are 4 of us. My DS are 17 and 19.

 

[TxTiggergal]

How does it rate? DH may be able to get a starwood discount & I was wondering how nice it was. Thanks!

We have stayed at the Swan once, using the teacher's discount. It was a good value for the $ and the room was nice. We did receive a comp upgrade to a resort view with a balcony. Staff/service was good, particularly bell services. The grotto pool was especially nice, and DD and I both enjoyed using it.

Overall, it was okay, we just did not feel a lot of that intangible "pixie dust" feeling that we get at the Disney resorts!!

 

[TxTiggergal]

How does it rate? DH may be able to get a starwood discount & I was wondering how nice it was. Thanks!

Forgot to mention there were quite a few conventions going on while we were there. Not really a big problem, just created bottlenecks at times at the restaurants when they all dispersed at once.

 

[DisneyFans4]

You have to get used to the conventions as they are running all the time. WDW is just the place for them. Every August when we go there is one going too and my DH always goes to one in Oct.

 

[Tiffany]

I don't know the rate now but the $60 was one way. I had to have a large car as there are 4 of us. My DS are 17 and 19.

Thanks. The service from FLTours was very good and $109 plus tip r/t is a reasonable rate. We would use them again if we do not rent on a given trip. Maybe for our long weekend in December.

 

[Disney Padawan]

Hello everyone, WOW, you guys make this resort sound great! I've been considering staying at the CBR because it seemed to me like the best resort for the price. I never even considered Swan or Dolphin because they're not operated by Disney. However, for $149 a night, I wouldn't mind paying the little extra. I do have 2 questions. I heard Ronald Duck mention that the AKL & WL also have as much "Bang for your buck." How much price difference are we talking about between a standard room at CBR VS. AKL or WL? I'm thinking of going around November. My second question has probably been answered but which one is better, Swan or Dolphin, or are they both the same? Thanks in advanced. T.T.F.N.

 

[mika911]

Hello everyone, WOW, you guys make this resort sound great! I've been considering staying at the CBR because it seemed to me like the best resort for the price. I never even considered Swan or Dolphin because they're not operated by Disney. However, for $149 a night, I wouldn't mind paying the little extra. I do have 2 questions. I heard Ronald Duck mention that the AKL & WL also have as much "Bang for your buck." How much price difference are we talking about between a standard room at CBR VS. AKL or WL? I'm thinking of going around November. My second question has probably been answered but which one is better, Swan or Dolphin, or are they both the same? Thanks in advanced. T.T.F.N.

Well in November I doubt there is the $149 teacher rate then. However, WL and AKL are a lot more then too.

Wow. Looks like in parts of November teacher/nurse rate is $169 and AAA rate is like $179/189, but this is earlier on before Thanksgiving. Standard rate about $220.

AKL/WL are in regular season early nov to about the 23rd and the standard rate is $265, AAA rate would be like $26 less.

So if you are talking the teacher/nurse rate you would save close to $100 per night.

I guess the difference is better during the normal season.

Like I'm going during value summer season, and I am paying only about $30 more a night at the AKL standard room compared to Swan's teacher/nurse/ rate. But in the fall the difference appears larger.

Between Swan/Dolphin. I've heard things for both, but the Swan is a slightly smaller hotel, I don't know if that might be beneficial in terms of walking?

 

[Disney Padawan]

Thanks for the info Mika911, Hope you have a great time.

 

[mickey2minnie1]

Wow! This is the first time my dh and I are taking our three children to DW. We have been before and stayed at the Dolphin years ago '98. We splurged and are staying at the POLY in Oct/Nov because I wanted them 10, 7, and 5 to be immersed in Disney. I have to admitt, I am feeling a little guilty paying the 385 a night when I could get a teacher discount at the Dolphin. The POLY has always been my dream and hopefully it will be as nice as everyone says. Still the money is weighing on my mind. Next time, I will have to check out the Swan/Dolphin. You all are such a wealth of info.

 

[Poohsmommi]

I would stay at the Swan butfor the fact that they charge for parking. I think it is completely absurd to pay to park at a hotel that you're paying to stay in.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

I agree that they should not charge for parking...but even including the parking fee the AAA rate at the Swan is almost $100 less than BC/YC/BWI AAA

Although hoping to have a room with an EPCOT view, do not think we can go wrong trying the Swan

Stayed in the Dolphin several times in the early 90's, before the views and balcony rooms were higher rates - every time we had a balcony and an EPCOT view - this was long before BWI exisited. There was a tram to International Gateway, but often we would walk.

The CM's (or whatever the title at S/D) were incredible - some of the best guest service we've had at WDW....we have had outstanding guest service at a Disney resort a few times, but often they seem almost bored at check-in these days.

This thread has confirmed for me our 3 night stay at Swan in December - have been waiting for AP rates for BC/YC/BWI, but will give Swan a try this year

Thanks everyone! DIS is great!!

 

[cindyfan]

My DD who is a teacher and eligible for the teacher's discount....
and she has 2 boys..... age 3 and 1.
so.... for her there are 2 reasons for preferring Swan/Dolphin...
1..... LOCATION.... the most important reason!!
2......price...... paying moderate prices for deluxe...

But for my younger DD and myself.... we prefer... Coronado ! or any of the moderates.... and the only deluxe we would not prefer over Swan would be the Contemporary....
Definitely prefer Swan over any values though.

 

[marvel]

wow. I am sold on the Swan now. I had no idea it was such a good place to stay. I didn't even consider it for our 2008 trip. There is probably a thread somewhere regarding Swan rooms I gather?

 

[michboro]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=680909

 

[Poly Pal]

I agree that the Swan is a good value compared to the Disney Deluxes. This Polynesian loyalist chose the Swan over the Polynesian for our April 2006 trip. The Swan was about $150 per night LESS than the Polynesian (peak season). I do think the Polynesian is worth more per night than the Swan, but not THAT much more. We had a good time and like many have mentioned, you can't beat Westin's Heavenly Beds. Our room had a view of the Boardwalk and the canal to MGM. The boat to MGM was very convenient.

That said, we are returning to the Polynesian next week The Polynesian takes you to another time and place, is truly relaxing in an immersive way and is quintessential Disney.