Four Seasons whole trip, or switch half on-site?

[akadada]

My work is sending me to Orlando and putting me up at the Four Seasons (no complaints!). I can bring the family so we're going to spend at least three nights there, but thinking of making a full week trip out of the time there since my air and three nights are already covered and the three nights I'm there I will be legitimately working the whole time.

Wondering, though, whether it would be worth extending the trip by staying at the Four Seasons or switching to on-site for another three nights. The hotel is willing to offer the same group rate that my company is paying, but it's still over $400 a night at the group rate...so just comparing that price alone, it seems comparable with most deluxe, wouldn't it?

The primary reason I think we'd go on site is to better park access (preferably Boardwalk area), emh, and 60 day fastpass.

Any opinions one way or the other?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

My work is sending me to Orlando and putting me up at the Four Seasons (no complaints!). I can bring the family so we're going to spend at least three nights there, but thinking of making a full week trip out of the time there since my air and three nights are already covered and the three nights I'm there I will be legitimately working the whole time.

Wondering, though, whether it would be worth extending the trip by staying at the Four Seasons or switching to on-site for another three nights. The hotel is willing to offer the same group rate that my company is paying, but it's still over $400 a night at the group rate...so just comparing that price alone, it seems comparable with most deluxe, wouldn't it?

The primary reason I think we'd go on site is to better park access (preferably Boardwalk area), emh, and 60 day fastpass.

Any opinions one way or the other?

My wife and I spent a long weekend at the Four Seasons August 2015 for our anniversary. No kids. I think we stayed three nights if I'm not mistaken. We go to Disney somewhat frequently so we really had no intention of going to a park, we were just going to chill at the Four Seasons and relax. By Saturday night, we were kind of bored and got the Disney itch... ended up going to Epcot for a change of scene.

The 4S is very, very nice... the pools and amenities are unbelievable and are superior to any Disney resort. Service is of course top notch. But for us, no way we would want to stay there a full week. It has a bit of a sterile feel to it (for us at least) and the proximity to Disney is sort of a tease. The bus works well but it's not the same as staying on property. E.g., the bus to MK only takes you to the TTC, not the MK itself like a Disney resort. Small detail, but kind of annoying for a long trip.

I hate to complain about how much things cost because that's just the nature of travel, but the 4S is pretty expensive at every turn. I'm used to Disney prices but even small things like a bottle of water or cup of coffee at 4S cost quite a bit. That gets old to me after awhile.

If I were in your shoes, I would move to a Disney resort after your work deal. That way you get the best of both worlds.

Happy to elaborate on any of the above if needed.

 

[akadada]

Thank you. Would you consider moving to Swan Dolphin or we're thinking one of the Epcot/Boardwalk area hotel resorts?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Thank you. Would you consider moving to Swan Dolphin or we're thinking one of the Epcot/Boardwalk area hotel resorts?

No problem.

I don't have any experience with Swan/Dolphin and have only stayed one night at Beach Club (last summer), so I'm pretty worthless with Epcot resort advice. If this were us we'd opt for BC or YC given the pool there. That's a better fit for us. I loved the close walk to Epcot from BC too.

I'm not that familiar with the on-site benefit differences between Swan/Dolphin and a regular Disney resort - I think there are some subtle differences in things like EMHs, 30/60 days FP windows, etc, but I'm not really sure about that (at all!).

Mind if I ask the ages of your kids? There's a lot to do for teenagers at 4S.

 

[AdamEfimoff]

When are you going?

 

[spiceycat]

the swan and dolphin charge for parking, don't think they have the 60 day fp thing - but they do have early/late entry for their guests. love all the disney resorts at Epcot - how much night life are you going for - if you want that then BW - if are doing Epcot all day you really want to sleep then BC - it is my favorite of the Epcot resorts.

 

[Maxie86]

Unless something has changed the Swan and Dolphin has everything staying onsite has...including being able to make FP's 60 days out and EMH... except ME, free parking, and the ability to charge back to your hotel from the parks. I don't think you get a free MB, but you can use one from a previous trip or buy one if you want. Even adding in the resort and parking fee it still comes out less than the other Epcot area resorts, especially if you can get a discount. Their main pool is very very nice. The Swan has queen beds...the Dolphin had double beds but I don't know if that is still the case with the recent renovations. The YC is our favorite Epcot resort but, we would choose the Swan over any of the other Epcot resorts if not staying CL.

 

[Belle83]

Unless something has changed the Swan and Dolphin has everything staying onsite has...including being able to make FP's 60 days out and EMH... except ME, free parking, and the ability to charge back to your hotel from the parks. I don't think you get a free MB, but you can use one from a previous trip or buy one if you want. Even adding in the resort and parking fee it still comes out less than the other Epcot area resorts, especially if you can get a discount. Their main pool is very very nice. The Swan has queen beds...the Dolphin had double beds but I don't know if that is still the case with the recent renovations. The YC is our favorite Epcot resort but, we would choose the Swan over any of the other Epcot resorts if not staying CL.

It has been a long time since we stayed at Dolphin but our parking at the actual theme parks was free. It was the parking at the hotel that was $$. We loved the Dolphin and at the time, our room was about the same price as a Disney moderate, even with all the fees. We rented a car so the lack of Magical Express was ok.

 

[katie111]

I have stayed at BC, BW, and the Swan. If the Swan was considerably cheaper, I would certainly stay there. The pool area there is great & there are lots of dining options. It's just as close to the parks as the other Epcot resorts. Some people think it doesn't feel as "magical' as the Disney resorts but I don't agree. When you can walk out & see Spaceship Earth, it's pretty magical. Not sure about current resort fees & parking, but I'm sure that info is on their website. Occasionally, they do have very large conventions there that may shut down the lawn area or the pool (happened to us one afternoon) but you could ask about that when you reserve the room.