Help me decide between the Swan and Wilderness Lodge for next trip!

[whogirl'smom]

Our next trip is planned for Dec. 15-20, '08, but I am having trouble deciding on which resort. I love the thought of Wilderness Lodge decorated for Christmas, but also love the area of the Swan. There don't really seem to be any negatives to either place, hence my dilemma. It will be me, DH, and DD7 and our days will be split between MK and Epcot, with an evening at MGM. The thought of the Heavenly beds at the Swan is, well, heavenly, along with the extra vanity sink; we also really like the DDP and could do that with a package at WL. We would book a standard room at either.

Anyone have any advice? I'd love to go ahead and get something booked and then wait for a code/discount later if one pops up.

 

[ADisneygirl]

Well, I've been to both and would have to vote for WL. I really liked the Swan and the location is my favorite, but I'd choose WL for the Christmas feeling! The WL is beautiful at Christmastime.

 

[Taja]

Practical person that I am...I probably would see if there are any good discounts at the Swan and see if the price difference offsets the WL + DDP cost. Then decide! *LOL*

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Here are some of my pics

view from my room

7th fllor concierge room

 

[Alicnwondrln]

 

[Alicnwondrln]

arcade

 

[DVC Mike]

The Wilderness Lodge!

 

[rie'smom]

I love the Swan. The beds are so great at the end of a long day in the parks. While I can see the attraction of the WL, it is just not my cup of tea. I guess its too rustic.

At the Swan:
If you or your husband is either a teacher or works in the education field, for example, I volunteer and the school wrote a letter and I received a great discount. Or if you work in any way for the gov't, you get a discount. Also, AAA will get you great rates. Join the Starwood Preferred club and you get upgrades.

 

[whogirl'smom]

I love the Swan. The beds are so great at the end of a long day in the parks. While I can see the attraction of the WL, it is just not my cup of tea. I guess its too rustic.

At the Swan:
If you or your husband is either a teacher or works in the education field, for example, I volunteer and the school wrote a letter and I received a great discount. Or if you work in any way for the gov't, you get a discount. Also, AAA will get you great rates. Join the Starwood Preferred club and you get upgrades.

Wow, that's great that the school wrote a letter for you! I'm a committee chair on the PTA board at DD's school, think that'll do it? Just kidding! DH and I both used to work for the government and both quit to start our own business. We do have AAA, so I'll be using that either way.

 

[rie'smom]

Wow, that's great that the school wrote a letter for you! I'm a committee chair on the PTA board at DD's school, think that'll do it? Just kidding! DH and I both used to work for the government and both quit to start our own business. We do have AAA, so I'll be using that either way.

I chaired a committee on the PTA board too. The secretary who wrote the letter said that I was "essential school personnel" because I subbed and read tests, etc. It was really nice of her to do for me.

 

[klinlin]

I don't think you can beat the WL at Christmas. It's just incredible!

 

[Samsma]

Go with WL- my stay at the Swan was disappointing. The room smelled funky, like the carpet never really got dry for some reason. When you opened the balcony door to let the fresh air in the A/C went off. There was mold/mildew in the bathroom. Dank would be the way to describe it. I wasn't happy at all, and we were staying on points. The resort was full and we couldn't be moved. We had just moved from the YC and I desperately wished we had gone ahead and paid $300/night and stayed there.

 

[ccigliano]

While I have never stayed at the Swan - I have stayed at the WL and it is my favorite so I vote WL - you just can't beat the WOW feeling you get when you walk into the lobby and see that awesome 7 story tree. The decorations are so incredible that the WL is featured on the Travel Station's Disney at Christmastime special that has been running the last couple of seasons. I don't recall seeing the Swan on it - if you get my drift. You'll also be right on Bay Lake and you can take a boat to the MK, great pool with a slide for the kids, 3 jacuzzis if you count the one by the Villas and overall the WL just gives you that warm cozy feel. Good Luck.

 

[SpecialK]

Just gave up a teacher rate at the Dolphin for a room at the Wilderness. I stayed at the Swan for the Food & Wine and I think my kids would be disappointed in it. It seemed very adult to me. And the busses were HORRID last month.

 

[whogirl'smom]

Has anyone been lucky enough to get WL with a disney visa discount (I think the promotion ran through 12/23 this year?)

 

[Macysmom32]

I DID!!! I had a standard room booked for Feb 08 and called last week with my code (D VISA), and there were no standard rooms available BUT a studio at the WL villas WAS AVAILABLE and cheaper than my standard room YAY ME!!!! Sooooo glad to hear everyone likes it, b/c it is our first time to WL!!

Shelley

Girls only trip - My mom, myself and DD3 WL Feb 08

 

[ccigliano]

Macysmom - You will have a blast and a studio for less than the price of a standard - nice work. You will love the WL and the villas - they are attached by a covered walkway and I love the fact that you are at a resort while getting all the ammenities of a timeshare. Bring your favorite coffee and breakfast items so that you won't have to jump out of bed and head somewhere for breakfast. We always bring oatmeal packets, extra raisins, bagels, peanut butter and jelly, microwave popcorn, snacks and candy. Have a great time.