Help Me Decide (Pop, Swan, POR)

[Barb0307]

I realize these are vastly different resorts in three different categories. We are frequent Disney flyers, so I know the perks of each. I also know it depends on what my priorities are as far as amenities, money, skyliner (or general transportation), etc. What I am really looking more for is overall experience, pros/cons, and if it's worth the extra cost. We have only stayed at one Deluxe (WL), have stayed at many mods (including POR, which we do like), and have never stayed value.

Again, I know all about all three resorts and have done lots of research (including skyliner, buses, and boats) I'm just interested in overall opinions about all three resorts. We are currently booked at Swam (Dec 15-22). Just looking at money, switching to Pop will save me $900; switching to POR will save me $650. Money saved is money saved, but would I be crazy to switch from Swan to a value?

Side note: we will be coming off a 4 night cruise on the Wish and into the land portion of our vacation, so saving money would be nice, but it doesn't have to lead the decision if it's not worth the overall compromise to switch. Just experiences, opinions, and helpful things to consider is what I need.

 

[PDXmouse]

Will you be there over a Monday, Wednesday, or both? Is the EEH or ETPE something you would utilize?

 

[Dave006]

We are currently booked at Swam (Dec 15-22). Just looking at money, switching to Pop will save me $900; switching to POR will save me $650.

Swan has the best location to enjoy Epcot and HS without a bus. You can walk or take a Friendship boat to each. Are you also including the $40 Resort fee for the Swan?

Swan has easy access to many dining options at the Swan / Dolphin, Boardwalk, and BC/YC around Crescent lake.

What rate do you have at the Swan and have you looked at discounted rates: https://swandolphin.com/offers/

If AAA is a good value and you don't happen to be a AAA Member you then you can join for about $90 per year.

The Swan also has access to Deluxe Resort Early Entry and Extra Evening hours.

ETA: added question about $40 Swan Resort fee.

Dave

 

[Marthasor]

I love the Swan - for me it’s all about location. If you would like to save some money I would opt for POR. That’s definitely worth a $250 upgrade from Pop.

 

[ArielDreams]

Swan hands down. Really can’t beat the location. I didn’t really feel like I was missing anything with it not technically being “Disney” and we spent a lot of time at Boardwalk anyway (primarily to use their buses). I’ve stayed at all 3 and I would definitely go Swan.

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

I've stayed at all three and by far the swan is the best for the location and deluxe by category, but as you likely already know, it's the least disney themed/feeling of the resorts. Take away the swan's location and then for me, POR wins on better theming, entertainment, pool, activities and landscape, and of course, disney CM. At the end of the day, the swan is categorized as disney deluxe but it's definitely lower/entry level deluxe given the rooms are a bit tired and their overall condition is really hit or miss. We've done swan and dolphin for years and have rooms that were in tip top shape and rooms that were abused at convention/airport hotel levels. We usually land at S/D for location and deluxe amenities but if I can get a BWV room that's close in $$, I'll hop that direction to get the disney feel.

 

[architectonic]

I’m partial to POP.