I'm booked at the Swan & POR, which should I cancel???

[KayakDaddy]

Help me weigh my pros and cons and feel free to point out some aspects I may be overlooking.

I'll be there with my wife, DS-5, DD-1.5, and now my sister will be joining us too.

I first booked the Swan, Lake View using the Teacher's discount. (My wife teaches 2nd grade)
After the resort fee and tax it comes out to $205. Now that my sister will be with us, it will be an extra $25/day, plus the $7 daily parking charge. The daily total will be more like 237 X 4 = 948. I could switch to Standard view and save like $30/day.

The location and the pool really appeal to me, but I must admit, I've never really dreamed of staying at the Swan. The major reason that caused me to consider the Swan was the availabilty of the teacher discount. Plus, after two great experience in my first deluxe resorts last year, I'm feeling kinda spoiled.

My sister is a Florida resident, so she called and was able to book us POR using her discount. Including the $15 for extra adult and including tax, it is $138 per night X 4 = 552

DS-5 is all excited that we'll get to go swimming in the POFQ pool with the "dragon" slide. I haven't found any pictures of the POR pool that have gotten him excited. I like the look of the Mansions sections (reminds me of home - HAHA ) but I'm not wild about the pictures I've seen of the AB section. That being said, I really want a trundle so DS can have his own bed.

Considering the large price difference, is there any reason that I shouldn't cancel the Swan reservations?

 

[CarolA]

No, for that much money and if DS wasts a slide, I would cancel!

Swan is nice, but you can probably get the teacher discount on another trip. You can only the Florida Discount if your sister comes!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

i would stay at the swan
and i think your sis has to be with you for youto get that price
when you check in they ask for ID and your wont be from FL
so..im not sure how that works

 

[kathy carleton]

cast my vote for POR!! I am a deluxe princess, yet was there (in AB, building 14) for week of Thanksgiving. I loved it!! pool was fun for my 6 yr old, slide, water coming out of above, and the playground next to the pool was way fun!!. You can easily walk to POFQ and enjoy their pool. Don't forget the boat to DTD. I really like AB as well, (my girl thought the trundle bed was the coolest thing!). I love the Epcot resort area, but frankly, found POR had all I could ask for. Also, am i the only one who has found having your car within easy acess is a real bonus??? At the Deluxe resorts, it is quite a hike to "dash" out to the car to grab something!! Let us know what you decide!

going in 2 weeks!! 1st time to a value! will I like it???????? miss those codes!!

 

[MEK]

but I did stay at POR. I thought it was a great resort. The Swan and POR are resorts with two entirely different themes. Go to allearsnet.com and look at all the POR pictures. Make sure it is a resort theme that you are comfortable with. That seems to be a major reason why some people don't like certain resorts. Make sure that you are also comfortable with a resort with outside entrances. This seems to be another complaint of people who only like access to their room from the inside. Lastly, many people complain about walking in the moderate resorts. If you don't want to walk, don't book a moderate resort.

I stayed in the mansion section and thought my room was great. I loved everything about this resort. The AB section looked neat too, but was definately a different theme. Lastly. POFQ seems to be a good choice for people who like everything close together. This is where the Dragon slide pool is located.

Don't forget about the boat ride to DTD. This was very enjoyable, but if there is any thunder/lightening the boat will not run.

The only advantage I can see to staying at the Swan is that it is close to Epcot & MGM (walking distance). If this does not matter to you and you want to save some $ for a rental car or eating out, than I would not hesitate to go with POR or POFQ. Good luck with your decision.

_______________________________________________

Can't wait to eat my way through Disney August 2005

 

[TurnR@TheMouseHouse]

Please just pick one. It's this type of "planning" that has Disney changing the rules for AP holder's and or discounts. You have two reservations, and know you intend to cancel one.

Doesn't it make more sense to decide where you want to stay and how much you want to spend before you book?

I can understand that cancelations occur for many legitimate reasons but to keep two room tied up while you angst about the cost difference and which is the better deal is ridiculous and inconsiderate.

Flame me if you will. It's just my opinion.

 

[roque]

Please just pick one. It's this type of "planning" that has Disney changing the rules for AP holder's and or discounts. You have two reservations, and know you intend to cancel one.

Doesn't it make more sense to decide where you want to stay and how much you want to spend before you book?

I can understand that cancelations occur for many legitimate reasons but to keep two room tied up while you angst about the cost difference and which is the better deal is ridiculous and inconsiderate.

Flame me if you will. It's just my opinion.

GEEZ....take your time deciding what is best for you and your family. you plan the way it works for you...have fun

 

[KayakDaddy]

I didn't expect to have to defend my question, but here goes...

I made the Swan Reservation on Tuesday. I have very specific days that I'll be able to be there and I wanted to make sure I got something I would be happy with on those days. Since my wife is a teacher, I was able to legitimatly book at the teacher discount.

When I found out that my sister could join us, it added a new wrinkle to our plans. She lives in Naples, so she is able to legitimatly get the FL Resident discount. I didn't know if the discount would be available this late in the game, but it seemed like a good idea to try anyway. She booked that room yesterday (Thursday) afternoon and we discussed what she was able to get last night.

Now it is the next day and I'm submitting my options to a panel of experts (you guys) for further review and opinons. I greatly apprieciate the input I've gotten up to this point. I plan to cancel one of the reservations ASAP, but I consider it wise to weigh my options carefully before I do so.

As you can see, you may have misunderstood my original question as if I've been sitting on these reservations for months. I hardly think my planning options have anything to do with the AP rate and I'm sorry if you are bitter.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Please just pick one. It's this type of "planning" that has Disney changing the rules for AP holder's and or discounts. You have two reservations, and know you intend to cancel one.

Doesn't it make more sense to decide where you want to stay and how much you want to spend before you book?

I can understand that cancelations occur for many legitimate reasons but to keep two room tied up while you angst about the cost difference and which is the better deal is ridiculous and inconsiderate.

Flame me if you will. It's just my opinion.

I always take my time and also wind up switching. It's my tons of $$$$ that Disney is getting and I want to make sure it is the right choice.

I have enjoyed the Swan in the past, never stayed at POR. I prefer the deluxe resort feel of teh Swan, but if you are worried about the price difference, you really can't go wrong with a Disney hotel. They are all very lovely. I was thinking for the price of the Swan per night, you could just about do the YC/BC! (Although, I bet you would be charged that extra $25 fee for your sister, too)

Take your time & happy planning - it's part of the fun!

Lives4Disney

 

[katallo]

You shouldn't have to defend yourself. It's not as if you have been tying up reservations for months! Personally, I think it depends on the area you are interested in. We love the Swan since it's so close to Epcot & MGM. They have a great pool!

 

[*Fantasia*]

Please just pick one. It's this type of "planning" that has Disney changing the rules for AP holder's and or discounts. You have two reservations, and know you intend to cancel one.

Doesn't it make more sense to decide where you want to stay and how much you want to spend before you book?

I can understand that cancelations occur for many legitimate reasons but to keep two room tied up while you angst about the cost difference and which is the better deal is ridiculous and inconsiderate.

Flame me if you will. It's just my opinion.

Which resort did you wanted? Swan or POR? Maybe that will help the OP decide which to cancel and so you can have the cancelled reservation.

Anyways... to the OP. Take your time making your decision. You want this trip to be special and you are just making sure that you are picking the best resort that will suit your family. I hope there will be more folks to chime in so they can help you make the right decision. But where ever you stay, I know you and your family will have a "magical" stay.

 

[kabauer]

We have stayed at POFQ and really liked it, we never stayed at the Riverside because of the buses. It always seems as if the people staying at Riverside were getting short changed. It's a rather large resort and is sometimes shared with POFQ. It is a beautiful resort and the boat ride to DTD is great, however I wouldn't stay there.

We are going to stay at the Swan (I got the Nurse rate-$149) in July. We had originally planned on staying at Pop. Who could pass up that rate! I love the idea of two queen beds, a walk to several different resorts and Epcot, and the pool is beautiful.

A deluxe type property is not usually in my budget. We generally stay at mod properties. I'm grabbing it while I can!!

 

[c&m]

I've stayed in both resorts. I can see your dilemma. The Swan is in a GREAT location, being close to Epcot, MGM, and the boardwalk. We absolutely loved the room and being walking distance to our fave park, Epcot. However, the price per night is so much more than POR. You can buy your family some really nice dinners with the cost difference! The pool was nice but it didn't really strike me as being a better pool for small children.

We stayed in POR just 2 months ago. We stayed in a newly renovated room in AB Building 15. It was FABULOUS! We felt like we were in a deluxe given how fresh the room was. We didn't have any problems with the buses the couple of times that we took it, and the hotel was at 100% occupancy. (We actually rented a car but there were days when the family split up.) Also, no parking charges at POR. The boat to DTD was a nice ride. You can also choose from 2 themed pools at POR and POFQ. Someone suggested that you take a look at www.allearsnet.com for pics of POR...just FYI, the room pics for AB are old...the renovations are so much nicer than that.

Take your time to decide. A Disney vacation costs so much $$$$ that you really need to weigh out all the pros and cons. We'd stay at the POR again for the cost and the prettiness of the resort. Though we'd love to stay at the Swan again, it's hard to justify the cost when POR is just as nice for so much less.

 

[KayakDaddy]

Thank you to everyone for your continued input. We've decided to stay at POR this trip. I will be canceling our Swan reservation. I have mixed emotions because I had gotten worked up about staying at the Swan.

The way I figure, we'll be eligible for the teacher discount as long as they offer it, but it is rare that I'll be able to stay at the FL resident price. The more I've learned about the POR the less of a consolation prize it seems. It looks like a great place and I'm really looking forward to it.

Thanks again for all of your help.

 

[Tinkaroo]

KayakDaddy, I think you're making a good choice. You'll be saving your family money, and getting more of that "Disney" feel.

The Swan is a nice property, but I just like the theming/feel of the true "Disney" properties so much better! POR looks great, and I'm sure you guys will have a fabulous time!!

 

[Mickey's Sister]

Thank you to everyone for your continued input. We've decided to stay at POR this trip. I will be canceling our Swan reservation. I have mixed emotions because I had gotten worked up about staying at the Swan.

The way I figure, we'll be eligible for the teacher discount as long as they offer it, but it is rare that I'll be able to stay at the FL resident price. The more I've learned about the POR the less of a consolation prize it seems. It looks like a great place and I'm really looking forward to it.

Thanks again for all of your help.

Please post your reviews when you get back! My sisters, Ds, DN & I are planning a trip in Nov/Dec. We originally planned to stay the 10 tens at WL but are now considering a split stay with POR. (No one need get their drawers in a knot - we're not tying up any rooms!) I'm trying to get as much info as possible, so would love to hear your feedback when you return. FYI - I don't think you're ridiculous or inconsiderate for weighing your options & making the best possible decision for you & your family!!!

Lots of pixie dust coming your way for a wonderful vacation!

Jessica

 

[ADisneygirl]

I see I am jumping in a little late since you have made the decision to stay at POR, but I just wanted to ask: did your sister try getting a rate at BWI or YC or BC, (the resorts around the Boardwalk)? Yes, POR will save you plenty of $$, but if you wanted the Swan for its location and for the fact that it is a deluxe, well I was only thinking that she could get a Fl Res. discount on one of those Epcot area resorts and pay about what your Swan ressie was coming out to.

 

[sarsah]

I've stayed at both and would pick the Swan. It was so nice to be able to walk or a boat to Epcot and go from there.

Don't get me wrong, POR is nice too, but I just like, among other things, the location of the Swan better.