Just back from the Swan

[JGMOM]

We just returned from the Swan today (4-6-02). We were there for nine nights/ten days and had a great time. We'd definately go back there again. Any questions? I'll try to answer.

 

[AJMommy]

So glad you had a great stay! I have read more negative posts lately and considered switching to the Dolphin. Do you have a suggestion for rooms or certain floors to request? We are going in mid-June for 8 nights. We have two rooms booked. Thanks for any advice you can give on that area. Also, did you eat at Gulliver's? If so, how was it? Thanks for the help!!!

 

[Trekker]

Glad you had a nice trip. Thanks for posting and welcome back!

 

[LucyStorm]

Suggestions for rooms? Also, there seems to be a little debate about this, but when I made reservations last week, I was told by the reservation specialist that due to a recent policy change, resort fees can no longer be waived. Did you hear anything about this? Did you regret in any way not staying at a Disney Resort?

 

[JGMOM]

We also had two rooms. We had requested connecting rooms on an upper floor and got both requests. We went on a a teacher rate 129.00 for a standard and were upgraded to a lake view with a balcony. We were there during Easter week and the place was sold out so we were pleasantly surprised with the upgrade. I would strongly sugest the starwood program if you haven't already joined. We had joined, but had no accumulated points. We had rooms 515 and 516. We went and checked out the dolphin as well, although it is very nice I actually prefered the Swan. It is smaller and in my opinion a little more sophisticated.
The rooms were very clean. I little worn, but I think I am pretty picky and I found them to be fine. If I were to have paid rack rate maybe I would feel different, however I can say we loved our stay and would go back. Two years ago we stayed at the Carribean Beach--liked it ,but liked the Swan better all around. We did not eat at Gullivers so I can not help you there. We tried for ressies, but the times did not go with our schedule. Someting for next time. I hope this helps. Glad to help again.

 

[dreamflight99]

Good to see you back here on the Dis! The Swan is Glo's Fav. Resort, and I may have to try it again after all the glowing reviews!

Could you tell me if you stayed on an upper floor, w/balcony or view? Did you have CL? Were the rooms renovated? Did you enjoy the pools, and other facilities?

Thanks for your answers, and again~Glad to read you enjoyed your time there!

 

[AJMommy]

Thanks for the help JGMOM! We are on a teacher and nurse rate. I will send for the Starwood card and request rooms in that area. Your help is appreciated!!! You have alleviated my fears too! THANKS!

 

[JGMOM]

Lucy Storm
If you are wanting a balcony you need to request a higher floor with a lake view. I did not notice any blaconies on the front of the building (faceing MGM) or on levels 1-3. Many but not all of the upper floors had balconies.
We had connecting rooms and requested the resort fee waived on one and paid it on the other. If you want the resort fee waived you must do it at check in. We had no probvlem with this. However, if you plan to make any local calls check the cost. I read some where the long distance calls were quite pricey. I believe it is a local call to make dinner ressies through Disney. You get one hour per day of local calls with the resort fee.
I have stayed at the Contemporary, Wilderness campground cabins, and Carribean Beach and I did not miss any of the Disney feel satying at the Swan.

Dreamflight99
We were on the 5th floor connecting rooms, east wing, both with balconies. No CL. We had paid for a standard (teachers) and thought this upgrade was just great. I saw no signs of renovations yet. I have heard that they will happen sometime this summer, but I'm not for sure. The romms were a little worn, but very clean. The wear in no way affected our stay. We just said once the renovations are done we are really going to want to go back.
The pools were great. The grotto did close for 3-4 hours one day for chemical treatment. We happened to be at the Swan lap pool that day and only noticed because it was more crowded than normal.
Great stay.

 

[Blondie]

Lucystorm (and anyone else interested) we had a balcony room at the Swan last April, room 524, east wing.

Here are several of the views we had from the balcony!