Just Back from the Swan

[TINKTWINS]

Just got in last night from 18 nights at the Swan. We had a great time. But I have Sooo much un packing to do!

 

[wdwnut61]

Welcome back

Looking forward to your trip report. We will be staying at the Swan for 13 nights in November and December. I would love to hear your impressions, especially since you had an extended stay. Thanks again.

 

[Marla Hellwig]

Can't wait to hear about your adventures

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Welcome back. We were also at the swan too from 8/17 to 8/20. Didnt you just love those heavenly beds. Can't wait to hear your report. We really loved the grotto pool and our ds's got to see a film crew filming the german finalists for the american idol show there. Did you happen to see them too?

 

[dorisdvu]

First timers!!! Just booked at the Swan Club Level 3-21-04 - 3-26-04. There will be 3 adults & 2 kids (7 & 4). Someone had mentioned to me that I should have just said there were 2 adults instead of 3 to get a cheaper rate. I don't like being deceitful. What do you guys think? I was going to book a Traditional room at first and then maybe see if I could get an upgrade to CL or pay for the upgrade but I was afraid that I couldn't get a room. Did I make the right decision? Now I'm wondering if I should have booked a Jr Suite. I booked on line (trying to earn some SPG points since I have 0) and it didn't give me any prices on a Jr Suite. It also didn't give me a choice to purchase any passes. I'm thinking I want to purchase the UHP. How should I go about purchasing these (cheapest)? How hard is it to get upgraded? Can I make payments on the reservations rather than have it charged on my credit card?

 

[TINKTWINS]

Im back to reality for sure now! Ive spent most of today cleaning and running my oldest DS back and forth to football camp! Its that time for sure. But we all definatly miss the Swan!!

I absolutly watched "Das Duell" they were everywhere we went it seemed!! Rode in the elevators many times with some of them, in fact one day we were standing out front waiting for our car, they were filming them enter the hotel, they had a red carpet rolled out for them, one of them turned to my DS 12 and asked him if he wanted to be in the shot. I would like to see the show just to see if I could see any of us in the background.

Das Duell is a German American Idol type show that they are filming at the Swan for 2 months. They will follow different groups of the kids around and film them. They have a stage set up on the beach, we saw them perform a few times. Its called the Florida workshop for them. It was intersting. One afternoon we were by the pool and the camera crew showed up, we didnt pay much attention, at that point we were pretty used to it, but it turned out to be 3 of the Backstreet Boys being interviewed by the Germans.

The Hotel was awesome! My only gripe is no laundry room. Had to lug it to the Dolphin. The beds were fantastic.
We had a balcony room facing the bay and Boardwalk.
What a phenominal view!
Hearing the boats tooting! I loved it

We walked to the Boardwalk several times. Thats one of my favorite things about the Swan/Dolphin. The close proximity to everything is fantastic.

We only used the Swan pool. At its deepest, its only 5'1" my kids loved it. We did too. Very few people. We were at the Dolphin in April and if you werent out at the pool by about 9 am you probably wouldnt get a lounge. This time we had no problems getting chairs. And my 2 youngest are 3yo twins, we brought their floaties from home and they had a blast. In fact my DS3 felt so comfortable in the pool, he started swimming w/out his floaties towards the end of our stay. Not having to shlep over to the kiddie pool was great, and we could all swim together.

We ate poolside many times, that is my DH's idea of a great vacation!

We had dinner one night at Gullivers it was really good.

Had room service several times, that was good too. That also is another one my DH's highlights of a good vacation.

Took the bus to the Magic Kingdom several times and never waited more than 15-20 mins.

The parks were busy but the hotel wasnt over crowded, which was good.

The maid and turn down service was great. Always plenty of towels and such.

Thats about all I can think of now but Id be glad to answer questions!!

 

[Minniespal]

Wonderful trip report ~ Thanx for sharing!!!!

 

[wdwnut61]

Sounds like you had a great time. I do have one question regarding the room size. Did you feel you had enough room for storage? Is there ample drawer space and is the closet good size compared to Disney resorts? This will be our first stay and the rooms look beautiful and I can't wait to try the beds. With two adults and two children, I was wondering about the overall size of the room and feeling cramped....especially staying for 13 nights.

Your room view sounds wonderful. Did you book a resort view with a balcony? My DD is so envious you got to see the BSB. Did you go to the Grotto pool at all?

Sorry for all the questions. Having stayed at the BWI before, I know the location can't be beat. That's again for your trip report

 

[TINKTWINS]

WDWnut61 I felt we had tons of storage space. Under the sink thats outside the bathroom and in the closets there is plenty of extra space for things like your dirty laundry, your purchases ect. Theres also a good amount of floor space. We had 2 strollers and lots of stuff and as long as I picked up after the kids it really wasnt to bad.
There could be a few more drawers though, the mini bar takes up space.

I did not go to the grotto this time, we had stayed at the Dolphin in April and used it then. Its nice. This time my 3Yolds used thier floaties so we were able to stay at the Swan pool, which is very nice and quiet. You should try it one day I bet youll like it. Plus you never know who might show up there!!!

Im a Swan lover now and would highly reccomend it to all!

 

[wdwnut61]

Thanks so much TINKTWINS

It's great to have an insiders opinion. I'm really looking forward to our stay. If the AP rates do come out tomorrow I may switch part of our stay to the Poly. Another resort I'm dying to try I won't switch the entire time because I really want to try the Swan. A split stay between the two would be great but if not I know we'll happy at the Swan. Thanks again.

 

[TINKTWINS]

Well I hate to do this to ya but................

Im a HUGE Poly fan too!!! We were there in December!! That would be a tough choice for me. Staying on the Monorail is awesome. But we stayed Poly Concierge, and I loved it. Feel free to PM me if you want or an e-mail. Ill answer any questions you might have!!

Christine

 

[wdwnut61]

TINKTWINS,

I sent you a PM, thanks for all your help.

Tammy