Kilimanjaro Safaris and WDW Swan Q's please!

[shefellnl0v3]

I'm planning on traveling to Orlando the 26th of this month. I've visited three times in the past three years from Maine, but I have some questions..

I have some concerns about staying at the Swan. I was curious and read some reviews online that stated that many of the rooms are outdated (which wouldnt be a problem) but that a lot smell like mildew? Can anyone here shed some light on that? I have asthma so I'm a bit anxious.

My other question concerns Animal Kingdom... when is the best time of day to go on Kilimanjaro Safaris? I was planning on using the extra magic morning hours and seeing the animals as they wake up. Will many be up and about?

Thanks! Hope to hear from you.

Sarah

 

[MikeAidanEoinMom]

I'm planning on traveling to Orlando the 26th of this month. I've visited three times in the past three years from Maine, but I have some questions..

I have some concerns about staying at the Swan. I was curious and read some reviews online that stated that many of the rooms are outdated (which wouldnt be a problem) but that a lot smell like mildew? Can anyone here shed some light on that? I have asthma so I'm a bit anxious.

My other question concerns Animal Kingdom... when is the best time of day to go on Kilimanjaro Safaris? I was planning on using the extra magic morning hours and seeing the animals as they wake up. Will many be up and about?

Thanks! Hope to hear from you.

Sarah

I don't know about the Swan.....but I would think the animals will be the most actice the earlier you can go.

 

[1Prince2Princesses]

I don't know about the Swan either, but I would imagine that when you check in, if the room smells funny to you, if you immediately let them know that you have a medical condition and need a different room, that they would accomodate you. Even if you had to wait a little while, it would be worth it to not feel ill the whole vacation.

We usually try to hit the Safari mid-morning. If you're too early, the animals seem to not be out and about. If you wait till the hottest part of the day, they all head for shade. Around 10 is my favorite time to see it. I love that ride!

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

Different animals are active at different times of the day. Generally, just like humans, the animals are the least active in the middle of the day. Some species (notably the Black Rhinos, Elephants, and the White Bearded Wildebeest) prefer the morning hours, some (notably the Greater Kudu, Cheetah, Lion, and White Rhinos) tend to be more active as it gets closer to dusk.

The absolute best time to see animals moving about is during and IMMEDIATELY after a hard rain.

 

[snowy76]

Sarah,

We stayed at the Swan three years ago and they were renovating the Swan and Dolphin around that time. The hotels are managed by Starwood (ie, Westin and Sheraton) and are very nice. Some people have commented on some of the rooms having an odor from time to time -- other folks with medical conditions have had absolutely no problems. I agree with 1Prince2Princesses 100% -- just ask about it if it seems to be a problem. We love the S/D -- the location can't be beat and the prices can sometimes be the best deals on property b/c the hotels are not Disney owned.

Plus we love the Westin Heavenly Beds.

If you go over to the resorts board there is a LOT of info on S/D and a lot of people who stay there repeatedly -- they can probably give you more specifics on the mold issue.

Also, as for the safari, I think the morning is a good time -- we do morning EMH all the time there. HTH!

 

[Lucy2005]

DD has asthma and we've stayed at the Swan 3x and loved it. We never had a problem with the air and the rooms were beautiful. Again, let them know if you do have a problem. Have fun.
Lucy