Loved the SWAN

[Emme]

Well we are back after 7 nights at the Swan! WE LOVED IT!! What a wonderful, beautiful, perfectly run hotel. I got the gov. rate and got a beautiful room in the west wing with a balcony and a view of the walkway between the two hotels and a swan fountain below (room 3003). I have to say this was the BEST Disney vacation we ever had. The Swan operated at a notch above what I would have expected IMHO, just perfect. The grounds were amazing and soooo tropical, like paradise.

Thank you all for all the tips and advice I got here on the boards for this hotel, any questions please ask away, I would love to give you any and all info!


Blessings,
Emmy

 

[Trekker]

Glad you enjoyed your stay - don't you just love those heavenly beds?

 

[glo]

The Swan is my fave resort. I love the location and the size of it. I like the Dolphin, but the Swan is just more to my liking. Glad you had a great time and enjoyed it. Yes, Trekker, I have to agree those new beds are awesome, definitely well named

 

[Jodi1980]

Our first time at the Swan was last month. I will stay no where else (I also got the government rate). We had turn-down service every night after asking. It was just so clean - the property. I just don't understand why we have to walk over to the Dolphin to do laundry. I hated having to get fully dressed to walk over there instead of just leaving on my t-shirt and throwing on a pair of shorts.

 

[Emme]

Jodi, we had turn down service too...what a treat

I hated to walk to the Dolphin to refill the mugs, especially after a long day but hey...I can live with that...LOL

Emmy

 

[bunkie]

My DH and I leave for the Swan May 4th. We can't wait! I just wanted everyone to know how much I appreciate all the great advice and stories. This will be our 1st visit to the Swan. We stayed at an All Star last time, years ago. I hope that my DH knows that once we go Swan, I'll never be able to go back to anything less exciting. Reading everyone's experience has been so great. The anticipation of going is killing me.

 

[sherry8253]

I am so glad to hear good things about the Swan. We booked our November Thanksgiving holiday trip at the Swan. I was hesitatant because we always stay at a Disney resort on property. But, I just could not turn down a deluxe with a location like the Swan at the rates being offered. Now, I am just so excited!

 

[Beader7]

We also just returned from the SWAN. We loved the hotel so much. The Club Lounge was the best, and I suggest to anyone, request it. We had no prior stays, but got enough points in three months through promotions to be upgraded. And, as of yet, they did not take the points for our stay. The beds there are the best in the world. Once you sleep on a Sheraton "heavenly" bed you will dream about them. If anyone has any specific questions, I will also be glad to help. And I have TONS of pictures.

Sandy

 

[disnurse]

Beader7 did you have to pay the 10$ resort fee in addition to club level. We did at the dolphin, I had been told that it would be included but forgot to bring along the email that stated that.

 

[jaw62901]

This will be my first trip to WDW since 1980 when I was 6 and for the deal that I got through Westin and DreamsRES for 236.95 a night in club room concierge level at the Swan Dec 26 to Jan 3, I could not pass it up. Even though I will have to wait until atleast August to get Dec 31 to Jan 3 reserved, I think that it will be worth it. However, to get this deal, I will have to get an AP which is ok since I will probably go back in April or May of 04 when the prices are a little less expensive and stay at AKL (?).

Here are a few questions I need info on:

1. What is turn down service exactly?

2. What do you get with Concierge service?

3. When does the AP date start, when you buy it or activate it at the park.?

Any information would be great.

 

[Emme]

Jason,

Turn down service is when housekeeping comes in the evening replenishes your towels and soaps, turns down the covers on your beds, turns lights on in your room, places chocolates on your pillows. It's really lovely and very nice to come back to see after a long day of fun.

AP's do not begin until you actually bring them to Guest Relations in the park and activate them. We have been AP holders for some time and it works out great...be forewarned you kinda take extra trips when good hotel deals come out...well, because you have an AP

Emmy

 

[jaw62901]

Emma,

Thanks for answering my questions.

When I arrive to Orlando will I have to activate my AP at a theme park before I can check in or can i just show the check-in desk at the Swan my pass to show that I am an AP holder.

I am looking to have a vacation of a life time and I believe I will beable to by staying at the Swan.

 

[Emme]

Jason,

The Swan is the place to have that "magical" trip...they are so accomodating and the grounds are really lovely. Tons of hammocks to lie on, a white sand beach to just relax, tons of palm and palmetto trees. If you have little ones the grotto pool is huge and has a waterfall, the Swan also has a quiet pool right next to it (we used this one) and there's a hut to get drinks and tables at the pool with service to get snacks and drinks! I miss it already

As far as the AP activation goes, I have always activated mine before check in, just to be safe.

Emmy

 

[bigsis1970]

Hi Emmy, Just wondering if you traveled with kids( and how they liked it - if there were any ) . I am traveling in June and have a 5 night stay reserved w/ hotwire for that great rate of $81 . can anyone get the turndown service.? I did request a balcony , did you use it lots ? Thanks for the info - glad you had a great time.. Michelle

 

[onceuponadream]

Michelle--We also have the Swan (2 rooms) for June 1-13 for $81/nt through hotwire. How did you request the balcony? Did you call the S/D directly or through a website? I am a little confused as we have hotwire ressie's and aren't sure how we will be treated or if "upgrades" are allowed. We did apply for the AmEx card but haven't received it yet. I hear that we may be upgraded to Starwood Gold then? Aany help would be appreciated

Emme--a few questions if you don't mind . How far was the walk to Epcot or MGM? How about the walk to B/Y club? Would like to try Beaches and Cream. Also, did you use the water slide? My kids would love DETAILS on the pool as they have never seen pictures...they are so hard to find!! I too wish we could refill our mugs somewhere closer and had a laundry room nearby..with 4 kids and 12 days I'm sure we'll need it . Thanks for any help

 

[kjmc]

Emmy - we are planning to go in early June. I also qualify for gov't rate (what a deal)! Anyway, we've already booked at the Dolphin. Would you recommend changing to the Swan?

 

[Mouseteacher]

onceuponadream ~ the walks are about 10-15 minutes but in the heat and humidity you might want to take the boats.

Here's a pix for you:

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay last August. We used the pool every afternoon for relief from the heat.

 

[onceuponadream]

Mouseteacher~ WOW!! Thanks for the great picture The waterfall is HUGE It looks like you can swim under it?? Is it close to the slide? Any more pictures or ideas where to go for good ones? I already checked the usual spots like Deb's site...probably need a personal photo album to get pool shots

 

[disnurse]

onceuponadream the slide and grotto pool with waterfall is the best!!! There are lots of kids around to hang with as well. We walked over to beaches n cream our first day, its a nice stoll but as mouse teacher mentioned the heat may be a bit much. The boat ride is very convient and relaxing as well. If i figure out how to post pictures i have lots of the pool and slide.

 

[onceuponadream]

Thanks disnurse! Can you take the boat to B/Y Club as well?