Mistake booking Swan to save points?

[mikayla'sMom]

We are driving from NJ and will arrive late on Saturday Night. I wanted to save points so decided not to "Go Home" to the Beach Club till Saturday. I got an AP rate for the Swan of $139.00 per night. It included an upgrade to lakeview and late check out if available. I am not interested in the view. I was thinking the late check out (if available) of 4:00pm closed the deal. One of us can go over to the Beach Club and check in and we can still hang out at the Swan untill our room is ready. The other consideration that makes this important is we are going to MNSSHP the night we check into the Beach Club. We don't want to go to a park prior to the party. I was just reading some stuff about the Swan and it wasn't that good. Did I make a mistake? I thought all the rooms at the Swan were remolded? If anyone has stayed at the Swan, please reassure me, if not, anyother suggestions? We thought about the DT Marriott, but heard bad things. Thank you in advance and sorry for the length!

 

[pumpkinboy]

What a good idea, esp if you are arriving late at night. The folks at the Swan are really good with the late check-ins, and the Westin "heavenly bed" is truly wonderful. The $139 rate is much better than the point cost of a Saturday night, tho there is still the hassle of moving over the next day. But you'll only be unpacking your toothbrush, jammies and next day's outfit at the Swan anyway (all in your carry-on), so most of the stuff remains packed and it's an easy transfer over. Sleep late in that heavenly bed, get some room service breakfast and relax before heading "home" to the BCV for the next two weeks. Sounds like fun!

 

[pumpkinboy]

We stayed at the Swan in January 2003, and it was just lovely. My one complaint was that it was a bit noisy in the middle of the night one weekend night. The rooms are remodeled and nicely appointed, what I would expect from a Westin. As I mention above, the beds are wonderful. Furthermore, your are just accross the way from BCV, minimizing the hassle next day.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

The swan is great. We just got back from a visit in Aug. You will enjoy it, even its its only for the short time you are there. The price is well worth the money and go enjoy the grotto pool or the beach activities, volleyball etc. And you definetely wont have to fight for a lounge chair. Its a place that shall I say hope remains secret. A real bargain compared to disney prices. Its quiet, romantic. Not like the hustle and bustle of some disney resorts.

 

[zurgswife]

We stayed at the Swan last year beginning of Dec and loved it so much that we are staying 3 nights Dolphin this Dec Christmas to be able to stretch one week into 2...the middle weekend will be spend at the Dolphin.....I don't think you made a mistake...

 

[paults]

all your replys are possitive about the SWAN so far so that should give you some relief.

what kind of stuff did you hear about the SWAN that wasn't good

 

[jwfla422]

Another "thumbs up" for the Swan! One of our favorite resorts! Sometimes the S/D seem to take a bad rap because they're not WDW owned and you know I find as many bad raps about the WDW owned resorts for other reasons;(

Now, if you change it to an "off property" resort then you'll regret it. What a chore that would be to switch the day of the party!

Don't stress, you made a great choice, just ENJOY! Have a great time!

 

[disneycrazed139]

Check out www.wdwig.com, go to accomodations from the menu at the top, and look at the left hand side for the swan photo listings. You will see pictures of the newly remodeled rooms and the "heavenly" bed. Looks good to me!

 

[ozziewags]

You will love the Swan........

View from our room(Club Level, 11th floor)

Our room

Heavenly

This is not the Swan...I just like the picture and wish I were there!

 

[wdwnut61]

Ozziewags,

You sure do take beautiful pictures The one of the castle is just gorgeous. I've seen other pictures you've taken on the Swan/Dolphin Thread when I've been lurking over there. Thanks for posting the pictures of your room. We will be at the Swan in 60 days and I can't wait. Thanks again

 

[jgates]

I would say for your situation, it sounds ideal (and the Swan is ideal!) If you were just driving in and looking for somewhere cheap, clean and close I would suggest the Hampton Inn Maingate West or the Fairfield in Marriott Village at LLB.

So weigh your +'s & -'s -
Convenience for moving
Late Checkout
Good rate
Heavenly place to stay!
Beautiful Pool

or:
Still close and easy to get to
Continental Breakfast
Cheap! Cheap!
Good decent clean places to stay
Pool

You really can't go wrong either way - I would say in your situation it comes down to cost vs. late check-out.

 

[ozziewags]

wdwnut61.......thank you so much. Actually, I just enjoy taking them and got a new digital camera before our Christmas trip last year. Everything I learned, I learned from other Diser's on this board. There are some very talented and creative people on this board and what a family it is!

 

[Divamomto3]

I think you made a good choice. Your close location to the BCV will make moving so much easier the next day than it would from DTD.

Looking forward to my Swan stay...

 

[mbb]

One question...can you still be devilishly naughty in those heavenly beds...?

 

[mikayla'sMom]

Thank you guys so much for your posts. I DO feel much better!

paults all your replys are possitive about the SWAN so far so that should give you some relief.

In the 2003 Unofficial Guide people staying there (not thier writers (they gave 4 stars and room quality rating of 86) gave the following rates:

C - Room Quality
C - Transportation Efficiency
B - Check in
D - Quiet
A - Service
C+ - Overall Value

" The Swan and Dolphin have been described as "bizarre" and stylistically disjointed."

I guess I should know better, since I hear alot of bad things about the Beach Club, and we LOVE it there.

disneycrazed139 Check out www.wdwig.com, go to accomodations from the menu at the top, and look at the left hand side for the swan photo listings. You will see pictures of the newly remodeled rooms and the "heavenly" bed. Looks good to me!

I did see those pictures of the std. room. If that is my room I will be thrilled. On the other hand, if I get a room that looks like the King, I will be disappointed.


ozziewags - Your pictures are wonderfull! The one of the castle makes my heart flutter. Thank you for taking the time for me.

When you think about it, I have nothing at all to worry about. I am so lucky to even be able to go the WDW and share in the magic! I love it there so much, that I don't think anything could ruin in for me. Thank you all and let the pixie dust be with you all

 

[Mouseteacher]

Just popping in to give my $.02 - I am a S/D lover! I didn't understand your not wanting a king - so here's a pic of our King room this past July - it was a jr. suite:
oops - this was our balcony view

Here's the room -

 

[mikayla'sMom]

The picture of the King room had the old decore, with turquise and peach strips. The pictures you provide are awsome! I may have to cancel my BCV reservations to stay in that bed the whole trip.

 

[Mouseteacher]

 

[cindala]

ozziwags,
Your room pictures are just beautiful!!! Are all of the rooms remodeled? Also, the air conditioning, can you control it yourself, or is it one of those motion sensor type units? Thanks for the info!!

 

[Mouseteacher]

If I may intrude, please ---

all Swan rooms are remodeled. The a/c is on a sensor but you can set the room temp (digital) at whatever you wish. We had no problems with the a/c during our stay.