ww52
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 2, 2001
- Messages
- 1,067
We've been back almost a week, but then went on a long weekend trip right after and just got a chance to post today. Been gone from work almost two weeks, so things have piled up. I'd like to do a trip report, but I know I won't have the time. But since everyone was so helpful in my planning our trip I thought I should at leasrt post some quick observations:
We're very glad we picked the Swan. With the teacher rate we were able to get two rooms; with SPG points we upgraded to CL; got connecting rooms with MGM view (1257 and 1258 if I remember right). A great view of the waterway to MGM; could see the Fantasmic area (but we were always out), ToT, Boarwalk, some of Epcot.
CL was great, but in my opinion not worth it if paying with money instead of points. I think they should either make it cheaper or extend the hours. CL was busy, but not overly crowded. (By the way, make sure you ask for water to bring to the parks in the mornig - they don't have it out but they gladly will give you several bottles. They are 8 oz size now.)
Mama T was great, as everyone said. I found out that her name is Teresa, and people called her Mother Teresa, or Mama T for short. I'm sure most people knew that, but I don't recall reading that here.
The parks were very crowded - I guess due to FTP and getting close to the beginning of school. Also there were some large conventions, but that didn't make the hotel seem overly crowded.
We did E-night on 8/5, and they unexpectedly extended closing of MK to 11:00; so the e-ride night went from 11-2AM. We left by 1:30 - missed the Kiss Goodnight (this was our only trip to MK); the waits were kind of long in the beginning but very short to non-existant by midnight.
We found the sensor A/C situation to be a non-issue. We never got warm at night due to no motion in the room.
Mama T was nice enough to open the very large suite in the middle of floor 12 for us to see. Two bedrooms, a piano, full kitchen, a couple of balconies. She said it is going to be renovated (don't see that it needs it ) and goes for $2000 a night. Several celebrities have stayed there, as well as CEOs.
Downside to the Swan - lack of a lounge to sit and talk and have a drink. The lobby lounge is just that - tables in a lobby with a bar to the side. Shula's lounge is great, but you have to walk a bit to get there.
Also - the grotto pool is a bit further of a walk than you might expect. However, it's probably the second best pool (after Sormalong Bay); given how relatively empty it is, it may even be better overall.
Upside - price, location, views, service. It seemed better suited to our family, since our kids are older (16, 18, 22). But in all honesty, I would not put it in the same price category as GF or BC/YC. Still, it is by no means a moderate. It is deluxe and full service (a great variety of dining choices as an example). I would recommend it to anyone - but not at rack rate. Let's say BC is $300 per night - I'd say Swan/Dolphin is worth at least $200 and probably more.
Park wise - we did all four plus Universal / IOA. Never needed FastPass since we went very early most times, or near closing. Saw nearly everything we wanted to - including Fantasmic. Only problem was Test track's inaccurate wait estimation. I may post a topic on another board regarding that. It said 45 minutes, but was probably 90 or more. Had to leave the line since my daughter was feeling faint. (CMs were great - got us a wheelchair - went to first aid, and gave us Front of the Line passes after she felt better). Never even attempted M:S even though it was open.
That's all I havew time for. I've thanked everyone on other posts - but let me do it one more time. This was probably our last WDW vacation, at least as a whole family (though we're said that before) given the ages of our children - and it was definitely a great way to end it.
We're very glad we picked the Swan. With the teacher rate we were able to get two rooms; with SPG points we upgraded to CL; got connecting rooms with MGM view (1257 and 1258 if I remember right). A great view of the waterway to MGM; could see the Fantasmic area (but we were always out), ToT, Boarwalk, some of Epcot.
CL was great, but in my opinion not worth it if paying with money instead of points. I think they should either make it cheaper or extend the hours. CL was busy, but not overly crowded. (By the way, make sure you ask for water to bring to the parks in the mornig - they don't have it out but they gladly will give you several bottles. They are 8 oz size now.)
Mama T was great, as everyone said. I found out that her name is Teresa, and people called her Mother Teresa, or Mama T for short. I'm sure most people knew that, but I don't recall reading that here.
The parks were very crowded - I guess due to FTP and getting close to the beginning of school. Also there were some large conventions, but that didn't make the hotel seem overly crowded.
We did E-night on 8/5, and they unexpectedly extended closing of MK to 11:00; so the e-ride night went from 11-2AM. We left by 1:30 - missed the Kiss Goodnight (this was our only trip to MK); the waits were kind of long in the beginning but very short to non-existant by midnight.
We found the sensor A/C situation to be a non-issue. We never got warm at night due to no motion in the room.
Mama T was nice enough to open the very large suite in the middle of floor 12 for us to see. Two bedrooms, a piano, full kitchen, a couple of balconies. She said it is going to be renovated (don't see that it needs it ) and goes for $2000 a night. Several celebrities have stayed there, as well as CEOs.
Downside to the Swan - lack of a lounge to sit and talk and have a drink. The lobby lounge is just that - tables in a lobby with a bar to the side. Shula's lounge is great, but you have to walk a bit to get there.
Also - the grotto pool is a bit further of a walk than you might expect. However, it's probably the second best pool (after Sormalong Bay); given how relatively empty it is, it may even be better overall.
Upside - price, location, views, service. It seemed better suited to our family, since our kids are older (16, 18, 22). But in all honesty, I would not put it in the same price category as GF or BC/YC. Still, it is by no means a moderate. It is deluxe and full service (a great variety of dining choices as an example). I would recommend it to anyone - but not at rack rate. Let's say BC is $300 per night - I'd say Swan/Dolphin is worth at least $200 and probably more.
Park wise - we did all four plus Universal / IOA. Never needed FastPass since we went very early most times, or near closing. Saw nearly everything we wanted to - including Fantasmic. Only problem was Test track's inaccurate wait estimation. I may post a topic on another board regarding that. It said 45 minutes, but was probably 90 or more. Had to leave the line since my daughter was feeling faint. (CMs were great - got us a wheelchair - went to first aid, and gave us Front of the Line passes after she felt better). Never even attempted M:S even though it was open.
That's all I havew time for. I've thanked everyone on other posts - but let me do it one more time. This was probably our last WDW vacation, at least as a whole family (though we're said that before) given the ages of our children - and it was definitely a great way to end it.
I want to be the cool grandma. 
Debbie 
!
