Opinions solicited...

[lonegungirl]

Hi. Just thought I'd see if anyone had any thoughts on what resort/package I should book.

I'm going to be in Orlando the last week in July (helllooo humidity!) There will be two adults--myself and my Mom. We live reasonably close to Disneyland, so are less excited about the Magic Kingdom part than the other 3 parks. Plus, we hoped to spend one day over at Islands of Adventure.

Currently, I have one reservation over at the Swan for the $129 rate. I am a Starwood gold, so I have some small hopes of getting an upgrade if available. My initial thought was to get either park hopper pluses or ultimate park hoppers for 5-6 days, and then go to Universal the other day.

Now that the package deal has come out, I'm wondering if it would be advisable to switch to a disney resort with the included passes. The hotels I would mostly be looking at would be Beach/Yacht, and Boardwalk as I sort of enjoy the idea of being abe to walk to EPCOT. The way I figure it, if I were to switch to Boardwalk, the price would end up being slightly more expensive than with the Swan, but perhaps it would be worth it, in terms of niceness/atmosphere?

If you've managed to read all the way down, I thank you for your time and welcome any opinions.

 

[Janet2k]

Lonegungirl, welcome to the Dis!

I adore the BoardWalk (it's my second favorite resort). I have also stayed at the Swan, Yacht Club, and Beach Club Villas. All of those resorts were excellent and I had lovely stays. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the on-site resorts.

This is what I would do. I would get Fairytale pricing for a few of the resorts and then figure out whether or not it was a good deal. Depending upon the answer, I would either keep the Swan reservation or cancel it and book a Fairytale package. Only you can decide what is right for your vacation. In the meantime, if you are unfamiliar with the WDW resorts, please check out the video footage that Dreams Unlimited Travel (the owner of the Dis website) has shot at each of the WDW resorts (Swan & Dolphin included): click here for DU's main WDW Resort webpage. I always view their videos whenever I am trying to decide on a resort to book.

 

[HM]

My opinion is that you should stick to your original plan. You will not get as good a room rate (using the Fairytale package) at any of the other resorts you are interested in. Plus you will be wasting money by purchasing the UPHs for your length of stay if you are planning on a day off property. Buy 5 day park hoppers and stay at the Swan with your GREAT $129 rate. -HM

 

[Tigger Woods]

I agree you should stay with your original plan. You're not going to get another Deluxe hotel in the Boardwalk/Epcot area for anywhere near 129.00 a night, even with a package. Plus, the Swan has just been renovated, and has those wonderful Heavenly Beds. You'll have a blast!

 

[hercamore]

I agree with the others. STick with your plan. You have a lovely rersort for a great price. You will be wasting money with the Fairytale plan in your situation.

her.c

 

[lonegungirl]

Many thanks to everyone for their input! I checked out the videos and ran the numbers--it would turn out to be around $200-$300 more to stay at Boardwalk for the equivalent time. I think I'm going with the majority (which was the way I was leaning initially) and stay with the Swan. In general, I don't think we'll be spending over-much time in the room...except for passing out with exhaustion in the Heavenly beds.

Now I just have to plan all the rest of it...don't go away, I may need more opinions...

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

Although the Beach Club,Yacht Club. Boardwalk area is my favorite, I actually prefer the Dolphin in the summer( the same would hold true for the Swan). It is just so hot and humid then it is nice to be able to walk around the Dolphin in air conditioning. They have a large lobby and shops and restaurants etc.etc. Their pool area is nice too. If the heat bothers you grab a chair under the waterfall area. It is bearable there. I love the Dolphin in the summer and will have to try the Swan soon. It is the only hotel I have not stayed in in the Epcot area.

 

[Ashley's mom]

I personally prefer the Dolphin...and with Starwood Gold status, I would hope for more than just a SLIGHT chance of an upgrade. I'd beg for a balcony room facing Epcot...but that's just me....I'm an optimist, and beyond that, I seem to have good luck actually GETTING most of what I have the "nerve" to ask for....It never hurts to ask. People LIKE making other people happy....and at the Dolphin there are so many businessmen who don't give a crap about their room - that your request just might be answered. (I would request DOLPHIN room 8029. It has the greatest view of the big Epcot ball and Illuminations every night and the balcony added immeasurably to our trip...that Florida breeze blowing and sunlight was just lovely)