POR or Swan if you got the exact same rate?

[DisneyFans4]

Nothing to think about---THE SWAN!!!!!

 

[finnie48]

Hi,

Just thought I'd chip in with the fact that when we were at the Swan last year, there was indeed a morning crowd of dressed-up folks (felt sorry for them), but they all disappeared in short order, never to be seen again!

You will enjoy the Swan tremendously - have a most Magical Trip!!

Bob

 

[DisneyFans4]

The people on conventions just get to where they have to go and then they are gone so it's no big deal at all. Matter of fact, makes me feel good realizing I'm on vacation and they are working!

 

[WendyMichaelJohn]

Okay, wish us luck. We can get $129 with a code, but if we're really lucky and my cousin can get the employee rate, then we'll get (drumroll....)

$69 a night!

Everyone wish us luck. He's going to call today!

Shel

 

[DisneyFans4]

OK SHEL---GOOD LUCK!!!!

Let us know how you make out!

 

[opal]

I wish I was related to someone at the Swan!!!!

 

[Disneytrip]

Wow. I am so envious! Have fun, Definitely Swan over POR! Although i do love POR and will be staying there this spring b/c Swan is soo highly priced now!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I have to disagree on this one - yes, the Swan is a deluxe and has "heavenly" beds, but what about the grounds, pools and playgrounds? Can you stroll down beautifully landscaped walk ways, take your kids to a big playground to wear off some steam or does it have a fun themed pool area and arcade? What about counter service restaurants if you just want to grab a quick bite? It would be nice to be able to walk to DTD (but more fun to take a boat like at POR and POFQ). If it were DH and I with no kids, I may consider it, but for me personally, I would much rather stay at a moderate, WL, AKL or Fort Wilderness cabins.

I thought I'd answer a few of your comments: The Swan has nice (pretty landscaping)grounds, a themed pool (plus two non-themed pools, and several hot tubs - including one with a waterfall next to it). While it doesn't really have a playground per say, it has a beach with a seal fountain and hammocks. The hotel will give you a map of jogging trails, plus you have access to all of the BC/YC/Boardwalk area. I think there was an arcade at the Dolphin, there is certainly one at the Boardwalk.
As far as counter service food, I have to admit a little bit of a deficit there...The Dolphin has Tubby's buffet (But do you really want to eat at a place called Tubby's?), and you can always walk over to the Boardwalk for pizza slices or pastry...but these options aren't as convenient as the food courts at the moderates.
The biggest pluses of the Swan, IMHO are the location and the beds!

 

[CamColt]

No contest! The Swan!

 

[KayakDaddy]

We had a long stay in July at POR and we just got back from the Swan Monday. It was our first time in both places.

Both are very nice places, but the short answer is: pick the Swan.

I thought I was turning into a deluxe snob until we stayed at POR. It has everything the deluxes have except the doors don't open into a hallway. I was very impressed and will recommend it to anyone.

That being said, the Swan is on another level. The rooms are larger, the views are generally better (higher, not blocked by trees, more to look at, etc.). The beds live up to all of the hype. The employees don't seem as chipper as Disney Cast Members, but we had excellent professional service.

The #1 thing about the Swan is the location. There are dozens of places to eat within walking distance. We walked to Epcot and made the easy walk back from MGM after Fantasmic got rained out. The line of people waiting for the boat was unreal, and it was really just a easy quick walk back.

There was a big international Amway convention going on and it didn't bother us at all. In fact, it probably helped reduce traffic in the pools during the days.

 

[NancyIL]

Well...was your cousin able to get the Starhot rate at the Swan?

 

[Luv4Disney]

The Swan is beautiful! Go Deluxe if you have the opportunity for the same price as the moderate. Don't get me wrong, POR is our favorite, but for the same price? Go for it!

 

[jwfla422]

IMHO I don't think there is any comparison. Stayed at POR once and the S/D tons of times. I'd stay at the Swan over mostly all of the WDW "deluxes", so quite frankly I wouldn't have to think twice about that one

As far as the grounds go, they're awesome, the atmosphere and the CMs are top notch. The grotto pool is a great "themed" pool. There are plenty of places to stop by and grab a bite...even right by the pool.The Swan is right in the middle of the Epcot resort area, tons of restaurants are a walk away, not to mention the boat takes you to Epcot and MGM. The one time we stayed at POR there was an hour wait for the boat to DTD, we ended up walking which took a long time! You won't wait an hr for a boat to Epcot or MGM at the Swan. That about covers it Have a great time

 

[#1_Donald_Duck_Fan]

I would stay at the Swan. I've stayed there before and loved it the rooms are beautiful.

 

[i like stitch]

Although not POR, we returned this week from POFQ. It was a nice resort and it gave us a chance to see the POR property. POR's grounds are pretty but huge.

We stayed at Swan last year. It's also a nice property but totally different than the resorts at port orleans. It was so easy to get to MGM and epcot, and I preferred riding the boats over the busses. It found the swan to be more relaxing than POFQ---less hectic.

You made the right choice.