POR vs Swan, which would you choose?

[01Sweetpea]

I was all set to book POR waterview with AAA discount for our 4/6 - 4/13 visit, then saw the post about the Swan with the AAA discount. I've researched POR, but don't know much about Swan.

When reading the "Unofficial Guide" it said there is no bus service between Swan and Epcot, only boat or walking. Is this a long walk/boat ride? We are traveling with 2 kids (11 & 8), and a long walk back to the resort after a tiring day at Epcot doesn't appeal to me or my husband. Any insights?

Thanks!

 

[swilphil]

The boat ride to the Swan is very short and much preferrable to any bus ride. You get to enter at the International Gateway, which I prefer over the front entrance, plus in the a.m. it will be much less crowded. The walk to Epcot is about 10 minutes. We usually walked to Epcot and then took the boat on the way back. I found the boatride to be a very relaxing break after a day of walking in the parks.

You also can take the boat to MGM and walk to the Boardwalk, which is right next door to the Swan! One of the big selling points of the Swan is its location. I loved not having to take a bus everywhere. The Swan also has a great pool. I found that the guidebooks don't really do the Swan/Dolphin justice.

 

[jwfla422]

Simply put ...

SWAN....Deluxe resort/deluxe accomodations, in the middle of everything

POR...Moderate resort/moderate accomodations, bus ride to everything

 

[sjc]

We just got back from our first stay at the Swan and the walk to and from Epcot was not long at all. You basically walk by the canal, cross a bridge, go through the Boardwalk, cross between Jelly Rolls and the Atlantic Dance Club, and that is basically it. When it comes to enjoying Illuminations, we found it great not to have to worry about getting in a long bus line. Actually come to think of it, the walk from World Showcase to the Bus Stop is almost as long as the walk from World Showcase to the Swan.... steve c

 

[paults]

check out this site

http://www.disneypix.com/2000ft/AerialDisney.htm

choose SET 2 then go to column 3 and down 4

Picture of S/D Swan at bottom left with dolphin above. Walk around lake ON RIGHT either way to EPCOT or walk down bottom right by BWV to MGM

Your in the middle of it all

 

[dawgfan]

Suffice to say the boat ride is very relaxing and not long. The walk is equally nice. The area is also great if Epcot is where you will be spending your time. If MK is where you will be going then the bus ride is not avoided (unless you go to Epcot or MGM and ride the monorail. Certainly not faster or convenient). POR is great. The grounds are beautiful and the whole place is Disney. The Swan and Dolphin, while impressive, do not seem too Disney themed. It seems that adults lean toward S&D more. The rates have certainly been good. Read some of the recent posts by those returning from POR. They may sway you.

 

[Mazzy]

We have stayed at POR and also the Dolphin and there is absolutely no contest - the Dolphin wins hands down.

We found the bus service at POR very slow and overcrowded compared to the Dolphin. The boats to MGM and EPCOT are a delight. The Dophin has a great kids club in the evenings and I'm sure your kids will absolutely love the beach, pool and playground.

As you can tell, we are Dolphin fans through and through!

 

[webray]

There is no comparison betwee Swan and POR.

We would go for the Swan in a heartbeat.

Swan is upscale, beautiful, easy access to the parks, great location, easy access to many, many wonderful restaurants (sit-down and quick).

POR...nice, but hubby and I have never been thrilled with disney moderate resorts. We prefer the All Stars or one of the deluxes.

You won't regret staying at the Swan. The walking to the parks is excellent and easy...the boat is fine, but it is quicker to walk, as it is not that long of a distance. Boys 8 and 11 should be able to handle that with there eyes closed...lol.

 

[#1hockeymom]

The Swan, hands down! There is no comparison between the two!

Debbie

 

[01Sweetpea]

Thanks to everyone for the info, and especially Paults for the great pictures. We still haven't made a final decision, and just found out our dates are changing (again!) You all have me convinced to stay at Swan, but my husband is another story. We are heading to Disney to watch his daughters in a cheer competition, and need to have good transportation to World of Sports. I was told that there are buses from Epcot, and MGM direct to Sports, so this is where my husband's hang up is. He's afraid that if we walk, we'll miss the connecting bus, VS get on the bus at POR and catch the connection at Epcot.

Thanks again, and I'll let you know what we finally decide!

 

[Blondie]

This is a no brainer for me; THE SWAN!!!

The location, the amenities, the Grotto Pool, everything about the Swan (or Dolphin--it's my favorite of the two) has an advantage over POR. We've stayed at POR and my whole family prefers the Epcot resorts.

Just a few weeks ago, we stayed at the Dolphin and my in-laws were at POR. They said their room was in dire need of repair. We brought them back to our room during a rain storm, and they were quite impressed with the Dolphin!

 

[BadgerBruce]

We love POR & have stayed there several times. It is beautifully landscaped & the food court & boat to DD are great. But...any chance I have to book a room in the Epcot resort area for a reasonable rate I would take. The area is so convenient to MGM & Epcot, & the Boardwalk is lively & festive in the evening. We've stayed at nearly all of the Epcot resorts & the Swan is one of our favorites. The grounds are lovely, the pools great, service outstanding & the "Heavenly" beds are just that. Have a great stay whatever you decide!

 

[nuts4sn00py]

I have not stayed at POR or Swan, but have stayed in the Epcot area at the BC. I would always stay at resort in the Epcot area. You & your DH will love the Boardwalk area, there is Jellyrolls, Atlantic Dance club, ESPN club (kids will enjoy this too!) Than there is the nightly boardwalk extras that the kids will love too! Face painting, games, etc. If you can get a good rate at the Swan, I would say stay there. JMO Kathy

 

[hookedup]

SWAN is great! Go for it!
That whole Epcot resort area is wonderful and the Swan is right in the middle of it all. Epcot is my family's favorite park and we spend most of our time there - never had a problem with the boat or the walk either! You will love the location and the rooms are great, beds ARE heavenly, service is excellent. The Swan is a treat!

 

[lentesta]

Hi 01Sweetpea,

This is just my opinion, not necessarily that of the Unofficial Guide.

The benefits of staying at the Swan probably outweigh the minor inconvenience in getting to DWWOS. No matter where you stay, the fastest way to get to DWWOS is either your own car (which you presumably will not have) or a cab. Those will save you, I'm guessing, 20-30 minutes each way, on average, in transportation time. The cab ride is under $10 one-way, with tip. The walk to Epcot is not bad, especially if your youngest is 8. You'll be doing more walking in the park than walking back to the resort. And, as others point out, the boat is a relaxing option.

If you'll be going to DWWOS twice per day for a couple of days, I'd say the extra money ($30-40) would be well spent. The Swan is more centrally located, has a variety of dining options, and its rooms have been rehabbed recently. The bedding, I hear, is particularly good.

I believe this board and WDWIG.com participate in a discount program with both the Swan and Dolphin, so that may help in getting a good rate at those resorts.


Sincerely,

Len

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Just want to say that if transportation is an issue please know that the Swan/Dolphin has a car rental outlet right on site. Maybe you could get AAA discount for that if you need it. I dont know what your budget is. I think it is national.