Porfq or Swan need advice

[crystal273]

I am planning a trip for December of 2008. My DH gets a Teachers Discount Swan it looks like the rate would be 159.00 a night. I also looked into Porfq and that would be at 149.00 a night. I was thinking of using the Dinning plan which I know from lurking around these boards, is not offered to Swan guests. I know Swan is a Deluxe hotel is it worth giving up the dinning plan?
I guess any information you can give me on either of the two would be appreciated. I have not been to Disney since a year before my son was born and he is going to be 12 this December!

P.S It is also DH & DS first time in Disney.

 

[mmeb144]

Depending on your family's eating habits, the Disney Dining Plan (DDP) may not be cost effective for you. My family's used it once. On that trip we planned to eat at least one table-service restaurant per day anyway, so it was very cost effective. We frequently split the counter-service meals, so they went farther. Good times!

The last trip down, we didn't use the dining plan. We needed to save money, so we ate counter-service most of the time.

It may just be perception, but the wait staff seemed to be more attentive to the people paying out of pocket for their meals. The DDP used to guarantee an 18% tip. With the 2008 version, Disney removed that, I think... Someone else is sure to know the answer.

POFQ is a wonderful resort. The themed pool is totally cool, and you have access to POR's pool as well. The rooms are smallish, but how much time do you really spend in a room at WDW anyway? My family really liked the food court. We had a room about as far as you can get from everything, and it was just a 5 minute walk to the bus stop and food court.

Happy trip planning!

 

[crystal273]

Thank You for your quick Response. I was thinking of using the dinning plan because I wanted us to eat at least one table service a day. However I think maybe I should put together of list of where we want to eat and the prices and see if it is worth it.

Crystal

 

[Bojo]

We have stayed @ the Swan for a couple of nights during Christmas 2004 and loved being close to MGM, Epcot & the Boardwalk. In fact, we will be staying there again the Fri. & Sat. after Thanksgiving (b4 a week at Saratoga Springs). Can't wait!

Have also stayed @ POR & POFQ; enjoyed both stays, but I think we enjoy the location of Swan better. Haven't tried DDP or DDE, so can't really comment on either of those. Good luck with your decision.

 

[DisneyFans4]

At that rate I would choose a deluxe over a moderate without hesitation!! I'm a huge Swan fan and go there every year!! I love the Epcot resorts and everything is there for you to enjoy, the BW, YC and BC. You can just walk to Epcot and MGM or take the boat.

We are AP holders so we have the DDE card. It doesn't bother me not to be able to have the DDP because it's not cost effective for our family. We go for 2 weeks and visits friends and do Universal and SeaWorld so I can't commit ourselves to eating on Disney property everyday.

 

[skipperkim]

I've never stayed at Swan, but you might be able to get a better rate next Dec than $159 at POFQ.

 

[crystal273]

Thanks so much for everyones advice. I have a couple more questions does the Swan feel like disney resort? also do they decorate for Christmas?


Crystal

 

[DisneyFans4]

There is no Disney theming, however, ever since my first stay at the Swan I haven't gone anywhere else because for me I've never felt more like I was in Disney until my stay there. We always have an east wing room with balcony and to watch Illuminations from it everynight sure tells me where I am. We can also see Wishes when we look over to the left. Watching and hearing the Friendship boats going by and just sitting at the Swan bus stop and looking straight at the Tower of Terror sure tells me where I am.

I also prefer the Swan as it's much smaller and quieter than the Dolphin. I also prefer the double queen beds at the Swan since my boys are adults now and I need the larger beds.

Yes, they decorate beautifully for the holidays!!!

Again, at that rate to stay in a deluxe I would never turn it down.

 

[crystal273]

Well I guess that settles it I am going to the swan!!! Can you request certain views if you are reserving a standard room? Thank you so much DisneyFans4 you made the decision so much easier.

Crystal

 

[argue]

Well, the only TB meal you can have is at PO's Boatwrights restaurants in POR. But, nothing beats having a food court where you can get a quick bite on your way to the parks at the resort. That might be a problem.

 

[DisneyFans4]

Well I guess that settles it I am going to the swan!!! Can you request certain views if you are reserving a standard room? Thank you so much DisneyFans4 you made the decision so much easier.

Crystal

We had an East wing which is what they call Epcot view.

You'll love it!!! Anything else you need to know don't hesitate to ask.

 

[MickeyNicki]

Stayed at POR and Swan..Swan wins! The beds and linens are fantasic, the location is the best and for us we do not eat that much food so we wouldnt purchase the dining plan...I hear people say that it is just food overload and they are left with many credits at the end of their stay.

 

[DisneyFans4]

If your an AP holder like we are to me the best savings is the DDE card. I bought it for the first time this year and for our family of 4 during our stay in August we saved over $200!!!

 

[crystal273]

I would like to thank everyone for all the great advice I am not an AP holder so DDE is out. I did sign up for the SPG not sure if there are any added benefits to this. Will I still receive points for my stay if I booked under the teachers rate?

Crystal

 

[DisneyFans4]

You sure will and for everything on your bill so remember with your room key you can charge purchases made at both the Swan and Dolphin and they all go towards your Starwood points!!


Also remember unless you already knew that when you make purchases at the parks or at DTD they will be delivered to the Swan's gift shop.

 

[NancyIL]

You sure will and for everything on your bill so remember with your room key you can charge purchases made at both the Swan and Dolphin and they all go towards your Starwood points!!


Also remember unless you already knew that when you make purchases at the parks or at DTD they will be delivered to the Swan's gift shop.

Meals at the Swan/Dolphin that are charged to your room earn Starwood points, but merchandise from the gift shop does not.

 

[DisneyFans4]

I also forgot to point out that if you have AAA some of the restaurants will give you a discount. They did for us at Picabu's and Kimonos. BlueZoo wouldn't.

 

[crystal273]

Thank you again I do not have AAA but I am wondering if it might be worth getting. Do Disney restaurants also give AAA discounts? I read on one of the threads that if you have a SPG card you can request a balcony does this cost more? Once again I appreciate everyone’s help

Crystal

 

[DisneyFans4]

No, the Disney restaurants don't take AAA only the DDE card which I do have and love but you have to be an AP holder to get one.

Being an SPG member does give you perks so definitely sign up. I'm saving all mine to be able to get free nights either at WDW or anywhere else. Even when your home you can get points by dining anywhere in hotels owned by Starwood.

 

[diskids2]

I would stay at the Swan or Dolphin over Port Orleans. I have stayed at both and I LOVE being in the Epcot group of resorts. I give up the Dining Plan each time and we do a TS every day we vacation. My DH too has a government rate for the Swan/Dolphin.