Port Orleans Riverside or The Swan...Opinions needed.

[jodistar]

I am posting this as more of a poll than anything else. Me and my DF are thinking about next year's honeymoon at Disney. At first I thought I would like to stay at the Port Orleans Riverside but now, I am kind of thinking I'd like to stay at the Swan. Can all of you please give reviews?

The reason I like Port Orleans is the general layout and it seems a little more romantic and out of the way....but now I am thinking it would be nice to stay at The Swan because it is close to Epcot, MGM and it is also kind of close to the Magic Kingdom, if you go through Epcot and take the monorail. My one thing is though with the Swan because it is not a Disney hotel it won't have the Disney feel (I hope that makes sense). I mean it is not going to have hidden Mickeys and they don't have the Disney breakfast things like the Mickey waffles....It is still as "Magical."

Another reason that we are thinking The Swan is because there is a gym, plus I could get a really good discount through AAA.

Opinions needed please.

 

[disneyfanintn]

I would go to Port Orleans. I know the Swan is nice but I have stayed at both and the Swan just does not have that Disney feeling to it. I would chose any Disney hotel over the Swan or Dolphin for that reason.

 

[jmcross]

I would like to offer a differing opinion although I have never stayed at PO only CB and the Swan. The Swan is a deluxe resort in an excellent location. We much preferred it over CB. We felt the Disney magic as you're right in the middle of both MGM and Epcot with spectacular views of park attractions and nightly fireworks. I'll bet your AAA rates would be comparable to PO's rates and you would be getting many more deluxe features. The Swan also has character meals where you'll get the Disney feeling.(not sure about Mickey waffles, though) I checked out the gym at the Swan and Dolphin and they had lots of equipment in excellent condition.

If you have any other questions, ask away!!

Joanne


You might want to post your question to the resort board where you're likely to get more responses.

 

[jodistar]

Originally posted by jmcross

You might want to post your question to the resort board where you're likely to get more responses.

Good idea-I just did that! Last night it seemed like every one of the boards was busy and I wasn't thinking.

Thanks so much for your response...I appreciate it. I will probably be in touch as long as you don't mind to ask more questions, as I think of them.

 

[jmcross]

Jodistar~

I have only stayed at the Swan but I'm staying at the Dolphin next week so I'll be able to make the comparison for you!

Feel free to pm me anytime.

Joanne

 

[TINKTWINS]

I have stayed at both The Swan and Dolphin as well as the POR, first, If I was staying at a moderate I would choose POFQ over the Riverside, I liked it MUCH better. The Swan is a great resort, the quiet pool is very nice, the rooms a great, not to mention the beds. The views are awesome, and the Location is the best! ( well besides the Poly, that gets my number one vote) Taking evening walks over the the Boardwalk is very relaxing and romantic. It is a very pretty area. Also, the boat launch or even the walking distance to MGM and Epcot is a huge bonus. There is nothing like walking in the back door to Epcot! Never a line!

 

[jodistar]

I can see that this is going to be a tough choice...I have to admit I am leaning towards the Swan but part of me is torn because I have wanted to stay at PO since the last visit.

Thank you all for your response.

 

[jennydep]

I haven't stayed at either resort so I can't offer an opinion on them. But I do have a suggestion - what about splitting your time between the two? Since it will be just you and your new hubby, it won't be too hard to pack up and switch resorts.

Just a thought...

 

[jodistar]

Originally posted by jennydep
I haven't stayed at either resort so I can't offer an opinion on them. But I do have a suggestion - what about splitting your time between the two? Since it will be just you and your new hubby, it won't be too hard to pack up and switch resorts.

Just a thought...

That is an idea....I've thought about it before but I would be worried about changing room, losing lugage, etc. I mean it is still in the running to do it but I think it might be a little complicated.

I even thought about reserving at PO and then upgrading to the Beach Club or Boardwalk....I love that area, but I'm really not sure about the whole non-disney hotel...I really do love The Swan but I am afraid I miss some of the magic. It's such a tough decision but I've got time....I am hoping to make the reservations at one of the hotel this coming October for October 2005. I just want everything perfect.

 

[swilphil]

At the Swan, Disney is all around. From one side of the hotel you can see the Epcot ball. From the other side you see MGM's Tower of Terror. It feels like the Swan is an extension of the Boardwalk. You are literally right next door. The workout room at the Swan is top of the line. I didn't use it as we were getting enough exercise walking. I also love the grotto pool. The waterfall is kind of romantic.

 

[NotUrsula]

The one unanswerable advantage at the Swan? The beds. Hotels owned by Disney do NOT have Westin Heavenly Beds.

The Swan's beds are a VERY hard act to follow, especially when you are totally exhausted from running around parks. Heavenly is right. Also, the toiletries are very nice, too; especially the wonderful oatmeal soap.

BTW, the Swan does have Hidden Mickeys in the decor. No Mickey waffles, but you can stroll over to the BW to eat if you are really desperate for Mickey waffles; it would probably be closer than the food court at POR would be to your room there.

 

[frndofpooh]

I had this same dilemma a few years ago, right down to the waffles. We ended up staying at the Swan on the "nurse rate" and I absolutely loved it. I definitely had the "Disney feeling" and the staff was wonderful - they even made up a little basket of treats for my DS's birthday without even being asked. I think the greatest thing about the Swan is the location - you can't beat it for romantic evening walks. And I still have some of the oatmeal soaps - the maid gave me a few extra and I use them when I want to treat myself. If you do decide to split resorts, I would suggest you do PO first and then the Swan - it's easier to go from a bit less luxury to a bit more than vice versa. Enjoy your stay whatever you do!

 

[sarahsmom73]

We chose the Dolphin over POR for our Easter 2004 trip... I have one word for you...LOCATION< LOCATION< LOCATION!!! It is the best.. WE have now come to love the Boardwalk area and are planning a Christmas 2005 trip and are staying at the Dolphin!