Portofino or Disney Swan?

[Disneytrip]

Trying to decide btw. the two for our honeymoon. We've stayed at Swan past few years and love it but want to check out Universal park for entertainment. Portofino looks nice, but is it worth the bit more? I can get the teacher's rate at Swan. TIA!

 

[tarheelmjfan]

PBH is a beautiful resort. IMHO, the only thing WDW has that competes with it is the Grand Floridian. It's much nicer than the Swan. That said, if it were me, I'd choose a resort based on the location I desired. If you plan to spend most of your time at WDW, especially Epcot, then stay at the Swan. If you plan to visit Universal, definitely stay at PBH. It has a very romantic feel, especially in the piazza at night. If I were making a decision based on the resort alone, I wouldn't have to think twice about which to choose. PBH would be a perfect place for your honeymoon. Congrats on your upcoming wedding.

 

[FeeFeeWhite]

Portofino gets my vote.

 

[robvia]

Can't get more romantic than the PBH.

It's based on the Portifino Bay of Italy with an exact replica of the harbour. Italian music plays and it "feels" like you are there. People sit outside at tables drinking coffee. You look out over the bay and there are ducks swimming right up to the shore. Everyone is friendly, and says Bon Journo as you pass by.

 

[webray]

Portofino

 

[mouseRD]

If it is at least a week, you might split the stay if you want to do Epcot/Disney parks. I would start at the Swan & then move over to the PB (stay at least 3-4 nights to really enjoy all of the ammenities) & be wowed! Even the standard rooms/bathrooms (get bay view if you go for standard - it's an incredible view!) are large! Don't forget to stop by the concierge desk at the Swan, let them know it is your honeymoon. The Swan/Dolphin concierge have been great about making our special celebrations more special (see Nekane if she is working when you are there!).

 

[goNDmay9]

Choosing based completely on the resorts - Portofino hands down. However, if you were planning on going to disney and not universal - it would not make much sense.

You gotta love that teacher discount at the Swan though. But if you are planning on going to universal definitely stay at the portofino. Not only is it beautiful, but you get FOTL too.

 

[Disneytrip]

Ohh FOTL, front of the line What types of perks has Swan done for honeymooners..I'm curious now. Thanks everyone!

 

[antmaril]

Portofino - Very romantic

FOTL - priceless.

Go with Portofino Bay!

 

[Talkingwoody]

Just got back from Portofino and I would say Portofino for a honeymoon. At twilight they had a singer in the Piazza for about a half hour and we had a glass of wine, some coffee and desert outside. Absolutely beatiful hotel, grounds and rooms. We were close to the Swan at the Beach Club for half our stay and walking on the boardwalk at night is also very nice. You can't get much better than walking into Epcot and enjoying a stroll through the countries. If you are doing both parks, I would definately split my time between the two but if just staying at one, I opt for Portofino.
Good Luck and enjoy.

 

[mouseRD]

Disney Trip - When we went for my birthday in 2004, concierge at the Swan sent up a dessert plate & card when we were out to dinner (Swan & Dolphin also always do a very nice turndown service; better than the Portifino IMO even though I loved everything else about the PBH). In 2006, for our anniversary, concierge sent up a bottle of champagne & a card.

When we went to PB for our anniversary, the front desk manager who checked us in sent up tuxedo decorated chocolate covered strawberries & a bottle of Chianti along with a card. Just have them note your special occasion on your reservation.