Questions about the Swan

[need2travel]

Hi All,
We (husband & I) are thinking of staying at the Swan for the 1st time next April (never too early to start planning right?!) but I have a few questions....

1. Are we better off booking thru Disney like we always have w/ all our other trips onsite (DL, POFQ, YC, BWI, BWI) or should we go thru the Starwood directly? I know I can get a AAA discount w/ Starwood but can Disney apply that as well to the Swan?

2. If we booked thru Disney I know they can add on our park tickets but if I go thru Starwood do I have to wait til we get there to buy our park tickets or can I get them in advance w/ the park hoppers as well?

3. It seems like there are a lot of view choices, which are good & which are a fancy way of saying "parking lot view"?

Having never stayed here before I'm just really confused, thanks guys!

 

[drgnfly30]

1) I find that by booking directly you find more 'deals' (bonus points, free breakfast etc..). I check both starwoodhotels.com & swandolphin.com. Don't forget to sign up for their Starpoints rewards (spg.com) I earned enough last year from business travel to get one of my nights for free this year.

2) You can buy them in advance, but make sure you check out places that offer a small discount like undercovertourist.

3) Standard can get you anywhere from view of the convention center roof to a view of TOT etc... if you sign up for Starpoints, they will upgrade you (if there's availability). I think if you search you will find a recent thread where people posted pictures of their Standard views.

Have you checked out the Swan Dolphin thread?
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2904771
or the picture thread?
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1715731

Happy travels! I stayed at Swan last year & am giving Dolphin a try in August!

 

[Parrotheader]

We just booked our Nov. stay last night and I did it directly through Starwood. I also signed up for their rewards program prior to that in the hopes that'll help on an upgrade (ad I just got a 'standard' room.)

I'm personally holding off on tickets until we get there. That's one less expense I have to worry about for the moment and less justification for trip insurance.

 

[need2travel]

Thanks, just sooo not sure what to do, we always booked w/ Disney and went w/ a package, 1, 2, 3, easy, all set and paid for in advance. Plus it was fun watching the mailbox for the documents to arrive

There's a lot to figure our this time.......

 

[patty57]

Swan/Dolphin usually has discounts for AAA, nurses, teachers etc. that you won't get booking through WDW. Look on their website and click on "special offers" to see what might be available, or call them. You will most likely get a better price on the room booking direct, not through WDW.