Resort choices to make - advice/opinions wanted...

[ChefBilly]

I've got a decision to make, and I'd really like to hear some of your opinions.

I'll be arriving at WDW the evening before the rest of my travel group - at about 10:30 p.m. Maybe even a little later.
The rest of my group will be arriving by 10:30 a.m. the next morning.

Here's my dilemma: We'll be staying at the Swan during our trip. So...

* Do I check into the Swan the night I arrive?
* Or do I stay at a cheaper hotel off-site, hit the sack, and when I wake up head over to the Swan and wait for my travel companions?

The way I see it, here are the pro's and con's:

* Pro: I'm all checked in
* Pro: I get to sleep on those great new beds
* Pro: I'll be in the midst of the Magic
* Pro: If I'm lucky, I'll get a great view and I'll be able to obsess over it for an hour or two before I go to bed.

* Con: It's $80-$100 a night more than a cheap off-site hotel
* Con: By the time I arrive, everything will be pretty much shut down for the night (except for DTD, and I don't plan on going over there when I arrive.)

So... Do I save the money (which could be spent much better later in the trip) and stay off-site for one night; or do I forego the costs for convenience and comfort?

What would you do???

 

[Selket]

If you think you'd get up the next morning and take advantage of the parks, etc. then that is a good reason. Or if you think you'd want to sleep late because of being tired from the travel. I think it would depend on how much you wanted to save that extra money! Sort of convenience vs. saving money. Have a great trip!

 

[susy]

I don't think it will be worth having to go to a different location, get room, sleep, check-out. If it were me, I would want to be all settled and get the "lay of the land". Also, sometimes it can be FOREVER until your room is ready. If you are already checked in, you can invite your friends to rest in your oom (if you choose) or change into swimsuits and go swimming. If you have a room, you all won't be homeless until the afternoon at least. Bell services can still hold their luggage. I just think it would be nice to be able to "greet" your friends in a comfortable room- maybe have some cold drinks and snacks waiting for them- they will really feel special and it will get your vacation of to a great, smooth start!

 

[Kaycee]

We decided to stay at a cheap off-site hotel on one trip for the same reasons you mentioned - we got there late and didn't want to spend the money on a room on-site when we would be going to bed so soon after we got there.

We regretted it. When we arrived, it was disappointing not to be in WDW yet. The cheap room was okay, but the hassle of moving the next morning was not worth the money we saved.

The next trip, we again arrived late. But this time, we went ahead an checked into our on-site resort. It was very much worth the expense!

 

[Harambe]

Check into the Swan the night you arrive. Everyone above gave great reasons to.

Get up - stroll down to the Boardwalk for coffee and a pasterie, aaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Have a great trip!

 

[999thghost]

You didnt say how you were traveling,but im gonna assume that your coming into orlando airport. orlando airport has a very nice hotel inside of its main lobby. try getting the basic room there and meet your party when they arrive at the airport.me personally i couldnt stay away from the disney magic knowing its only a half hour away.lol

 

[tiggersmomof4]

Two years ago we were spending 10 nights at AKL Concierge but our flight was arriving at 9:30 pm, so we decided to stay at ASSports for the first night. In the morning we couldn't wait to check in to AKL!!! Even though we were on property and the AS was nice, it wasn't the start of our vacation until we got to AKL!

Last year we were driving in from my in-laws in Pensacola, same scenerio, we arrived about 10 pm and had a reservation at Holiday Inn Family Suites, when we were about 10 minutes from WDW, my husband told me to call CRO and see if we could check in the the BC early, we could, we did, it was great. I would definitley recommend getting settled in at the Swan and enjoying your evening!


Just my two cents...

 

[AMClvsMKY]

Been there, done that.

No question about it, I would stay at the Swan for the first night also and not hassle with having to change hotels the next day.

Have Fun!!