Swan and Dolphin vs Offsite

[Panlover]

We are going down the last two days of March and need accommodations before we go stay with family in the area. We are lucky enough that my son and I have annual passes, so this will be our second trip in the past 6 months. The only e ticket ride we haven’t experienced is Ratatouille. My husband got caught in the no more pass life when they stopped selling this fall, so he is concerned about getting value out of the price of his ticket.

We will have a rental car and go to the park for 4 days while we are in Florida and have parking due to the APs. I also know we will end up getting genie+ no matter where we stay. I am wondering is it worth it to spend the money to spend Thursday & Friday night at the following options (there are no deluxe evening hours for our 2 nights) and are only going to the park on Friday (we are visiting family on Saturday)
1. Disney resort (most expensive as only deluxe is available)
2. Swan or Dolphin (second most expensive but has perks)
3. Disney springs hotel (third most expensive but has early entry)
4. Just stay off site and use the saved money toward other experiences

 

[Marthasor]

I'm assuming you are only going to EP? I think I would just stay offsite. You have to pay for parking at Swan/Dolphin and WDW deluxe, so that increases your costs (unless you've already factored that in). I guess if you want early entry, I might spring for the DS resort, otherwise, I would just stay offsite and get a bigger bang for your buck.

 

[Eastern]

Did you check the AP rate at S&D?
1- no
2- location
3-if you want ee or close to restaurants
4-I like bargains but hubs wants 'value' so I think you need ee or late hours somewhere in there so go back to 2-3.

 

[MulanMom]

I think the rental car and having APs is a great combination to stay off property. Over the past year, have stayed at the Flamingo Crossings location (Towneplace Suites) and Vistana Villages. I got great rates at both. I was tempted by your #2 and #3 options, but I really didn't like paying additional fees. Flamingo Crossings is a great location with an easy 10 minute drive to the parks. And its not much farther to drive from Vistana Villages.

If you want some of the benefits of staying on property and don't mind paying a bit more for them, then Swan/Dolphin would be the better option because of your ability to walk to Epcot (and HS).

You can also book off-property with the ability to cancel and watch for openings at the value and moderate resorts. Sometimes availability opens up as people change their plans.

Good luck and have fun with whatever you decide to do!

ETA: Don't forget about DVC rentals like David's dedicated rentals.