Swan disadvantages?

[tesslor]

I am getting ready to book a vacation for 9 or 10 days at the end of May. I am trying to decide between The Boardwalk and The Swan. We will not be purchasing a dining plan.

Can someone tell me, other than not being able to charge using magicbands at the parks, what are the disadvantages to staying at the Swan?

Can I make my dining reservations and FP+ reservations just as early as I could if I were staying at The Boardwalk? Is it the same process thru the website? Do I have to book the Swan thru Disney to use this feature or can I book directly thru Westin and just buy my passes thru Disney?

Anything else I should know?

Thank you! Any help is appreciated!

 

[nkereina]

You can book dining reservations at 180 days (just as anyone can) but I believe you will not receive the +10 benefit which allows Disney resort guests to book their ADRs for the following 10 days of their vacation on the 180 day mark from their check-in date. Instead, you'll have to log on every day and book each day individually.

Not certain if you'll be able to book FP+ at 60 days or 30 days but either way, you will have to purchase tickets and link them to MDE before then.

Only other negatives are no Magical Express, which also means no Resort Airline Check-in when you leave (you'll have to take your bags with you). I believe you also cannot send purchases back to your room when you buy things in the park. And as you already mentioned, no dining plan.

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

I find that the Parking and Resort fees make the S&D not a good deal for me. It brings me so close to a Deluxe hotel, I would rather stay "on property"

Plus, it just doesn't FEEL like Disney..we walked around last year and I felt like it was a regular hotel..not Disney. But the beds ARE very tempting!

 

[happymommy]

I guess it really depends on the rate you are getting too! Usually the Swan is much less expensive than the Boardwalk.

I personally would book it directly through their website, not Disney.

When we've stayed at the Swan or Dolphin we've used our Starpoints, so free was the best rate! I don't like the new resort fee (or parking fee, but we've done a one way rental with National picking up at the airport and dropping off same day with the bell man at the Dolphin, using the car to just get there and stopping along the way to pick up snacks and drinks for the room, then taking a car service back).

I do feel like with the magicbands now, that the appeal is greater to stay at a Disney resort to me. We don't do the dining plan either though.

You can also look at renting points at the BWV for a studio, and compare pricing. It would probably be about the same rate as the Swan (then you would get magicbands and be able to use Magicall Express).

I do like Picabu for quick dining. Rooms - we've gotten great ones and crappy ones at the S&D. Usually they give us a room with a balcony, which I prefer.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

I agree with the PP comments, and support the comment about checking directly onto the Starwood website. I've routinely gotten rates (and yes there are peak periods) in the same price range as a moderate. No, the Swolphin don't offer all the perks of Disney, but they offer enough of the deluxe location and Starwood features to make me stay there regularly. Also, note that even their discount rates vary -- AAA versus other offers, and if you are a teacher, you can stay there for the price of a value (close to it).

Tom

 

[msb578]

It is 60 days plus the length of your stay for FP+. No matter how you book. As long as you link your reservation and tickets.

PP is correct about 180 days *not* plus 10 for ADRs.

You *can* have purchases sent back to the hotel lobby

 

[kiki02]

I find that the Parking and Resort fees make the S&D not a good deal for me. It brings me so close to a Deluxe hotel, I would rather stay "on property"

Plus, it just doesn't FEEL like Disney..we walked around last year and I felt like it was a regular hotel..not Disney. But the beds ARE very tempting!

Totally agree. After those are added, so not worth it so we don't. too bad as i really liked it.

 

[GeorgeG]

I can't think of any real disadvantages that affect me.

We stayed at Disney resorts for many years before trying Swan and Dolphin.

Advantages: Start with the most comfortable beds of all the resorts. Rates at these duluxe resorts are often as good or better than the moderates run by Disney. Some of the best restaurants at WDW. Valet parking is pricey, but not much worse than the Disney deluxe resorts, if at all. Very convenient to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Starwoods points - years (and many thousands of $$$) staying at Disney resorts with no real recognition makes Starwoods points very attractive.

Everyone has different likes and dislikes, but for us the Swan and Dolphin work well. Granted, they don't have as much Disney theming, but after so many years that's not a priority for us. However, when the small grandkids and great-grandkids are along we like the Caribbean Beach.