Swan/Dolphin or AK Lodge

[kjmc]

Planning a 4 night stay in early June. I can't decide between Swan/Dolphin or AK Lodge. I can get them for about the same price. Swan/Dolphin seems to be in a better location that AK Lodge. Would appreciate any opinions from those of you that have stayed at any of the three.

 

[Luv2Roam]

I haven't stayed at either. But if it were me, I would go with S/D. Location. location, location.

 

[palmtreegirl]

Oooh tough call. I love the AKL but the location of the Swan and Dolphin is awesome! I'll say that if you plan on spending a lot of time at Epcot and MGM definitely go with the S&D. If you want a lot of resort time go with the AKL.

 

[Blondie]

We prefer the Epcot resort area, so I'm going to say the Swan or Dolphin. You can easily walk to Epcot and MGM or take a nice cruise on one of the friendship boats.

I guess it's all in which particular theming you'd enjoy most, african (AKL) or tropical (Swan/Dolphin.)

 

[jel0511]

I'd never stayed at the S/D (thinking about it though) but have stayed in the Epcot resort area and have stayed at the AKL. I LOVED The AKL and thought it was a wonderful resort. My only problem with the AKL is lack of grounds. I really like to experience a resort, walking around at night after dinner, and the AKL dosn't have that. They do have plenty of savannah outlooks if you don't have a savannah view, but it just didn't seem like enough for me to do. The S/D is located on Crescent Lake, which is such a nice place to walk around at night. I'd DEFINATELY stay at AKL again, but if you're looking for resort downtime, other than swimming, I'd pick another hotel. I loved looking out at the savannahs, but how many times can you look at the same animals.

 

[Samsma]

I'm having the same dilemma and actually have both booked. We will only have 3 days, some not much time for down time anyway, and will hit EPCOT and MGM the same day probably. Everyone says AKL is awesome and the transportation is very good to all the parks. Still, the Dolphin has the view of EPCOT, and I really enjoy waking early and walking around looking at the flowers, people, resorts, food, etc. Well, I'll probably eat the food not just look!

 

[Blondie]

Originally posted by Samsma
Still, the Dolphin has the view of EPCOT, and I really enjoy waking early and walking around looking at the flowers, people, resorts, food, etc.

Then it sounds like the Swan/Dolphin is the resort for you!

Not only do you have the grounds of the S/D, but the Boardwalk, and the Yacht and Beach Clubs as well. We stayed at the WL in January, and even though the WL has wonderful theming, I really missed the Epcot resort area and all it has to offer!

 

[DisneyVa.]

We stayed at both our last trip. (After Christmas until January 4th). We did 3 nights at Swan and 3 nights at the AKL. We had a perfect room at the AKL (2435) on Zebra Trail. My son was in love with watching the animals. However, I prefer the rooms at the Swan. They have all just be refurbished and were very quiet and comfortable. The AKL is a busier resort. We are going again this summer and of course my son wants AKL again and I want the Swan. Oh well since I'm paying the bill, we'll see where we end up! Good luck. I'm sure you will be happy with either.

 

[Samsma]

I'll probably let the price decide. Without a code, the AKL for my timeframe is $306 sav. view. The Dolphin $147.00 + tax and resort fee. I good code for July would make it even harder!