Swan/Dolphin or Saratoga Springs

[TSWJan78]

We are debating where to stay before our cruise (2 nights)... the Swan I like because of the location but it still does not seem like Disney.... Price wise they are the same so which would you pick and why?

 

[kimsuenew]

I can only speak for SSR... it is WONDERFUL! It is clean, has beautiful decor and grounds, nice transportation, both a CS and TS restaurant, is right by DTD, and all staff we encountered were professional and personable. We would go back in a heartbeat!

 

[swilphil]

The Swan has a view of Spaceship Earth, the Boardwalk, and/or the MGM tower. Plus you can WALK to Epcot, boat to MGM, and have a deluxe hotel for the price of a moderate (if you play your cards right).

We are staying there after our cruise for $189/night. Unless your planning to spend a lot of time at Downtown Disney or need extra room, I'd go with the Swan.

 

[TSWJan78]

Any other thoughts?

 

[5 for WDW]

I can only speak for SSR... it is WONDERFUL! It is clean, has beautiful decor and grounds, nice transportation, both a CS and TS restaurant, is right by DTD, and all staff we encountered were professional and personable. We would go back in a heartbeat!

Could not have said it any better.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

While the Swan & Dolphin look like very nice Resorts, I would also go with Saratoga Springs. My reason is because the fact they are a WDW/DVC owned Resort, where as the Swan & Dolphin are not owned by WDW. So even though with the Swan & Dolphin you are staying in the heart of WDW and getting things like the bus and boat service and EMH, (if I am wrong about their guests getting to use EMH please correct me) it's still not the same as staying in a Resort which is owned by WDW.

 

[winniethepoohsmom]

I have not stayed in these hotels but I would think since you are only staying for 2 nights I would want to be closer to more things (parks, and more dining choices) at the Swan/Dolphin. Linda

 

[dishm12/08]

I haven't stayed at either resort, but if it's the same price, why not do a WDW owned resort? If it was a different price point I could understand, but IMO this is a no brainer. SSR.

 

[alldiz]

Since you are going on a relaxing cruise....and only staying 2 nights....

unless you need magical express.....(swan/dolphin) cant use it...

I would pick the swan or dolphin......just because you are in the middle of the
action....walk around the boardwalk at night....lots of great restaurants
within walking distance....

I do love SSR.....don't get me wrong....if you weren't going on a cruise or
staying longer.....I would have picked SSR.
Kerri

 

[TSWJan78]

I think we are going to stay with the Swan.. I like the area and without a rental car I just think it will be easier and a better use of our time. But here is another question... I am assuming I cannot get a bounce back offer if I stay at the swan/dolphin correct? We are going again in auguast and would love a bounce back rate so I am thinking that in its self may be worth the stay at SSR... any other comments?

Thanks

 

[MissMet]

Swan/Dolphin!

Having stayed at both, Swan/Dolphin has MUCH more comfortable beds & a WAY better location. Also, transportation is much better at Swan/Dolphin & so is dinning options.

No question, Swan/Dolphin & I'm a DVC owner who owns at SSR.

 

[Pakey]

I would also go Swan/Dolphin. I love SSR, I own points there, but we stay there when we aren't wanting to do a lot of park activities. When we are doing parks vacationing, we stay at BCV because of LOCATION.

And although SSR is Disney owned, I wouldn't call the theming anything magical or even Disney-ish. It's very nice but nothing offsets the great location at Swan/Dolphin.

 

[swilphil]

While the Swan & Dolphin look like very nice Resorts, I would also go with Saratoga Springs. My reason is because the fact they are a WDW/DVC owned Resort, where as the Swan & Dolphin are not owned by WDW. So even though with the Swan & Dolphin you are staying in the heart of WDW and getting things like the bus and boat service and EMH, (if I am wrong about their guests getting to use EMH please correct me) it's still not the same as staying in a Resort which is owned by WDW.

You're right staying at S/D is not the same as staying at a WDW resort, it so much BETTER!!!! S/D are owned by Westin and the quality of my stays at the Swan were far superior to my stay at a Disney Deluxe. (The only WDW resort that I have stayed at is The Contemporary.) The reason I stayed at CR was because S/D was not offering a teacher rate at the time I was going.

The Swan has much more comfy beds, better layout for the bathroom, a considerably better pool, and MUCH better service than what I found at CR. I also felt the amenities and quality of my surroundings were more luxurious at the Swan.

 

[Crazy Kanga]

Another vote for Swan/Dolphin! A great location at a great price. We loved it and will be returning this year!