Swan/Dolphin or Wilderess Lodge?

[cambridgek]

I need your help! We are planning our 2 year old's first trip to WDW! We are going to take him to WDW 10/3/03 so he can experience AK, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween and the Hoop-Dee-Revue. I started off wanting to stay at WL, but as I started checking prices, I have found that the Swan and Dolphin are so much cheaper, and offer many of the same amenities. Is the WL worth the extra $100. per night? Which is better the Swan or the Dolphin? We'd like to spend about $175/night, and naturally want to stay in the best room for the money! Can we get to MK for an after hours event from the Swan/Dolphin? Can we get back from the Hoop-Dee-Revue if we don't stay at WL? I can't decide if I'm just being cheap! Your expert opinions are needed!

 

[yecats]

I love the WL and think that as your son is young, you will probably spend more time in the MK so I would say go with the WL. It will also be easier to get to the HDD Revue. Swan is very nice but more convenient if spending time in Epcot and/or MGM. As for the money, you are the only one who needs to justify it. However, have you done your research. Have you called and checked into the Fairytale package and the cost. Have you thought about one member of your family getting an AP just for the hotel discount code? I say weigh your options and determine if the cost of convenience should be the difference in price.

 

[cambridgek]

i have been reading mousesavers everyday, and looking at the rates/discounts. i just need some advice! thanks so much! wl seems like it is really really convienent. we are planning to arrive on thursday night, and leave sunday evening, so the FP wouldn't really benefit us, because we could not stay all 7 days!

 

[jfeasel]

We're a family of veteran Disney goers. Last summer my sister stayed at the Dolphin and was disappointed at the lack of Disney stuff around the hotel and gift shop. She liked the location but said she didn't feel like she was staying at Disney. In a couple of days we leave for the Disney cruise and then WL so I can't wait. You can take a boat from the WL to the Magic Kingdom so that would be really fun for your child.

 

[Liv2CdWorld]

I have never stayed at Swan/Dolphin, but I can tell you that my son LOVES the lodge. Actually, he likes the boat ride, the Electrical watar parade and the gueyser (sp?).

He's been there every year since he was 5 months old - he's now 4. On our last trip (last month) we would just hop on the boat and take the boat ride from WL to Ft. Wilderness, to MK and back again.

Whatever you decide, I'm sure you'll have fun!

 

[mike14450]

cambridgek - Just returned from WDW where we stayed at the Swan for the first time. We haven't stayed at the WL, but have eaten at Whispering Canyon several times. I would agree that the WL is your better bet for your situation. The pool is the right size, the location to MK and HDD is great, and the theming of the WL is better. Hope this helps and have fun.

Mike

 

[BCVNovember]

I am taking my 2 yo for her 1st time at the end of October, along with my 2 older daughters (ages 5 and 7 - it will be their 2nd time) and my 78 yo dad. I too was tempted by the Swan's pricing, but realized that my daughters simply wouldn't get the enjoyment out of it that I think they will get at the WL. The Swan/Dolphin is a very nice hotel located on Disney property, while the WL will be much more of a Disney experience.

Also when you go to the HDD, visit the petting zoo and ride the ponies before the show. My 7yo still talks about the pony she rode 3 years ago (his name was Tonka), but can't recall the HDD at all!

Someday down the road when my girls are older I will be more likely to stay at the S/D to enjoy the Boardwalk and proximity to MGM and EPCOT.

 

[disneybud]

How about both?? I was torn just like you. We were going 7 nights in October. We loved WL before we had kids and wanted to bring dd 3 and ds 13 months, but we have always wanted to try a resort near EPCOT as well. We said why not do both?? So we have first 4 nights at WL. Then the last 3 nights are at the Swan. We got the Swan through Hotwire for $81.00 and are hoping we will get at least two beds there. We reserved the first 4 nights at WL room only and hope to apply a code when they come out. We figured we would have at least 4 nights at a proven winner in our eyes in the WL and then get to try out a resort we have never been to in the Swan.

 

[cambridgek]

When do the discount codes come out? Sooner or later? About how much is a discounted room in early October? $225? Can anyone use the discount or is it just for residents?

I am such ROOKIE! So, I have to ask all of these silly questions. Considering the drama involved in mobilizing a DH and a DS WL might be a better option for us!Thanks much!