Swan/Dolphin through Costco vs. ASMov

[Kamy04]

I posted about this months ago, but now it is decision time! It is me, DH, DS8 and DS5 going in June 2019.

Costco Travel just released their Swan/Dolphin packages. 5 nights in a resort view room, 5 day hoppers, all fees included. For us it prices out at $3200.

I do not know enough about Swan/Dolphin!!! I know we don’t get Magical Express. What are some advantages/disadvantages??? Which is better Swan or Dolphin?

Our other option is All Star Movies to say in the Mighty Duck section hopefully.

We are planning on staying longer than 5 nights (6 or 7), so not sure how the Costco deal pans out.

Swan/Dolphin:
Pros: Location, beds, ????
Cons: Need to add more days, no ME (would need car seat for little guy)

ASMov
Pros: Magic Express, knowing nothing will change (ie fully Disney property), theming (my boys love hockey)
Cons: Smaller rooms, not close to most parks

We will not have a car. No dining plan. If we do ASMov we will buy tickets (soon!) from Undercover Tourist. We are Executive Costco members so get 2% cash back on their deal and are open to their credit card to get more back.

Anyone done a Costco deal and stayed longer? Do their packages ever change after being bought? For example, their summer Swan/Dolphin deal last year was amazing! (Free kid dining in resort, fireworks view). How is Mears for transportation to/from airport?

 

[chris benton]

You can add more days right on the Costco site to price it out. When you select it, you can change the date range or the number of nights of the pkg.

You are not limited to Mears. You can use any car service or Uber. You can request a car seat.
You can also look into bring your own car seat - inflatable perhaps? And then renting a car and dropping it off at the valet when you arrive.

Yes, the pkgs can and do change. The current pkg should change shortly since the free kids dining offer is only through 9/31.

That kids free dining was only for two of the restaurants, and one of them closes after lunch, so in effect, it was only one place for dinner: Garden Grove. (Just a side note.)

The location, food, amenities, and price make it an absolute no brainer for our family.

As for which is better between Swan/Dolphin, it depends. The Swan is generally quieter, and has a smaller feel and offers 2 queen beds. Dolphin is a king bed or 2 doubles. They are connected by a very short walkway, and everyone staying there can share amenities.The major difference, imo is just the bed sizes.

There's a massive thread you should look through and post questions to:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/w...olphin-resorts-information-questions.3264274/

Also, I'm curious about the pro of the all star - "knowing nothing will change" - what does that mean? Their price won't change? I thought there were optional pkgs/ offers pretty frequently.

 

[maxiesmom]

I like the value resorts but to me, there is no comparison. If it is in the budget, pick the Swan or Dolphin.

You are so close to two of the theme parks at the Swan and Dolphin. Plus the boat service to the Disney Studios is a huge plus over the new, out in the boonies temporary bus stop you will get dumped at staying at the Movies. Being able to walk or boat to Epcot is wonderful.

 

[Lisa_M]

I like the value resorts but to me, there is no comparison. If it is in the budget, pick the Swan or Dolphin.

You are so close to two of the theme parks at the Swan and Dolphin. Plus the boat service to the Disney Studios is a huge plus over the new, out in the boonies temporary bus stop you will get dumped at staying at the Movies. Being able to walk or boat to Epcot is wonderful.

Where is the temporary bus stop at Movies? We are going in November. Wondering what to expect.

 

[maxiesmom]

Where is the temporary bus stop at Movies? We are going in November. Wondering what to expect.

The whole bus stop at the studios has been moved much farther out.

 

[Lisa_M]

The whole bus stop at the studios has been moved much farther out.

oh ok, I misread your post. Thanks for clarifying