Swan for Long Weekend?

[Terk-1]

I'm already looking to book my next trip to Disney World and was thinking about maybe trying the Swan. I should say that I've never stayed off-property (non-Disney owned hotel) before, so I'm a bit nervous. How is the Swan? Can you view EPCOT from there? Does it cost more for a King bed versus 2 Doubles? Do all the rooms have balcony's? Do these cost more? What room type would I need to request to have an EPCOT view (if you can)? Does staying here take some Disney feeling out of it?

 

[CamColt]

I cant answer all your questions, but I can answer some. We spent 4 nights at the Swan last year and I too was worried about the "non Disney" thing. I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised. The location & transportation options are wonderful! You are really right inside WDW, within walking distance from 2 parks and a few resorts. The heavenly beds were perfect for crashing after a day in the parks. The few CMs we encountered were very friendly, just like Disney CM.
The only thing that I missed by being there ws the tv channel where they have the park hours, recreation, weather, etc... and thats because its part of my moring ritual to turn that on.

All rooms do not have balconies.

I believe some rooms do have an Epcot view, but Im not positive.

Im going back in Dec to spend a long weekend there and Im looking forward to it.

 

[sjc]

I don't believe the Swan charges anymore for a king. We always have gotten a King without any problem. It is treated as a "request" however as opposed to a guarantee (I think.)

I think the balcony comes down to the luck of the draw for the standard rooms. We have had one twice. We did not get one on our last stay. Again, I don't believe there is extra cost. When we stayed with my parents in two separate rooms booked at the same time at the same rate, one room had a balcony, the other did not.

As far as views go, we have had a view of the Dolphin (accross the way) and a view of the front entrance (with MGM in the distance) I am not sure that it is easy to get an Epcot view from the hotel, given its location and layout, but I don't have enough experience.

Don't be nervous. The Swan does not have an off property feel. It is amazing to be a few short steps from the Boardwalk (and a few longer steps to EPCOT.) For a long weekend I think the Swan is ideal. It does have (in my opinion) a bit more of an adult feel, but sometimes that is nice and you can't beat the beds!!! steve c

 

[swilphil]

The Swan definitely has that Disney feel to it. You can see Epcot, Boardwalk, and/or Tower of Terror from your room. If you definitely want a balcony, you may have to pay extra for it, but people are often upgraded to a balcony room, same for the Epcot view. You would have a better chance if you belonged to Starwood Preferred Guest program. It's free at www.spg.com. I don't think it's extra to have a king bed.

 

[jwfla422]

You can't get anymore ON-PROPERTY than the Swan. You're practically in the middle of everything. You can boat or walk to EPCOT or MGM and many of the rooms have excellent views of both parks. We've had our best views of WDW from the S/D...never had views of any of WDW at the DISNEY OWNED resorts like we have at the S/D. Love them! (not to mention the new "heavenly beds"!!)

Staying here absolutely does not take the "Disney feel" out of anything! I feel more Disney here than many of the "other" Disney resorts. The CMs have always been great and more than helpful! These resorts are our home away from home! especially the Swan, we've gotten to know quite a few CMs who make us feel at home every trip, it's tough to stay anywhere else anymore (inside or outside of WDW!!)

 

[Leota]

I have to laugh when people consider Swan/Dolphin off-site - Like it was stated above, you can't get much more ON site than the Swan & Dolphin - I've had some of the most Magical views from there - waking up to a view of ToT or Boardwalk.
The Swan is perfect for a long weekend trip (just did one there this past Jan) because it is so centrally located. The beds are divine - the CM's there are as full of the Disney Spirit (and fuller in some cases) than any of the other Disney resorts we've stayed in.
Also, in Jan there was the WDW Channel on TV - no more Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah Tip for Today tho.......

 

[Terk-1]

Thanks for your input. I do have a Starwoods membership and gain several points through work (250 points for each reservation for Boston Coach, points through 1-800-Flowers, as well as points for each meeting/hotel room I book). Am going to give it a try.

Thanks again!!