Swan or AKL?

[tiff13]

We have reservations at the AKL pool view for the end of August for $150 a night. Now we see that the Swan is offering $139 a night with a one catagory upgrade and 4:00 late check out (we have a 7pm flight out). Would you switch? We've stayed at the AKL svannah view before and loved it, also loved that fact that it's secluded and doesn't share a bus with anyone else. BUT.... we also like the late check out option, being close to the Boardwalk at night and the proximaty to Epcot. We've never stayed at the Swan...has anyone stayed at both that could offer some advise? We'll be at the WL the first 3 days, moving to St. Petes Beach for the next 4 and then coming back to Disney for the las 3 nights.

 

[Peter Pirate]

Tough one...IMO the pool view is a waste of money, so is expecting a Swan/Dolphin "upgrade" to amount to anything tangible. So it comes down to location vs. ambiance. The S/D are right in the midle of the action, especially if MGM/Epcot and the B'walk figure prominently into your plans. The AKL is what it is...The most unique hotel on propery with a wildlife preseve as its back yard.

I'd switch my AKl ressie to std. view if possible and save a few bucks or stay at the S/D if the location is an important part of the trip(note: if the Mk, for instance, is to be a big part of your trip staying at the S/D does little positive for you)...

Good luck & have fun...Whatever you decide.

 

[sherry8253]

Well, two years ago I would have voted for AKL hands down. But, last year the Disney codes were out so late and people were getting the Swan and Dolphin on hotwire as we were waiting for codes, so my husband pressed the hotwire buy button (I just couldnt make myself press the hotwire button) and lo and behold we got the Swan. I fussed and whined for months before we went saying I would miss the Disney magic. Wow was I wrong. I would stay at the Swan in a minute. I keep checking the dates we are going in December looking for a dicounted rate, but alas I can't find one. You can boat (or walk) to MGM and Epcot. The boardwalk is just a quick boatride away. The beds are absolutely HEAVENLY. Everyone was supernice from the valet parking staff to the bell person, to the front desk checkin, to the concierge desk, to the waitress in Gullivers. I just LOVE the Swan. The room was immaculate and I expected to get stuck with a terrible room since we got it through hotwire but instead we had a great view of Epcot. Now, what you will NOT get is a Mickey wake up call, mickey soap, ability to charge in the park giftshops or restaurants to your room. Valet parking is NOT transferable to Disney resorts. And of course, you don't get animals outside your window or Boma's breakfast. All of this being said, if I had a choice between AKL pool view and the Swan for about the same price, I would select the Swan. Have a great trip and let us know what you decide.

 

[Peter Pirate]

I love the Swan too, but I am stunned that you would choose it over the AKL for the same price range...Wow!!! It just goes to show how different we all are.

 

[kathy387]

[Had to use my daughters sign in before*Tiff* but this is still me asking questions!} The thing is...we absolutely loved the AKL. We have a gazillion pics of the animals. But this year with 2 teenage girls, who love Epcot and the MK, we thought that this may be a better option. The options of things to do right there at the BW and Epot at night are unbelievable! Two years ago we stayed at the BC and there was always something to do without hopping a bus, especially at night. But on the other hand...there's something to be said for the serenity of the AKL after a long day in the parks! With one very fussy eater, Boma and Jiko won't really factor in as she could eat chicken strips all week and be in heaven! The 4:00 check out at the Swan is very appealing also with a 7 pm flight.

 

[swilphil]

I'd take the Swan, too. You save some money and can use it for a nice meal or something special. Late check out would be great! We were just at the Swan and the location is the best, plus those beds.

 

[swilphil]

Originally posted by kathy387
But on the other hand...there's something to be said for the serenity of the AKL after a long day in the parks!

When we were just at the Swan, I kept seeing the list of spa services--massages, etc. That would be a relaxing thing to do after a day in the parks!

 

[las3888]

We've stayed at both, and I would pick the Swan as well...it is a great deluxe hotel and I just can't say enough about the location!!! You can walk to EPCOT, MGM, or boardwalk (or take the boat if you want). You have access to so many great dining options all within walking distance...you can eat at the many wonderful restaurants in EPCOT, dine at the boardwalk restaurants, or eat in the many hotels that are on the boardwalk as well.

We like AKL and think it has great theming, but were disappointed with the location. You could stay at the Swan and get a nice taste of AKL by dining at BOMA.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[kmc33]

I have never stayed at AKL, but we stayed at the Dolphin and loved the location.

You mention that you are staying at WL earlier in you trip. I have read on these boards that there are many similarities in AKL and WL even though the themes are different. Perhaps the Swan would give you contrast to WL. If you will be spending a lot of time at MGM and Epcot when you go, the Swan is really a great location (and we enjoy the Boardwalk area too). The late check out on departure day is a nice feature that it looks like you can benefit from too.

On the other hand, some people think the S/D lacks the magic of the Disney themed resorts. So, if you think that would be an issue for you, then go with AKL.

I also want to point out, the there is no real difference in price, so don't go on that alone. There is a $10 per day resort fee for the the Swan that makes the cost just about equal.

Good luck with you decision! Have a great trip!

 

[Peter Pirate]

...but we were disappointed with the location.

I don't understand. The AKL has a 33 acre, working wildgame preserve on prmises. Where else could it have gone?

The Swan is a great hotel with a fantastic Disney location but it pales in scope with that of the AKL UNLESS the main focus is the location in relation to the parks, etc.

It isn't that one hotel is better than the other but each offers a completely different vacation experience than the other. The Swan is more generic than the AKL, to be sure, but it is luxurious and comfortable with a great staff and fantastic location with a myriad of restaurants and activities at your fingertips (along with a lot more people). The AKL offers a great hotel with (only) two great restaurants and spectacular vistsa including exotic animals.

Oh yes, don't forget the pools. The AKl has a decent pool with a great view (I saw giraffes walk by while swimming) and a mediocre water slide. The S/D grotto pool is very, very nice with a great slide and waterfall but is very often crowded.

 

[pumpkinboy]

Okay, so up-front, let me say that AKL is our favorite hotel ever.
That being said, I am also gonna vote for the Swan, given your circumstances.

First of all, you have stayed at AKL before, and the Swan will be something new.

Second, you have got a great rate there (tho it will likely end up the same with the Swan's resort fee), and with the late check out it seems it is gonna work really well for your schedule.

Thirdly, there is the location of the Swan: yes it shares a bus, but you only need the bus to get to AK or MK (and yo have the monorail option to MK too), plus the Swan is the first stop usually so empty buses and quick drop offs; and the convenience of the boat trnasport to the two other parks is unbeatable.

Fourth and finally, there is the issue of Bedding: the Swan wins that one hands down. My only complaint with AKL is that the sheets seemed a bit thin, and that a hotel of AKL's caliber really ought to have higher threadcount sheets (this from an innkeeper's son). By contrast, the Westin Heavenly Beds are wonderful, with high threadcount sheets and pillowtop mattresses.

Of course if your AKL rate was on a Savannah view room, my decision might be different. I still remember my then 3 yr old DD crying at the end of our week in Savannah view when she discovered we weren't going to be living there from now on

 

[las3888]

I don't understand. The AKL has a 33 acre, working wildgame preserve on prmises. Where else could it have gone?

When I said I don't like the location, that means that I don't like that it is distant from everything else. I think the animals are neat and the property is beautiful. Again, just don't care for the location...there is NOTHING nearby. It would be nice if you could even just take a boat to the AK park or something, but it's just too 'out in the middle of nowhere and nothing' for us. We like the hustle and bustle of the boardwalk area and like having different entertainment, dining and recreation activities at our fingertips.

 

[clutter]

I agre with Pete that it's a totally different feel. So why not try it, since it works? How about switching WL and AKL? Then you get both! That would be the ultimate!

 

[Kimberle]

I would stay at the Swan. You seem to like the location. Plus, it's only for 3 nights of your vacation.

Be bold, try something new.

 

[Miffy]

If part of what you love on your WDW vacation is the Disney magic, atmosphere, and theming, stay at AKL. If you just need a place to sleep, the Swan is fine if you don't mind a soft-ish mattress.

As for the late check-out, you can store your bags after check-out at any of the WDW resorts and they'll hold them for you until you leave later that day, so unless you're planning to sleep late on your getaway day, it's probably not that big a consideration.

I posted a review of our Swan stay on the reviews board, so take a look if you'd like a more in-depth report of our experience there.

--miffy--

 

[kathy387]

Thanks so much for all of the replies! After much consideration, we've rebooked with the Swan! I didn't realize that it was this popular! We've been to the AKL before so we've decided to give the Swan a try...basically for it's location to Epcot {all of those restraunts} and the BW. We wouldn't switch the WL for the first 2 1/2 days of our vacation for the AKL because we plan on hanging at the resort when we arive on Sat. doing MK on Sunday and leaving for St. Petes Beach after brkfst at WC on Mon. so it just seemed logical to stay there. We're really looking forward to the Swan when we come back on Thursday tho. Another factor that weighed heavily was having the room until 4:00. It'll be nice to leave the luggage in the airconditioning (we tend to bring home alot of chocolate things for family) and to be able to hit a park or swim for most of the day and then have a quick refreshing shower before heading for the airport. Thank you all again , now I can devour every bit of info I find on the Swan!

 

[sherry8253]

Hi Kathy - I hope you enjoy the Swan as much as the other Swan fans, my DH and I do. Please post a trip report when you get back and let us know how your vacation went. Have a great trip.

 

[kathy387]

I'll do that! I never thought that my family would get me away from the Poly but the Swan will be our 6th different Disney resort and we're really looking forward to it! We've stayed at moderates and deluxes and loved them all! I can't help but to think that any day at Disney is better than a day at work so I know we'll have a great time!

 

[treehugger]

Kathy, take it from another Poly lover~you will LOVE the Swan. I was leary at first, but it just took one stay to convince me that the Swan is fabulous! Make sure to request turn-down service, it's so nice! We'll be there in September pre-Poly and we can't wait! Have a wonderful trip

 

[kathy387]

Thank you Treehugger! The Poly has always been a sentimental favorite of mine, it's the first place that my husband and I have ever stayed together at Disney and we had a lagoon view with a clear view to the castle. We've been there 5 times with and without the kids so maybe it's time for a change! We've also stayed at DXL (PO Riverside but it'll always be Dixie to me!),BC, AKL, and WL. I'd eventually like to stay at them all if the budget permits! So the Swan will be a terrific start. When we stayed at BC, we loved being able to walk around the lagoon and wander over to the BW for pizza or take the walkway to Epcot to watch Illuminations so the Swan should be great! At first I really wasn't sure about staying there but I'm really getting excited! Thank you to all of you "Swan People" for convincing me to give it a try!