Swan or AKL?

[TeresaNJ]

My 19yo daughter and I are taking a quickie trip Aug 21-25 to Disney while DH is off to a business meeting in Minnesota. I'm trying to keep expenses down, so here is my question. I can get a standard room with an AP discount at AKL for $139/night including tax, or I can get a standard room at the Swan with a nurse's discount for $110/night including tax. For some of you this may be a no-brainer, but my daughte has always wanted to stay at AKL, and I do love the quietness and the huge pool there. My DH and I have stayed at AKL three times but not with the kids. I've never stayed at the S/D, and really don't enjoy the look of them, but the proximity to Epcot/MGM can't be beat. The other drawback to AKL is that we will have to take the bus everywhere, as we aren't renting a car. I just love AKL, but I also love being able to walk to Epcot. I love the feeling of being away from it all, which is why Wilderness Lodge is my very favorite Disney resort with AKL a close second, but I keep thinking that since it is just my daughter and I, the seclusioness (is that a word?) might not be the best thing, plus the Swan is a better rate. What would you do?

 

[wintermom]

I love both resorts, but for the money I would I would have to chose the
Swan. The beds are the best and you have so many dinning options . At
AKL without a car you are kind of stuck there in the evening. We love Boma's
and Jikos but not for every dinner.

Also at the Swan, using the nurse rate is a great deal, the rooms are all nice
and with those beds I don't care too much about a view. If I am staying
at AKL I feel like I have to get a Savanah view (yes I pay for it) there's
nothing like sipping your coffee on your balcony and watching the animals
but your not going to get that with a standard room.

Have a great trip!

Wintermom

 

[jwfla422]

Although we love to visit AKL for dinner, (JIKO is excellent)...I must admit I am a major fan of the Swan as we do stay here for most our trips. We love the brightness of the resort, the CM's, the amenities and those AWESOME "heavenly beds", and of course, the convenience of being in the middle of everything.

But, obviously one of your preferences is the secluded feeling and I must admit that staying at AKL would definitely give me that secluded feeling. I honestly prefer the convenience of the boat right outside the resort and even the close proximately of EPCOT & MGM (which you can even walk to). I also love the BW/BC/YC area. We love to walk around here at night and have the option of dining at so many great restaurants within walking distance.

Maybe it was our timing but the one time we went to AKL and then took a bus back to EPCOT we waited over 20 minutes, wasn't real happy about that. But, it was during an off-peak time.

If you're thinking of trying the Swan then go for it. WL is our 2nd favorite after the S/D- so I understand how you feel about it. S/D is very different and a very nice change from the rustic atmosphere.

 

[swilphil]

Another vote for the Swan, especially at that rate. There are only a few times a year when S/D drops that low. The Swan is quite a deluxe resort and you will enjoy being so close to Epcot/MGM/Boardwalk. Bus service to MK is also very good. Since you are regular WDW visitors, you can stay at AKL in the future.

 

[Leota]

Another Swan vote here. The S/D are our favorite resorts, but AKL comes in pretty close second, but only for the Savannah views.

The things I prefer about S/D -
Location
Beds
Pool
Service
Amenities
Room Decor

Things I prefer about AKL-
Savannah View of the Animals
Overall Immersive Theme

So, Swan wins for me based on those preferences.

 

[Tiffany]

My 19yo daughter and I are taking a quickie trip Aug 21-25 to Disney while DH is off to a business meeting in Minnesota. I'm trying to keep expenses down, so here is my question. I can get a standard room with an AP discount at AKL for $139/night including tax, or I can get a standard room at the Swan with a nurse's discount for $110/night including tax. For some of you this may be a no-brainer, but my daughte has always wanted to stay at AKL, and I do love the quietness and the huge pool there. My DH and I have stayed at AKL three times but not with the kids. I've never stayed at the S/D, and really don't enjoy the look of them, but the proximity to Epcot/MGM can't be beat. The other drawback to AKL is that we will have to take the bus everywhere, as we aren't renting a car. I just love AKL, but I also love being able to walk to Epcot. I love the feeling of being away from it all, which is why Wilderness Lodge is my very favorite Disney resort with AKL a close second, but I keep thinking that since it is just my daughter and I, the seclusioness (is that a word?) might not be the best thing, plus the Swan is a better rate. What would you do?

We love both of these resorts. For us it comes down to what we want to do on a given trip. If you are looking to relax around your resort and spend most of your time at AK and ST then go with the AKL. If you plan on eating out every night and enjoying being able to stroll over to EC whenever you like than the Swan is the place to go with. Either way I do not think you can go wrong.

 

[TeresaNJ]

Okay, you all convinced me, the Swan it is!! I'm so excited I'm beside myself. I am fortunate enough that I get to go to WDW pretty often now that my kids are grown, but on our last trip there were 11 of us, my brother got married while we were at Disney, and it was pretty hectic. The hubby and my brother played golf three of the days while we were there, so I got the priviledge of taking my 15yo nephew and his friend to Blizzard Beach, etc. I was the "cool aunt" for the trip. So I am looking forward to just spending some time with my daughter and doing only what we want to do when we want to do it. Thanks for the replies.

 

[bjakmom]

Teresa - for such a quick trip you can't beat the location of the Swan. DNeph and I just stayed there in June for a 4 day trip and it saved us a lot of transportation time. When I go alone with a 'teen' I love being near the boardwalk (our 'home' DVC resort) - DS loves to walk the b'walk, browse the shops and play the arcade games at ESPN by himself or with me. I also love AKL, but agree that it suits me better for a longer (or solo) trip when I have more 'down' time - love spending time on the balcony just watching the animals. In Oct I'm going to take everyone over to AKL to eat at Boma's one night so that they can all see what I keep raving about. . . .And you will definitely love those heavenly beds - Swan was the most quiet hotel I have ever stayed in - we never heard a peep from anyone !

 

[Laurajean1014]

You can get the Swan for $110 more often than AKL for $139. The difference is one night at AKL or a family meal. I would opt for AKL. The next 10 day trip, I would go to the Swan to save money. Try something new and make your DD happy!