Swan or Art of Animation?

[maxiesmom]

they run buses to all four parks and back, so you're not stuck with just using the skyliner if you don't want to. The rooms at AoA are small, but I'm not sure that the Swan is going to get you a room a whole lot larger (360 sq ft vs 277, I looked), at least not in feel. I'm kind of a tall person, about 6', and I thought the ceilings in the few rooms we've stayed in at the Swan felt quite low, which then made the room feel more closed in for me. I've not had that issue even at Disney value resorts, but maybe it's just me.

The boats to get to both Epcot and the Disney Studios from the Swan and Dolphin are a huge plus. Much easier and more pleasant than using the buses.
Also, the rooms at the Swan are larger than even the rooms at the Wilderness Lodge. So there is a pretty big difference between room size at the AoA and the Swan.

 

[bgirl29]

Yes the Swan and Dolphin have a very strange design in the carpet so even though it is fairly new it looks like sections are worn thin or dirty. We have had some minor house keeping issues but nothing terrible. We love the location and the wide selection of restaurants.

 

[WDWOswald]

Pulled the trigger and booked the Swan! Any advice on getting a nice view? We booked through a Priceline "secret deal" and I know we shouldn't expect anything but hopefully there is a way to get something other than a view of a dumpster or something. Also- what sort of quick breakfast and lunch options are good at the swalphin?

 

[chris benton]

Over at Dolphin, you'll want to look into "Fuel" for sub sandwiches and breakfast sandwiches. Picabu will interest you as well.
Swan has a newer spot which mirrors Fuel, and if it's pretty much the same as Fuel, you'll definitely be good to go for subs and breakfast sandwiches. If you guys like sushi, I'm a big, big fan of Kimonos. If you like decent nigiri at a decent price, it ranks among my top hidden gems in Wallytown. You really should head over to the Swan And Dolphin resort thread. Plenty of people there willing to help you out.

 

[nkereina]

We love AOA, but would choose Swan in the current environment. Logistics/transportations are one of the biggest deficiencies at WDW with the covid limitations and restrictions, so being able to walk to 2 of the 4 parks is huge.

 

[Olaf Myfrenzargay]

This one‘s easy. AoA bc it’s right up a six year olds alley. Swan is like being in Pensacola. Yes you have easy access to DHS and Epcot, but a six year old cares about neither really. They’ll love the theming at AOA and the pool. Is AOA a great hotel, no it’s got it’s issues but that age group will love it and with the Skyliner access, puts it over the top, albeit there will be lineups in the morning for that.

 

[ucf_knight]

My wife, myself, and our six year old son are planning a trip from April 8-15th. We have stayed many places in the past 10+ years including Wyndham Bonnet Creek, Wyndham Star Island, Marriott Cypress Harbour, The Boardwalk, The Yacht Club, The Beach Club, The Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, Grand Floridian, AKL Kidani Village, and All Star Movies.

Anyhow, we love the location of the Swan within walking distance to my favorite place in Disney World- the Boardwalk! However, reviews for the Swan are pretty mediocre. I hear complaints about thin walls, dirty carpet, rooms not cleaned even after requests were made, and poor customer service.

Art of Animation seems nice and we love the theme, but the one time we stayed at a value resort (All Star Movies) we were pretty disappointed in the tiny room. I do love the idea of staying on property and having being able to use the skyliner- although the lines for the skyliner after Hollywood Studios closes are kinda terrifying.

Which would you choose? They are basically the same price- the Swan $1,543 and the Art of Animation around $1,600.

I would choose swan over aoa every time. It’s like a deluxe for moderate prices within walking distance of 2 parks

 

[Silver saucer]

Absolutely the Swan.

 

[cutigerlady]

I would stay at the Swan. The big pool at AOA is currently closed. My kids love the feature pool at the Dolphin! With multiple transportation options, the Swan would win every time in my book. We have stayed at the Swan many times because my husband used to get a government discount (Marriott ended that ). My kids just wanted to be at Disney and have a pool.