Swan or Art of Animation?

[WDWOswald]

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.

 

[GBRforWDW]

If being first in line to parks is of interest to you, I’d go with Swan. You can walk over to HS and Epcot and be at or near front of the line which is great, especially as you can get a lot done in the first 2 hours at HS when you’re at the front of the pack.

we just did a stay at AoA with our 6 year old and she loved it. The theming is so much fun to see and lots of cool pools to play in. But the rooms are definitely small and cramped.

if you stay at swan and really want to take the skyliner, just hop on after your HS day and got to the Epcot entrance and walk. If you stay at AoA and are worried about long lines at the skyliner at end of night, just schedule a park closing adr so you’re eating while everyone is leaving, then the park is nearly empty when you walk out.

 

[ChanaC]

If it was me, I think I would do the Swan. I've heard good things about it, and like you said, the location is great.

I'm probably in the minority on this forum, but I don't advocate for AoA unless you are looking at the family suites. The standard rooms are the same size as the other value resorts but at a much more inflated price. Personally, I would consider Pop Century. It's less money, it also has the skyliner access (they share a station) and since you are right across the lake from AoA you can walk over and check it out on a slower day. For reference, last time I stayed at Pop we did a Universal day and got back to Pop around 6pm-ish. Since we didn't want to go back out to a Disney park or Disney Springs, we walked across the lake, took a look around, and got dinner, then came back to Pop. It was nice to see it (and go to their food court - it was actually really good) but the hour or two we spend over there was enough. And since you are going this year and the parks are closed early, you would have plenty of time to explore it.

 

[patty57]

No question for me. I would stay at the Swan.

 

[Marthasor]

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.

Definitely the Swan. AoA is the loudest, most uncomfortable resort I've ever stayed in. Swan is a deluxe at mod pricing and has one of the best locations in WDW. I'm a little confused by your post - I just want to make sure you know you can still use the Skyliner even if you are staying at the Swan.

 

[KristaZ]

Another vote for Swan all the way. Transportation (aka walking) to two of the parks is so much better. The Skyliner situation was not great when were at AoA last. I also think the rooms and overall resort are nicer at the Swan (especially if you're planning on a standard room). We've never had a problem with cleanliness or noise. You're really only losing out on theme IMO.

 

[TTA Rider Matt]

I have never stayed at AOA, I’ve stayed at S/D a handful of times. I love staying at the S/D because of the convenience to DHS/EP. Plus, my parents have been BWV owners since 2000, so the BW area has become a significant part of my WDW experience. That said, AOA is going to provide your child better theming, while the Swan feels kind of like just any Westin/Sheraton hotel. You lose out on some “Disney touches” when you opt for a non-Disney operated hotel, including the magical express. You also have to factor in that WDW Transportation no longer services the S/D, and that when you go the MK, you’ll need to take a Mears shuttle to the TTC, then get on a monorail or boat to MK.

Ultimately, I would opt for the Swan, but there are definitely arguments to be made for AOA.

 

[Disneyfan754321]

The cars or lion king suite is pretty cool at AOA , it's fun to take the skyliner just to take it.. or walk over to pop. The standard rooms are little mermaid.
I have never stayed at Swan or Dolphin but there is really great rates on hotwire check the priceline thread for the details.

 

[Edeyore]

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.

Okay, who paid you to put up this discussion? Seriously there is no comparison. Honestly, you noted the resorts you have stayed out. Was the All Star Movies in any way comparable
to the Grand Floridian. Go to the Swan and end the discussion.

 

[SWDisfan]

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.

Never stayed at Swan, but stayed many times at Dolphin! They have the BEST mattresses of any hotel I’ve ever stayed in! Great pool area as well with a beautiful waterfall and grotto! Hands down Dolphin! IIMulino has great Italian food as well! That’s at the Swan. Also, unless things open up Boardwalk is boring right now. Very little open. Hope this helps!

 

[parasail_of_congress]

Okay, who paid you to put up this discussion? Seriously there is no comparison. Honestly, you noted the resorts you have stayed out. Was the All Star Movies in any way comparable
to the Grand Floridian. Go to the Swan and end the discussion.

The OP noted complaints that had been heard about the Swan. I assume that's why the post was made - to see if those complaints were/are valid.

 

[JFDIS]

Assuming you’re staying in the mermaid rooms, I’d say Swan all the way. I haven’t stayed at swan but I have stayed in the mermaid rooms. The room was tiny and dark. I know people love that cafeteria but I wasn’t impressed. It was very loud and crowded.

 

[chris benton]

I'd be with team Swan no question.
I had no issues with anything being unclean or any dirty carpets, or any bad customer service.
Swan isn't some cheap motel. It is NICE.
Dolphin's a little bit more "busy," but it's just as nice, IMO.
I'd suggest for you to head over to the Swan/Dolphin thread for recent reviews / posing questions.

IMO, Swan would be a no-brainer.

 

[Renaissancerocks]

The Swan without question. The Swan and Dolphin are our favorite resorts. Plus, they have some of the best restaurants. Additionally, they have the best beds around, especially compared to beds at value resorts. Another perk (don’t know if this is true due to the pandemic) but Dolphin has the only 24 hour counter service place on property. remember, they are Marriott resorts so you can receive points for your stay with their reward program.

 

[SteveH]

I'm guessing you've been reading TripAdvisor, I read some of those same comments and honestly in all of our stays at S/D I've never come across experiences like some of those comments. Is S/D perfect? No, they drop the ball sometimes, just like Disney does at time. I recall the discussion about the dirty carpet in the halls, now I will say i don't care for the carpet design myself, but I stopped on our last trip and checked the carpet up close - it was clean, just the design. IMHO you have to take all social media reviews with a grain of salt. While I read them, I totally rely on those comments. I can tell when a person has an ax to grind and not an honest review.

I'd say join the banter and friends over in the Walt Disney World SWAN & DOLPHIN RESORTS Information & Questions thread. You'll find some very honest comments from people that stay there often.

 

[virk4]

Swan.....no contest

 

[WDWOswald]

This thread has been SO helpful! Sounds like the swan all the way for us.

 

[maxiesmom]

Swan. Swan. Swan. Swan. Swan. No comparison.

 

[nonnadisney]

I have stayed at both AoA and the Swan. We were just at the Swan in December and I am currently planning a trip back for a WDW 50th Anniversary trip. The location is wonderful!! The rooms were clean and the beds were so comfortable. My family has refused to go back to AoA and they love the cabins and All Star Music so it's not just that they are spoiled.

 

[SarahC97]

I mean, there are pros and cons to both. It sounds like you've stayed off property quite a bit, so you know what to expect from a non-Disney resort. I've thought the rooms at Swan were perfectly adequate, though nothing special. Do not like the pools there, but I do like the restaurants. You're right in that the Skyliner is really not all that convenient for rope drop or park close, but what's nice about AoA is that 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.

Personally, I'd choose AoA, as I think it's a very neat resort and the cast members there are really amazing -- they go above and beyond. The Swan is OK and the location is great, but I've never thought the service held a candle to any Disney resort, including the values. The Swan is just missing something for me and my family, but I know a lot of people love it.