Swan or Boardwalk? Opinions please!

[zalansky]

We booked the Candlelight Processional dinner package for December 11. Our dinner will be at Le Cellier (I am very excited) and it will be myself, DH and our almost 2 year old son. We have decided to stay overnight and want to make this a special occasion and possible a family tradition from her on in. Our options are the Swan or Boardwalk for lodging that night.
I am a SPG Gold member and could possibly get a room with a preferred view (and I could trade in some points and get club level) for $189.00 plus taxes and the $10 resort fees for that night....OR, we can stay at the Boardwalk with AP rates for $222.00, which includes all taxes. Both resorts have the boat which can take us to Epcot.
Which would you pick and why? I have always wanted to stay at both but have not stayed at either because of the cost. That is alot of money for just one night. Usually, we stay at WL but they don't have any AP rates left.
Any suggestions would be appreciated!! TIA.

 

[jwfla422]

Hey we'll be there that weekend too!! I vote for the Swan just because I'm a big S/D fan! I like the Swan because it is small and intimate but very child friendly, been taking our 6 yr old dd there since she was 2. It's very convenient to EPCOT and not much more of a walk than to the BW. Many of the views are magnificent with fireworks views of EPCOT or MGM. We were even able to see the MK fireworks one night in the distance from our room!

The CMs are great! You might want to walk over to Fresh in the morning for breakfast though (at the Dolphin), it is one of our favorite places to eat now!! They make everything to order so feeding a small child is much easier (they also children's items available).

Oh and did I mention the heavenly beds, well since they've renovated I can't really tell you the last time I've stayed in a WDW resort. I'm not a great sleeper and never found the beds at the WDW resorts all that comfy, I get wired after a long day and while others can just pass out, I can't but those heavenly beds, well, let's just say I pass out now!!

The BW is a nice resort. I've never stayed there but my brother and his family stayed in a suite a few years back and it was beautiful. But, I still like the S/D, for us it's our home away from home. Oh I guess I must add there is plenty of "Disney magic" here! Last time we stayed at WDW resort we stayed at the WL, very nice but we looked out at trees. Everytime we've stayed at the S/D we've looked out at EPCOT and you can't get anymore Disney than looking out at a Disney theme park.

 

[diathoney]

I prefer the Boardwalk. You prices are so close - I'd go for the Disney magic. At the Boardwalk you're right in the middle of everything (restaurants and shops) - and it's an easy walk to Epcot. The Swan is nice - I love the beds, but it's just not a Disney hotel.

 

[Happy2BGrumpy]

I would stay at the Boardwalk, more atmosphere. It's an easy walk to Epcot from both resorts (in lieu of the boat), but technically BW is closer. Canada in Epcot is relatively close to the International Gateway entrance also. That's my vote for the $23 difference.

 

[NancyIL]

I LOVE the Swan, but have never stayed at the Boardwalk. Flip a coin!

 

[x5x5x5x5x5]

The S&D do have some wonderful views but my favorite is BW. Some people say there isn't but I feel like there is a difference between a Disney owned resort and one not owned by Disney (ie "Disney magic"). That said, you really can't go wrong with either b/c the location is marvelous and both are fine hotels.

 

[swilphil]

I vote for the Swan. It is right next to the Boardwalk, and since you are an SPG Gold member you could luck into a great upgrade, especially if you want to part with some points. My 4 year old loves the Swan, and refuses to stay anywhere else. We've had views of Epcot, Boardwalk and/or MGM's Tower of Terror--Disney Magic all around. The heavenly beds are just that. If you're two-year-old will sleep in a crib or Pack N Play, I would go for a King Corner Room.

 

[zalansky]

Swilphil -
How do I try for the upgrade? Do I book a standard room and hope for availability for a better room and ask at check-in to trade in points?

Thanks all for your responses!!!! I appreciate them!

 

[JudyS]

I've stayed at both, and feel that the Boardwalk has way more "magic." On the other hand, the Swan has a better pool, in my opinion. (I find the BW clown *scary*!)

 

[swilphil]

Originally posted by zalansky
Swilphil -
How do I try for the upgrade? Do I book a standard room and hope for availability for a better room and ask at check-in to trade in points?

Good question. You might want to post that on this board on a separate thread for all the S/D experts. I myself have yet to "cash in" any points, so I'm not sure. If nothing else, call the Swan/Dolphin directly (the 800 number is on the website) and ask them what you can get for your points. Like Disney, you may get different answers from different CM's. The availability also may change by the time you get there if there's a big convention going on.

 

[zalansky]

I went with the Swan....I got a great rate - $147.50 plus tax and the resort fee. This is the AAA rate, which was not listed online, I called the hotel directly and got lucky. Now I hope we can get upgraded with our gold card or use our points.
It works out to be $65 less than Boardwalk....and we can use that cash for other things we want to do.
Plus, I have always wanted to try those heavenly beds!!! I can't wait!!!
Thanks everyone for your responses. Boardwalk will have to wait until I become a DVC member....

 

[racheltyler]

Would love to offer some add'l things we loved about the Swan --

1) Tubbi's was a great option with our little ones (then 1 1/2 and 4 yrs old). It offered quick affordable food like homemade chicken soup and salads and good breakfast choices. It has a nice seating area that is comfortable, clean and never crowded when we were there. 2) We liked the beach area right next to the pool and the sprinkler play area and large playground near the beach.

If no one told us, we wouldn't have known were weren't staying on a Disney property! And the heavenly beds are just that!!! We love the BW also for different reasons but Swan is awesome!
Have a great time!

Sharon

 

[travelbug]

Congrats on getting a good rate at the Swan. You'll love the heavenly beds!!

I loved my stay at the Swan, but I also dearly love BW. So this was going to be a win/win situation for you, IMHO.

Have a wonderful time!

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by diathoney
"but it's just not a Disney hotel."

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by swilphil
"Disney Magic all around."

 

[zalansky]

WAIT - things just got a whole lot better!!! I was over on allearsnet.com checking out dining menus when I saw a rate of $99 per night for S/D for an event they are having called Mousefest. The dates just happened to fall when I am going. I called the Swan and the rate was available!!! They applied it to my reservation with no problem.
SO now I just saved over $100...I am so excited I just had to share!!!

 

[Leota]

You'll love the Swan - I have no idea why people say it doesn't have the Disney Magic - We've always had Plenty of Disney Magic at both the Swan and the Dolphin!
Those beds are soooooo divine! We went back to the resort one night & ate dinner in bed with a movie because they are just so delightful, you could spend the whole day in them.