Swan or Polynesian?

[Connie of Trenton]

My husband and I are having trouble deciding if we should stay at the Swan or Polynesian? If anyone who has stayed at either of these resorts could give us info to help us decide we would appreciate it. We will be traveling without kids and combining this with a Disney Cruise for our 25th wedding anniversary.

 

[Guapy]

This is an easy one. The Polynesian is far superior. First of all. you have the monorail to the MK, as well as the transportation and ticket center a short walk away. From there, you can take a monorail trip to EPCOT. And I love the monorail! Second, you have all the lush vegetation and wonderful theming the Polynesian has to offer, and a brand new themed volcano pool. Finally, it's a disney classic, and you could request a lagoon view of the MK, very romantic for your special trip. I have never stayed at the Swan. My parents did and had a great time. I have been inside however, and it lacks in theming and definitely would not be as romantic for you. Therefore, POLYNESIAN ALL THE WAY!

 

[cottontail]

Hey Connie:

We are doing almost the same thing. It is our 25th anniversary, but we are bringing our young adult children, cause we feel it will probably be the last family vacation together, it has been 6 years since we all had a vacation.

We are staying at the polynesian, it would be so romantic there, without the children. So I say pick the poly. for that special occasion. The lush vegetation, new pool, closeness to magickingdom, you can see the castle from the beach at the poly, and yes the monorail. Congrats on 25 years,

Deb.

 

[kbeverina]

I love them both. I would probably choose based on which parks I'm going to be at the most. If the trip is 6 days or more, I'd probably split my stay and do both.

 

[Blondie]

I have stayed at both, and I prefer the Dolphin!

The Poly, albeit a 'classic' just isn't my cup of tea. Granted, it does have the ease of monorail transportation and some great views of the castle from the beach, but the color scheme and the 'older retro' design throws me off. All those dark brown earthtones depress me!

The Swan/Dolphin has some great transportation of it's own via the Friendship boats to Epcot and MGM, and twice as many dining options with the Boardwalk at your back door! I also prefer the Grotto Pool over the Poly's because it's twice a big! The Grotto Pool was voted most lush and exotic by Disney Magazine.

If you decide on the Poly, make sure you take time to go and visit the Swan and Dolphin resorts for your next trip!

 

[cottontail]

Hi Blondie: That is an interesting fact about the dolphin pool, we are doing a three way split akl/poly/dolphin , so I'm hoping to see that pool.

I do agree with the earthtone rooms, they need to jazz it up a bit, but they sure are a nice size and the grounds make up for the earth tone rooms.

Deb.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Well, I would choose the Polynesian. The Swan and Dolphin look okay, but they are just typical hotels that can be found in any city (well, without the dolphin fish or the swan statues).

But, I, too, agree that the Poly's rooms need some updating. They need to use some brighter colors than the current earth tones.

 

[Blondie]

Cottontail, click here for and awesome aerial view of the Grotto Pool.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I have to say I like them both, but for different reasons... I love the view of the MK from the Poly and that fact that you can watch the fireworks from the Beach.. or the smell of gardenias as you stoll the grounds.. It is on the monorail which is also very convenient..or close to the TTC, if you want to go to Epcot..

The Swan Dolphin are very cool too..great food, Krispy Kreme donuts at Tubbi's, best cheeseburgers, walking distance to Boardwalk, MGM and Epcot... At this stage of our lives, we prefer to stay on the Epcot side, but when the children were little we stayed on the MK side.. Either way, I am sure you will be happy with the hotels you choose..

 

[princess angel]

I would decide based on which part of WDW you will be spending most of your time! if you are Epcot buffs, then absolutely the dolphin!!!
if youlike being close to MK, then stay at the Poly!

I agree with the above that the Poly is very romantic!!! but... the rooms do need a little updating! they are very calming with there earthtones, yet I can see that they if they were a little brighter, or more decorated they might be more appealing!

the theming of the Poly is awesome, with its beautiful landscaping, and fabulous views, but the dolphin has awesome location!!!! I love staying at the epcot resorts!!! there is so much to do, and it is so much more convenient!

it's a tough choice! although I love the epcot side, b/w the dolphin and poly I would pick the Poly!!
if it was between the poly and the YC, then that would be a different story!!!

Laura

 

[cottontail]

Hi Blondie:

Isn't that picture impressive. I can see why it was voted most lush etc.
Now I also know why when conventions are held at the swan dolphin they probably use that area as a sellling point for staying at their hotels.


Thanks,

Deb.

 

[PlutoPal]

We stayed in the Poly last April and it was fantastic! The proximity to MK was unbelievable and the atmosphere there was really cool. Go with the Poly!

 

[NHMickey]

Having stayed at both as well I would say it all depends on what you are looking for. The Swan is close to some of the best nightlife on the park at the BW and not far from DTD. It is also next to one of the best parks... EPCOT. The Poly offers some of the best Views and in my opinion themeing on the park. And with the other Monorail resorts it also has some great dining choices. It is also a much more tranqueil resort and very relaxing. We love to wake up and have breakfast in our room and look out at the castle in the MK... And the fireworks display from the beach and our deck was second to none we had seen before. Both are fantastic choices...

I wanna go to WDW NOW!!!!

 

[happytrails2u]

Hello Connie,

I'm certain you have enough information from this thread to have already come to a decision on the best choice for your family, but here's a little more food for thought (just for the heck of it):

Starwood manages both the Swan and Dolpin AND if you are a Starwood Preferred Guest, (free for the joining) you can capitalize on some very attractive membership benefits including earning points towards your next stay, upgrades to preferred rooms/suites, late check-outs, etc.

They also offer additional discounts to the WDW resorts, such as an Entertainment Card 50% discount off rack rates AND a terrific discount for teachers, government employees and nurses. If you or your husband qualify for one of these discounts, you can book a standard view room for $129.00 per night, lake view $154, resort view $164.00, resort view with balcony $174.00 and Club (concierge) Level for $210.00 - - not too shabby for a deluxe minus the monorail.

The Swan and Dolphin also have boats to Epcot/MGM. IMO, it offers the best proximity in WDW and LBV. You may even get a balconied room with unobstructed views of Epcot, BW, BC/YC and Illuminations!

Hope that helps. Have a great time wherever you choose to stay...

 

[happytrails2u]

Hello Connie,

I'm certain you have enough information from this thread to have already come to a decision on the best choice for your family, but here's a little more food for thought (just for the heck of it):

Starwood manages both the Swan and Dolpin AND if you are a Starwood Preferred Guest, (free for the joining) you can capitalize on some very attractive membership benefits including earning points towards your next stay, upgrades to preferred rooms/suites, late check-outs, etc.

They also offer additional discounts to the WDW resorts, such as an Entertainment Card 50% discount off rack rates AND a terrific discount for teachers, government employees and nurses. If you or your husband qualify for one of these discounts, you can book a standard view room for $129.00 per night, up to the Club (concierge) Level for $210.00.

IMO, it offers the best proximity in WDW and LBV. Have a great time wherever you choose to stay.

 

[happytrails2u]

Hello Connie,

I'm certain you have enough information from this thread to have already come to a decision on the best choice for your family, but here's a little more food for thought (just for the heck of it):

Starwood manages both the Swan and Dolpin AND if you are a Starwood Preferred Guest, (free for the joining) you can capitalize on some very attractive membership benefits including earning points towards your next stay, upgrades to preferred rooms/suites, late check-outs, etc.

They also offer additional discounts such as an Entertainment Card 50% discount off rack rates AND a terrific discount for teachers, government employees and nurses. If you or your husband qualify for one of these discounts, you can book a standard view room for $129.00 per night, up to the Club (concierge) Level for $210.00.

IMO, it offers the best proximity in WDW and LBV. Have a great time wherever you choose to stay.