Swan post-cruise

[kasar]

We're taking advantage of the post-cruise deal w/ the Swan Hotel at Disney. I normally research/plan way ahead of time, but we've kind of thrown this together last minute to stretch our vacation out a bit (we're flying on points and they determine when we return). Anyhow, I was wondering if anyone has ever done this. Do you get a choice of rooms or are they assigned ahead of time? I don't even know how the hotel is, but I'm assuming it's fine for our needs. I was just looking for comments from anyone who has stayed there. As always, I really appreciate all the help from these boards!

Also, will WDW be a mad house on Dec. 29 &30? Suggestions?

 

[shoes99]

We did a post-cruise 2 nights at the Dolphin in May 2002. We had to prepay the room with our Cruise package. The hotel was full with a computer convention. We had a very nice room overlooking the courtyard and MGM TOT. We enjoyed the Dolphin. We were also able to check in and get into our room by 11AM.

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Originally posted by kasar

Will WDW be a mad house on Dec. 29 & 30?

Probably. But at least it won't be as miserably hot and humid as it is in the summer. Make use of the FastPass system. Be sure to get your next FastPass ticket before you enter the ride with the currently valid ticket.

 

[mmouse37]

12/30, 12/30 & 1/1 in WDW a few years ago. 12/30 was OK, 12/31 was nuts, and 1/1 in the MK was a nightmare!!! So many people I actually was worried for people with wheelchairs and strollers. There was not one piece of pavement showing anywhere in the park. It was a bit scary.

NYE was a blast at MGM. We got to the park at 8:30 am and they told us if we left during the day they could not guarantee that we would be let into the park (even though we were resort guests). We stayed from 8:30 am until 1:30 am the following morning.

Kevin Bacon and his brother were performing...had a great time!!

MJ

 

[LisaTx]

I've never had the fortune to go on a cruise, so I can't help with that part, but you can see from my sig that I love the Swan.

The location is fabulous and the pool is great if you get a chance to swim. I have some pictures in the link in my signature.

Have a great trip!

 

[kasar]

Lisatx:
Wow, those pictures look great! Kids and Husband are big pool people (I'm fine with watching, thanks) so I know we'll get use out of the pool. If you've ever swam off Cape Cod, you know that temperature, especially in Florida, is never a concern of ours.
From all maps, it looks like an easy walk to Epcot?

mmouse and Dave: Thanks for the heads up. This trip is a bonus on our already awesome vacation, so anything will be fine - hopefully, we'll get on some rides with fast passes and see the parades. We've done commando mode Disney in the past so there is nothing that we MUST do. Anything is gravy at this point. Can't wait.......

 

[abitjaded]

It is an easy walk from the Swan to the International Gateway at Epcot. Also an easy walk to MGM. Do not know about Christmas week, but catching the boats to and from each of these Parks is a breeze, just make sure to hot foot it after the parks close if you plan on staying for Fantasmic or Illuminations, the boats then can have long waits, and it is easier to walk if you are not exhausted. You can then tranfer to and from Epcot to MK on the monorail. Be aware there is NO bus service to Swan from the front of Epcot, you have to boat from the International Gateway. We once spaced this fact in driving rain, ended up hailing a cab to get back to the Swan. It is also easy to get to Boardwalk on foot. If you stay later at the clubs there just be aware the boats stop fairly early. We once walked all the way from Jellyrolls in a driving rain to get our kids at the club at Yacht-Beach. You can also just jump across the parking lot to the mini-golf. The pool is great, and usually quite warm. We love the Swan. Deb also has lots of nice pictures on her website. http://wdwig.com/

 

[phxjj05]

We stayed at the Swan after our cruise in October and it was great. We stayed at the beach club before the cruise. I preferred the Swan. I am a gold starwood member, so we were given a newly renovated room with a great water view and balcony, plus new heavenly beds. The service was excellent and the people were very friendly. I will stay there for our entire trip next time we go.

Enjoy!

JJ

 

[Samsma]

What kind of deal were you given at the S/D after your cruise? I booked my cruise thru Dreams, but the S/D is saying that you have to book directly through DCL to get a special rate. I'm staying anyway, but can I do better than the entertainment rate of 163? + tax + $8 resort fee?

 

[Samsma]

Also, Kasar:

If you become a Starwood member (starwood.com) and you may get upgraded for free even without any points. Just present your Starwood card when you check in. It's free, and it could get you a better room.

 

[kasar]

Jenny Q : As a matter of fact, we are Starwood Preferred members and I already called them. We are entitled to a upgrade if any are available at check-in. Doubtful at this time of year! At least we'll earn points while there.

Our Post-cruise rate was $149. So a little better than your quote. Still about $30 cheaper than quote from Caribbean Beach. You have to book through DCL.

Hope that's helpful!