Swan questions...

[my3kids]

We are a family of 5 and it looks like the Swan would be an economical choice for WDW(with the special education rates) That is the one with 2 queen beds, right? We have previously stayed in the Ft. Wilderness Cabins and The Disneyland Hotel. We really like staying on site and in Disney properties because we know it will be nice, clean, and well staffed. Will we get the "Disney feeling" staying in the Swan? Does staying there give the parking pass that staying at true Disney properties does that allows guests to drive and park anywhere on Disney property without paying the daily fee?

 

[ww52]

I think you'll love the Swan. Yes - it has two queen "heavenly" beds (which really live up to the name). And yes, the parking privileges are like the Disney owned resorts.

Because it is a hotel more than a resort, and because S/D has mroe business/conventions, many people say it has less a resort feel. (Some would disagree strongly - which says the answer is not clearcut). During our stay, I'd say that was true in the lobbies, but not at all true at the pools and grounds in general. Yes - there is less Mickey and friends related decorations, but you are right in the middle of a fantasic complex of the YC/BC, Boardwalk, Epcot, and MGM. The grotto pool is second only to Stormalong Bay - and is usually relatively empty.

With the education discount, you are getting a deluxe resort for essentially the price of a moderate.

We stayed at GF three times and BC twice before trying the Swan this past August. Unless the price difference between a Disney deluxe and the Swan were about $50 or less, we would never consider staying anywhere else - and even then we probably would pick the Swan for the beds, the pool, the choice of restaurants, the views, the staff, the grounds, and probably several more things I'm missing rright now.

 

[jwfla422]

Not sure what parking pass you mean. The only time you are charged to park at any of the resorts including the S/D is if you valet. There is no charge to self park (except at the parks).

If you stay at the Swan and want to drive and park at the parks you just need to show your guest room key to park in those lots at no charge.

When you go from resort to resort you will need to pass through a guard gate at the Disney owned resorts which won't be a problem if you have PS for a meal. If you want to park, eat and then go to a park from another resort they will issue you a 3 hr parking pass to self park.

Valet is another story. If you valet at the S/D it does not crossver to the WDW owned resorts, in other words you would have to pay to valet there too (which could get rather costly).

I can tell you though, it is not necessary to drive much unless you're planning to go off property. The Swan is convenient to everything. You can boat or even walk to EPCOT & MGM and bus everywhere else.

As far as Disney Magic at the Swan, I know there are a lot of opinions about this but we find the S/D to be just as magical and sometime even more magical at the WDW owned resorts. The S/D are our favorite resorts on property

 

[my3kids]

Yes, what I wanted to know as whether parking at the park lots was included if we were guests at Swan. When we were staying at Ft. Wildreness, we had a sign on our dash that let us drive to parks with out paying the 5 or 6 dollar daily fee. Sounds like the Swan includes that same privilege??

 

[NancyIL]

With 5 in your family, you will probably be put in the Dolphin. I don't believe the Swan will put a rollaway in a room with 2 beds, but the Dolphin will (bigger rooms, smaller beds).

You won't get a paper for your dashboard...but just show the parking attendants at the theme parks your room key for free parking.

 

[Divamomto3]

Originally posted by NancyIL
With 5 in your family, you will probably be put in the Dolphin. I don't believe the Swan will put a rollaway in a room with 2 beds, but the Dolphin will (bigger rooms, smaller beds).

You won't get a paper for your dashboard...but just show the parking attendants at the theme parks your room key for free parking.

I have the Swan booked for February. I requested a room with 2 Queens and they said a rollaway bed would be no problem at $25 per night. We are a family of 5. Any other families of 5 stay at the Swan with a rollaway? Now I'm getting nervous!!

 

[jgates]

Once you move the chair by the window you should have room for a rollaway. I don't consider their rooms to be much bigger than any normal motel room, so it may seem a little crowded with the rollaway unfolded, but I think you will be fine. The only place we have been really comfy with a rollaway was in the longer size room at the HI Express in Rapid City. You could have stuck another Queen bed in that extra space!

These two hotels (S/D) have the best location for my two favorite parks - Epcot and MGM. They are ideal. I consider them very 'quiet' and relaxing.

 

[ozziewags]

We had a rollaway at the Swan at Christmas...but we had a jr suite and a King. The roll away does not fold up....it is one piece, but stands on end, when not in use. Doesn't take up much room and like jgates said, would probably fit next to the window if you move the chair. You will only need to put it down at night. You should be fine.

 

[TDC Nala]

I was at the Swan last weekend. The rooms are beautiful, they look great after the renovation. The only problem I had was with housekeeping. The room was never made up on the first day. On both the second and third day the housekeeper knocked on the door even though the "do not disturb" sign was hanging on it. Other than that, the place was great. The margaritas at the pool bar are actually better than Disney's.

 

[swilphil]

The Dolphin, which also has teacher rates, has a more magical quality overall. The lobby is much more impressive, but it is like the swan in other ways. The beds at the Dolphin are slightly smaller (1 inch) than a queen. We had no problems with housekeeping at the Dolphin. We could indicate what time to make the room up, and they would come at that time.

Best of all is the location. You can't help but get a Disney feel, right next to the Boardwalk and able to see MGM/Epcot.

 

[my3kids]

I thought when I read the website that Dolphin had a max. of 4 people and the Swan was the only of of the places that would accept parties of 5(no children are in cribs) Will both properties accept 5?

 

[disneyscrapper]

Ozziewags, how was the Swan decorated for Christmas? I'm hoping there is as much holiday atmosphere as other Disney resorts.

 

[NancyIL]

Originally posted by my3kids
I thought when I read the website that Dolphin had a max. of 4 people and the Swan was the only of of the places that would accept parties of 5(no children are in cribs) Will both properties accept 5?

If the Swan will book you into a room, knowing that there are 5 people, then you should be fine. I had a reservation for 4 of us at the Swan, and when I added 1 more kid, I was switched to the Dolphin.

 

[swilphil]

While we were at the Dolphin, my inlaws stayed at the Swan with 5 people. They had a rollaway. The Dolphin has a slightly larger floor plan and the beds are slightly smaller, so there's a tad more floor space.

 

[ozziewags]

Christmas at Disney is a sight to behold. I love it at Christmas! The Swan had a big, beautiful tree in the lobby as well as decorations here and there. They also have elves who will come to your room and tuck in your little ones, maybe read a story? Mine are beyond that age, but how neat. I cannot remember the dates of the elves, but it is leading up to Christmas. Check their website. There are also decs outside as well. Holiday atmosphere abounds!