Swan vs. AKL

[spaceacewannabe]

I need help deciding! I called today about teacher rates for the Swan, and since you can cancel as late as five days before arrival, I booke d...but I'm not sure about keeping it.
We are three adults (mom and daughters, 24 & 21---I'm the 24 and the teacher) and in the past we've stayed at CSR (2003 & 2004) and AKL (2005).

Mom was very interested in Club level (concierge) but hadn't really done the math...after taxes and extra adult charge, it's $283/night...which is good for what it is, but I'm not sure it's really worth it for us just for the snacks...we really don't need other help.

Anyway, I don't think we'll be sticking with that. My other options are standard view at the Swan (which I figured would be $200 after taxes & extra adult). Last year our rate at AKL was about $214 for standard (with AAA discount), but then we were upgraded. We really loved AKL and didn't usually feel like it was too much out of the way, and we love AK.
But...we also love Epcot, and the ability to walk out the back entrance after Illuminations would be awesome.
We were also thinking about the dining plan, which isn't available at the Swan. Also, we wondered if tickets would be more if we couldn't buy them right away with our room.

So...any opinions on what's the most bang for the buck...club level Swan, standard view Swan, or standard view AKL.
We're not dripping with cash by any means, but we will be dividing by 3 adults. Obviously we don't want to spend on things that won't be worth it...but we've never done Club level or concierge and we're not really sure what the value of that is, or about the dining plan (which would eliminate the Swan).

Sorry so long...Thanks for any thoughts!

 

[swilphil]

I love the Swan, and I've never stayed concierage there. Frankly, we are gone so much, it's really not worth it to me. If it's breakfast you want, Tubbi's has a nice selection though I often go over to the Boardwalk Bakery or even buy pastries the night before at the French Bakery in Epcot.

But definitely give the Swan a try. The teachers' rate isn't always available. Consider yourself lucky that you got it. The best part is the LOCATION, but the beds are great and the pool is quite nice. Service is top drawer as well.

 

[Deweysgirl]

ok-I think I understand the question~

We have stayed AKL standard and Swan standard. I absolutely love AKL and more so when we had the savannah view. The standard view just didn't work for us at AKL. I felt like we were missing out on the whole "experience". However at the Swan, the standard room was beautiful, the beds are so comfy and luxurious, pools and hot tub were awesome, and the convenience to EPCOT/MGM and The Boardwalk can't be beat.

If I were in your shoes, my first choice would be to try and upgrade to savannah view at AKL (it it's within your budget). If not, I would book The Swan at standard view. If you go out to spg.com and join the starwood program (it's free) a lot of times The Swan will upgrade your room for no additional charge (points). We got upgraded on our first stay from standard to lakeview and it was very nice.

Everyone is raving about the new dining plan and I think if that is your driving influence then stick with AKL, as you said, it is not offerd through The Swan.

 

[Blondie]

Since you already know what the AKL is like, why not give the Swan or Dolphin a try this time?

The location is the best in all of WDW in my opinion. You have so many more dining options as well, especially with the Boardwalk being within walking distance.

The Grotto Pool was voted "most lush and exotic" by Disney Magazine a few years back. It truly is a tropical oasis!

Let us know what you decide!

 

[carolina_yankee]

We've stayed at both Swan and AKL. I think Swan Standard beats AKL standard, particularly if you've already stayed at AKL and experienced savannah view. Standard view at Swan (at least ours), looked out over Boardwalk villas and Tower of Terror. You really had to crane your neck to see the parking lot. If that's their basic view, then you can't go wrong. We asked for a higher floor when we booked.

As for location, it really is great, and the rooms are larger and more comfortable than AKL (though not all have balconies). Honestly, depending on what you eat, you might find it worth while skipping the dining plan. For us, the dining plan would save us about 15% - 20% of meal costs. if you want to put the luxury $$ in your hotel instead of on your table - particularly if its pretty certian you'll get standard view at AKL. If it were savannah view, then it would be a real toss-up for me.

Dirk

 

[lizcro326]

I just checked the Swan on http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/Resorts/resortmain1.htm

There is a box on the left of the page that states $149 rates for a limited time. Click on it.

They are affiliated with this board. I was not sure of your travel dates and how long you'd be staying. Using a peak weekend date, I got a rate of $214 a night including the extra person and taxes using the AAA discount which was cheaper that the teacher discount.

I just booked a room through them myself and got an Annual Passholder rate of $169 a night on a peak weekend with a free room upgrade and a late 2 pm checkout.

Hope this helps.

 

[katter24]

I have never stayed at AKL but have stayed at the Swan and the Dolphin...I am going Dec 1 at the Swan, got the gov empl. discount of 149.00 + $25 for extra adult....we are 3 girlfriends going....walking from Epcot after Illuminations back to the boardwalk is awesome....we love the Boardwalk....you can walk or take the boat launch to MGM AND EPCOT.....as far as paying more for your MYW Tickets you will not....you get to pick and choose how many days, park hopper or not and so on....unfortunetely you can't charge items to your room except within the Swan/dolphin hotel itself, but you can have items bought at the parks delivered to the hotel....I have not done concierge at the Swan but if it was a good deal I might want to try it.....to check what you get concierge go the Sheraton website or the Swan's website....it will give you and itemized list ....It all depends what your looking for....we eat Breakfast at the Boardwalk Bakery....(burrito $3.99) and its big and filling....I bring my Boardwalk mug and get free refills of coffee, tea, soda....if you're looking for the dinning plan then AKL would be your best bet I guess

 

[wld]

this would be a very difficult decision for me. We have stayed at both and love them. Swan is lovely more elegant maybe inside and we loved being able to walk to Epcot and MGM. AKL (both times Savanna) is so wonderful with an get away from it all, exotic feel to it. We have never tried concierage because, for us it isn't worth the extra. We also decided against the dining plan because we just don't eat that much food and the restaurants are not a big part of our disney experience. I'd have to draw a name out of the hat!!!!!!!!!!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

You really can't beat the location when you stay at the Swan. You've got tons of dining options, nightlife on the boardwalk, walking distance to Epcot and MGM, boats to Epcot and MGM, just lots of excitement and opportunities. AKL is great, but you definitely need to give this boardwalk area a try.

 

[twotoohappy]

I'd choose the Swan.

Walking distance to Jellyrolls.
Walking distance to Epcot.
Walking distance to MGM.
Walking distance to the Boardwalk.
Walking distance to BC and Beaches and Cream.
Stumbling distance from Jellyrolls at closing time