Swan vs. Shades of Green?

[VAfamily1998]

I'd like opinions on which is better. I've stayed at Shades of Green (in 2005 and in 2015) but have never stayed at the Swan or Dolphin. I have stayed at Boardwalk and Yacht Club, and that is my favorite area.

This would be for me and my 19 year old son in mid August. My favorite park is HS and his favorite is Epcot, plus our main reason for going to Disney is one last view of Illuminations.

Below are the prices for 4 nights in the hotel (including the resort fee for Swan) and airfare:

Swan: $1252
Shades of Green $1078
Port Orelans Riverside $1263

For POR we would use Magical Express, but for Swan or SOG we'd Uber to/from the airport.

I'm trying to decide if the Swan's prime location is worth the extra expense?

FWIW, we already have magic bands from previous stays, have no interest in the dining plan, and carrying cash/credit card to pay for things (vs. charging with magic band) isn't a big deal for us. The main perk of POR would be Magical Express transportation, but I think Uber will be cheaper than that price difference (vs. Shades of Green.)

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I would definitely do the Swan especially if DHS and EP are your favorite parks and you plan to see Illuminations. It just couldn't be more convenient! We've stayed at the Swan a few times - it's lovely, very comfortable and you will get queen beds in your room (plus water bottles and Starbuck's coffee replenished in your room each day). The restaurants at Swan/Dolphin are also great. We've already stayed at the Dolphin twice this year - Swan/Dolphin are our go-to's when I've missed out on discount prices at the WDW deluxe resorts. Even with WDW discounts, I can typically get Swan or Dolphin for less. If you haven't already, I would consider joining Marriott Bonvoy which is Marriott's loyalty program to start earning points if you decide to book the Swan. Yes, I would definitely pay $174 extra to stay in the EP resort area given your focus for your trip.

 

[VAfamily1998]

I would definitely do the Swan especially if DHS and EP are your favorite parks and you plan to see Illuminations. It just couldn't be more convenient! We've stayed at the Swan a few times - it's lovely, very comfortable and you will get queen beds in your room (plus water bottles and Starbuck's coffee replenished in your room each day). The restaurants at Swan/Dolphin are also great. We've already stayed at the Dolphin twice this year - Swan/Dolphin are our go-to's when I've missed out on discount prices at the WDW deluxe resorts. Even with WDW discounts, I can typically get Swan or Dolphin for less. If you haven't already, I would consider joining Marriott Bonvoy which is Marriott's loyalty program to start earning points if you decide to book the Swan. Yes, I would definitely pay $174 extra to stay in the EP resort area given your focus for your trip.

Thanks! I think I was already leaning that way and just needed the confirmation!

 

[NancyIL]

I have never stayed at Shades of Green or Port Orleans Riverside, but I have stayed at the Swan (mostly) and Dolphin many times. Epcot is my favorite park, and I love the close proximity from the Swan. The Swan is the definite winner over Shades of Green.

 

[Dave006]

This would be for me and my 19 year old son in mid August. My favorite park is HS and his favorite is Epcot, plus our main reason for going to Disney is one last view of Illuminations.

You will save quite a bit of time by being able to make a short walk to Epcot (6-11) minutes and about (15-20) minute walk to HS. You can also take advantage of the Friendship boat service that runs a loop between Epcot and HS if you get tired or just want a break from walking in the August heat / lightning / rain.

There are also quite a few choices of places to eat around Crescent lake, Epcot and HS.

Dave

 

[`OhanaHare]

With what info you have provided, definitely Swan. I've stayed at SOG many times in the past when I used to go with my family (dad's retired military), and being an EPCOT lover myself and that whole Crescent Lake area, I would not be choosing SOG. Esp since the bus service is really inconvenient JMHO.