Swan vs WL

[Jennifer_Canada]

Hi. Am travelling to WDW with family (kids 8 and 13). We arive Dec. 27 and leave Jan. 3. I know it's the busiest time of year but I booked to coincide with a conference I have early in Jan. in Tampa. Last time we visited, we stayed at POR. We wanted to try something different this time - we thought it might be nice to walk to some of the parks. I've checked availability and can book both Swan or WL for these dates. It seems that I can save over $1,000 by staying at the Swan vs WL. But given my kids will like to visit MK and I know to be successful at this time, we'll have to be there early in the mornings, would the WL be a better place to stay? Your thoughts, pros and cons, much appreciated!

 

[grimley1968]

If there was less than, say $200 difference in price, I'd pick WL every time over the Swan. By my signature you can tell we love WL.

But $1000 less to stay at the Swan? Wow. I'd probably have to go for the Swan.

Yes, WL is closer and much quicker to MK, and Swan/Dolphin has rather slow bus access to and/or from MK and AK. But your travel time difference between WL and Swan probably will not exceed 10-15 minutes, and $1000 sure seems worth that little bit of trouble.

Besides, you can walk or boat to both EPCOT and MGM from the Swan. Can't do that from WL!

 

[CEDmom]

We've stayed at both and loved each of them for different reasons. The boat from WL to MK could actually take about the same amount of time as a bus from Swan to MK. The boat goes to the camp ground and then to MK. I remember it taking 15-20 minutes. The bus from the Swan took 20 min.

The advantage you'll have at the Swan is being able to walk to Epcot and MGM. Also it's a quick walk to the Boardwalk for night time entertain and meals. You also have the option of taking the monorail back from MK and walking through Epcot to the Swan.

 

[teentoddlermom]

That is a big difference in price! I love the WL but I also love the Epcot resort area, although I have never stayed at the Swan/Dolp. The bus transportation is not so great to MK from those resorts..lots of bus sharing. However, for that price it is tempting to save the $. I can't believe that there is even availability at the WL. I bet WL looks amazing at Christmas. The boat is a fast option to MK from WL, and they also have a bus. If you really think MK will be the favorite park for your family this trip, I would spend the bucks for WL. But you better snag it fast!

 

[disneychic]

We stayed at the Swan ONE time and hated it. It didn't feel "Disney" to us. The only thing that was good about it was the location. But we would not stay there again. The rooms were not as clean, walking through the hallways there was room service trays with food on it for a day and a half. Gross. The staff wasn't Disney, the gift shops --not Disney, etc. We've stayed at the WL and of course the Villas at WL (we are DVC members). There is no comparrison. We LOVE the WL.

 

[Lou-Ann]

I LOVE the WL more than any place on earth but the $1000 difference would sure do it for me......As has been said, the bus from the Swan is just as quick as the boat from the Lodge...I would surely spend some time at the Lodge but go back to the Swan to sleep....

 

[aarmando20]

We have stayed at both and actually prefer the Swan. being able to walk to MGM and EPCOT is a huge benefit. You can always walk over to EPCOT and take the monirail to MK. It is also a Starwood hotel which means it has to be upto their standards (Better Up keep, cleaner rooms, ETC.) . Don't get me wrong the WL is ok too but it really wasn't for us. To save $1,000 I think that speaks for it's self. It isn't like you are cmparing a delux to a value they are both delux hotels. Either way I hope you have a ball.

 

[cyberfilly]

Why not split your stay between the two hotels? That's what we're doing for our surprise trip in December. Our kids (9 and 12) love the WL but they also love Epcot and MGM a great deal. Being within walking distance from the Swan to these two parks will be great. We'll do MK a few times when we're at WL and maybe hop on the monorail for an additional trip to Epcot.

 

[Gary M]

We've stayed at both and loved each of them for different reasons. The boat from WL to MK could actually take about the same amount of time as a bus from Swan to MK. The boat goes to the camp ground and then to MK. I remember it taking 15-20 minutes. The bus from the Swan took 20 min.

The advantage you'll have at the Swan is being able to walk to Epcot and MGM. Also it's a quick walk to the Boardwalk for night time entertain and meals. You also have the option of taking the monorail back from MK and walking through Epcot to the Swan.

I don't want to be critical, but the boat goes from FW to WL to MK before 3:00 pm and after three its MK-WL-FW. The boat ride from WL to MK takes about 10 minutes(actual travel time) and the bus takes about 5 minutes travel time.

 

[Jill in Chicago]

We've stayed at the Wilderness Lodge and truly loved it, but for $1,000 I would stay at the Swan. Being able to walk into Epcot in the evening would be so neat, as would walking along the Boardwalk. Are you renting a car? If so, then Disney transportation really isn't an issue. The Swan pool looks very nice too.

 

[rie'smom]

We love the Swan. Just think how far an extra $1000.00 could go on a trip.

 

[AndyMcV]

Hi Jennifer

Our opinion is to go with the Swan, hands down. Our DS7 has been to the S/D twice and our DD 3 has been once. Both our kids LOVE the Swan and Dolphin resorts. We found the transportation and the location awesome. If you're saving $1000 there's no question I'd go with the Swan.

We spent a lot of time at the MK and found the transportation from the Swan to be no problem at all. It's nice to have the boats to MGM and Epcot too. They are fun in themselves. The Boardwalk is right there as well. Plus you can easily see the nightly fireworks from the beach or even from your room.

It's a deluxe resort and a nice one at that. Go with the Swan.

Andy

PS. We're from Canada too!!