Swan ?

[dorisdvu]

I planning a vacation for 3-21-04 - 3-26-04 (5 nights) 2 adults & 2 kids ages 7 & 4 --first timers. I had received a quote for the $1749 for 4 nights Dream Maker Package at Disney's Carribean Beach (standard view). I came across the Dreamsunlimited website and got a price of $1220 for 3-21-04 - 3-26-04 at the Swan (standard view). From what I gather the ultimate park hopper passes are included in the room rates. This sounds too good to be true...is it??? What is the difference between the Swan & Dolphin? Do these have access to the monorail

 

[hulabird]

Swan and Dolphin do not have monorail access. You can walk to Epcot in about 10 min and MGM in about 15 min, or take the Friendship boats to either. Buses for AKL and MK. S&D are in a great location right at the Boardwalk and BC/YC are also right there. S&D are luxury hotels and are not owned by Disney, but by Westin. You can go to spg.com and sign up for a starwood preferred guest card and earn points for other stays.

CBR is a wonderful resort and I have stayed there many times. Transportation is strictly buses, but when I have stayed there transportation was really good and quick. CBR is arranged in islands, the rooms are good size and very comfortable. I don't think you will go wrong with either place.

 

[swilphil]

I would think that $1220 for 4 nights at the Swan would include UPH passes, but call DU to make sure. Swan/Dolphin and DU run specials all the time. Even if that price doesn't include the UPH passes, you may be able to get in for less before the time of your trip comes.

The Swan/Dolphin are very similar, but the pool is a little closer to the Dolphin and it has a more impressive lobby, a 24-hour cafeteria, an arcade and an ice cream shop. The Swan has the Westin hotels' Heavenly Beds and two sinks in the standard room. The Dolphin should be done with renovations by the time you are there and will have nicer beds too. The Dolphin has been a little cheaper, but I'm hearing they may raise their prices when renovations are complete.

There is no direct monorail service to the Swan, but you can walk through Epcot and catch it. It would be a pretty long walk, but at times it may be worth it. Bus service from the Swan is excellent. The Swan is the first stop, so you'll always get a seat.

The best thing about the Swan/Dolphin is its location. It's by Epcot and MGM. A short walk or boat ride to either, and the Swan is right NEXT to the Boardwalk.

 

[diathoney]

The Swan has 2 Queen beds, the Dolphin has 2 doubles.

The CBR has 2 double beds.

We are 2 Adults and 2 kids (9 & 10), so we go for the Quenn beds when we can get them!

For ages 7 & 4, MK is the place for you. Either place you probably want to take the bus to MK. If you do plan to visit Epcot (my personal favorite) or MGM, the S/D would give you nicer transportation. Disney has great bus service, but it's still a bus!

 

[dorisdvu]

DU said the cost was just for the room. Thought it was too good to be true.

 

[swilphil]

Swan/Dolphin has great specials on rates all the time. Hang in there and you'll eventually find something.

 

[dorisdvu]

I can book directly thru Swan with AAA discount for around $975. This sounds good to me. Now if I could just get a good deal with the ultimate hopper passes. Does Swan offer any discounts?Anyone know anything about the Starward preferred guest program? I rarely travel so I don't know if this would help or not with this reservation. If you book early, does this increase the chances of getting upgraded?