To cut a very long story I was originally booked to stay at the Swan for my complete stay (8 nights), but when I started costing things properly (I'm from the UK) it worked out price wise more cost effective to stay at the Beach Club (seriously, I couldn't believe it!) as Disney UK are offering
free dining for my dates.
For my last 3 nights I'm moving resort and I've currently got 2 reservations as I'm seriously torn - the first at the Swan, and the second reservation at the Poly (club level), as I'm thinking of attending
MVMCP, but the more I'm thinking about things I feel the Swan will be a more relaxing and 'subdued' experience, rather than trying to relax in a club level lounge which feels more like a cafeteria.
So, cost implications aside, I just can't decide between opting for the Swan (and those wonderful beds) which I feel will be less frenetic and therefore more relaxing, or do I go with the Polynesian which will be close to MK for MVMCP. AKL was also in the picture but that's now been firmly discounted lol
I'd be interested to hear peoples thoughts on this please, based on an adult perspective.
Many thanks
For the additional price paid at the Polynesian concierge I think you get very little additional, not money well spent, unless you have money to burn (you did say, cost implications aside . We were comped Polynesian concierge once, and, though nice, if I had been paying for the added cost, I would have been disappointed with there added benefits. Location at the Swan is highly desirable.
I agree with you, Dan. Swan is so relaxing and tranquil!
We paid for Poly CL once....... it was OK, but definitely not worth the extra $$$$ (but that's just my family's opinion!).
While I hate to be the one to disagree, I have to say that our many years at the Polynesian CL have been the best vacations ever. We have enjoyed every one of our stays there each year since 1994 or so. We became friendly and recognized on sight by many of the CL CMs and enjoy our visits with them each year.
That said, we will be spending our first ever vacation at a non-Disney owned hotel (Dolphin) in October. Disney has simply out-priced our willingness to pay for the service. I am ambivalent about our plans for October, but hoping for the best from the Dolphin. Since our focus will be on EPCOT and we are traveling with a couple who stayed at Swan last year while we were ensconced at BC, we were convinced by them to give the Dolphin a go. The price was the deciding factor since the other couple was unwilling to pay the price of BC and we were a bit put off by it as well.
The ambivalence for me is that I love the Polynesian and the ambiance it offers. It is by far the best resort for a laid back and relaxing vacation. We have gone to Disney so many times the parks are not the end all be all of our trip and we enjoy the pace of the Polynesian. We are early morning park goers and enjoy our afternoons around the pool. If we choose to go back to a park in the evening--we go--if not, we are thrilled to hang around the Polynesian and wander the property or walk to GF for a cocktail; perhaps take a boat to MK and go to WL or monorail to Contemporary. So many options. We have always taken full advantage of all the amenities and services offered.
We have enjoyed our stays at BC, YC, or BWI, (and the CL services at each) but primarily because of the proximity to EPCOT. To have the access at the International Gateway and the easy out after Illuminations can't be beat--not even by the Polynesian. While we have enjoyed our stays at these resorts, I can't say we truly loved the Boardwalk area resorts as much as the Polynesian property. Don't get me wrong, it is pleasant enough at the EPCOT area resorts, but there is just something at the Polynesian that appeals to us. A comfort level that we haven't felt at the EPCOT resorts.
I am going in October with an open mind and knowing that we will spend the bulk of our time at F&W Festival. The minimal additional walk to Dolphin far outweighs the major difference in price we would be paying at BC, YC, or BWI. I am really hoping that Ron and I
the Dolphin as many folks on this thread have professed.
Long story short--you have to make the best decision for your family and your vacation. If money is not a problem--perhaps split your stay and decide for yourself. Stay at Polynesian CL for the days you would visit MK and the AK or water parks and spend some time at Swan or Dolphin for the days where your focus will be on EPCOT and DHS. If, like us, you have done Disney before and know your vacation will be more EPCOT/DHS centric--stay the entire time at Swan/Dolphin.
I totally hear you with the thought that you don't want to throw more money at Disney than need be. One thing that has my knickers in a knot with the Dolphin is that we have to make ADRs one day at a time from 180 days out. I am so used to having a CL CM make my ADRs with no worries. This year we will be stressing one day at a time to make those coveted table service ADRs.
Frankly, my husband and I could care less about table service dining with F&W in full swing, but our traveling companions want more "table time".
Whatever you decide, I hope you have a wonderful time planning and traveling!
The festivities will begin on Friday and go all the way through Sunday night: Here's some of the highlights: Campfire on the beach with smores kits nightly, glow in the dark easter egg hunt on Friday night, then two beach easter egg hunts on Easter Sunday, Easter bunny will deliver a basket to your room, glow in the dark volleyball, and of course pool activities, hair wraps/braids, arts and crafts, etc. 33 more days to go!
If anyone wants specific days and times of the event, I'll be happy to post with more info.
