Thoughts on Swan Hotel

[suzique]

Booking last minute trip for the family to WDW, leaving in less than 2 weeks. Stayed at Boardwalk 2 years ago and loved the location. Unfortunately, the villas at Boardwalk or Beach Club are either booked or $$$. Considering the SWAN hotel, since they have 2 bdrm suites.
There are mixed reviews online, Anyone have current info on the hotel? Did you enjoy your stay? I'm traveling with husband, 15yo daughter and 22 yo Autistic son.
Appreciate your thoughts.

 

[x5x5x5x5x5]

We stay at either the Swan or Dolphin at least once every year. The location is terrific and the accommodations are very nice for the cost (especially compared to Disney). While I think they are somewhat whimsical, many people don't feel like they are very magical. They are owned by Starwood and lots of conventions take place there so it is far less Disney-like than Boardwalk etc. That said, I really enjoy our stays there. I believe that they both recently went through a refurb (could be wrong - maybe someone else can speak to that). The rooms are contemporary and clean - beds very comfy. The only thing that bugs me is the (in my opinion) extortion "resort fee" and self parking fee. But that is pretty common at popular resort type places. I think you will very much enjoy your time there - especially if you are getting a two bedroom suite - very nice and lots of room. Also, the main pool is super pretty and fun and the restaurant/bar at the main pool (Cabana Bar I think?) is surprisingly tasty - definitely a step above the dining options at the Disney pools.

 

[twirly123]

We stayed for 15 nights in April and had a fantastic time. Previous stays have been at GF and BC. Would not hesitate in staying at Swan again - we had a refurbished room with balcony and it was perfect.

 

[epsmith921]

my husband and I both love the swan. The location is great, the price has been quite right (including the resort/parking fees) and we found the resort itself to be nice and calming. We prefer the smaller size of it and we love to be in easy walking distance to the boardwalk and of course the parks.

I'm not going to attempt to post a link at the moment, but there is a thread on here dedicated to the swan and dolphin and it has tons of great information as well

 

[shoreward]

I agree with twirly123; the refurbished rooms are extremely nice and very comfortable. I would recommend the Swan over the Dolphin, as it's about half the size and easier to get around. The Swan's pool area is also more sedate, which might suit your needs better. The staff is very good; I find them to be friendly and cooperative.

In my mind, the only noticeable differences between the Disney-owned and operated resorts and the Swan/Dolphin are lack of Magical Express transportation, and the daily resort fee of $23 (which provides each room with two free bottles of water, per day, free local and domestic phone calls from the room, in-room internet, and use of on-site health club). If you park a vehicle at the resort, the daily charge is $18 for self-parking. The Magic Bands will not work to open your room door, either.

Complimentary transportation to the parks and Downtown Disney is provided by the same motor coaches and ferry boats that operate to/from the BC and Boardwalk resorts. The Boardwalk area is a very short walk from the Swan/Dolphin, and Epcot and Hollywood Studios are also within walking distance.

I would recommend asking for a newly-redone room with a balcony and on an upper floor, if you decide to book. The beds at the Swan truly are heavenly, just as Westin's name describes!

As a frequent guest at the BC, I have no qualms about staying at the Swan; sometimes, it seems a better choice, when I'm looking for a short break from all of the Disney hype.

 

[Babsy]

WE stay at the Swan or Dolphin every year. The Swan has just finished being refurbished. The Dolphin is just starting its refurb now, so the Swan is perhaps the better choice at the moment. the Swan also has queen beds whereas the Dolphin has full beds.

the Swan is in a great location, between Epcot and DHS. You also get many of the perks of staying onsite. We aren't interested in the Dining plans or charging back to the room. DME is nice for arrival but we don't use it to return to MCO so it is a minor extra expense.