Trying to choose: Swan Reserve or Hilton Bonnet Creek

[Eeyore1220]

Hi all! I am using credit card points to book a hotel for the first week of August. It will be just me and my 8 year old daughter. I see availability for both Swan Reserve and Hilton Bonnet Creek. Bonnet Creek “costs” significantly fewer points. I was tempted by Swan for the evening extended hours access, but my daughter isn’t a crazy night owl and I’m worried she wouldn’t be up for that anyway. Any opinions about which to choose? Thank you!

 

[Eeyore1220]

Another consideration: does swan reserve get 60+10 dining or no? That might push me in that direction as well

 

[Jacq7414]

Swan is walkable to Epcot and the location is great. The evening hours at Epcot weren’t worth it for us but I think the magic kingdom ones were nice

 

[Eeyore1220]

Good point - we will not have a car.

 

[Jillfo]

Another consideration: does swan reserve get 60+10 dining or no? That might push me in that direction as well

Yes, although there has been a glitch in the past where you had to do the +10 on the phone. Not sure if that's been resolved.

Swan Reserve also is walkable to DHS. Or you can take a boat to both Epcot and DHS.

 

[disneydreamer1980]

Swan reserve definitely

 

[Eeyore1220]

Swan reserve definitely

That’s what I want just trying to justify blowing all of our points lol

 

[melking23]

Swan Reserve for sure! You get Early Theme Park Entry, Deluxe Magic Hours, 60+10 advanced dining reservations, free parking at the Disney theme parks, and walk or boat to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

 

[melking23]

Also at Swan Reserve, you can book Individual Lightning Lane attractions at 7AM vs park opening.

 

[Eeyore1220]

Also at Swan Reserve, you can book Individual Lightning Lane attractions at 7AM vs park opening.

I am so sold!

 

[Meglen]

Yes, although there has been a glitch in the past where you had to do the +10 on the phone. Not sure if that's been resolved.

Swan Reserve also is walkable to DHS. Or you can take a boat to both Epcot and DHS.

its not fixed... just had to use chat to get my adrs

 

[Marthasor]

Are Swan or Dolphin available? I would prefer either of those over Swan Reserve.

 

[techman20]

I've stayed at regular Swan and Hilton Bonnet Creek. My thoughts:

A big plus of Swan/Dolphin is that you can walk to 2 theme parks. Usually at a much cheaper price point than the Disney resorts in that area. You also get the advantage of Disney transportation (busses and the boats) and have a lot of food options at your disposal, since the Swan/Dolphin has several, and you can walk to Boardwalk and Yacht/Beach. As others mentioned, you get some of the Disney resort perks as well.

The two big plusses of the Hilton are the price and the pool. The price will likely be half that of the Swan/Dolphin and you can sometimes get extra free nights, depending on your length of stay. And the rooms/beds are nicer than Disney hotels at that price point (though probably equal to Swan). The pool complex at the Hilton is fantastic - a huge lazy river - and it is usually not super busy. You have access to restaurants at Hilton and Waldorf, though Swan has bigger selection. Busses are ok, better than the Disney Springs area offsite hotels, but still not as frequent as Disney proper. I believe they run on a "once an hour" schedule.

 

[Eeyore1220]

its not fixed... just had to use chat to get my adrs

Ugh that’s not great. I hope you still got what you wanted.

 

[Eeyore1220]

I've stayed at regular Swan and Hilton Bonnet Creek. My thoughts:

A big plus of Swan/Dolphin is that you can walk to 2 theme parks. Usually at a much cheaper price point than the Disney resorts in that area. You also get the advantage of Disney transportation (busses and the boats) and have a lot of food options at your disposal, since the Swan/Dolphin has several, and you can walk to Boardwalk and Yacht/Beach. As others mentioned, you get some of the Disney resort perks as well.

The two big plusses of the Hilton are the price and the pool. The price will likely be half that of the Swan/Dolphin and you can sometimes get extra free nights, depending on your length of stay. And the rooms/beds are nicer than Disney hotels at that price point (though probably equal to Swan). The pool complex at the Hilton is fantastic - a huge lazy river - and it is usually not super busy. You have access to restaurants at Hilton and Waldorf, though Swan has bigger selection. Busses are ok, better than the Disney Springs area offsite hotels, but still not as frequent as Disney proper. I believe they run on a "once an hour" schedule.

This is so helpful, thanks. I am a little sad about missing out on the lazy river, but I think that transportation is what’s going to stress me out the most so the Swan location is a big deal to me. You are right about the price - SR was about 500-600 more total than the Hilton. If I were using cash and not points, I would choose a full Disney resort at that price point, but it’s hard to argue with “free.”

 

[Eeyore1220]

Are Swan or Dolphin available? I would prefer either of those over Swan Reserve.

Nope. I’d prefer one of those, too…

 

[melking23]

Nope. I’d prefer one of those, too…

Does your card allow you to convert to cash at an equal rate as hotel points so you can book Sawn or Dolphin instead? For my dates in Sept, SR is $100 more per night (with taxes and fees) over Dolphin. SR is still only about half the price of Beach/Yacht/Boardwalk though.

 

[Eeyore1220]

Does your card allow you to convert to cash at an equal rate as hotel points so you can book Sawn or Dolphin instead? For my dates in Sept, SR is $100 more per night (with taxes and fees) over Dolphin. SR is still only about half the price of Beach/Yacht/Boardwalk though.

No, I get a lot more value out of my points by using the travel portal than through cash conversion. Fancy Swan it is!

 

[melking23]

No, I get a lot more value out of my points by using the travel portal than through cash conversion. Fancy Swan it is!

Enjoy! If SR was nearly the same price as Dolphin, I’d definitely book there for my trip. It looks swanky!