What would you do??

[jmcross]

My family and I have a reservation for the AKL for next February vacation. I am a teacher so we are forced to go during school vacations and pay peak rates. I called the Swan yesterday to inquire about the teacher rates and we can stay there at the club level for about 1/2 of the rack rate at AKL for this peak time. I would love to stay at AKL but the chances of any codes coming out for our week are pretty slim so I am looking at paying double for many less amenities. Help! I thought vacations were supposed to be fun? This is just plain torture!! What would you do?

 

[susy]

Okay... I will soon be in the same boat as I will be getting certified to teach/masters!!! I say... get on over to wdwig.com , go to acomodation, then Swan photos. Those rooms are GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There is really a lot going on over in the Epcot area, so this a GOOD thing!!! Club level? WOW!!! Don't sweat it! Stay at the Swan and do AKL another time.. By the way I really loved my stay at AKL and it is worth going over to see the resort and eat dinner !

 

[jeannej]

I would stay at the Swan. More amenities, beautiful hotel and right in the middle of the Epcot area.

jeannej

 

[palmtreegirl]

While I love the AKL, I'd go with the Swan because of the guaranteed low rate. The Swan is supposed to very nice and it's in a great location as well. We have friends(hotel snobs-lol) that stayed there over Christmas break this past year and loved it.

 

[Mortlives]

I agree with going to AKL another time. Depending upon where you teach, you might be able to tag during Value season (for deluxes like AKL, this is usually beginning of July), so that might be the way to go for AKL, and do something more affordable during reading week.

Good luck,
Mort.

 

[AspiringCindy]

I was stuck with the same dilemma for our upcoming trip in Dec. Instead of saving money, we booked AKL concierge and are praying for a good AP deal to surface. Since were will only be there for 4 days, we figured we would splurge a little. If I were going for a week, I definitely would have chosen the Swan/Dolphin!

 

[>>^..^<<]

Hi,

Why not split your stay?... a few nights at Swan, a few nights at AKL.

It is really not that bad to switch, Disney will move your luggage for you.

>>^..^<<

 

[jmcross]

If we were staying longer than a week I would consider it. I don't think I can convince my family to sacrifice that valuable Disney time to repack!!

If you had to choose between them, knowing my options, what would you choose?

BTW, I love your screen name. Very clever

 

[>>^..^<<]

Well... I have stayed at AKL so I am really biased LOL.

But I guess my honest advice would be to go ahead and book Swan at your teacher rate - and then just keep your eye on AKL - because you never know - if a rate comes up that is too good to pass - grab it.

>>^..^<<

 

[mariamouse]

I would say that you should split it up... I don't know how long you are staying, but I would stay at the Swan/Dolphin using the code for the first half of your trip and stay at the AKL the last few nights.

 

[LvsTnk]

I would split it. But if you cannot I would go with the Swan and hope for a code or AP rate at the AKL.

 

[sherry8253]

I had the same dilemma for our Dec vacation this year. The AKL is my absolute favorite Disney resort. I have never stayed at the Swan. I was able to book the Swan for $81 a night or take a chance on AP rates or codes being released for the AKL when we are going. For $81 a night the Swan was just too good to pass up. Hopefully my DH and I will enjoy staying in the Epcot area this year and we are starting to look forward to staying someplace new. Our theory is that the AKL will still be there for future trips to the mouse house. You could always book the Swan and then if great discounts come out for the AKL book the AKL and cancel the Swan. I hope you enjoy your trip whichever your choice.

 

[PoohBWV]

Go for the Swan, you'll love the whole Epcot resorts area, the Swan itself is a beautiful hotel with recent renovations and "heavenly beds" and there is a ton to do in that area. Add to that excellent restaurants, great transportation options - Friendships, buses and even walking to Epcot and MGM and I think that the decision is easy!

 

[workin4vacation]

My family is staying @the Swan next Easter because the 1/2 price club level room for the government discount is excellent! We're splitting our stay between the Swan & the Royal Pacific.

My vote also goes to splitting your stay ~ IF you are not a regular visitor at WDW. If you visit every year, different times of the year, then hang at the Swan for the week in February and try the AKL at an off-peak time, perhaps during the summer.

If you choose to split your stay, look at it this way: You'll be saving some serious cash while @the Swan. Go ahead and spring for a couple of nights @the AKL! Afterall, it will be a well-earned vacation, right?