Which hotel to pick?

[Katlyn.rego]

Looking to go to WDW this Fall and prices for a standard room at Swan, Tower room at Coronado, and standard room at AKL are all comparable in price (AKL is about $400 more for the week). We've never stayed at any, we're used to Port Orleans. My boyfriend is not as into the parks and does want a nice hotel experience, he particularly likes hotel rooms that are on high floors. We also just got engaged! So hoping for a romantic celebration trip. It'll just to be the 2 of us so not looking for as much of a kid-friendly hotel. We don't eat too fancy, but do care about a nice pool. What would you all recommend? Open to recommendations of hotels I didn't mention either.

 

[EmilyGahr]

In terms of enjoying the resort, I think AKL has a lot to offer! You can definitely request a higher floor. Jiko is a romantic restaurant (assuming it will be open when you go), and the resort has two pools! AKL is one of my favorite resorts, my boyfriend and I stayed there for the first time in 2019 and we both loved it!

 

[Meglen]

If you like animals than go for AKL. If you want less Disney than do swandophin. Being able to walk the boardwalk at night and all the reasturants and hopefully shows soon sounds romantic. Also it's walking distance to Epcot for food if you get hoppers.

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

Looking to go to WDW this Fall and prices for a standard room at Swan, Tower room at Coronado, and standard room at AKL are all comparable in price (AKL is about $400 more for the week). We've never stayed at any, we're used to Port Orleans. My boyfriend is not as into the parks and does want a nice hotel experience, he particularly likes hotel rooms that are on high floors. We also just got engaged! So hoping for a romantic celebration trip. It'll just to be the 2 of us so not looking for as much of a kid-friendly hotel. We don't eat too fancy, but do care about a nice pool. What would you all recommend? Open to recommendations of hotels I didn't mention either.

I think the nicest rooms out of those choices would be CSR Tower since those are pretty new, oldest feeling not as luxurious rooms probably a tie between Swan and AKL. I've stayed at all and most recently the Swan back this past April. AKL has had a room retheme but nothing of significance.

I am a vote for Swan.

Swan hotel IMO is more adult/less Disney feeling than CSR and AKL. The dining options at Swan are better since AKL upscale dining has not yet reopened. Also having walking access around the boardwalk is great, you can hit abracadabar for drinks, eat at the other resorts/restaurants and Swan also has walking access to DHS and Epcot. Coronado and AKL have no walkability and only offer bus transportation. Now Swan does have bus service to the parks but they do not stop at the bus depot at MK, they drop only at the TTC. Not a big deal but it's a factor.

AKL is very nice if you love animals, but if you are going to stay there, you'll be viewing the animals from the lobby viewing and other resort area trails, not your room. For me, if we stay at AKL, we always book a savanna room since it really does enhance your visit. All parks are a bus ride away and there is no other transport available. It has a nice pool but unless animals are a big deal or you plan to visit AK a lot during your stay, it's not my top pick.

As for CSR, it's very nice, the Tower feels like a deluxe resort. If you can get a water view room, that' even better.

 

[KittyKitty]

Standard room at AKL may not have a view of the animals. Double check both buildings are open.(Just read Jambo is opening 8/26)
Haven't stayed at CSR Tower, so don't know about it.
Swan would be my 1st choice, but they have fees not mentioned in the room rate. Walk to Epcot and Studios.

 

[ShelATX]

My vote is for AKL. The theming is incredible and adds to the 'getting away' feel for me. The food is so good. There are plenty of little spots to sit and soak it in and plenty of exploring to do. (also, I always find cute stuff in the hotel lobby store)

 

[AnnabelleTheTalkingTree]

I have never stayed at any of the 3 you mentioned, but when we choose our resorts, location is the single biggest factor. For that reason I'd choose the Swan, particularly for a adults only trip. We love the Crescent Lake resorts (which technically includes the Swan and Dolphin) since you can walk right into Epcot. That would be ideal, I'd think, for nights spent drinking/eating around World Showcase as a couple. Lots of dining options without needing to get on a bus. Alternatively, depending on how much time you have, I might consider a split stay between AKL for 2 nights and then the Swan for the rest.

 

[SeanWM48]

Looking to go to WDW this Fall and prices for a standard room at Swan, Tower room at Coronado, and standard room at AKL are all comparable in price (AKL is about $400 more for the week). We've never stayed at any, we're used to Port Orleans. My boyfriend is not as into the parks and does want a nice hotel experience, he particularly likes hotel rooms that are on high floors. We also just got engaged! So hoping for a romantic celebration trip. It'll just to be the 2 of us so not looking for as much of a kid-friendly hotel. We don't eat too fancy, but do care about a nice pool. What would you all recommend? Open to recommendations of hotels I didn't mention either.

the AKL is pretty incredible. such a great presentation. in terms of the resort experience he will absolutely be impressed. The food is legit too. I had a dinner at Sanaa in January and ate while the animals were walking around nearby. Very hard to beat that.

all things equal and only comparing that vs Swan and Coronado, the choice is an easy AKL for me. Swan does have the better location in terms of proximity to other experiences. AKL has a longer trip to/from on the bus but worth it IMO.

 

[sponica]

My kid-less sister who prefers more adult stays, raved about CSR and that was even before the Tower was there....but that being said, if you can afford the splurge on AKL. I'd definitely do that.

 

[Scubadaddy32]

I've stayed at all three... GDT and CSR is a great resort and were we stayed in April. It's the most adult resort on property and it's very relaxing at night with the lake and 3 Bridges Bar and Grill sitting out in the middle of the lake. Very good food. The Dahlia Lounge on top of the Tower is beautiful. The entire Tower is modern and very nice. Bus rides or UBER to HS, EPCOT and AK are all less than 5 minutes away.
AKL is great and is our other go to. The rooms are likely all remodeled at Jambo now, as we stayed in a newly remodeled room which looks just like the GDT rooms with an AK theme of course, in Sept. 2019. I'm sure they have all the rooms finished by now. Love the hotel, all the restaurants are great. The pool is large and the lobby is great. Bus rides or UBER to HS, EPCOT and AK are all less than 8 minutes away.
I timed all buses... because of the ridiculous argument from people who have never stayed at any of these resorts to promote their favorites. Ha
Swan and Dolphin is nice enough, but it's really dated compared to the other two resorts IMO.
Again, people always bring up the time factor, as if the perception of saving 5 minutes in a 10-12 hour day is the deciding factor. LOL
IMO, I'm not staying in what I feel is an inferior resort and rooms. if I don't have to.
Either GDT or AKL is a big upgrade to Swan and Dolphin IMO.
Again, I've stayed at all 3 and AKL and GDT in the last 3 years multiple times.
During our April trip this year, we had to rope drop for the first time due to no FP's. We found out a few things. Walking to the park at rope drop doesn't save any time and is actually detrimental at EPCOT. Here is why, guest staying in EPCOT area resorts still had to stand and wait at the International Gateway entrance as the rest of the guest that took the bus from those same resorts were waiting at the front entrance of EPCOT. They were both allowed in at the same exact time, the issue for the International Gateway people, they were still a 10 -15 minute walk away from Frozen, Soarin and Test Track where the guest at the front of the park are less than a 5 minute walk to any of the 3 rides. Ha So much for that saving time. We know because my wife and I stayed at GDT and were the first in line for Test Track on our 2 EPCOT days. Swan and Dolphin is a good 10 minute walk to the International Gateway, so are you really saving any time? I can UBER to EPCOT from GDT in less than 5 minutes. Ha
Ultimately, when I'm doing 25K steps a day, I could care less about adding an additional 10 to 15 minute walk at the end of the night after being on my feet all day. I welcome a ride from the exit to the lobby entrance of my resort. Haha

 

[StuckinPA]

My vote would definitely be for AKL as far as a nice adult meal at JIKO and time spent at the resort. The pool there is nice, too. I second the tower at Coronado too, as there is nice dining on property and you can definitely get a floor that's high up. Seems more suited to an adult atmosphere as well. The pool here though will almost certainly have a healthy amount of kiddos, though it's a great one.

 

[JoelB]

I think you'd be happy with any of those resorts, but to me, AKL is the one I could stay at and not even care if I went to the parks on any particular day. As others have mentioned, it does depend on how much of an animal lover you are and what the restaurant situation is going to be by then.

GDT would be my second choice. IMO it's the second best thing Disney's built in the last few years (after the Skyliner).

Congratulations on getting engaged!

 

[MomOTwins]

I would do the tower at CSR. There are no real high floors at AKL, and I assume your fiance likes high floors for the views, which means a standard view (which could just overlook a parking lot) could be disappointing. Lots of people mentioning Jiko--not open yet, and no opening date announced--and if it does open you could always use some of the $400 you are saving for an uber ride to and from dinner.

I wouldn't book Swan because as much as people complain that disney has reduced onsite benefits, I find some to be still very meaningful. Most significantly, dining reservations are extremely hard to get unless you have the onsite hotel advantage. Also, Swan buses to MK no longer go to the front of park--they drop off at TTC which is a long commute. I also really like being able to room charge to magic band. And since you are going in 2021, you'll have magical express if you stay onsite.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I would probably do the tower at CSR. The dining and bar options on property seem awesome for an adults trip.

I don't care for the Swan MK bus situation. I believe I've read you get dropped off at the TTC. No thanks.

 

[SwanVT2]

Looking to go to WDW this Fall and prices for a standard room at Swan, Tower room at Coronado, and standard room at AKL are all comparable in price (AKL is about $400 more for the week). We've never stayed at any, we're used to Port Orleans. My boyfriend is not as into the parks and does want a nice hotel experience, he particularly likes hotel rooms that are on high floors. We also just got engaged! So hoping for a romantic celebration trip. It'll just to be the 2 of us so not looking for as much of a kid-friendly hotel. We don't eat too fancy, but do care about a nice pool. What would you all recommend? Open to recommendations of hotels I didn't mention either.

Before we had our DD, Swan was our favorite place to stay. Become a Marriott rewards member, and when you check in ask if there are any balcony rooms with firework views available. We have done this in the past, and they have given us one without the upcharge. Seeing the fireworks from your balcony is so fun. Queen beds. Kimonos for sushi. Trattoria al Forno on the Boardwalk for delicious Italian food. Multiple hot tubs and an amazing pool and pool bar. DH is not as much into the parks either. It is very beautiful and romantic to walk around the Crescent lake at night. Love that you can walk to two parks (we enjoy walking). AKL you are confined to just their dining options. What we enjoy doing is visiting AKL to eat at Sanaa and see the animals (lunch for a more affordable meal, and it is definitely one of our favorite restaurants). The only drawback now is having to get dropped off at the TTC for MK; however, you could just Uber it for your MK day. I wouldn't spend an extra 400 for AKL unless you are big time into animals. I have not been to the towers; they seem romantic and nice and new, so maybe give that a try? However, I can honestly say that Swan is a great choice! Have a drink by the pool for me

 

[MomOTwins]

Before we had our DD, Swan was our favorite place to stay. Become a Marriott rewards member, and when you check in ask if there are any balcony rooms with firework views available. We have done this in the past, and they have given us one without the upcharge. Seeing the fireworks from your balcony is so fun. Queen beds. Kimonos for sushi. Trattoria al Forno on the Boardwalk for delicious Italian food. Multiple hot tubs and an amazing pool and pool bar. DH is not as much into the parks either. It is very beautiful and romantic to walk around the Crescent lake at night. Love that you can walk to two parks (we enjoy walking). AKL you are confined to just their dining options. What we enjoy doing is visiting AKL to eat at Sanaa and see the animals (lunch for a more affordable meal, and it is definitely one of our favorite restaurants). The only drawback now is having to get dropped off at the TTC for MK; however, you could just Uber it for your MK day. I wouldn't spend an extra 400 for AKL unless you are big time into animals. I have not been to the towers; they seem romantic and nice and new, so maybe give that a try? However, I can honestly say that Swan is a great choice! Have a drink by the pool for me

Uber to MK also drops off at TTC. People trying to uber closer (eg drop iff at contemporary hotel) have been turned away by the hotel parking lot gate.

 

[SwanVT2]

Uber to MK also drops off at TTC. People trying to uber closer (eg drop iff at contemporary hotel) have been turned away by the hotel parking lot gate.

Oh good to know!

 

[Sue M]

I think the nicest rooms out of those choices would be CSR Tower since those are pretty new, oldest feeling not as luxurious rooms probably a tie between Swan and AKL. I've stayed at all and most recently the Swan back this past April. AKL has had a room retheme but nothing of significance.

I am a vote for Swan.

Swan hotel IMO is more adult/less Disney feeling than CSR and AKL. The dining options at Swan are better since AKL upscale dining has not yet reopened. Also having walking access around the boardwalk is great, you can hit abracadabar for drinks, eat at the other resorts/restaurants and Swan also has walking access to DHS and Epcot. Coronado and AKL have no walkability and only offer bus transportation. Now Swan does have bus service to the parks but they do not stop at the bus depot at MK, they drop only at the TTC. Not a big deal but it's a factor.

AKL is very nice if you love animals, but if you are going to stay there, you'll be viewing the animals from the lobby viewing and other resort area trails, not your room. For me, if we stay at AKL, we always book a savanna room since it really does enhance your visit. All parks are a bus ride away and there is no other transport available. It has a nice pool but unless animals are a big deal or you plan to visit AK a lot during your stay, it's not my top pick.

As for CSR, it's very nice, the Tower feels like a deluxe resort. If you can get a water view room, that' even better.

What? I thought Swan/Dolphin used WDW bus transportation to the parks and would stop at the MK bus loop, not TTC. Has something changed?

 

[SWDisfan]

Looking to go to WDW this Fall and prices for a standard room at Swan, Tower room at Coronado, and standard room at AKL are all comparable in price (AKL is about $400 more for the week). We've never stayed at any, we're used to Port Orleans. My boyfriend is not as into the parks and does want a nice hotel experience, he particularly likes hotel rooms that are on high floors. We also just got engaged! So hoping for a romantic celebration trip. It'll just to be the 2 of us so not looking for as much of a kid-friendly hotel. We don't eat too fancy, but do care about a nice pool. What would you all recommend? Open to recommendations of hotels I didn't mention either.

100% Dolphin or Swan! It’s my husbands favorite pool with waterfalls and grotto. Great dining options at both and walking the boardwalk every evening is fun too! It’s really a great location! Can get fireworks view rooms at the Dolphin, not sure at Swan. Can also get rooms with a balcony. Great for drinks overlooking the pool is the best! Have a great trip!

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

What? I thought Swan/Dolphin used WDW bus transportation to the parks and would stop at the MK bus loop, not TTC. Has something changed?

No, no longer WDW I believe it's Mears now. The bus contract changed, so the buses from Swan and Dolphin can take you to MK but only to the TTC not to the MK bus depot. https://touringplans.com/blog/major...bus-transportation-what-does-it-mean-for-you/

Nobody knows if it's forever and the old way will come back but a lot of Swan/Dolphin guests have been using BW area resort buses to go to MK. We did not bus to MK when we were there last but we talked to a bunch of people who were. They were surprised to learn that until after they arrived. I only knew since I follow WDW news.