WL or Swan? with a toddler, HELP!

[zalansky]

I love these boards to death - but I find myself doubting my choices every time I read these threads! ARGH! We are booked June 5 -8 at WL...woods view for $139 a night. We then plan on going to the beach for the rest of the week afterward to recoup. After reading the Swan threads and about the heavenly beds and some other perks I feel like I need to switch! The thing is, we would have to switch and do the beach first and then our WDW trip from June 9 - 12. The rate for the Swan will be $162.50 (does not include the $10 resort fee).
We have a 16 month old. The Swan gives a FULL sized crib and Disney gives a pack and play which my son HATES and honestly, he is too big for it now. Also, the location of the Swan seems perfect. We can walk to Epcot, MGM & the boardwalk. The pool area seems more toddler friendly. (am I right?)
DH wants to keep our ressies the way they are, because he feels like he will need the relaxation of the beach after 4 days at Disney. I agree somewhat, but I am so torn.
Any advice from both sides of the fence, especially those with toddlers or experience traveling with toddlers at these two hotels would be greatly appreciated.
We stayed at WL only once for one night, we have not stayed at the Swan. We have annual passes (just got them) and will be going again throughout the year.
HELP!

Thanks in advance...

 

[Selket]

Loretta,

I saw your post on my S/D thread earlier today - where ARE all the S/D folks? LOL! I got few answers to my questions.

I haven't stayed at either resort, and this might only confuse things more, but the AKL was great for us with a toddler. We were there last August and my son who was 20 months old was not yet able to walk or stand. He could play in both pools there because the AKL has a zero entry pool as well as a toddler pool. And the resort is amazing - the proximity to the animals is really something special and unique - definitely not like anything you'd find elsewhere.

I am thinking the S/D looks great for the reasons you say however - closeness to the parks and the full size crib - so you don't have to rent one from an outside company. I've slept in those heavenly beds too and they ARE wonderful. Did the Dolphin have any rooms during your preferred time to stay or did you just want the Swan only? I agree that going to the beach afterwards is nicer.

Good luck deciding!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Which park(s) will you be spending most of your time? If you'll be at the MK a lot then the WL would be better. We've stayed at both places and I like them both, along with most of the other resorts that I've stayed at. You could always just skip the beach and stay at both resorts. With your AP it wouldn't cost much more and you could then go at a more relaxed pace, with plenty of pool time. You husband might not like that, though.

There is no one right answer and whichever resort you miss this time you can go to next time.

T&B

 

[Kimberle]

WL & Swan are on opposite sides of the park. I'd have to assume you'd be spending most of your time at MK. If so, WL is a much better choice. You can just roll your stroller onto the boat for a 10-15 minute relaxing boat ride. With the Swan, you'd take the bus, the ride is longer (because it is much further), plus you'd share it with approx 4 other resorts.

WL, too, has a really great pool area for kids. Your ds would have alot of fun splashing in the kiddie pool.

You'd be close to FW for the bonefire, petting zoo, pony rides, and don't forget Trails End for a great, inexpensive meal! You can also take a 5 minute boat ride to CR for Chef Mickey's.

I loved staying at WL. It's a wonderful relaxing resort.

I've never stayed at any of the Epcot area resorts since we spend most of our time at MK. If you are "Epcot" people, then perhaps the Swan would be a better choice.

Oh, yes, you can also request bed rails for the bed from WL. Maybe your ds would be more comfortable in the bed than a crib.

 

[blanq]

I have stayed at both WL and the Swan. Not with a toddler though. My toddler is now 10 years old! Anyway, I think you should choose your resort around you and your DH, not your child so much.

Your child is very young, so the main concern might be his sleeping comfort. It seems to me as though you believe that the Swan may have an edge over WL because of the crib vs. the pack and play. Also, those heavenly beds are truly "heavenly".

I don't think that one pool is better over the other for a toddler. My personal belief is that the Grotto pool seems cooler than the pool at WL, and I have read others express the same (and then others that have disagreed!)

As far as the transportation goes, my experience is that both resorts have very efficient transportation. Yes, the Swan does share buses with the Dolphin, YC/BC, and BW, but Swan guests are first on and first off in the bus loop.

The Swan has WL beat if you are planning on spending most of your time at Epcot/MGM. WL has a place for a quick bite to eat (sometimes a priority with a toddler), where you would need to trek over to the Dolphin as the Swan is lacking in that department. Also, WL has laundry facilities on site (again, sometimes a priority with little ones), where it's another trek to the Dolphin for laundry.

Unless the sleeping arrangements for your DS is your top priority and you are spending more park time at Epcot/MGM, I would personally stick with WL if I had to make the decision you are considering. Mainly because the theming is so darn wonderful at WL, and you have such a great rate there now. The Swan is lovely, and I would not hesitate to stay there again, but the $34/night savings by sticking with WL could go for some nice meals or souveniers.

Whatever you decide, have a wonderful trip!

 

[Disneycrazymom]

We used the crib at the Swan and it is bigger than a pack and play but not the size you would have at home. We love the Swan (never stayed at WL). We like to end our days at Epcot and then walk along the path back "home'. Epcot is usually open later and has great dinner options. My DD thought the boat was a ride! You do not have to ride the bus to MK as long as Epcot is open, you can walk through Epcot and take the monorail. Enjoy your trip.

 

[twinmomplus2new]

I myself have twins who wee traveling since just before thier first Birthday. I would pick the Swan for the location. And the ease of getting into MGM and Epcot. It is so nice to stroll over the Boardwalk at Night, and be able to push the stroller onto the friendship launches to Epcot (If it is to long a walk for you)
If you are concerned about the crib many people from these Boards rent cribs from A Babys Best friend. I have read many glowing reports on them. they will provide a full size crib and all clean bagged bedding. I think I may have seen $60 per week. They come and set it up for you in your room. Good Luck!