Would you pay ...

[tdelano]

a $1000.00 difference to stay at the Swan as opposed to a Value resort for a week? That is the price difference between the two for the two rooms that I need. I would step down to a Moderate but that saves me only $250.00. I am stressed over these prices! An added stress is traveling with others, so splitting the stay or thinking about off site etc just isn't a option this time. What would you do????

 

[Bronte]

one thing to think about with the Swan is that you no longer get the free Magical Express from the airport ... if it does not matter to your group than that's o.k. but if you have to pay out of pocket for a towncar or taxi then it might ...
However, the swan is nice, esp. if you can get a teacher/military discount for your stay.
Good luck ... Have a great trip ...

 

[lillygator]

since the Swan doesn't appeal to me in the least I would say no!

 

[Marthasor]

a $1000.00 difference to stay at the Swan as opposed to a Value resort for a week? That is the price difference between the two for the two rooms that I need. I would step down to a Moderate but that saves me only $250.00. I am stressed over these prices! An added stress is traveling with others, so splitting the stay or thinking about off site etc just isn't a option this time. What would you do????

Have you looked into AAA rates for any of the hotels? Or any of the discount ideas on mousesavers for the Swan? Quite honestly, when you factor ME into it, the savings to stay on Disney property jumps about $100 - $200 - that's how much it will cost to get transportation to and from the airport or rent a car. Given that, I think I would go with the value or even the mod. I have thought about the Swan too - the boat ride to EPCOT looks like fun! But it just doesn't have the magic for me. Good luck in making your decision.

 

[Elysiannn]

Do you have kids in our group? The Swan and Dolphin are more adult resorts. I was just at the Dolphin and missed the kid-appeal. Something to think about. Out of the two Swan is better than Dolphin - Dolphin has way too many conventioneers for me!!!! Ely

 

[deedeed]

The swan and dolphin is at a great location but a difference of $1000.00! Thats a lot of money unless you are very wealthy. We have stayed at pop century and it is a great value resort. This year we are staying at P.O.R. but I know I couldn't stomache that big of a difference to go to swan. If you have a car there is also a hefty parking fee a night.
Hope this helps!

 

[AnotherHappyHaunt]

It would depend on what sort of vacation I was planning. If I planned to spend most of my time in the Epcot area, and planned on having a very leisurely trip with plenty of rest time at the hotel, then yes.

If I planned on spending the vast majority of my time not in the room, then no.

 

[tdelano]

We have stayed at the Dolphin before and LOVED the location and the boats/ walk to MGM, Epcot and Boardwalk. That is really the reason we are considering it. My kids are all teenagers so they appreciate the location as well, and the one 5 year old we are traveling with will be happy with any hotel as long as it has a pool! On a previous trip we stayed at the then Dixie Landings which was a nice experience as well and I wish that the moderates offered a decent price break to give another option for us but I certainly am willing to pay the same for the Swan as I would the moderates for the transportation. The ME is something I hadn't considered. Is it available from all airports? We will be traveling out of MCI. Thanks for the input!

 

[Marthasor]

I believe it's available for anyone traveling into MCO - Orlando International - and staying at a Disney owned resort - other DIS'ers, is this correct? ME takes care of your transport to and from the Orlando airport to your resort, but not from your home to your original departure airport.

 

[TMJR]

I have to say, I'd fork over the extra $1000 for the Swan. The location is awesome, and I have heard way too many value horror stories...

 

[AnotherHappyHaunt]

I have to say, I'd fork over the extra $1000 for the Swan. The location is awesome, and I have heard way too many value horror stories...

There's really nothing wrong with the values if you are not expecting a 5 star luxury resort. If all you want is a place to lay your head and a shower, they are a great way for families on a budget to enjoy WDW.

I've stayed at Pop Centuryas well as a few mods and a few deluxes and honestly, each trip is always fun.

 

[vicceja]

Hi!

Just my honest opinion - I don't consider the Swan and Dolphin to be a Disney Resort and will never even consider staying there. On the other hand, on our first trip to the World we stayed at the All Star Sports and my boys enjoyed themselves - it was great!

 

[zinniemouse]

Magical Express is only available if you are staying at a deluxe resort.

 

[Bronte]

ME is available to ANY disney resort guest ... not just the deluxes. We used it when we stayed at PC in Dec. and will be using it again for our stay at CBR this May. Its free and its GREAT ... I love how they take care of the luggage, no going to baggage claim anymore !!!!!!!!
However, the Swan and Dolphin is not disney owned. It does share alot of things with dinsey like the park transportation but it does not have ME service, at least not yet.

 

[MrsNick]

Magical Express is only available if you are staying at a deluxe resort.

Not true. ME is available to any guest staying at any Disney owned property who travels in thru Orlando Int'l Airport.

ETA: sorry to OP

 

[AnotherHappyHaunt]

Magical Express is only available if you are staying at a deluxe resort.

ME is available to all WDW resort guests...

I personally have never used it. Too many horror stories, although I hear it's getting better. I like Murray Hill Transportation. ABout $100 round trip + a grocery stop and it's a much quicker and pleasant ride, IMO.

 

[Debbie Jean]

LOVE everything about the Dolphin/Swan...location, heavenly beds, boats, pool, etc.

However...

Also LOVE Pop Century! The theming is a gas!!

They are 2 different experiences, really, both of which I appreciate in different ways. For a difference of $1000, though, I'd definitely choose PC... I can think of sooooo many other ways to spend that money at DW... special tours, food, souvies, etc.

 

[fam4jc]

HI. We have stayed at the Dolphin and the Pop. My girls loved the location & the pool at the Dolphin but if it meant a $1000. I am sure I wouldn't select the Dolphin over the Pop. If I were selecting between a Disney Value & a Disney Deluxe, then the $1000 makes sense. It just doesn't for me at the dolphin. The Pop is a great resort with nice small rooms. The pools are fun and the service is great. The bus service is better from the Pop than from the dolphin in my opinion. I would stay at the pop, rent a refridgerator and spend the rest of that $1000 I saved on doing fun things & eating great things!