I've read some reviews about the swan that were not good. Have any of you ever stayed there before? If so, how is it?

Stayed last year and thought it had a great location, actually fantastic location, wonderful pool area, and all in all very nice. I don't know why people give it a bad review, unless they paid beaucoup bucks, but from what I saw on the other thread, you got a good deal (did that include airfare?).

I really liked it, and I've stayed in quite a few hotels, and some of them were even world class.

That did include airfare. I think that the only thing that I'm worried about is that The Swan isn't owned by Disney. Did it still have the disney feel, though?

hi lucy
the swan is in the Disney park. i stayed at the dolphin which is like the swan but bigger i think. the hotel is very nice! you will have a great time. the location is perfect. the rooms are typical nice hotel rooms, like in a marriott or something. there were a few good restaurants. it only took a couple minutes to get to Epcot.

I believe the Swan and Dolphin are owned by Westin.

They are a Starwood Resort.

But did it have a disney feel to it? I'm getting the impression that its more a business/convention hotel.

If you are asking if there are Disney characters running around - actually yes, there are, are on certain mornings. It uses Disney transportation, there is a Disney desk in the lobby to purchase tickets and it is located on Disney property. It didn't have Disney soap, if that means anything to you.

Some real Disnuts claim it doesn't have the Disney feel. I say, after being immersed in Disney all day and night, I really didn't mind that it isn't technically a Disney owned hotel, especially when you look out your window and can see Epcot and MGM.

It's a very nice hotel, yes it gets meetings and conventions, but that didn't bother us a bit, in fact, in past years my husbands been a part of those conventions. I think the Swan is a bit more elegant than the Dolphin, especially the lobby. It's nice.

There are a number of large conventions that occur in properties that are part of the Epcot resorts (including the Swan). Stay away from these hotels during these very large conferences – I should know, I go to these conferences. Both the Swan and Dolphin (they're across from each other) are high-rise hotels. To me, they look more business than Disney (I’ve stayed in the Dolphin and have been in both hotels, during conferences). Personally, I prefer the Yacht Club or Beach Club to the two mentioned above (I’ve stayed there as well). While I haven’t stayed at the Boardwalk, I really like the look of it. Hope this helps.

Nina, that is too funny, Disnuts. I've never heard that expression before but it certainly does fit some people!

Definitely never heard disnuts before. Perfect description of some people. I read an article a year ago about some disnuts that were really upset when they saw a piece of paper in the water at Epcot. People just need to relax.

Disney "feel"? Perhaps different people have different impressions of that word, but I definetly do NOT automatically connotate that with something that is a positive. I've stayed at "Disney" properties in So Cal, in the Disneyland complex and I was far from impressed. Pretty much Best-Western level plushness but the soaps and shampoos all had Disney characters on them. For what it's worth, I did not think that the premium rate of the room was anything near worth the privelidge of experiencing their token branding on my showercap.

I am sure that they have other properties that might in fact be very plush, and are nice places to stay. The properties I stayed at I have no complaint with at all. Just that the "Disney" feel did not add anything significantly valuable to my experience that warranted the additional cost.

I stayed at the Dolphin(sister hotel to the Swan) last summer and loved it. The location is fantastic. You can walk to Epcot and MGM. If you don't feel like walking, they have the Friendship boats. Bus transportation to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom was great. There is a wonderful restaurant at the Swan, Palio. Great food and atmosphere. The grotto pool is beautiful and very relaxing. About the convention--while we were there, there were two HUGE conventions. The effect of this was the pool was LESS crowded, as were the busses and boats. The conventioneers were very busy in the meetings. For a LOT of information on the Swan/Dolphin, go to www.disboards.com and click on the resort forum.