StarwoodGuy: September 2017

Monday, September 18, 2017

Walt Disney World Swan

After getting dropped off at Gatwick airport we made our way to the British Airway Club Europe Lounge. A great deal of the airport is under renovation so the lounge was packed. We stopped by briefly before heading to the plane on the direct flight to Orlando. I napped a little on the flight with a 2/4/2 Club World Business service on an older 777 with Business, Premium and Coach on the plane.

Upon landing in Orlando we grabbed in an Uber and made our way to the Walt Disney World Swan, a Westin property located in Disney World itself and considered a Disney property allowing for additional benefits. Fortunately the Swan and Dolphin are both classified as Disney properties though they are Starwood managed. Upon entering the two hotels it is clear that the Swan is a Westin and the Dolphin is a Sheraton, so if you have a preference keep that in mind, the Swan is definitely quieter. There is a separate Gold and Platinum line at check in which made a big difference at the busy resort saving us some time.

We opted for the breakfast as our platinum amenity and paid the extra $8.00 per person a day to have it upgraded to the full buffet which was very good and can be had at either the Swan's restaurant or the Dolphin's, but on Saturday and Sunday the Swan has a character breakfast so on the Sunday we made our way offer there to enjoy the company of Chip, Dale, and Pluto. The hotel had a very good gym, several pools shared between the two resorts, Swan paddle boats to take out on the river, and beach volleyball. Outdoor Disney movies were aired on the beach weather permitting along with smores and the pool bar was very good if a bit pricey.

One of the best things about the Swan/Dolphin location was the ability to walk to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios or to take the boat service, though this service was slower then simply walking. The shuttle bus service to Downtown Disney, the Animal Kingdom, and to the Magic Kingdom itself was reliable but often quite crowded.

The fact that you could walk into Epcot for dinner or drinks if you had a Park Hopper Pass was a great feature, and the surrounding areas including Disney's Boardwalk Hotel and its great walkways along the river make for great spots for coffee or drinks without having to make the trek to Downtown Disney.

We had a great few days with friends in Disney and the Swan was a perfect hotel to explore everything Disney World has to offer especially the amazing new world of Pandora at Animal Kingdom.

Gatwick Club World Lounge

Dated BA Club World 777

Pandora at Animal Kingdom

Safari Animal Kingdom

Walt Disney Swan Welcome Gift

Disney World

Birthday tanks for Disney World

Disney World

Epcot

Disney World

Walt Disney Swan Pool

Walt Disney Swan Gym

Walt Disney Swan Hammock

Walt Disney Dolphin

Walt Disney Swan Exterior

Walt Disney Swan Bridge to Boardwalk and Epcot

Walt Disney Swan/Dolphin Boat Dock

Walt Disney Swan Coffee Shop

Walt Disney Swan Restaurant

Walt Disney Swan Restaurant Kitchen

Walt Disney Swan Lobby

Walt Disney Swan Check In

Walt Disney Swan Shop

Walt Disney Swan Room View

Walt Disney Swan Bathroom

Walt Disney Swan Living Area

Walt Disney Swan Bed

MCO Club Lounge

Sunday, September 17, 2017

Sheraton Grand Park Lane London

After a wonderful stay at the W Barcelona we headed to London for a quick 18 hour layover before carry on to Disney World. It was my actual birthday, so I splurged and booked the Grand Suite at the Sheraton Grand Park Lane in London. It was an easy flight on BA to London where a hotel car picked us up. 30 minutes or so later we were welcomed at the hotel and taken up to the Grand Suite, a massive and perfectly appointed suite in the newly renovated Park Lane. The suite had a large dining area and bar with a fireplace, a separate desk area and guest bathroom, a huge living room overlooking the park, a large bedroom complete with IPhone if needed for your stay, and a stunning bathroom. We were shown the hotel's new Club Lounge and other amenities.

Our trip was so short, so we headed right out on a walk to Selfridges before heading to Bucking Palace which we happened to arrive at right when Queen Elizabeth II was driving in. After we had the signature afternoon tea at the hotel's famed Palm Court, which was outstanding. We then had friends up to the suite where a hotel bartender came up and treated us to a 2 hour cocktail making class complete with plenty of bottles and accoutrements. The hotel also dropped off a large birthday present gift of champagne, cheese and cake. After, we walked down to the Houses of Parliament and over the Thames to Oxo for dinner.

The next morning I was up early for a quick workout in the gym before the hotel car took us to Gatwick for our direct flight to Orlando.

The hotel renovation was very impressive. Previously the hotel had been dated and worn, now it is an amazing property in one of the best locations in London. The afternoon tea is a highlight but the Grand Suite and the staff were outstanding.