I have stayed at both and can offer an opinion. Go for the sports. The busses are better, pool nicer and cleaner, Disney experience on the whole much. much better.
Had many problems with Courtyard. Rooms are bigger and the buffet breakfast yummy but those are the only positive comments. Terrible front staff. Encountered many problems. Had reservations a year in advance, rooms not ready for 2 hours after check-in time. No compensation received even though we asked. No crib in room, as requested. When it finally came it was old and not safe with no bedding in it. When we would arrive back at hotel around 4PM to swim and then return later tot he parks, the beds would still not be made up! The pool area was dirty. NOT what I expected as a DTD Hotel. Had some laundry stolen. Our room was on a different floor and was the farthest from the machines as well. Was injured on property and was treated horribly by staff. Spent much time in emergency room and then treated badly on my return to the hotel. The staff all watched me hobble in on my newly-obtained crutches and didn't offer assitance. The entire bus experience was horrible. Too overpacked. People pushing and shoving, even though I had a baby in a carriage, and the bus driver justs sits and watches it all... with no intervention. The bus system didn't work well. It made lots of stops at other DTD Hotels as well. AK pick-up in poor location. was stranded there for too long with no bus.
The low price IS NOT WORTH ANY STAY THERE!! I was still treated poorly when I had to make follow-up calls as to my injury and insurance claims. Had to phone numerous times to even get ONE return call from their management. All settled now, but still leaves a bitter taste when I hear of Courtyard! UGH!! Transferred to DI for the remaider of my time in Disney ad GOT A FULL REFUND for the 4 nights we stayed at Marriott. NEVER EVER AGAIN!! It ruined our entire vacation and my birthday!
Go for the Sports!! The refillable mugs are a great value, as well as the food courts with lots of choices. The rooms are clean, staff efficient and pleasant. Themed pools are wonderful with nearby laundry facilities. You still get those cute Disney soaps and goodies there. Overall postive Disney Experience at the Value resorts.
Enjoy... Eileen
(just returned from 9 days (8/10-8/18) at the Swan.. talk about perfect!!)