Caribbean Beach vs Dolphin

[DMA832]

We are trying to decide if we should stay at CB or Dolphin for our upcoming trip at the end of March. We have a 5 yr old, 3 yr old and 18 month old. 3 days MK, 2 days HS, 2 days Epcot, 1 day AK, 2.5 pool days. I've stayed at Dolphin pre kids. I’ve stayed at CB w/kids Pre Covid. We currently have a Pirate room booked bc that's all that was available at CB. I love the theming and pool at CB. I love the walkability of the Dolphin to Epcot/HS. I'm concerned about the lack of theming at the Dolphin. Is the Dolphin fun enough for kids? How's the pool compared to CB? Does the Dolphin have the "Disney tv" schedule screen?

 

[Marthasor]

I think you are going to find the pirate rooms to be very inconvenient and uncomfortable. They are quite far from everything and you only get double beds, not queens.

Being able to walk or boat to parks on 4 of your vacation days is priceless with 3 young children, IMHO. Kids that young will dig the theming at any resort you go to and the Dolphin has the big statues, Swan boats and the playground and beach. I can't recall if they have the Disney schedule on TV.

I've traveled to WDW alone with a toddler multiple times. Theming only gets you so far, plus you'll have theming in the parks. When you have to wrangle three young children, I highly suggest trying to make your resort stay as convenient as possible.

 

[Olaf Myfrenzargay]

Pirate rooms are way the heck out at the end of CBR. Unless you absolutely love to walk, would pass on those.

eta: pretty sure also that spyglass grill which is an eating option mostly for the far end of CBR is currently closed so there’s that.

 

[firefly_ris]

The pirate rooms are a bit further out which in normal times wouldn't be too bad because it has the Spyglass Grill right there, but I believe that is still closed for now. They also have double beds, which makes them the same size as the Dolphin, so no advantage there.

The pool looks nice at the Dolphin, but CBR's pool does have zero entry which would be good for your younger children, they can putter around near the edge.

But, you can book a balcony room at the Dolphin which would give you somewhere to relax in the evening while the kids are falling asleep in the room.

Tough call, but at your kids' young ages, I feel like any hotel is going to be cool for them (at least, that's how my kids are, and I think my kids would think Dolphin is pretty neat/unusual looking), so I think you should pick based on what amenities are going to be most important to YOU, as well as how important location is to you.

If it were me, I would book a balcony room at the Dolphin.

 

[JenBush]

I’d stay at the dolphin. You can walk or boat to two parks, the pool area at the Swan/Dolphin is probably just as fun or more fun than CBR, and the Dolphin rooms are larger than CBR rooms.

 

[maxiesmom]

Dolphin definitely.

 

[DMA832]

Thanks for all the advice! I feel much better about picking the Dolphin.

 

[Kerr84]

Not sure if you knew that the Dolphin has a resort fee added on top of the price. That may change your decision.

 

[SwanVT2]

We stayed at dolphin with DD when she was 4. She loved it and there is a nice kiddie pool in a shaded area at the main pool. There is a big playground and there is a sandy area where you press a button and a seal statue spouts water out its nose. She loved that. The grotto pool is super cool. Picabu food court has great to go items to bring to the pool or room. If you have AAA I you get a discount at most swan and dolphin dining establishments.

 

[DMA832]

Not sure if you knew that the Dolphin has a resort fee added on top of the price. That may change your decision.

Thanks for the heads up. I was aware but only from reading different threads. We did prepay for the week and got a really great rate.

 

[travellovingirl]

I've chosen the dolphin for an upcoming trip too! I think it will be a great choice for your family!