We stayed at the Carousel on our first trip in Dec. 2008 and it was really good. Beds were comfortable, rooms were clean, continental breakfast was what you'd expect but got us through the morning. My Husband and son often opted for the breakfast burrito they offered for an extra fee. Kids used the pool and had no complaints. Location was awesome, our room was on the second floor, we always walked up.
Our second trip in Jan 2011 we stayed at the Tropicana and it was also good. Rooms were clean, bed was comfortable (though not as comfy as the Carousel),my daughter and I did not enjoy the continental breakfast at all but my husband and son thought it was adequate. The pool and hottub are much better at the Tropicana even if it is in the middle of the parking lot. Location was awesome, a few minutes closer than Carousel). They have a very nice little convenience store that we made good use of as well.
Our next trip (coming up Nov 27-Dec 4 2012) we are booked at the BW Park Place Inn as we got an excellent rate and are hoping to get giftcards from Airmiles to pay for it. My sister-in-law and her family stayed there on our Jan 2011 trip and they enjoyed it a lot. I hear they have revamped their breakfast and have more offerings now.
I think if you go with whichever one gives you the best rate out of those hotels close to the crosswalk you'll be happy.