I have stayed at them both and love them both! So helpful I know.
CSR has room service a spa and more dining options. So those are all nice.
CBR has the new zero entry pool, a lake with beaches to build sandcastles which is very nice (CSR has a lake but no beaches so to speak). CSR's pool is also incredible. It has the Jaguar slide which is really fun (and yes I went down it which wasn't a pretty sight but it was sure fun). Both resorts have quiet pools, I like the ones at CBR a bit better, they felt larger. But pool wise, I'd give both resorts even marks now that CBR has its new pool.
CBR has some great views of Illuminations. I remember laying on a hammock one night with a cocktail watching Illuminations and thinking life was good!
CBR rooms are a tad larger and have double sinks, however CSR rooms have queen sized beds now. I do believe CBR rooms are also getting queens, but CSR is mostly done with that. If you are tall, CSR is very good! I think both room styles are nicely decorated. And even though CSR has only one sink in the bathroom, it has a huge counter which is really nice.
Both resorts are large and spead out. CBR has preferred location rooms. Its the only mod that does. So its the only mod where you can pay extra to guarantee a location close to the food court and main pool. However, both resorts have lovely paths that connect you around and bridges that can give you shortcuts. There is no walk at either resort that will be more than ten minutes at a leisurely pace. I have walked them both and timed it. I am a geek!
CSR has more dining options however, we have always enjoyed the food court at CBR as well. It has nowhere near the options CSR has but its good. And its located right next to the main pool which I like. CSR has a lounge now that has nighttime entertainment I think. And they do have Siesta's near the main pool, which isn't a food court but has quite a few options and a drink refill statioin.
I would say that the most important step is go with the one that has theming that appeals to you. If the Caribbean is something that you love or want to love, CBR won't disappoint in theming. However, if the southwest, both in desert and tropical form appeals, CSR won't disappoint either!
You can't make a bad choice, maybe check out Buzz's site. I am betting Buzz will post soon and his site is linked to his sig! He has some incredible photos of CSR. At night that resort is gorgeous as its lights reflect on its lake. The CBR FAQ thread, which you can find on the WDW Resort FAQ sticky at the top of this board, also has lots of photos and information. And you can check out
www.allearsnet.com for more information.
Hope that helps, good luck with your planning and have a great trip!
