CBR or Dolphin/Swan

[bugbugmom]

I am in a quandry I have reservation with CBR in June 2004 with the Disney Stay/Play Package. My question is this, for the approx $2000.00 I could book the Swan/Dolphin with the Nurses rate and get 5 or 6 day PHP for approximately the same price. My kids really liked CBR, but I would like to try the Swan/Dolphin. I have until mid April for final payment of my current package. What would you do and why? I guess I am worried if I go with S/D that I would have made a mistake. It will be 2 adults and 2 children (3 and 9). TIA

 

[daannzzz]

They are very different in feel but the Swan and Dolphin are wonderful places to stay.
The theme and colors of the CBR are great and access to the a pool and a beach is much more convenient there. The food court and restaurant may or may not be convenient depending on your location around the lake.
The kids would most likely love the grotto pool at the Swan and Dolphin. There are also Swan peddle boats available and many more dining options though Tubbi's is a bit of a walk from the Swan and the food a bit more expensive. The other big draw would be access to Epcot and The Studios. Rooms are about the same size at all three.

 

[WebmasterBob]

Hi bugbugmom, The Swan/Dolphin Hotel is a wonderful hotel. It has many advantages over the CBR. It is in the same location as four of Disney's prime resorts, Boardwalk, Beach Club, Yacht Club, and Beach Club Villas. It has easy access to both MGM and Epcot utilizing the same boats that the other four hotels use to transport to those two theme parks. It also has the same Disney Bus transportation that all the other resorts have. There pool areas are great and they have some of the best restaurants on Disney Property such as Shulla's Steak house and Palio's.

I suggest locking in the rate at the Swan/Dolphin now and giving you time to analize which way to go. It would be a shame to change later and find the rate has gone up or is not available for the discount later down the road. They have a 7 day cancel policy giving you plenty of time to decide. I have seen people get shut out of a discount rate in the past because they waited.

You can book this through Dreams Unlimited Travel if you are looking for a travel agency to book through. They advertise on the site helping to keep these boards running and have great options.

Dolphin

https://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/dolphin/dolphin1.cfm

Swan

https://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/sd/sd1.cfm

 

[diathoney]

The Swan/Dolphin is a deluxe resort. The Swan has Queen sized beds, the Dolphin and CBR have double beds. I think the S/D location offers a lot more options than the CBR. Epcot and MGM are accessible by foot or boat. The Boardwalk area offers a lot of eating options. Fantasia mini-golf is within walking distance too.

My kids are 9 & 10, they weren't very happy with the main pool at CBR. It's small and can get pretty crowded.

 

[3for Me]

We just stayed at the Dolphin at the end of October. I have to say, that we LOVED it. My children are 3, 5, and 7 and they LOVED the pool/beach area. There are several pools all in the same area, if one is too crowded, just move to the next one. There is a slide at the grotto pool and the area is beautiful.

Transportation was a breeze anywhere we went. Buses were prompt and the boat rides to MGM and Epcot were wonderful and effficient.

The rooms at the Dolphin were spacious and beautiful.

The staff was exceptionally nice and helpful and all in all it was a terrific place that we will definately go back to. PLEASE consider it - it is definately as nice as any Disney deluxe and guests are treated as such.

 

[travelbug]

First of all, I've never stayed at CBR and will be staying at Dolphin for the first time in December. So I have no experience to share yet.

BUT.... I suspect that you would fall in love with the S/D location. I've stayed at BCV and BWV (close neighbors to S/D) and really enjoyed the location. Being within easy walking distance of both Epcot and MGM is wonderful. You'd also have the Boardwalk close by, and there's always fun stuff going on over there.

If you're inclined to try Swan or Dolphin and can get such a good discount, I'd sure give it a try if I were in your shoes. Remember too that the CBR is classified as a moderate resort while the S/D are classified as deluxe resorts. Maybe you'd be getting more "bang for the buck" at the S/D. JMHO.

Whatever you decide, have a terrific trip!

 

[clh2]

We just spent a couple of nights at the Swan, and absolutely loved it. The hotel is gorgeous, the staff courteous and the location couldn't have been more convenient. I would be hard pressed to stay elsewhere if we go back.

In addition - the transportation (boats) to the Epcot and MGM parks was fun, fast and convenient.

As mentioned before - the pools between the Swan and Dolphin were awesome!

 

[bugbugmom]

UPDATE!!! I just booked the Dolphin! I just wanted to say thank you so much for all of your advice. My husband agreed we can hardly wait.