Courtyard (Marriott Village) or Caribe Royale?

[mbfavreau]

Would greatly benefit from some expert advice (preferably from someone who knows both properties but not required)...

Just booked a quasi last minute trip to WDW to surprise my wife for a big birthday (you know, one that ends in a 0). Started by investigating WDW properties and then switched offsite when I discovered how much I could save (thank you to Mousesavers, which was an amazing resource).

I booked stays at both the Courtyard (Marriott Village) and Caribe Royale and now I need to call in the DIS posse. So, here are the advantages of each (as I see it). I'm open to either so please don't hold back

Courtyard - the MouseSavers package is giving me;

- Free parking (I have a rental car)
- Free Wifi
- Free full breakfast for two every morning
- Free welcome basket with snacks and water etc
- Free pool side upgrade (if available)
- King bed (a paid upgrade at most other places)
- This ends up being ~$300 more expensive than the Caribe (if I account for what I'd have to pay for breakfast each day) for a 6 night stay

Caribe Royale - also MouseSavers rate but no package per se;

- Every single review I've read has been glowing as opposed to complaints about traffic and age of the Courtyard.
- The pool is supposed to be amazing (we're going for WDW so we won't use the pool a ton but we will use it and its semi-important)
- The room is a suite
- The facility seems newer and slicker overall

So, is the Caribe worth the extra $$ or will the freebies (and saved $) win out?

Thanks, in advance, for your thoughts,

Michael in Chicago

PS - I'll spend the extra money (if I choose the Courtyard) on upscale Disney dining or other fun WDW add-ons.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I have stayed at both. My room in the Courtyard was in better shape. Caribe furniture was a little beat up

Are you sure you are not looking at reviews of the Lake Buena Vista courtyard. It is a lot older then the Msrriott Village

Traffic seemed about the same. My recollection is that it was faster to the parks from the Courtyard, but not my a long amount of time Food options are a lot better near the Courtyard.

I am a Marriott person so I would stay there. One of my friends loves Caribe. You probably can't go wrong with either.

Sorry I can't give you a definite yeah or nay.

 

[mbfavreau]

Thanks, OCC. Very helpful.

With all of the experience (and opinions) on this board, I would've expected at least one rabid Caribe fan to chime in

Not only did I pick the Courtyard but the money I saved allowed us to tack on an extra night. That will allow us to settle in, use the pool and the other facilities and really get the most out of the experience.

Appreciate the reply,

Michael