CR or Swan/ Dolphin ?? Opinions, please!

[twixbar]

All opinions are wanted!

I have been trying to decide which resort to go to for our Feb. trip (1st trip to WDW for dh and almost 3 y/o ds). I want to stay somewhere magical and NICE, as the times I have been in the past I have not stayed on site. I recently discovered that I can get a nurse discount at the Swan & Dolphin, which is a big plus. BUT money is not really an issue for this trip. Sooo, which hotel do you think would be the BEST one (considering I have a toddler)? And, of the one you would choose, what are the nicest rooms with the best views?

I tried reading through the swan/dolphin FAQ post, but WOW, I would be there all week trying to find some answers! I guess I don't really understand if there are any benefits to "staying on site" when staying at the swan/dolphin. (like what kind of disney transportation, mug refills here?, etc.)



Thank you for any suggestions.

 

[Plutolover108]

Considering that you have a toddler with you I would pick CR. CR has the monorail which the Swan/Dolphin doesn't. The Swan/Dolphin does have Disney buses and the Dolphin has refillable mugs at Tubbies. I personally like the Swan/Dolphin better but still like CR a lot. Hope this helps!

 

[twixbar]

Thanks for your suggestions! I'm getting so excited about this trip. Too many decisions to make, though!

Anyone else?

 

[jgates]

I really like the Swan. Oh, by the way, I REALLY like the Swan.

But that is a really good point- with a small child Magic Kingdom might be your primary target and you would probably be better off with the monorail resorts.

With our family, ds's primary goal was golfing and dd & I love Epcot & MGM. She's nearly 10 too so a bus ride to MK isn't an issue.

 

[hookedup]

I just got back last month and was at the GF - it is nice to be at the Monorail esp with a little one. My ds is 2.5 and we did go to MK quite a bit. However, the Dolphin is really cool. I checked it out a couple of years ago when I was there for a conference. I think your child would love the Dolphin. The pool is amazing and they do have refilable mugs there. If you plan to go to MGM or Epcot or the Boardwalk area it cant be beat. In fact from the research I have done the only thing that really makes it different from the other resorts is the fact that you cant charge stuff to your room key.
Finally I will say this - I just booked next trip (next April) at the Dolphin - I got the 129 teacher rate and to me saving the extra dough (compared to our last trip) will allow us to stay 3 extra days!
Bottom line - where ever you choose - Dolphin or CR - you will love it! Have fun!!

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I do love the Swan as I prefer to stay on the Epcot side now that our children are grown.. but with little ones, I do think it is great to be on the monorail and be able to see the MK....very exciting for all..