CSR or BWI???

[Tasha+Scott]

Okay, for those of you who have stayed at both the CSR and the BWI, which did you like better? I know they are both very different and beautiful in their own right, but I am sure that you preferred one over the other. I am having trouble deciding between the two as I keep hearing great things about both and they both have things that appeal to me. What are the pros and cons of each?
I realize that the BWI is a deluxe resort and will cost more than CSR. Is it worth the extra money or would you say CSR is just as nice for the price? Any info. will be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[goofy4tink]

I haven't stayed at CSR myself, but I know people that have. Some have liked it, but most of them have not cared for it. BWI would be my choice.

 

[ADisneygirl]

I've got to vote BWI. It is our favorite resort. Besides all the amenities of being a deluxe, the location is fabulous. Any of the resorts in the Epcot area are great. To be able to walk right into World Showcase in less than 5 minutes is thrilling. You can take a short boat ride to MGM, or walk there in about 20 minutes.

All the restaurants available along the Boardwalk and at the other resorts there, the fun entertainers that comes out at night, the surrey bikes, and the Keister Coaster slide at the pool all add to why BWI is our favorite. Don't want to forget to also mention the large, beautifully decorated rooms.

We'll be there in 9 days! Can't wait.

 

[johnnyr]

I have never stayed in BWI, but have stayed in CSR. If I had a choice, I would try BWI...

 

[mickeymouse710]

We have stayed in both many times. Although we like CSR very much, it is our favorite moderate resort, it can not even begin to compare to BWI. My choice would be BWI without a doubt.

 

[ellie&mattys mom]

Does the Boardwalk have a Playground and a Fast Food Court?

thanks!

 

[ADisneygirl]

ellie&mattys mom~

No, the BWI does not have a food court. The only inside restaurant it has is the Bellevue Lounge, and besides drinks it also has a continental breakfast in the morning, 6:30 - 10:00am. You will find many restaurants out along the Boardwalk itself, in the other resorts around Crescent Lake, and of course in World Showcase in Epcot, a 5 minute walk from BWI. Oh~ you can order room service 24 hours a day. They have a complete menu for that available.

As for a playground, I am not sure since my kids were older.

 

[Liz]

Although I love CSR (and haven't stayed at BWI), if the Boardwalk truly is in your budget, I'd choose that for location alone.

 

[las3888]

Definitely agree with the majority...if BWI is within your budget, go for it...you can't beat the wonderful location. It is so easy to get to EPCOT and if you up for a little walk, it is nice to be able to walk (or take the boat) to MGM. There are tons of restaurants and fun activities in the PM on the boardwalk. It is really a magical area!

Good luck with your decision!

 

[crazywig]

i have stayed at CSR and it is very very nice. however, we are now DVC owners at the Boardwalk Villas and you really cannot compare the two! go for the BWI, you won't regret it.

yes, there is a small playground, suitable for toddlers, over by the main pool. my 2yr old loved it.

like others have said, you cannot beat the location. 5 min walk to epcot, 15 min walk to mgm. you can also take a boat to either (although walking is faster due to stops at swan/dolphin and bc/yc.

try spoodles on the boardwalk, we had dinner there and it was fantastic!

 

[woody5]

I guess I am in the minority. I would choose CSR. It is hard for me to justify the cost of a deluxe compared to a moderate. We spend most of our time in the parks and don't use some of the perks you get with a deluxe resort. It will be well over $150 more per night for BWI. If you are truely going to use all the resort has to offer then it could be worth your money I suppose but If you are mainly doing the parks and using your hotel to sleep and rest then I would go with CSR. It is a beautiful resort.

 

[webray]

We have stayed at BWI twice, BWV's many times and CSR..twice...ugh. There is no comparison..and we will never ever stay at CSR again.

CSR is laid out like a maze..very annoying a poor signs..you walk forever to get to the pool/main areas depending on what building you are in. Food in food court at CSR is horrible. Breakfast buffet at Maya restaurant..not good and way over priced. Rooms have been worn out looking both times. I know they get a lot of use, because this resort is a favorite among people on these boards..but we just don't see it. Frankly, we would rather stay at the all stars!

BWI...very convenient to parks and many many great food choices. Wonderful rooms, very nice people.

 

[Micca]

We have stayed at both. The thing we like at CSR is that you can park your vehicle and request a room close to the parking lot such that coming and going and schlepping souvenir sacks is no challenge BWI was very nice and really, you don't need a vehicle as much being so close to Epcot and the studios. I think they are both nice resorts, it comes down to your tastes and needs.

 

[Tasha+Scott]

Thanks for the insight everyone! I have talked this over w/my DH, and he seems to want to stay a couple nights at CSR, and 1 night at a deluxe just to enjoy the hotel. He seems more interested in the Dolphin than the Boardwalk. I have stayed at the Dolphin before but it has been years since then.
For those of you who have stayed at the Dolphin, what did you think? Did you like it better than the Boardwalk? Thanks!

 

[disneymom2one]

We'll be doing both on our August trip - two nights at CSR followed by four nights at the Boardwalk Villas. I'm looking forward to both but would definitely do the Boardwalk if I had a choice and had to pick one.