Deciding on so many resorts is driving me crazy

[famsen]

I have stayed at about 10 different WDW resorts in over 25 years of trips. This upcoming trip I really wanted a monorail resort but if rack rate is was I have to pay, I can't bring myself to do it. I have Wilderness Lodge tentatively booked because at least we can boat over to MK. Animal Kingdom Lodge is out because we have stayed there often and the distance from everything always bothers me.
Now I am looking at moderates. Between Caribbean Beach and Coronado; which has the best bus transportation? How is Caribbean Beach's and Coronado Springs preferred rooms for being close to transportation and the main buildings for food?
Also, any chance the Skyliners will be running in early September?
Which resort would get us to Hollywood Studios the fastest?
My hubby and I aren't getting any younger to the least walking at this point, the better.

Thanks

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

To my knowledge the Skyliners are supposed to be running by late August however that could be delayed and you’d lose that benefit with a CBR stay. We looked at Caribbean Beach, Coronado and boardwalk for our upcoming August trip. We decided on boardwalk for the room discount however would have landed at Coronado if it wasn’t for the deep discount at boardwalk. I had a room in the new tower at Coronado reserved. Overall with the new dining at Coronado springs and the bridge across the lake I think Coronado is not as sprawling of a resort as it used to be given the walk times around the lake are cut in half. I think the buses at both CSR and CBR are similar but it’s hard to tell with the new tower how much more traffic they’d have. IMO I don’t think that a bus ride on either from either resort would get you to Hollywood any faster. Technically CBR is an Epcot area resort and CSR is AK resort area but from experience there’s probably little notable time difference on the bus. If you’re definitely going to reserve a preferred room at either resort, I think your choice will come down to your personal preference. I’ve heard a lot of ppl on the boards say CSR has bad buses and too many convention attendees and I’ve also heard ppl voice concerns about the same bus issues at CBR. I ride the bus all the time when we’re at WDW and while yes we’ve had some slow bus rides and have experienced just missing the bus to have to wait 30 more minutes for another. That’s not all the time nor is it the norm. If getting to Hollywood studios is a high priority one of your days just uber or take a Minnie van to ensure a punctual arrival.

 

[SwanVT2]

Have you looked into Swan and Dolphin? You will have easy access to Epcot and Boardwalk this way. No Magical Express but you have most everything else. They usually have good deals the end of summer/early fall. Also, check out AAA rates.