Dolphin vs Caribbean Beach Resort

[1GoldenSun]

Are the Dolphin beds still double size? Because for us that's a BIG factor. Also, I find it funny when posters seem to mention that if there is bad weather that the skyliner will not be running, but this also means you are not going to be wanting to walk to any parks either. LOL It's nice to have the option to walk to a park or two but for our family it really is not a big enough deal to justify the big extra cost. Plus, if you rent a car, now you have to pay for parking another add-on cost.

They are still doubles and this is why I think CBR is a better choice for @BrotherCraig. Although that brand-new suite sounds nice! We actually prefer the doubles because the smaller beds leave more space in the room. I'm not convinced it's true, but we're told we're unable to get a rolllaway at the Swan because there isn't enough space, but we can at the Dolphin. We need three separate sleeping spaces so two doubles and a rollaway is far preferable to us than two queens.

 

[SteveH]

Are the Dolphin beds still double size? Because for us that's a BIG factor. Also, I find it funny when posters seem to mention that if there is bad weather that the skyliner will not be running, but this also means you are not going to be wanting to walk to any parks either. LOL It's nice to have the option to walk to a park or two but for our family it really is not a big enough deal to justify the big extra cost. Plus, if you rent a car, now you have to pay for parking another add-on cost.

Dolphin still has the doubles but the Swan has Queens and the beds are pretty amazing. You have to pay to park at either a Disney resort or the S/D now, both have you covered when parking at a theme park though.

 

[SteveH]

I'm not convinced it's true, but we're told we're unable to get a rolllaway at the Swan because there isn't enough space, but we can at the Dolphin.

Yes it's true, it's a fire code issue. Dolphin rooms are 360 sq ft while Swan is 340 sq ft and new Swan Reserve will be 330 sq ft.

 

[BrotherCraig]

Are the Dolphin beds still double size? Because for us that's a BIG factor. Also, I find it funny when posters seem to mention that if there is bad weather that the skyliner will not be running, but this also means you are not going to be wanting to walk to any parks either. LOL It's nice to have the option to walk to a park or two but for our family it really is not a big enough deal to justify the big extra cost. Plus, if you rent a car, now you have to pay for parking another add-on cost.

Yes, double beds at the dolphin when you go for the two bed option.

The cost was about the same for Dolphin and CBR. CBR had the 5th sleeper which my 6 year old will love. With CBR, if you rent a car, you don't pay for parking -- but we are not renting so that is good. Thanks.

 

[DizneyFamof4]

Yes, double beds at the dolphin when you go for the two bed option.

The cost was about the same for Dolphin and CBR. CBR had the 5th sleeper which my 6 year old will love. With CBR, if you rent a car, you don't pay for parking -- but we are not renting so that is good. Thanks.

At the parks you don't, but you have to pay for resort parking if you have a car. That's where still having Magical Express helps a lot for Disney resorts.

 

[brockash]

You were misinformed on the Skyliner. That line moves EXTREMELY quickly, even with the COVID restrictions where they're only doing one party per car.

The only problem I had with transportation was waiting for a Caribbean Beach bus during a lightning storm when the Skyliner went down.

That said, I'd recommend one of the "normal" Caribbean Beach rooms without the 5th sleeper. The baby will do better in a crib than on that fold-down bed. The 5th sleeper takes up a lot of your storage space, too.

I wouldn't say they were misinformed. While the lines do move relatively quickly; they can still get very long at park open close. On our most recent trip it took us 45 mins to get on the sklyiner from Epcot at closing and 25 from dhs. - And those were both weekdays.

If you're not needing magical express, we'd definitely pick Dolphin over CBR.

I also echo those being mindful of weather. I actually think skyliner resorts are at a disadvantage during the rainy months, as then the skyliner goes down often and it's a mess trying to get transportation at that point. Last summer when we were there, it seemed the skyliner was down at least once a day and when it was it took a decent amount of time for them to start running buses and for Epcot as an example, we had to walk all the way back through the park and out the entrance to a bus stop.

I know others won't agree, but if you're going during rainy months, I'd avoid skyliner resorts.

 

[brockash]

It s

I think in your case I would stay at CBR without the sleeper (and ask for a crib/pack & play). I love Dolphin but you should take advantage of the end of free Magical Express. Having the Skyliner to get to Epcot and HS means that you can roll the stroller right on! That is huge. I realize Dolphin is walking distance to Epcot but it was too far to walk to HS imo. Also CBR should save $$.

It sounds like that's not an option as they have 6 total ppl., do they I assume would need the 5th sleeper.

 

[BrotherCraig]

It s

It sounds like that's not an option as they have 6 total ppl., do they I assume would need the 5th sleeper.

Correct. 3 adults, two children, and one 1-year baby. The 6 year old boy can use the 5th sleeper.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Correct. 3 adults, two children, and one 1-year baby. The 6 year old boy can use the 5th sleeper.

Oh jeeze, in that case I'd go to an Art of Animation family suite or two rooms at Pop Century. I would not attempt to put six people in a Caribbean Beach room.

 

[BrotherCraig]

Oh jeeze, in that case I'd go to an Art of Animation family suite or two rooms at Pop Century. I would not attempt to put six people in a Caribbean Beach room.

Nah, no interest in AoA at all. Double the cost. We will only be in the room to sleep and shower. The kids are small. Doesn't bother us. Thanks.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Nah, no interest in AoA at all. Double the cost. We will only be in the room to sleep and shower. The kids are small. Doesn't bother us. Thanks.

In that case...

 

[BrotherCraig]

In that case...

Too funny.

We are hoping to go on a cruise when we check out of the hotel on the 20th so a Caribbean theme works. Once I get on that ship, time to turn into Jack Sparrow on the high seas. lol

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Too funny.

We are hoping to go on a cruise when we check out of the hotel on the 20th so a Caribbean theme works. Once I get on that ship, time to turn into Jack Sparrow on the high seas. lol

Get a Goombay Smash at the pool bar for me.

 

[Belle83]

I didn’t realize and misread about your party size. 3 adults+2 kids+baby in one room (especially at a moderate) is not a good idea. I would strongly consider 2 connecting rooms at All Star Movies or Pop. I know you said you had no interest in this OP and it’s your trip but that’s what I would do. Having a second bathroom and extra space will be tremendously helpful even if you’re barely in the room. Plus, getting a baby to sleep with that many people around sounds like a nightmare and will indirectly impact your park time. I have taken several Disney trips with a 1 year old and how they sleep at home will matter little in a hotel room.

 

[DeutscherDon]

We have stayed at both places multiple times. I do like the option to walk to HS as well as Epcot from the dolphin but you can also ride boats to both parks. There are good room deals at the dolphin as well through hotels.com and trivago. But for one more year you still have magical express With CBR. We love staying at the CBR though with disney magical touches also great pool and pirate rooms that the dolphin doesn’t have and at CBR you can sleep five plus a crib. CBR Has the skyliner as well as buses and we went at Christmas with no issues with skyliner and our kids loved it. Plus the Riviera has its own skyliner port which is within walking distance To CBR and numerous restaurants both counter service as well as sit down available with a Mickey character breakfast. As much as I like the dolphin for little larger rooms It’s only a skyliner ride away to boardwalk and Epcot. CBR has our vote.

 

[BrotherCraig]

I didn’t realize and misread about your party size. 3 adults+2 kids+baby in one room (especially at a moderate) is not a good idea. I would strongly consider 2 connecting rooms at All Star Movies or Pop. I know you said you had no interest in this OP and it’s your trip but that’s what I would do. Having a second bathroom and extra space will be tremendously helpful even if you’re barely in the room. Plus, getting a baby to sleep with that many people around sounds like a nightmare and will indirectly impact your park time. I have taken several Disney trips with a 1 year old and how they sleep at home will matter little in a hotel room.

Totally understand that it wouldn't work for a lot of people but it will work for us. We have done it before. The 3rd adult is grandma and we are use to it.

 

[Duke07]

Hello everyone. We are going to Disney World November 16-20 of this year and was looking at Dolphin for 5 people or CBR for 5 with their sleeper. HS, Epcot, and MK are our parks for this trip and in that order. We already have park tickets and reservations. Which hotel do you think would be best?

I heard the skyliner and busses are very long wait times. We will have a 1 year old with us as well. Any tips or recommendations are greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Just stayed at Swan & Dolphin and the convenience of walking to the 2 parks, especially if you're rope-dropping HS is great value. The buses were running to the other parks, but we never took them and opted to drive to AK and MK.
I've never stayed at CBR, so I can't speak from experience, but I've toured the grounds and was not that impressed. Per usual, it comes down to what you place the most value on, but I don't think you can go wrong staying at S&D unless it's cost prohibitive.

 

[BrotherCraig]

Just stayed at Swan & Dolphin and the convenience of walking to the 2 parks, especially if you're rope-dropping HS is great value. The buses were running to the other parks, but we never took them and opted to drive to AK and MK.
I've never stayed at CBR, so I can't speak from experience, but I've toured the grounds and was not that impressed. Per usual, it comes down to what you place the most value on, but I don't think you can go wrong staying at S&D unless it's cost prohibitive.

Thanks. It is the same price. One extra bed for the 5th person at CBR though rather than $25 a night for a cot.

 

[Duke07]

Thanks. It is the same price. One extra bed for the 5th person at CBR though rather than $25 a night for a cot.

Thanks. It is the same price. One extra bed for the 5th person at CBR though rather than $25 a night for a cot.

Like anything else Disney related...it's always a matter of personal preference, but if they're the same price then for me, personally, the choice is a no-brainer...it's S&D.

 

[BrotherCraig]

I wouldn't say they were misinformed. While the lines do move relatively quickly; they can still get very long at park open close. On our most recent trip it took us 45 mins to get on the sklyiner from Epcot at closing and 25 from dhs. - And those were both weekdays.

If you're not needing magical express, we'd definitely pick Dolphin over CBR.

I also echo those being mindful of weather. I actually think skyliner resorts are at a disadvantage during the rainy months, as then the skyliner goes down often and it's a mess trying to get transportation at that point. Last summer when we were there, it seemed the skyliner was down at least once a day and when it was it took a decent amount of time for them to start running buses and for Epcot as an example, we had to walk all the way back through the park and out the entrance to a bus stop.

I know others won't agree, but if you're going during rainy months, I'd avoid skyliner resorts.

November. Least rainy month. Thanks.