Dolphin vs CBR

[buzz1fan]

We have a trip planned the week of Christmas at CBR. I just looked at Disney site and we could stay at Dolphin cheaper. I have stayed at dolphin or swan over 10 years ago so I don’t recall a lot.

how I am reading it the only difference would be to get to MK we would need to walk over to another resort to grab a bus? We are not going to AK. We can take the boats to Epcot and HS?

would you pick dolphin over CBR? Since I am booking on Disney site would it all be refundable just as booking at CBR with tickets etc. is the process the same when payments are due?

we will have a car at either place.

 

[Marthasor]

It is my understanding that Swan/Dolphin has resumed their direct bus service to the MK bus drop-off area, but someone may have first-hand knowledge of that. Folks on the transportation thread could also give you more updated info.

For EP and DHS, you can walk (it's very close to EP), take the boat or, for DHS, take the Skyliner. You can also walk to all of the resorts on the Boardwalk (BC/YC, BWI). I, personally, would book Dolphin over CBR, particularly over Christmas week. The ability to walk to two parks and not rely on any transportation other than your feet that week is a big perk. Just be aware that Dolphin has double beds and not queens (if that matters). If you need queens, consider pricing out the Swan. I would also book directly through Marriott to book Swan/Dolphin as you will get better pricing and a choice of booking conditions depending on which rate you choose. Also consider joining Marriott Bonvoy for perks and to get points for your stay.

 

[Shellyred8]

A couple of things to make sure to consider in your pricing: Dolphin has a daily resort fee, so make sure you include that in your pricing. You can't use DME from the airport if you stay at the Dolphin. So make sure to plan for transportation costs to and from the airport in your pricing.

If, after all of that, the Dolphin was still less expensive, I would go for the Dolphin in a heartbeat. Being able to walk to HS and EP, especially during the busy Christmas season, will be a big benefit. I also really like taking the boats from the Dolphin to HS and EP. Like any other Disney transportation, there will usually be some waiting for them, but I just love the relaxing ride.

 

[nkereina]

What's the price difference? They're both good locations and the Skyliner at CBR is a lot of fun, but nothing beats being able to walk or boat to Epcot/DHS.

CBR feels more Disney to me so I'd probably stick with that if the price difference is negligible. As far as the MK bus from the Dolphin, they were dropping off at TTC recently. From there, you have to either take a second bus, monorail, or ferry to MK. Its not as time consuming or as bad as it sounds. Alternatively, you could walk to BC/YC or BWI to catch the MK bus, which would drop off at MK bypassing TTC. PP mentions they think Dolphin has resumed direct bus service to MK, and I can't speak to that, so definitely worth confirming.

 

[Nabas]

If I remember correctly, the Swan and Dolphin charge a $35/night resort fee plus a $25/night parking fee.

IMO, both are superior to CBR but it is important to keep these fees in mind when staying at either. If this is adults trip, there's no question that the Swan and Dolphin are better choices.

Small children, however, might appreciate the Disney theming at CBR more.

 

[Scalemaster34]

I don't think that the Disney buses are back at Dolphin.... still dropping you off with other shuttle buses not with the Disney buses. And Friendship Boats aren't running either...

But the option to walk to Epcot and DHS is hard to beat... even with the Skyline, as with Christmas it will be a long wait for it. Then there is the internal transportation at CBR, depending on where you are staying.

I agree that CBR feels more Disney... but look out your window and see Disney is enough.

 

[buzz1fan]

It was about 600 less when pricing on WDW site with tickets etc. I will need to look at exacts this evening again. I feel like booking on the WDW site would be easier to cancel etc- and the tickets are bundled in if needing to cancel.

we are driving so will pay parking for both.

 

[nkereina]

And Friendship Boats aren't running either...

Friendship Boats started running again back in November if memory serves. Unless you're referring to a recent change I may not be aware of?

even with the Skyline, as with Christmas it will be a long wait for it. Then there is the internal transportation at CBR, depending on where you are staying.

Long waits and Christmas are synonymous, but I will say that the Skyliner is continuously loading. So while it may look like a long wait, its the kind of line where you are slowly walking the entire time. I agree that it doesn't beat being able to walk, but its manageable. Better than a bus that will likely still have limited capacity at the end of the year.

The internal transportation at CBR is there as an option, but IMO, not really necessary. The entire resort is walkable. If someone is closer to the Riviera side of the property, its easy for them to use the Riviera Skyliner station and Riviera QS.

we are driving so will pay parking for both.

How many nights? Does the $600 savings include the Dolphin's resort fees? The resort fees are in addition to parking, and could close the gap on any potential savings. If $600 does include the resort fees, then that's substantial enough where I may consider a switch.

 

[buzz1fan]

I am not sure- it is not listed in the WDW total summary.

 

[olive]

I would go with Swan or Dolphin in a heartbeat. We have stayed at both, several times. Walking to DHS and Epcot is so incredibly convenient. I am always happy being able to avoid waiting for Disney transportation. Saving $600 on top of that is an incredible bonus. You can put that toward your food or souvenir budget. They are very nice hotels, and it is really nice to be right on the boardwalk.

 

[ENJDisneyFan]

And Friendship Boats aren't running either...

Friendship boats are definitely running. Rode them a few times over Easter.

 

[Bobb_o]

I would always pick the Swan or Dolphin over a Disney moderate.

 

[Silver saucer]

Absolutely the Dolphin!

 

[mousegear]

I would always pick Swan/Dolphin vs any Disney moderate. If you have AAA card, there's also a big discount on top. Check out on Marriott site also. Proximity to DHS and Epcot is unbeatable.

 

[maxiesmom]

I would definitely pick the Swan or Dolphin over a Disney moderate. Being able to walk/boat to 2 parks is a huge plus! As is being at a resort with food offerings inside when the weather is bad.

 

[Selket]

We stayed at the Dolphin Oct/Nov 2019 and it was wonderful. Loved the convenience of getting to Epcot and DHS plus walking around at night on the Boardwalk or going over to YC/BC if you want. No issue with transportation then but I don't know what changes are in effect at the moment. That might be a good question for the Swan/Dolphin thread here?