Help! CBR or Dolphin???

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

I have stayed at both and Dolphin is a better choice. It is a deluxe resort, great location, and great room service. The only downer is you cant get the dining plan. AKL on the other hand in my opinion is nicer than Dolphin if you can get a Savannah view room. Either way Dolphin or AKL you cant go wrong. CBR was alot of walking but the resort itself is very pretty.

 

[DISNEYNY]

If you are staying at Dolphin can you use Magical Express from the airport?

 

[barney4liz]

If you are staying at Dolphin can you use Magical Express from the airport?

I believe I read that you cannot get ME from the airport -- but maybe someone else will chime in. I didn't investigate it thoroughly because we are driving in.

 

[DISshopkeeper]

Well, frankly, my favorite part is being able to just stroll over for dinner or lunch or a margarita in the WS.

My teenage dd is extremely partial to Picabu's.

My thoughts exactly, including the teenage DD!

 

[TeddyToo]

Picabu's is great for a DD that age. Mine also loved the Fountain and we got breakfast most mornings just inside the Swan coming from the Dolphin is a coffe bar. They have a breakfast parfait that is out of this world and affordable. The walk from the Swan to the Boardwalk is very pleasant and it is easy to walk to Epcot. I wouldn't recommend the walk to MGM as it seemed lots longer (the 100 degree heat on a late Aug afternoon probably didn't help) As new Starwood members our room had a direct view of TOT. We are going again in '09 and Swan it is for us. On the ME question, no ME but we had an excellent driver from TTC who met us was fast and even arranged to be our pick up driver for the return at our request for under $100. From landing to hotel under 45 minutes

 

[barney4liz]

As new Starwood members our room had a direct view of TOT. We are going again in '09 and Swan it is for us.

I would be tickled pink if my new Starwood membership gets us an upgrade of some kind! Did you find out about your upgrade before you went? What is TOT? Right now we have a "standard" view which I know is ressie-speak for "parking lot".

 

[TeddyToo]

We booked a standard room and I'm not sure it was actually an upgrade as we received no notifications of one, however the view was totally unobstructed. TOT is the Tower of Terror at MGM studios. It lit up purple at night. We could easily see the Mickey ears on the Water tower at MGM. No parking lot in sight only beautiful palm trees below us with a side view of Illuminations fireworks at night I would post a picture of our views but can't figure out how. We managed to get a special in Feb for our Aug trip of $125 per night. I don't think I could ever justify the $300+ of the other Boardwalk hotels. The Swan was so close to the Boardwalk as well. Transportation to any location was great using WDW transportation. I hope you have a fantastic trip

 

[f7prez]

DOLPHIN, DOLPHIN, DOLPHIN
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Deluxe full service Hotel with indoor corridors and elevators with a ton of amenities, centrally located to all of Disney. Within walking distance (or boat ride) to EPCOT, MGM, Boardwalk and great restaurants.

or

A motel complex spread out over many acres withe very limited food choices.

 

[DISNEYNY]

Well, frankly, my favorite part is being able to just stroll over for dinner or lunch or a margarita in the WS.

My teenage dd is extremely partial to Picabu's.

Fill me in...what is Picabu's? TIA

 

[TeddyToo]

Picabu's is the counter service in the Dolphin. It has a very cool decor and good food too. I think there are photos on All Ears website.

 

[DISNEYNY]

Thanks...I will check it out!!

 

[barney4liz]

We booked a standard room and I'm not sure it was actually an upgrade as we received no notifications of one, however the view was totally unobstructed. TOT is the Tower of Terror at MGM studios. It lit up purple at night. We could easily see the Mickey ears on the Water tower at MGM. No parking lot in sight only beautiful palm trees below us with a side view of Illuminations fireworks at night I would post a picture of our views but can't figure out how. We managed to get a special in Feb for our Aug trip of $125 per night. I don't think I could ever justify the $300+ of the other Boardwalk hotels. The Swan was so close to the Boardwalk as well. Transportation to any location was great using WDW transportation. I hope you have a fantastic trip

Wow, that's a great rate! A view of the TOT would be fun, much better than parking lot.

Can't wait to tell DD -- the last time we were there driving by the Swan and Dolphin she said "awwww, why can't we stay there???" Little that she is. (I think I said something along the lines of "just be grateful we're at WDW!! ) The S&D just looks so dramatic with the giant critters on top.

 

[TeddyToo]

I can be such a Dork...Just click up on the Swan and Dolphin Header and look under quick service dining. At the bottom of that page they have a 360 degree view of Picabu

 

[TeddyToo]

If you subscribe to the SPG newsletter they send out great rates periodically too.