help!!! Where would you switch to?

[hsmamato2]

Dolphin hands down. Been to both,love both. an uber ride to/from airport is about 30 bucks. Dining plan is highly over rated. I prefer Dolphin over dis hotels anyway.

 

[Shellyred8]

I will agree with others that the dining plan usually is more expensive than paying out of pocket. The one time we used it, I found that we had to work really hard to get our money's worth.
The Swan/Dolphin would be a good alternative if you want to stay in the EP/HS area. We did an uber to and from the airport and it was $30-ish each way, but there were only two of us. It will most likely be more expensive for your family due to there being 5 of you and possibly needing car seats.
My second vote would be for the cabins at FW. Their size would be beneficial to your group.

Have a great trip!

 

[BebopBaloo]

I really like CSR. The construction just wasn't an issue for us. We are gone most of the day and they aren't working on anything at night. However, if you really don't want to see cranes, or any sort of construction then I'd go with POR. POR is absolutely gorgeous and lush. There's a boat to Disney Springs and French Quarter is a short walk away (yummy beignets!) The reason I give CSR the edge is because their main building is always less congested. They have two places to get coffee/espresso drinks in the main building along with two bakery areas and gelato. (I like coffee and churros. ) It is also very centrally located to all of the parks. If you book a preferred room you will be guaranteed a newly refurbished room They are super nice with lots of storage.
A preferred room at POR will, however, give you a pull down murphy bed, which with 5 people is a plus. If your 2yr old is sleeping in a pack n play, or something like that then CSR probably has more floor space.

As for the dining plan...we used to always hold out for free dining, but have found that we save more with room discounts, unless staying at a Value Resort. If your husband really prefers to have the dining plan (free plan discount, or not) there is something to be said for having the peace of mind that most of the food has been payed for ahead of time. It is nice to just use credits and carry on without thinking about how much a meal, or snack costs. Keep in mind that tips are not included and are automatically calculated for you at 18%. The exception to this rule is Cinderella's Royal Table, which is worth 2 credits and includes tip.