Here's another "Which would YOU choose?" thread!

[Spoisal]

OK - right now i'm booked at CBR for 4 nights in May for $94 per night (all monies here are quoted without tax). It appears, however, that most of the things we will be doing during our upcoming trip are near Epcot/MGM/Boardwalk .....so i've been thinking about switching resorts. Well, I tried to get in on the Swan/Dolphin $81 hotwire deal with no luck. So that leaves me with the following:

1) Stay at CBR at $94 per night (Total with tax is $419)
2) Stay at BW/YC/BC for $229 per night with codes (Total with tax is $1,021)
3) Stay in a studio at BWV for $229 per night with codes (Total with tax is $1,021)
4) Stay at Swan or Dolphin at $172.50 per night using the S/D AP promotional rate (Total with tax is $769...plus $10 per day resort fee is $809)

Keep in mind, this isn't our main vacation of the year - sort of an add-on vacation That's why i'm not just saying $229 a night is no big deal - it is. (and more than double CBR) .......I just don't know what to do - I want to be near the action, but is it REALLY worth it?

 

[Misti]

Hmm... this is tough! I'd say that since you are planning on many things in the Epcot/MGM area, go for the S/D deal. It is sort of a middle ground between the CBR price and the BC/BWV price. Since it a short trip, you won't want to spend lots of time traveling from the CBR to the parks. Staying in the Epcot area will be more convenient.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[GlennandAnn]

Since it's not your main vacation this year, I'd try to keep it cheap and stay at the cheapest resort. Maybe you could use the money you save on the resort to do something else really cool and fun, like one of the behind the scenes park tours, or something else like that.

Ann

 

[>>^..^<<]

I would stay where you are... transportation is good to get to where you want to be and you are getting a great rate.. why double it or triple it? Especially if this is not your main vacation of the year.

Good Luck deciding and have fun on your holiday.

>>^..^<<

 

[melk]

I think I would want to know who makes up your party. If it's all adults or adults with older kids I would stay right where you are. Use that extra money to do something special. If you have young kids, then travelling around with them would be a hassle. But personally I would go with the cheaper option because it's not your main vacation for the year. Splurge when you're taking your "real" vacation!!

 

[denman007]

CBR is really close to the boardwalk - like 2 mins. I would stay where you're at.

If you need to make a dinner ressie in a hurry, get a taxi.

No way is it worth $600 for 4 nights just to be closer to boardwalk.

 

[Eeyore1954]

I would agree with the others -- stay where you are. While I love the Epcot resorts, since this is not the main vacation, I would try to cut your costs some. Save the money now and splurge a little on the main vacation later.

Hope you have a terrific add-on vacation!

 

[Ashley's mom]

I did better with the Entertainment book rate at first at the Dolphin....and then better LATER with the AAA rate with the Dolphin.....but the AAA rate earlier on wasn't as good....

Anyway...I say GO TO THE DOLPHIN!!!!! Make sure SURE you have that Starwood American Express card and get upgraded to GOLD status with Starwood and you - although others will say you can't count on it - you'll get a nice upgrade. Now, we paid $204/ni for a balcony room at Dolphin and got club level upgrades. I will warn you that they tried to upgrade me to club level and not get the balcony room - which would have NOT been a good deal - anyway, I got club level privs.

If you are trying to save money:
With club level privs or staying club level I was told they waived the resort fees....

With club level privs you get that free wonderful breakfast each morning - and you can just eat out for lunch and then eat for free munching on snacks (fruits, cracker/cheese, hot hordevour, cookies, etc.) for dinner.

 

[Ashley's mom]

I thought the transportation was quite convenient - especially if you have kids and want to go back to the room for naps...which I highly recommend....

If I were you I'd just keep digging for better deals at Dolphin....
even if I didn't get the balcony room - I'd be sure to get GOLD STATUS and the best price on a DOLPHIN room - and then negotiate to have the resort fee removed.

Irregardless with Gold you'll get a nicer room...ok ok...I know some people suggest I not promise this sort of thing...

 

[susy]

CBR is right by MGM and Epcot and the Boardwalk! Bus transportation is great (a few stops within the resort, but doesn't share with another resort). The rooms are large with los of storage and a privacy curtain in the dressing area. The rooms are recently refurbished and so is the food court.

 

[Lexxiefern]

Why don't you try to rent points from a DVC member and stay in a studio at Boardwalk Villas? They sleep 4. If you are going during the week (sunday - thursday) for 4 nights it would be 52 points. So at the going rate of $10/point, that's only $520. If you are going over the weekend, it would be 84 points or $840. And there is no tax. Just hop on over to the DVC rent forum and see if someone has points and can check availability. Good luck!

 

[f7prez]

For $139 a night you have the best access to Epcot, MGM, Boardwalk and great restaurants. Why ride a bus if you can take a boat. I understand that it is going to be a bit more money but you are saving big with convenience, you'll be at a much nicer resort and be much happier you did.

 

[Spoisal]

F7prez: The problem is, I can't get 139 a night ....that deal starts 6/1 & I am going in May. The cheapest I can foind for May is $172.50 looks like I should stick with CBR ......I think

 

[cruisnfamily]

Originally posted by susy
CBR is right by MGM and Epcot and the Boardwalk! Bus transportation is great (a few stops within the resort, but doesn't share with another resort).

I also thought CBR was in the Epcot area....we are staying there next month. All these posts have me confused now. Is it or is it not in the Epcot area?

 

[Misti]

Originally posted by Sonya Francisco
I also thought CBR was in the Epcot area....we are staying there next month. All these posts have me confused now. Is it or is it not in the Epcot area?

Hope my post wasn't the one that confused you. Yes, CBR is on the Epcot side of the entire WDW resort. But, the BC/YC/BW/Swan/Dolphin are within walking distance to the entrance of MGM and World Showcase at Epcot.

 

[jaysue]

Go with CBR - perfectly ok for a non-main vacation

Thanks
Jason

 

[Luvinit]

Another vote for CBR...stay where you are, I am sure you will be happy with it...but don't give up call CRO...daily and find out if any rates open up...trust me it works!!

 

[robinb]

I also think you should stick with CBR. It's very close to the Boardwalk and it will save you a boatload of money. I would not give up on the S/D coming up on Hotwire or Priceline ... availability changes all the time .

 

[susy]

Spoisal,
Sorry to confuse you! CBR is an Epcot resort, BUT you cannot walk to Epcot or MGM. It is pretty much a five minute bus ride to either. If this isn't your main vacation, I would save the money.

 

[Jomrog]

I think I am with the majority. I have not had a bad transportation experience at Disney, yet. As a matter of fact, my DD7 loves riding on the buses, sometimes more than the Disney rides. LOL! It doesn't seem like it's worth all that money just to be near certain parks. Spend it on a special dinner or something. Besides, if your anything like me, you might change your plan. We have a tough time sticking to our itinerary.

Have fun!