resort decision

[sasha321]

We have been to Disney at least 30 times over the years. We have stayed at the All-Stars years ago and more recently BWI, WL, AKL, DOLPHIN, POLY, YC, AND CONTEMPORARY. This trip in July we are debating between Swan and CBR. Have never stayed at mod and are curious. The size of the resort would not bother us - enjoy walking. Which should we choose?

 

[minnie mum]

We love CBR and would always choose a Disney resort over one of the Swolphins (personal preference). But CBR only has double beds. If you need queen beds, then CBR won't work for you.

 

[ThumpersWorld]

My personal opinion but I would stay in the Swan or the Dolphin any day over the CBR. I found the buses at CBR to be awful. I haven't stayed there in a long time but I have seen from other posters that the bus situation hasn't changed. But I'm also biased because I love the EPCOT hotels. We just came back from the BCV but I have to say in comparing that to the Dolphin which we stayed at the time before, I didn't find we missed out at staying at a hotel that's not true Disney. The perks that matter are the EMH and the location which you can't beat.

 

[sasha321]

Thank you for your input. I guess it comes down to CBR - Disney atmosphere. VS Swan - location and heavenly beds. Right now I am still undecided but the Disney atmosphere is a strong pull.

 

[heidijanesmith]

We can not stay in double beds, two teens! CBR is out for us, until the beds are changed over to queens. I love CBR theme and location and would love to try it someday

 

[MinnieMommy07]

I'd pass on both. Seriously, I like to research them and everytime I look at these two resorts, I find myself saying how much I like the pool areas and the colors and the tropical feeling at each and that they are SO pretty. But everytime I scratch beneath the surface... there is just things that I find I don't like at all. Like with Dolphin, it's just so damned big. I mean seriously it's a farther walk than a lot of resorts if you find yourself on one side of the resort and the pool is on the opposite. It's LONG. ME isn't a HUGE draw seeing as you could just call a cab. Just seems not as Disney "Bubbleicious". When I was at ASMovies a few women were having drinks and one (who mentioned she was off her shift at DHS) gave the other women suggestions where to relax and spend time. She said Swan Dolphin where the pool staff isn't as strict about keeping "nonresort guests" out of the pool/ recreation areas and that it is a favorite of the locals to hang out and party at.

CBR just seems like it could be a little nicer. The main areas are really great. The courtyards and the quiet pools are cute too. But everytime I see pics of the rooms they are so gloomy. So are "the beaches". I just can't beleive something named for the beaches is not very nice looking at all. They are just little patches of sand with a little tykes playset on it. Some of the locations of the "villages" creep me out too. I gotta be next to the main guest areas or I get scared of critters and creeps. Just being out next to nothing and nobody gets me seriously freaked out.

 

[dansdad]

We have never stayed at either the Swan or the Dolphin, but CBR is our absolute favorite. We just really like the theming of the entire resort. It is so lush and gorgeous. We like to schedule 2 resort days there just to relax and explore. Our DS10 loves the pools and slides. We have a hard time keeping it to only 2 resort days. It is such a nice retreat from the hustle and bustle of the parks. We have stayed at CBR when it has been full to capacity and it never felt like it. To us, it's like having 2 vacations in one.

Walking one of the beaches barefoot after a day at the parks is like having a foot massage. Plus an afternoon, or evening, nap on a hammock is lovely. The only downside, and it's a non issue to us, is the lack of queens beds. But I have heard multiple rumors that will happen during 2013.

The rooms have a very bright and airy feel to them. We like to request a corner room because then you get 2 windows and it's a little bigger. CBR has the largest rooms of the mods too.

We have good friends that have stayed at the Swan and love it, so you really can't go wrong with either. Good luck in your decision!

 

[Lori77]

My two cents- depends what amenities that you like to have...

CBR- I've never had any issues with buses there, but it is spread out. We stayed in Trinidad North I think, and asked to be in a specific building so we could walk to the main bus stop. This was a time saver in the AM and PM when buses are busy, and we were guaranteed a seat when getting on

I've not been there since they updated the pool, but it looks really nice. We liked everything about the resort.

SWAN/Dolphin- I'm with you, I don't mind to walk and the view here can't be beat. The difference here though is the bus service is not as good especially at night. We have walked to the Boardwalk a few times to catch their buses.

There are so many entertainment options here, that IMO it still has the Disney feel. This location is particularly great if you spend alot of time at Epcot or DHS.

Hope this helps!
Lori

 

[francie57]

We love the Epcot resort area. The choice would also depend on if you use the dining plan at all since it isn't available at the S/D. Also, if you have a car you would have a daily parking fee at S/D but not at CBR. S/D also have a daily resort fee that CBR doesn't. I have never stayed at either since we are BW/BC/YC people but the Disney theming would probably win out with me.