Should I switch resorts?

[DisneyJade]

I can't believe, after months of research and multiple spreadsheets, that I am still waffling on our resort pick!

We originally planned to splurge on our upcoming 2021 trip, booking either a monorail resort or club level at the tower at CS (for the ability to buy FPs). With all that's happening in the world, we decided to tighten the budget and go for a moderate. We chose Caribbean Beach for a few reasons (refurb, Sebastian's, nostalgia... CBR is first place I stayed on site as a kid), but above all, we chose it because of the skyliner! To me, this alternate mode of transport to two parks feels like a deluxe-level perk.

However, I am stressed by posts stating that bus service is still a major downside of CBR, especially for buses to MK/AK, our two favorite parks. Buses (and waiting on transportation) are my least favorite part of any WDW trip. Also, from what I've seen on these boards, I'm still not clear about what happens when the skyliner is down. Do buses suddenly come more frequently? And do they hit every stop or pick up at the skyliner?

This uncertainty has me considering a switch to Port Orleans Riverside (assuming it ever opens for booking for our dates). Specifically, I am interested in the royal rooms, as I have two princess-loving, preschool-age girls. The royal rooms look like they are in a good location with amenities close by. The sprawl of CBR does not appeal, so POR has an edge there as well. I am just so reluctant to choose a resort that has only buses, and I'm wondering if switching would not really solve my transportation concerns. Hoping someone can share whether POR buses are much better than CBR's.

So, I would love opinions! What should we do?

• Skyliner is great! Stick with CBR!
• Royal rooms are a winner! Switch to POR!
• Transportation is tops! Splurge on a deluxe resort!

Thanks in advance.

 

[westie55]

At this point I wouldn't count on POR being open, and its transportation options are worse than CBR because you don't have the skyliner. You have to bus everywhere and, like CBR, there are multiple internal bus stops. Having said that, I haven't stayed in a Royal Room but they do look cute for little girls. CBR is a great resort and I wouldn't hesitate to stay there. My favorite is the GF but it is SO expensive and who knows when/if room discounts will be offered again. I would have a hard time justifying the expense of a Disney vacation at the GF for rack rate with all of the covid cuts. We just got back from Riviera which was lovely but CBR is right next door and is so much less expensive.

 

[Dug720]

I really like CBR. If I were not splurging and finally fulfilling a dream of staying at the Poly in January, I'd probably be there myself.

I may not be a fan of the Skyliner (though now that they are only putting one party per car, I might like it better), but you're worried about busses for 2 parks at CBR when what you are considering as the alternative - POR - is busses to everything (unless the boats are running to Springs). Plus at this point they are not even open and there has not been an announcement made about when they will be. It's also pretty dang sprawly if you ask me.

If AK is one of your favorite parks, there is literally no way to avoid a bus, regardless of where you stay.

I vote for CBR.

 

[Gehrig1B]

Bus transportation at POR will be worse in my opinion. You have Skyliner access to 2 parks at CBR, you will have bus only at POR. Plus, with Riviera open you have so many more dining choices at/near CBR.

Having said that if you have the budget I would go with a Deluxe now that you will may to spend much more time at the resort if early park closings continue into 2021.

 

[maryj11]

If there were a discount I would splurge on a deluxe. My second choice is CBR. We are staying at CBR our next trip and can’t wait to try out the skyliner. I did read when the skyliner is down there is a bus station at the skyliner.

 

[Flynn_Rider]

I’d say that trust your instincts. Upgrading can be fun splurge and maybe you decide to do that when discounts come out. But a deluxe is only getting you next to one or two resorts at best. Just like Caribbean.

 

[kwdw]

I don't think you should let posts on disboards about the perceived quality of bus transportation to and from a resort to impact your resort decision. In my experience, bus transportation can be hit or miss at ALL of the resorts in terms of regular frequency. The only thing that is consistent is that the deluxe hotel bus stops are closer to the park entrances. I actually prefer the fact that the value resorts have queues to wait for the buses at the resorts; but I hate that there stops are the longest walks to the parks. There is nothing more annoying that to watch folks staying at a deluxe jockey for position at the resorts to make sure they get seats on the bus (note, this doesn't always happen, but I've seen it).

Now - the variety of MODES of transportation - and the parks/places you intend to visit most often - I think that can legitimately impact your decision on where to stay. For me, given AK and MK are my most frequently visited parks usually, the Skyliner isn't a bonus. Now - if I was planning to hit Epcot four times in 5 days (I did this once before the Skyliner opened) - suddenly a resort on the Skyliner has appeal. The time we planned to go to Disney Springs a few times - boat transportation there became a bonus.

 

[Lumpy1106]

Thoughts;

Not gonna sugar-coat it, buses right now are BAD! We stayed at BLT and waited over an hour every day we took a bus - sometimes headed to the park or DS, sometimes headed back. They are only allowing 5-6 parties on the bus and they are not posting supervisors to order more buses when people get left. You just have to wait until the bus gets back. The one exception to that was Riviera that always seemed to have plenty of buses - go figure. Not only that, but the monorail, TTT to Epcot is NOT running right now. Total bummer. I would not count on a Deluxe having better bus service than a Moderate or Value, though it was really nice not having to deal with the buses on our MK days.

BUT...

That could all change. Disney has been hearing it from those who have been left waiting (myself included - DO e-mail them if you also had bus problems), but more importantly, the number have been looking much better. Hopefully that will result in near-term improvements in bus service. Also, there were 9k new cases a day in FL just 2 weeks ago, < 3k new cases today. By 2021 it could be a non-factor (or there could be a surge - who knows?). All the more reason not to let the buses dictate.

BUT...
You are talking about CB and the buses were bad there before COVID. CB is huge - you can actually board the Skyliner at two of the stations if you stay there - one in the core area, the other at the extreme end that is walking distance to the Riviera station. If you are near either of those and there aren't thunderstorms and you are headed to Epcot or DHS - GREAT! Otherwise you are stuck waiting for park or internal buses. There are numerous stops you need to make just to get off CB property - it can take a while.

Totally agree with kwdw, the cues at the value resorts are far more preferable to the "everybody sort it out for yourselves" that occurs at the Deluxe resorts.

Love POR and POFQ! The theming is great and they are nowhere near as spread out as you might think. The pool at POR is one of our favorites.

SERIOUSLY consider Pop or AoA if you want to be on the Skyliner route. All of the rooms are walking distance to the Skyliner and ONE bus stop.

 

[DisneyJade]

Thank you all, so much. This has been enormously helpful. After seeing the feedback here, I’m going to stick with CBR but keep an eye out for Deluxe discounts. Thank you again!

 

[brockash]

I can't believe, after months of research and multiple spreadsheets, that I am still waffling on our resort pick!

We originally planned to splurge on our upcoming 2021 trip, booking either a monorail resort or club level at the tower at CS (for the ability to buy FPs). With all that's happening in the world, we decided to tighten the budget and go for a moderate. We chose Caribbean Beach for a few reasons (refurb, Sebastian's, nostalgia... CBR is first place I stayed on site as a kid), but above all, we chose it because of the skyliner! To me, this alternate mode of transport to two parks feels like a deluxe-level perk.

However, I am stressed by posts stating that bus service is still a major downside of CBR, especially for buses to MK/AK, our two favorite parks. Buses (and waiting on transportation) are my least favorite part of any WDW trip. Also, from what I've seen on these boards, I'm still not clear about what happens when the skyliner is down. Do buses suddenly come more frequently? And do they hit every stop or pick up at the skyliner?

This uncertainty has me considering a switch to Port Orleans Riverside (assuming it ever opens for booking for our dates). Specifically, I am interested in the royal rooms, as I have two princess-loving, preschool-age girls. The royal rooms look like they are in a good location with amenities close by. The sprawl of CBR does not appeal, so POR has an edge there as well. I am just so reluctant to choose a resort that has only buses, and I'm wondering if switching would not really solve my transportation concerns. Hoping someone can share whether POR buses are much better than CBR's.

So, I would love opinions! What should we do?

• Skyliner is great! Stick with CBR!
• Royal rooms are a winner! Switch to POR!
• Transportation is tops! Splurge on a deluxe resort!

Thanks in advance.

I would definitely choose either POs over CBR or CS, however there's still no word on when they may reopen...so there's a good chance they won't be an option.