Swan/Dolphin or CBR?

[Boardwalk_bride]

Help! I have gone back and forth on resorts since booking. We have mostly stayed in Deluxe resorts (via DVC rental). Right now we have CBR booked - we want (prefer) to be close to Epcot. I see I can get a S/D room for cheaper - should I switch to that since ME is no longer a thing? We are two adults and a 7 (will be nearly 8) arriving first week of December. Two nights prior we will be at UO - Royal Pacific.

We haven't really shared a room with DD in the past. Her one WDW trip we have a one-bedroom at Kidani, and Disneyland we have a family room offsite. We could book AoA family suite but I don't want to pay that much and I really don't like the room theming. So, I at least want a comfy, relatively quiet (as much as disney can be) resort.

We have 5 nights and are looking at 4 day park hopper. We want to be in Epcot, HS, MK one night and one evening each, and AK probably just evening (I've never been in the evening and just want to go for lights during the holidays). We will likely need time to relax at the resort in between.

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!

 

[Disneylover99]

I’d switch to S/D for a cheaper room.

 

[dancergirlsmom]

I just got an AP rate for the Swan the week after Christmas. It ended up cheaper than a mod. Haven't ever stayed there but looking forward to it. We love the Crescent Lake area and spend a lot of time at Epcot.

 

[Karalee402]

Hands down S/D! We've stayed at CBR, but the Dolphin is easily one of our favorite resorts on property. You'll get the benefits of a deluxe resort for moderate (or less!) prices. You can easily walk or take a friendship boat to Epcot and HS (my kids love doing this!).

 

[Boardwalk_bride]

Does S&D also do it all up with holiday decorations?

 

[minnimom]

I just changed my reservation for the second week of December from CSR to the Swan after snagging a great rate. Swan will end up costing me less and I’ll have a balcony, which I would have really missed. So I would definitely go deluxe!

 

[Disneydawg74]

Does S&D also do it all up with holiday decorations?

Yes, they both decorate and the Swan usually has a really nice display with a Santa made of chocolate.

 

[Karalee402]

Does S&D also do it all up with holiday decorations?

We were there this past Christmas/New Year, and it was beautiful! Huge trees in the lobby and even a Santa meet and greet/event for kids prior to Christmas.

 

[lampshadehead]

Something to keep in mind if you are driving, parking is free at CBR but you pay for it at Dolphin. I believe its $36.00 a night.

 

[gottalovepluto]

S/D is going to feel more Deluxe with indoor hallways, thicker walls and built in AC instead of window units. Dolphin is double beds while Swan is Queens so beware of that, but aside from that I see no reason to keep CBR if they’re similar on price.

 

[Disneydawg74]

Something to keep in mind if you are driving, parking is free at CBR but you pay for it at Dolphin. I believe its $36.00 a night.

That’s right. And this is for DIY parking (although you do get in and out daily privileges). Valet parking is $46.00. If you have a handicapped parking pass, you pay the $36.00 rate for valet parking. FYI: Parking rates are subject to change.

 

[Boardwalk_bride]

Something to keep in mind if you are driving, parking is free at CBR but you pay for it at Dolphin. I believe its $36.00 a night.

Thanks! We are not driving

 

[Boardwalk_bride]

Thanks so much for the responses - I'm going to make the switch

 

[maxiesmom]

We were there this past Christmas/New Year, and it was beautiful! Huge trees in the lobby and even a Santa meet and greet/event for kids prior to Christmas.

They also light up the walkway between the Swan and Dolphin and play Christmas music.

Also OP don't forget you can take advantage of the deluxe resort night time extra magic hours, if they have them during your trip.

 

[momtosam]

We love Swan! I didn't know it gives you the deluxe perks. Good to know!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Does S&D also do it all up with holiday decorations?

https://swandolphin.com/media/photos/santas-favorite-resort/

https://santasfavoriteresort.com/special-activities/

 

[Mrs.Milo]

The Swan is fantastic, you’ll love it! It’s just special.