What resort to stay in

[Karyanne]

Help! I am planning or families first wdw trip. I haven’t been since I was maybe 12? My husband has never been. Going in may. at this point, I am looking at Caribbean beach pirate room or swan and dolphin through Costco with about a 400 price difference. Which should we do?

 

[Schneewittchen37]

We need more info to help.

Kids? Number of people? Sleeping arrangements needed? Do you want to walk to the parks or are buses okay? Do you like to hang out at the pools?

 

[Karyanne]

We need more info to help.

Kids? Number of people? Sleeping arrangements needed? Do you want to walk to the parks or are buses okay? Do you like to hang out at the pools?

2 kids, 4 people total. At least 2 beds. Buses are ok, walking to some is nice too, not too picky. We do like some pool time.

 

[Karyanne]

We need more info to help.

Kids? Number of people? Sleeping arrangements needed? Do you want to walk to the parks or are buses okay? Do you like to hang out at the pools?

Also, they are 7 and 11.

 

[wdw&sonny]

We always stay at moderate or deluxe. We don't like the value resorts. We NEVER pay Disney rack rates. We almost always rent DVC points. We pay about half the rack rates that way. Just something to consider.

 

[KittyKitty]

I would research Art of Animation. Their decor is wonderful, especially the Cars section. They have family suites that have 2 bathrooms. There is Lion King and Nemo family suites. Price is high but have more room.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/art-of-animation-resort/

 

[tstein12]

Swan and Dolphin - great location and much nicer hotel/resort than CBR. Also, many more dining options at Swan/Dolphin than CBR, including those at YC and BWV.

The pirate rooms at CBR aren't worth it - a little dated and dark in my opinion.

 

[angelmav]

CBR is also huuuuuuge and your experience will largely be determined with where you wind up at. If going Moderate I’d really only do PoFQ, but that’s just me.

 

[Olaf Myfrenzargay]

Pirate rooms are horrible. Rooms are dank and small. Thrill wears off in about three seconds, and they’re in Trinidad, as I recall, which is like a 15 minute walk from the main area. Takes forever. Closer to the skyliner, but still a hike.

 

[brockash]

Help! I am planning or families first wdw trip. I haven’t been since I was maybe 12? My husband has never been. Going in may. at this point, I am looking at Caribbean beach pirate room or swan and dolphin through Costco with about a 400 price difference. Which should we do?

Do you need magical express? If not, we'd definitely do Swan/Dolphin.

 

[Timandalicia]

2 kids, 4 people total. At least 2 beds. Buses are ok, walking to some is nice too, not too picky. We do like some pool time.

Beach Club if in your price range. Walkable to 2 parks and arguably best pool. Otherwise Swan is great choice.

 

[Schneewittchen37]

I would pick Swan over CBR at this point. I've stayed at both resorts.

CBR is an okay place. The pool is wonderful. It may be one of the best on property. Great slides, zero entry, hot tubs, etc. The standard rooms are okay, especially if you're only in there to sleep. Kids like hanging out on the hammocks by the "lake" if that's still a thing. The QS restaurant is alright, at least it's better than a value food court. Never been to the sit down restaurant there - Sebastian's - just didn't have time for that one or too much interest in the menu. Anyway, transportation is going to be either the skyliner to Epcot and HS or the dreaded buses to MK and AK. I used to be okay with the buses, but now I have no patience. When we stayed at CBR, my kids were 7 and 9ish.

Swan is nice. The pool isn't themed or anything, but really nice for a Marriott or whatever the Swan is these days. The room is nice, comfortable beds. Several great restaurants either in the resort or walking distance at the Boardwalk/YC/BC. Maybe this resort is more adult oriented too. But most importantly, you can walk to Epcot and HS. I cannot stress just how important this is..... And yes, the MK and AK buses are miserable, just like every other Disney bus..... when we stayed at Swan, the kids were 8 and 10ish.

 

[_19disnA]

Mostly the 'where should we stay?' topic depends on: 1) budget, 2) personal preferences and 3) which park(s) you plan to visit. No Disney resort is nearest to every park. Some people love a certain resort while others don't. Disney offers specials at various times, but that doesn't mean every room will be on sale. They also have those 'UP TO x% off' deals which can also be a bit misleading. If you know you are traveling on specific dates, you will have less flexibility in finding discounted rates. Staying off-site might be an option that results in a lower price with more room for your family.

 

[jabrown40]

You didn't mention if you were driving or renting a car, That would make a difference for me, When my two boys were the ages of yours, I preferred Disney hotels for theming and appreciating the Disney bubble. My go to now that we are just adults is the Swan Dolphin. I'm not sure, but I believe the Dolphin rooms are bigger. Also it's never advertised, but they have rooms on the second floor that are called deluxe alcove rooms I believe. These are huge! I'm not sure if they come in a two bed configuration, but the room I had included a huge living room. We had adjoining rooms, they were amazing, and only about 275.00 per night. However, the Swan and Dolphin are definitely geared toward adults, and business travelers. Although they have more dining options, the restaurants tend to be more upscale and expensive. If you have a car, that would lessen the need to use the bus system, which can be horrible when staying at a huge resort like CB. The skyline to EPCOT and Studios will help, and the kids will enjoy the experience, CB is also near Riviera, which has good restaurants too. I would skip the pirate rooms. You would just have to look at a resort map or ask here on the boards if people prefer getting rooms near the skyline, or in the area nearest to the pool, and restaurant area.