which resort to pick?

[lomillerin]

I am new to this, so if I do something wrong please let me know.

I am planning a trip to WDW, Universal, and a cruise in late July/early Aug.

We are going to spend 5 nights at WDW and 3 at Universal and then take a 3 day Disney cruise.

I can get the Swan for $129 with teacher discount, but I am concerned that it is not new and not really Disney owned.

I am deciding between, the Swan-standard view, the WL-standard view, the AKL-standard view, or the CBR-standard or maybe water view. I have stayed at the Boardwalk Villas once, All-Star Sports, and Dixie Landings (Riverside) once.
I really like Deluxe resorts. I like cleanliness above all else. I liked the location of the Boardwalk and that is why I am considering the Swan.
I heard the CBR has been renovated. How much? New carpet? What about tubs/fixtures, etc. I am a little weird about things that are old, show a lot of wear.
I read on another site a review that said the Swan is not up to Disney standards and it is more for business. I will be with by husband, 11 yr. old son, and 4 yr. old daughter.

Also, which Universal hotel? Is the Royale Pacific considered deluxe?

Last thing, any ideas on how to get discounts on any of the on site hotels or cruise? We have cruised on Disney before and loved it. We want to do it all this time and therefore need some deals?

Sorry so long, driving myself crazy trying to find good deals on the nicest hotels.
Thanks,
Lo

 

[goofy4tink]

Not sure how much help I can be, but here goes. We are also traveling this summer. Myself, dh, and 9 y/o dd. I had booked the Swan with gov't employee discount. But, changed it since I really wanted this last big 'family trip' to be all Disney. I've booked CBR but am seriously considering splitting my week between it and WL. I just love the feel of this resort. As far as getting any discounts, the codes aren't out yet for summer travel. I booked CBR using my Disney Club discount. Not much,but better than nothing. When the codes come out for my travel time, I'll call and rebook, hopefully getting a much lower rate.
The CBR had all their rooms refurbished about 1-2 years ago. Last fall, into Dec. they redid the food court and sit-down restaurant. So it's not technically all redone, down to the carpet. But more so than a lot of the other resorts.

 

[tnkrbell]

We personally did not enjoy the Swan/Dolphin resorts!
We loved the WL though!!
We also love the Epcot area our favorite is the Yacht but I also love the Beach and the Boardwalk.
We also really enjoyed the polrtifino at Universal The rooms blow disney out of the water!! (But I still prefer to be in Disney go figure)

 

[RobinMarie]

I prefer the location of the WL but we enjoyed the Swan better. My daughter loved the view we had of Epcot, the Boardwalk Hotel and MGM. I think for the price, I'd go with the Swan again.

We did not enjoy the dark, smaller room of WL but I understand many love that resort. I was not a big CBR fan either. I would pick the theme and go with that for your choice. I love the victorian themes of Dixie Landings/POR and GF.

I found the Swan to be larger and a lot more comfortable than the WL. I would not hesitate to stay there again. I found the mattress, decor and size exactly what we needed. We had a 180/night rate for a club room. I would not do the club room again but I'm glad we did it once.

HTH

 

[lomillerin]

The rates I have are:
Swan-129
WL and AKL-199
CBR standard 144
CBR water view 159

I also have 125 a night at Royal Pacific in Universal with the Entertainment card.

Which hotel is the nicest of the 4 disney and any comments on the Universal hotels would be great.

Thanks,
Lo

 

[Gillian]

The Swan rooms are being renovated & they look beautiful! Since the search is down, I can't find the pictures, but if you post asking for them, I'm sure you'll get help. I haven't stayed there, but for $129 I sure would! And over the also newly-renovated CBR too, just because the location of the swan is so good.

$125 is good for the Royal Pacific. There is a whole board for Universal hotels. You can find it on the main disboards.com page. The Hard Rock sounds fun but too noisy/busy for me. The other hotel sounds nicer than the Royal Pacific, but it was a lot more money, even with the entertainment rate, so we went for RP for Fall 2003. Can't wait to try it!