Disney - Swan or Caribe Royale?
 

We're heading to Disney next month (2 adults, no kids), and we're considering both of these properties. We know that the Swan is near the Boardwalk and the Caribe is about 1.5 miles outside of the parks. This being said, if you could stay at either location/resort, which one would you select? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Khy-I'm guessing you're referring to the WDW Swan hotel, Across from the WDW Dolphin. I believe these are both STARWOOD hotel properties and IMO I would skip the SWAN and choose the WDW Dolphin Hotel (if the rate is cheaper). Both hotels have a great location, easy parking, right near the boat dock to MGM and a very easy walk to EPCOT and
Boardwalk area. I'm not familiar with the CARIBE.... Have fun!!

JMO but I'm not a big fan of either. I'd stay on property with a Disney hotel.

Judging solely on location, I would pick the Swan. It's walking distance to Epcot and the Boardwalk which has great restaurants and evening options, plus busses to the parks and Downtown Disney. At the end of the day, the last thing you want to do is have to hit the parking lot and sit in a traffic jam to exit the Disney property IMO.

Based on location alone, I would choose the Swan. I have not stayed at either of these hotels, but I have stayed at the Beach Club, which is very near the Swan. This is a great location on the Boardwalk and walkable to Epcot and MGM Studios (or take a ferry). I would stay at the Swan.

Check WDW site, they just issued discounts thru Feb.

I am assuming that there is a reason why you are debating b/t these 2: Starwood points? If you have to stay @ one or the other, then definitely go w/ The Swan b/c of its location. It's great to be able to walk to Epcot & to stroll back to your Hotel after dinner. Now...if you do not have to stay @ either of these, then I wld suggest that you consider The Boardwalk Inn.

Caribe Royale, as you said, is about 1.5 miles east of Disney property. It has very nice, spacious two room suites (think Embassy Suites), with the deluxe units almost 50% larger than the standards. Their pool area is extremely nice. They also have unbelievably nice two bedroom villas off from the main property, but they're very expensive and not adjacent to the large main pool.

The Swan/Dolphin are great. They have the wonderful heavenly beds and the location can't be beat. We stayed at the Dolphin and loved it. There are fewer children at the Swan/Dolphin than most other on site hotels at Disney World.

Totally agree with schmerl! Have stayed at both many times for the teacher's rate of $139. Both have either the Sweet Sleeper of Heavenly beds. The Swan was more recently renovated, though. I haven't been there since 2004, so just checked Tripadvisor and was surprised to find some negative reports about the Dolphin, but not so much the Swan.
They are right next to one another, so the location to me is about the same. The differences are, Swan has fewer rooms, shops, and restaurants. Personally, I always liked the Swan better. Look for discounts!! We used to use the Entertainment card for 50% off rack rate until I found the teacher's rate. Also, if you're going to pay $200+, you may want to stay at an actual Disney hotel.

OOPS! Haven't been there since 2002!

IMO, the Caribe Royale is too far from the parks-traffic can be a real issue.

I've stayed at the Swan and loved it...I agree with the other posters that it's a more convenient location and as the Dolphin is a 'sister' property you're entitled to use their pools, etc too.

I've stayed at both and Swan is nicer, but both are fine. If you are doing WDW over multiple days, go with the Caribe.

I feel very compelled to comment on this subject, even though it is months later. I just got back from a conference with husband and stayed at Caribe Royale for only one night. It was gross. Couldn't believe that people were happy with it. So out dated, nothing like the Swan, which was a bit outdated, but at least clean. Skip the Caribe Royale!

Have stayed at both Swan and Dolphin and going to the Dolphin next week. Both have been recently remodeled and have the Heavenly Beds. There is maybe a few minutes difference in walking to the Boardwalk between the two-not anything to even be of concern. Like the Dolphin better because it has the ice cream shop and a cafeteria for a fast breakfast if needed. Never thought it was a big deal until we had some serious rain and had to walk to the Dolphin from the Swan to eat.

We just returned from a 3 night stay at the Caribe Royale. We got a good rate and enjoyed the pool (although very crowded). Rooms were spacious. Food seemed to be pricey. Took several taxis/limo and cost way too much. Complimentary shuttle was very limited and over crowded. Don't know anything about the Swan.