Which is a better choice - Coronado Springs or Caribbean Beach?

[barefootMom]

Hi,
I will be going for a week in February with my 2 daughters (15 and 18) and while we are very familiar with the Deluxe resorts, the only moderate we have stayed at is POFQ. I would like to try something different this time though and try someplace new. The price I am finding looks to be the same for a standard room (not a tower room) at each and I'm wondering which people prefer. Caribbean will have skyliner so I know that might be nice to have another transportation option? Other than that, what do I need to compare between the two? Is Bus service to parks similar? Food options similar? we are more "hot tub people" than pool people otherwise I would even consider staying at Art of Animation to save a few dollars...Any input would be appreciated
Ideally I would love to stay at one of these for most of the week and then maybe a night or two at the end at a club level somewhere if I can find it ... Thank you!

 

[sponica]

I have yet to stay at either, but my sister stayed at CSR and loved it. She thought it "felt" more adult. It is a convention hotel, so some times people think that's a negative but she loved it for that reason.

From what I've gathered most of the negatives regarding these resorts are that they are "big" and the buses "take forever"

 

[Hopefully]

CBR is the only Disney Resort I will never return to. I would definitely go with CSR

 

[maxiesmom]

CSR. My one stay at CBR was meh. Love CSR. And it has a very large hot tub, to go along with a great pool area and slide.

 

[Markal]

I’ve stayed at both and much prefer CSR. We have not stayed in the tower tho. I like the feel of the resort. Bus service was good. Only remember one time having to wait over 20 minutes for a bus. I like the food court options better too. Whichever you choose, have a great time!

 

[SarahC97]

Personally, I like the rooms better at Coronado Springs. They were just redone last year and they're awesome, while the rooms at Caribbean Beach haven't been refurbished in a few years (though they did just redo the lobby and restaurants there last year). CSR also has one of the best pools on property, IMO. It's the most deluxe feeling of the moderates, too -- even more so now with the new restaurant choices. I'd choose CSR all day, every day!

 

[DVCjj]

I had never been to CSR after many years at Deluxe resorts (and prior DVC at CBR & POR a couple of times). Recently I wasn't able to get my DD/DSIL in any DVC resort so out of desperation I booked them into the CSR Tower. They absolutely loved it. Asked to go again INSTEAD of DVC Deluxe! We went and checked it out and loved it also. I wouldn't hesitate to stay at CSR. Never saw the inside of a Casita ? but if anything even close to the Tower room, I would stay in a heartbeat. Very pretty grounds. We loved the 'adult-ness' of the resort. I described it as being 'civilized'.

I've become a huge Lyft/Uber fan and the numerous bus stops wouldn't play into a decision anymore.

Umm good luck on the club level. Even if you could get, prepared to be sticker shocked.

 

[OhMickeyUrSoFine]

Coronado. Every time I've stayed at Caribbean Beach everyone came down with either a bad cold/flu/bad sinus infection.

 

[Someluck]

We love CSR as well. Beautiful grounds and we always like a preferred room to be close to food court and park bus. We have never had any problem with waiting very long for the bus.

 

[Babsy]

Just a thought....

If you are looking for a club level stay at a reasonable price, CSR Gran Destino tower has club level! If you are going for a week you could try a split stay with the first 3 nights at CBR (to try the Skyliner) and the last 4 nights in Gran Destino Club level! Then you can tell others which resort you liked better. LOL

 

[Nancyg56]

I have stayed at both and would choose CSR over CBR, especially with teens. I thnk CS is a more relaxing resort because it really is more "adult" and seems to have fewer little kids in families. I like kids and do nto intentionally avoid them on vacation, however I find a noticeable difference in atmosphere between the two resorts.

If you are set on a Gondola resort, I suggest Gran Destino Tower. I have not had the pleasure of staying there, however there is a lot ot be said for being contained in one building rather than being situated on the far side of a large resort complex.

 

[FredPinsocket]

I’d go with Caribbean Beach for a couple reasons.

1) Food and Beverage at Caribbean Beach is pretty great right now. Centertown Market and Banana Cabana (which shares a kitchen with Sebastian’s I believe) are solid food options. I haven’t eaten at Sebastian’s, but I’ve heard nothing but fantastic things.
2) Transportation. Having the Skyliner is a game changer.

 

[Shellbells]

We booked a BB 3 weeks ago for CSR in the tower but I doubted my choice almost immediately. I called and switched to CBR.
I've never stayed at either and looked at the pros and cons for each and went with what works best for us. I think it really comes down to preference.
CBR edged out CSR because of the Skyliner and the tropical vibe.

 

[Redarrow5150]

I'd go with CSR. Besides what others have mentioned they do have an exercise facility (if you're into that) while CBR doesn't. IMO food court is better at CSR as well.

 

[JCornell]

We did CSR years ago (2007). It's a pretty resort and we liked our room but it was a huge resort with a big circular lake in the middle and we felt like it was a super long walk to the main building, buses etc. That said, they now have bridges crossing the lake which helps that situation some. We visited the Destino tower last August and it was really nice too but overall we also thought there was a big conference vibe to the place. I'd be willing to give it another shot but the rest of the family isn't very interested.

We are staying at CBR in February. We have never been before and weren't very interested but not that the Skyliner is there, I'm really excited to try that out and see how transportation to DHS and Epcot is. We've been to a lot of the resorts and POR is our favorite moderate and one of our favorites overall so we're curious to see what we think of CBR.

 

[gorkt]

I had the same dilemma for my upcoming trip, and I chose CBR for the Skyliner and the fact that CBR was recent refurbished. I also like the tropical theme better.

 

[Sargeant Tibbs]

CSR for all the reasons already listed. It's such a beautiful resort, and has always had a more deluxe feel to me, even before the tower was built.

 

[Devil13]

CSR for me

 

[DisneyTrainFan75]

Another CSR vote. Love the pool area and the Three Bridges Bar & Grill.

 

[Dunshie23]

Have stayed at both, another vote for CSR