Hi Kim! Welcome back to planDisney!
I love when I get a chance to discuss resort accommodations for upcoming stays! All of the
Disney Resorts Collection hotels, as well as the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin hotels, are amazing places to stay and offer countless amenities to enjoy. You highlighted some big differences between Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort and the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel in your question. Staying at the Swan Hotel does limit your use of your
MagicBand, especially not being able to use it for purchases around the resort. I like not having to carry a room key or wallet with me to the parks.
Another big difference, which you touched on, is transportation to a couple of the parks. You will have boat access to both EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios from the Swan Hotel, but traveling to the Magic Kingdom Park, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and Disney Springs requires a shuttle bus to get you there. Unlike the
Disney Bus Transportation that you can take from Caribbean Beach, the shuttle buses do not run as frequently as Disney buses. Also, when traveling to the Magic Kingdom, you will be dropped off at the Ticket and Transportation Center instead of the bus depot outside the entrance of the park. This will require you to then take a boat or monorail to the park from here.
Theming will be slightly different when staying at the Swan Hotel over Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. Walt Disney World is known for its impeccable theming at each of its resorts. Caribbean Beach has a unique vibe that translates across the resort rooms, dining locations, and pool areas. You feel as if you are transported to the Caribbean Islands and are relaxing beachfront. While the Swan Hotel does have immaculate premises and beautiful hotel rooms, it does miss an overall vibe that most Disney Resorts Hotels have.
The Walt Disney World Swan Hotel does have an advantage in its location. It sits just off
Disney's Boardwalk and is within walking distance between two of the theme parks. You have the luxury of walking outside your hotel and having countless options for dining, shopping, and entertainment. Plus, if you have the park hopper option added to your tickets, you can stroll over to the International Gateway and visit EPCOT each night. Not having to rely on transportation can be a big deciding point when choosing your accommodations. Caribbean Beach Resort does sit along the Disney Skyliner and is a great way to get around the Resort. The Skyliner does get crowded in the morning and at night, so you'll need to account for some extra travel time when using it during these hours.
Lastly,
Extended Evening Theme Park Hours are offered to all Guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts, including the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel. On select evenings, certain theme parks will allow these Guests to stay and enjoy the park past the official closing time. It's the perfect way to ride attractions with shorter wait times. Currently, these dates run into August, but I would continue to check the schedule to see if it will be offered when you arrive. Since Caribbean Beach Resort is classified as a Moderate Hotel, these benefits are not awarded to these Guests.
Kim, I hope this information helps you decide between these two fantastic places to stay. You will not go wrong with either choice. Stop back anytime to planDisney with additional planning questions!
Have a magical day!
Greg