Greetings from CBR! Any questions?

[boltjames]

Just arrived at the CBR and the weather's beautiful. Those on the boards who helped me, thanks a lot as your advice paid off.

In an attempt to return the favor, if anyone has any questions about the CBR please post 'em and I'll answer as the AOL connections are pretty good from the hotel.

I can tell you that there is some construction going on by the food court here and one of the pools at Martinique (I think) is closed.

BJ

[donmil723]

I hope you continue having good weather.

We will be at CBR on 4/8. Could you find out for sure which quiet pool is closed and for how long? We have requested Martinique but will be spending a lot of time at the quiet pool so we might change our request to Trinidad North. Martinique are the blue buildings with red roofs.

Thanks!

[4merlurkerchris]

Have a great time!
Chris

[boltjames]

I'll get you the answer and post tomorrow. It was either Martinique or Barbados as we walked from the Old Port Royale area counter clockwise towards Jamaica.

The construction at Old Port Royale has cut off the loop around the lake. In order to the full circle or just get to the main, themed pool you need to go through the food court (and the crowds) from Martinique. I'd tell you that from the looks of the retaining walls and signage that this is a big refurb job.

On a positive note, the chicken strips over french fries in the food court haven't lost their luster. The new syrup rationing program for breakfast is pretty lame though....

BJ

[vellamint]

WHAT refurbishment job.....please.......what is involved.....can you find out what they are doing and how long it will take to be completed.....PLEASE!!!!!!!

[minniek]

What building are you in? Is it mobbed down there now? Hope you're having a great time!!! According to ACCUWEATHER you're in for the weather of your life!!

[DeeCee]

???Syrup rationing program?????? Huh?

[cottontail]

Hi:


Have a great vacation. How do you find the new rooms?

Deb.

[wdisneelvr]

I just returned last week from CBR and the construction is no biggy really. It's at Old Port Royale at the back of the bldg and it has a green fence around it. You really don't even noticed it since you walk the other way to get into the bldg. It is far away from any of the bldgs where the guest sleep.

I didn't have any problems with syrup for my french toast. You just go up to the fixin counter and pour some into the cups. It was plenty for the pancakes, waffles and french toast...and it comes out warm too, gotta love that!!!

Have fun everyone, CBR was beautiful!!!!!!! :)

[corvair]

Would it be better to stay in Trinidad north since you have to walk in food court to get to the pool from Martinique?

[lvs_eeyore]

Can I ask what AOL number you are using to connect from CBR? I plan on bringing my laptop and I would love to be able to connect from a local number.

[tjhj]

do they have the playground on the island at CBR? We have two children and we are staying their in May . So any info you have will be great keep it coming.

[boltjames]

First off, the weather's perfect, I'm here and you're not, and all that other stuff.

Answers to your specific CBR questions:

donmil723: The pool that is closed is in Martinique. It will reopen this week on the 22nd, so you're all set. Have a great time!

vellamint: As previously posted, the refurb job is not unsightly, but it does put a damper on the Marina and breaks up the nice flow for those of us who like to walk around the lake after the food court is closed. There's no way to go from Martinique to the themed pool (for example) after the food court's closed. Don't know when it's going to be finished.

minniek: Were in Jamaica 45 which is a building I highly recommend as it's right at the foot of the bridge to the food court and is far enough away from the pool/beach/playground to be nice and quiet. Also, if you park at the lot for Aruba 51 you're literally parking right behind Jamaica 45 which is a major plus for strollers and stuff.

DeeCee: Sounds *****y, but I liked the old Kraft syrup containers. Poke 'em with a fork, squeeze 'em, and the syrup's out. Now I've got to balance my tray, carry it to the fork/knife station, balance it to the drink machines, balance it to the napkin area, and then (if I've done well this far) balance all that with my mugs filled and then get some drippy, thin syrup to not spill on the tray. PITA compared to the old days.

cottontail: The new rooms are terrific. Cleaned up and looking brand new, the best part is all the new storage space. All our luggage fits under the beds, there are hooks and shelves everywhere, and the bathtub doesn't look old like it used to. Major improvements. For those into Video, the new Sony TV's have input jacks on the front, so bring the cords needed to plug in your camcorder, DVD, etc.

corvair: Yes, if the themed pool after 11pm is what you're looking to access then I'd steer clear of Martinique the next few weeks.

lvs_eeyore: The AOL connection is strong and is only 75 cents a call for an unlimited time period. Want to surf for 3 hours? No problem. Just put 407-210-4265 into the AOL dialup config and you're all set.

tjhj: On the island in the middle of the lake there is a playground, but it's not the biggest or cleanest IMHO. Depending on their ages, I'd recommend the playgrounds that are on the beaches by the lake in front of the individual villages.

That's it from here. If you've got any more questions, fire away. Onto Magic Kingdom tomorrow!

BJ

[lvs_eeyore]

Thank you so much for the AOL information!!! We have four trips planned for Disney this year....one starting on the 27th of this month.....and I want to be able to take my laptop and connect from the room!!! Tooooooo Kewl!! Thank you so much!!!

I sure hope all the rehab is done before our August vacation. We are planning on staying at CBR in Martinique.

[boltjames]

lvs_eeyore: You're welcome for the info. If you *really* want to have fun surfing (and if you're a Verizon or ATT user) bring your mobile phone and a modem connecting cord and surf the web from a hammock by the lake at 10pm as I am right now :)

Strawberry daquiri in my left hand, bag of pretzels in my right, moon over my head, lake behind my feet. Kids and wife asleep. Can't get much better than this now can it?

BJ

[corvair]

sounds great... hows the weather? did you request jamaica? how long does it take you to get to the food court? this location sounds great. we are going in june and i requested martinique but i am worried about the construction. how about trinidad north? what is that like. thanks for all the great info.

[lvs_eeyore]

Unfortunately we have Voicestream and I cant find a mobile phone that will work with a laptop through them. Due to all the problems we have had with this company I really am considering switching mobile phone companies. I would love to be able to surf like that. We will be at CBR in August so I have a bit before I can hammock surf LOL.

It sounds like you are having a heavenly time!!!

[boltjames]

corvair: I've read a few of your posts in other thread's, so here's some info to put your mind at ease so you can focus on other things:

1. Choose CBR over AKL. Bigger rooms and more fun stuff for kids (in the age bracket you've got) to do. The kids can be independent within the hotel grounds without you being concerned at all. Tons of little kids trekking over the bridge from Jamaica to the bigger themed pool.

2. By the time you get here in June, all the construction around the food court area and Martinique pool will be over.

3. Requesting Jamaica is a bit tricky, but you can get it if you follow my fool-proof system: Beg. Make your reservations through central reservations like you should and make sure you request Jamaica, but about 10 days before you land in Florida get the number for the CBR front desk and ask them to pull up your reservation. Make up a story about staying in Jamaica on your honeymoon and they'll make an additional note in the system. Now, the night before you leave, call again and tell them how important it is that you get Jamaica and get that person's name. When you arrive the next day, you're all set.

4. I've stayed at Martinique and Jamaica (and checked out Trini North), and Jamaica's better. It's an extra 3 minutes of walking time from Jamaica but it's over the bridge and is really part of the magic. As Martinique is near the food court area, I find that it's less private when you want privacy, you've got no need for the bridge (sad), and the pools are more crowded. Being in Jamaica gives you the best of both worlds- proximity to the food court and a little (but not too much) seclusion.

5. The weather's great! No humidity and high 80's. Best ever.

Now relax and get ready to have fun!

BJ

[Disneylvr]

What time does the CBR food court open and close these days? We will be arriving on a 10pm flight and was hoping we could get a bite to eat upon arrival at the resort. I know it used to be open until midnight. How late is pizza delivery???

Will the construction at Old Port Royale and the Marina be completed by May 11th? I know the Martinique pool will be opened again by that time but is the construction moving on to another section? Sorry about all the questions. I hope you are having a wonderful time at CBR! It is my favorite Disney resort even though we haven't stayed there in 4 years.

[JALaP]

bj,
Wow! thanks for the info, just in the nick of time- We're checking in tomorrow, Tuesday, and I'd requested Martinique . But based on the pool info, I just called to rescind that request---Now we're asking for jamaica, and they told us the only non-smoking building is 45, where you are!
One question: since the rest of the buildings are non-smoking, have you noticed that there are a lot of smokers at the quiet pool? I mean, does that make a difference one way or the other?
Thanks again for the heads up! Judy

[donmil723]

Thanks BJ for getting the info about Martinique pool. I am drooling thinking about you lying in that hammock. Have fun!

[Mickeyluver37]

Ok, we are arriving on Friday, so I just called and requested Jamaica 45! Any other tips or advice? This is our first time to the world, and our kids are 2 and 4....which is better 1st or 2nd floor?

[tjhj]

First I would like to say thanks for the info on the playground.. As I sit here reading the other posts I am getting a chuckle it looks like in May we are going to have a rush on Jamacia #45, we also requested that one. Oh and on the info about begging, we will have to give it a try now I wouldn't be lying when I tell them I was their for my honeymoon,I wonder if it will score me any points. We seem to be getting very lucky,first we got a post card, next we were able to get resie for Cin royal table now look out #45 here we come..... (maybe thats alittle to much). Hope everyone has a magical time. I can't wait:pinkbounc

[boltjames]

More answers to your questions:

Disneylvr: Food court stays open in limited fashion until about 11pm in my estimation. I'll get the official times for you tomorrow. As for the May 11 date, based on what I can find out the Port Royale uplift will be completed in mid April so no worry there.

JALaP: Congrats. Jamaica 45 is the place to be as far as I can tell. Smoking isn't an issue at the pool. Haven't seen many smokers whatsoever in CBR to tell you the truth. They are everywhere at the parks though :(

Mickeyluver37: 1st floor is a must-have with a stroller. No two ways about it. We've got a nice lake view (FYI: If you pay more for a 'water view' you may get a pool view, so always ask for a LAKE view) on the ground floor and I'd have passed up the tranquility of the lake if I had to take the upper floor. Food for thought. Also, take care not to bring any food with you! There's a great supermarket (Goodings) about 5 minutes away that will have all the kid snacks/diapers/etc that you'll need. We requested a refrigerator and it's a major plus. Lots of turkey, yogurts, juices, milk, and water fit in it and save us time and $ at the parks and by the pool.

Have fun all!

BJ

[JALaP]

Thanks, we're on our way! Look for us with our 14 year old daughter! By the way, totally agree about smokers at the parks.When we were there in January, it seemed that the smoking restrictions weren't being enforced at all. Wonder what that's about- Judy

[boltjames]

JALaP: Have a good flight! Bring me some syrup in a pre-sealed container as your way of saying "thanks". LOL.

BJ

[Disneylvr]

boltjames, thank you so much for the information!!!! I hope your trip to WDW was absolutely fantastic!!! :bounce:

For those of you going in May like us, we won't be requesting Jamaica #45. :) We requested any building, 2nd floor in Trinidad North. 2nd choice is Martinique. Since we will have a rental car, location isn't as important.

[cindyfan]

Couple questions......
the construction.....is it actually on the Port Royale, or on the marina too? Can you tell exactly what they are doing?
One of the reasons we chose CBR is the marina. We plan on renting the boats.
Parrot cay....are there really alot of birds?
Sorry, hope not to offend anyone.....but....I hate birds!:eek:
Ever since I saw Alfred Hitcock's "Birds" when I was 8 years old!
That alone would keep me away from Jamaica and Aruba.

Any indication of other construction that may be starting?
Can you tell if the gift shop has been refurbished? When we were there 3 years ago it was looking pretty shabby.

BTW.......I would choose 2nd floor over ground level if you can do the stairs. In certain buildings.....if it rains....there is a chance of the ground floors flooding. Posibly not as much of a chance at this time of year. But when we were there in Oct '99, we were getting some pretty heavy rains and I saw them cleaning out alot of water out of some of the ground level rooms, replacing the carpet too. I know this was hurricane season, but just thought I would mention it. second floor can be alot quieter too. Not all the walking traffic.

[SeaSpray]

I was in Martinique last month AND last year, and even though there was NO construction going on last year, we still walked through the food court to get the main pool :) Even if it was late at night and you wanted to swim in the main pool, you can simply walk to the left of the food court to get there if you're coming from the direction of Martinique. It's really not a big deal :)

The marina was open and in full swing last month. :)

Each of the quiet pools is getting a minor refurbishment done to them... Last month the quiet pool in Trinidad South was closed for a week or so, apparently right now they're working on Martinique. Not sure which quiet pool will be next!

I still say that if you need or desire a location close to the food court and main pool, then Martinique is the best. Of course that walk around the lake and bridge are beautiful, but I liked being able to choose when I wanted to walk it, not at 6am when I wanted some hot tea and a muffin :D Trinidad North is also close. Jamiaca has the prettiest color scheme and it was nice to look across the lake at it each day, but I truly preferred to be located in Martinique :)

As for the syrup in the food court.....I personally enjoyed the warm syrup! :) I thought it was an improvement over the cold individual plastic containers. To each his own, I suppose! :)

I think one thing everyone agrees on are those wonderful hammocks!! :D

[corvair]

hello does anybody know how long the pool bar is open till? this site is really great for cbr info for people like me who have never stayed at cbr thanks everyone

[boltjames]

corvair: Got a Strawberry Daquiri at 12:30am so it's open at least that late :)

BJ

[Ted and Holly]

THanks for all the info Boltjames! Do you or does anyone else know how long it takes from Jamaica 45 to the bus stop??

I just called CBR and all THREE CM's I spoke with said that Martinique quiet pool is "down" now and that it would be back up in a few days. Nobody knew which one would be next.

Holly

[teroot]

How long is the renovation supposed to last? Would you recomend changing resorts? We don't go until may 31st. We are there for 6 days and then cruise for 3. i keep hearing so much negative about the CBR. I haven't stayed at CBR before and am getting concerned. I know so many questions. Sorry Im new to this. Thanks for all the help in advance.

[Ted and Holly]

I haven't seen many negative posts about CBR. Every resort is undergoing some sort of construction at any given point in time. If they have already done two pools, they may be completed with the work by the time you get there. CBR is a WONDERFUL resort, and you will LOVE IT!! Don't stress. You'll get there and you will find a hammock to lie on, and you will see. I promise!


Holly

[corvair]

Ted and Holly----- I see you have stayed at AKL we were going to go there but we chose CBR instead. I have never been to either one. What is AKL like? How is their pool?

[boltjames]

The construction around the food court area is finished!

Retaining walls are down......they just put in some new bricks on the walkway and touched up the paint.

So, now that the Martinique pool will be re-opened on Friday, there's no issues on the horizon from a construction standpoint that I can see. All they need to do is correct the unfortunate syrup issue and the place is 100%.

BJ

[Ted and Holly]

Corvair, I just PM'd you!

Holly

[jwwi]

I can't wait, we leave one month from today!

boltjames: Thank you for all the info. I have a question about the rental frig, is there a small freezer area like in a small dorm frig? I like to really chill my H2O, I hate FL H2O. Sounds like you are having a great trip.

cindyfan: LOL about your "Birds" comment, my sister absolutely terrorized me when we were young. She is now my favorite travelling companion to WDW. We even stayed in the CBR Jamaican section together. I don't remember being frightened by the birds on the walk to OPR.

[boltjames]

jwwi: Yes.....dorm room fridge. Right down to the ice cube tray sized "freezer". Goodings grocery store is right up the street and has water at under 50 cents a bottle. Fridge can pay for itself when compared to Disney beverage prices.

On the bird issue: The ducks are beautiful and very friendly. There are no 'aggressive' birds that will swoop down and steal food from you at the pools (at least none that I've seen). Crossing the bridges over the island is certainly 'bird central' at the CBR. Never threatening, but you know they're there. I'm still looking for Gators and Snakes personally. The birds? You know where they are.

BJ

[corvair]

Hello Jb, how is your trip going? You said the store is right down the road. Does that mean it is of site? I did not consider a fridge but if water is only 50 cents it would be worth getting the fridge. We will be there in June so will need lots of water. Do you have a car or are you using the bus? We are still thinking about getting a car. How is the weather? What has been your favorite park or ride so far? Thanks corvair

[boltjames]

corvair: The CBR is located right on the fringe of the Downtown Disney area which also is very close to "civilization"- meaning that there are very nice, new, and super-clean versions of non Disney owned stores like McDonalds, Exxon, and (in the example of food markets) Goodings. You can make a 20 minute round trip to Goodings and load up on small-fridge essentials every few days if you wish. It's literally 100 feet outside of the Disney gates but feels like it's part of the Disney experience somehow.

I find that a cheap rent-a-car is a must-have on properties not directly on the Monorail. Before we had kids, the buses were just fine. With strollers, coolers, camcorders, digital cameras, clothing, etc it's impossible to have fun without a vehicle. Also, you need to consider the amount of time you're spending and what you're going to do. If you're going to go 100% Disney (ie MK, Epcot, MGM, AK, DD, Water Parks) and have no kid issues then you can get away with just busses. If you're going to explore Universal (City Walk is pretty nice), Sea World (avoid at all costs), or do some Outlet shopping then you're going to need wheels.

The weather's great. As far as fave rides, Space Mountain is still as fun as ever, Test Track is good, and Dinosaur was surprisingly scary and effective.

Have fun.

BJ

[traceycooper]

hi i,m sooo jealous we,re going to the CBR in may cant wait
have you any more info on the construction work behind CBR ?
and how long its likely to last & if there could be a noise problem.
Weve never been to Disney so ANY info is great to hear.
Have a drink for me!!

[boltjames]

traceycooper: Just got back today and we had a great time.

I see that you're in England, so I'll assume you're English and tell you that there were tons of Brits at CBR having a blast. I'm sure you will too.

Don't sweat the noise issue at the construction site- but take my advice and request Jamaica building #45 (unless you're a smoker).

Here's a link to a map of the CBR so you can see what I'm referring to:

http://www.wdwig.com/cbrmap1.jpg

The Trinidad North area is the one from which you can see the construction very close by. Stay away from that part of the resort and you'll be fine.

Next, Old Port Royale is the site where the food court is and where you'll spend the second most amount of time (your room and private pool being first of course). Jamaica is right across a bridge that runs through a cool tropical island. The walk is a little longer than Martinique or Trinidad North, but worth it. Avoid Trinidad South like the plague. You're far away from the action and the lakefront has water skiing that might be annoying.

Have fun! Cheers!

BJ

[traceycooper]

thanks for the info,still a bit worried about the construction as we,ve booked & payed through a tour operator & they will have pre booked accomadation.if worse happens & we get trinidad
will it be bad?? as you can imagine flying from the uk is not cheap
and this is our dream holiday (doing wonder cruise too)
glad you had a good time.

[boltjames]

Don't know everything about the travel industry, but I think if you call 001-407-WDISNEY and give them your last name your independent reservation should come up. If that doesn't work, just go up to the front desk upon check in and change the room if you're banished to Trinidad North.

BJ

[denman007]

Boltjames...why do you say to avoid Seaworld?

[boltjames]

denman:

From a post made earlier tonight.....

Just got back from CBR yesterday (Jamaica 45) and I must tell you to avoid SeaWorld at all costs.

Times are tough on SeaWorld it seems......about half of the restaurants and food stands were closed, causing huge lines at the ones that remained open.

Want to see a shark? You're out of luck because that attraction is closed until summer.

Want to see Shamu up close in the tank? Sorry, it's closed.

Want to take a ride up the spiral viewing pole? See you in the Winter.

Want the kids to enjoy the kiddie park and the water rides there? Sorry......no can do.

Want someone who speaks English to help you in any store or restaurant? No habla Espanol.

I should have realized when I saw signs at the ticket line saying "get a free pass for the rest of the entire 2002 year with the purchase of a ticket today" that something was amiss.

I pity the poor English; it seems that some European booking agency is sending all the Brits there as half the people who didn't speak Spanish spoke the Queen's English.

Save your money and go to Animal Kingdom, Kennedy Space Center, or McDonalds instead.

BJ

[Rudyrnpo]

boltjames;

Thanks about forewarning us about Seaworld but i think my ds is so set on it that i have to take him to prove it to him. You know that old, I have to see it for myself especially if my mom told me because you know she can't be right.

Hopefully, we can go early and leave early and hit one of the other parks with plenty of time to spare.

Regarding the refrig, i have been going back and forth regarding that. I can probably fit one of those collapsible coolers for about $15 and fill it with ice and stuff or pay the $10 a day for the fridge. I don't have that many snacks that would go in the fridge. more water and juice boxes. i am a first timer with kids, 8 and 4. what would you do?

[boltjames]

Rudyrnpo: Based on the ages of the kids you may not need the fridge, but I'd do this:

Rent it so that it's reserved for you, and if you don't need it after all, just have them remove it and you'll only pay for it for a day or two. For us, we needed it 24/7 with a younger child. We figured we'd save at least $10 a day on drinks/food to pay for it and that's why we did it.

For the "big cooler" theory, if you're going to leave the cooler in the air conditioned room all day filled with free ice from the machines then it would likely work. Avoid dragging a big *anything* to the parks as it will sloooooooow you down bigtime. Remember that there's increased security at the gates and the trams aren't easy to navigate either.

The bigger question for you is are you going to get a stroller? While you'd think that an 8 year old and a 4 year old can walk without aid, you'd be surprised to find that most can't walk the 5 miles a day in the heat with the lines and the excitement. You may want to read "The 25 Rookie Mistakes" on the wdwinfo homepage for more advice.

Have fun!

BJ

[Rudyrnpo]

Thanks Boltjames.

I had not even entertained the thought of dragging the cooler to the park. strictly room furniture. between all the other stuff to carry i think i would have to kill myself. water bottles, ponchos, cameras, autograph books, that is just in the outer pouches of the fanny packs.

i am also debating on the stroller. if the kids get tired, then my dh will surely be ready to come back for a rest which i have planned for almost every afternoon. My dh does not do well with heat, crowds, lines, cranky kids but then again who does? so afternoon siesta by the pool, if i can find a hammock even better is planned.

how were the lines and crowds? I know now is spring break and all kinds of stuff. do you think i will avoid it going the second week of April?

i have not set too much of an itinerary. especially since they got rid of EE i don't know which park to do which day. Flying by the seat of my pants. but then magical moments occur like this right?!

[tjhj]

Just alittle input on the stroller delema, well we were their in sept and my kids are 4 and 2. We brought our stroller with us from home. I used it for luggage in the airport, they wanted nothing to do with it, I took it to the park the first day and they again would not sit in it. I pushed it all around the park back and forth with no kids in it, In the rain their I was pushing the stoller, the wonderful stroller that I thought I would be saving $ with, So each day I would lug this stroller on boats on bus's just hoping it would get some use...Well, I was tired and sore, I finally left it at the resort and rented one (they didn't sit in that either). I felt like I just wanted to throw it (the stroller) off the boat the one day. If your kids sit in one now take it if not leave it at HOME

[boltjames]

Rudyrnpo: Don't want to give you too much advice here as it will take away the fun, but here's what we did for reference:

Started at the MK with character breakfast at 8:30. Gets you into the park early. Rented a double stroller right at the ticket entrance for $15 and left the single stroller (for the 1 year old) in the trunk of the car. Went back to CBR at 1pm for a swim and naps. Got up and went back to MK at 5pm and had dinner at the Italian place on Main Street. Did the rest of the park in the cool evening, watched the fireworks from Adventureland while the kids had ice cream. Back to the hotel around 9pm.

Repeat the above for MGM the next day. No character breakfast, but at the park early - afternoon nap - back to the park for dinner.

Next day we went to the Contemporary Resort and rented a large pontoon boat for 2 hours and had fun on the lake. Went back to the CBR for lunch and hung at the pool / beach / playground all day.

Next was a half day (morning) at AK. Don't need more than that really. Back to the hotel for a swim in the afternoon. Did the Polynesian Luau for dinner (only because we'd done Hoop De Doo so often.......HDD is better IMHO).

The rest was non-Disney related, so I'll skip it. The lines were manageable, but I'm not a fan of FastPass due to the extra stress of waiting on one line and worrying about time running out on the other. My kids were happiest when we were strolling around the park and not on the rides. Yours may be different. We rented a double stroller each morning in the parks and left our regular one in the car. Our plan was that if we didn't need strollers at all that would be great but best to have just one on hand and rent just in case. In retrospect, I'd have left the big stroller home, bought a $10 disposable job at WalMart for the Orlando segment, rented the double in the parks, and then dump the WalMart special in the trash enroute to the airport.

BJ

[cottontail]

Hi: Can I ask you how much to rent the pontoon boat at the comtemporary resort for 2 hours. Thanks

Deb.

[TeresaNJ]

Wow boltjames, what a great informative thread! I've never stayed at CBR before, never had a desire to, but after reading this you've got me wanting to go experience this resort. You're detailed replies are fantastic, and full of great info, whether one is staying at CBR or not. Thanks for the AOL hookup number. I'm glad you had a great time.

[Rudyrnpo]

Hey boltjames,

the lake you did the pontoon on, is that the one that has had alligator sightings? Which is the waterway to stay away from if you happen to know?

what is the difference between the pontoon and the watermice if anyone happens to know?

I really don't know yet if my kids will be more for the rides or hanging out. we have done amusement parks before but nothing like this and believe it or not, my little one is more the daredevil than the older one. They really enjoy shows alot more so parades and shows will occupy a great deal of time i assume.

Thanks so much for all your info.

[boltjames]

cottontail: As I recall, it's about $55 per half hour for the pontoon's. They are the largest boat they've got (can seat about 8 I think) and have plenty of room for the stroller and a nice canopy for shade. If you do some boating (and I highly recommend it) make sure you go to the Contemporary and go out on the big Seven Seas lake. You can go to the very edge of Fort Wilderness, right up to all the beaches for the CR/PR/GF, and even see the ticket takers at the Magic Kingdom. The kids will love going under the Monorail tracks too.

TeresaNJ: Glad you enjoyed the daily reports. I learned a lot in these forums and was just trying to return the favor. If I helped you, mission accomplished for me!

Rudyrnpo: I guess there must be alligators in the Seven Seas lagoon, but it's the largest man-made lake on the planet and deep as can be so you'll never run into trouble there. The pontoon boats are really large.....big enough for about eight people.....and they're expensive. The watermice are small semi-speedboats for youngsters. Promise me you'll do this: take a few hours to go on the main Monorail and check out the big hotels (Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, etc) and when you're there you'll see all the boats as these resorts are all on the circumference of this enormous lake. One of the least talked about and least appreciated "attractions" at Disney are the phenomenal lakes that are safe and a great way to get some sun, stay cool, and bond with the family.

BJ

[AnnaS]

Hi, I hope I am not repeating this question, my Brother, Sister-in Law and two children ages 5 and 3 will be there in July. Which building would you recommend, close to pool and food court. Walking distance, not smack in the middle of it - are parked cars also close to each building? Thanks.

[boltjames]

AnnaS: Jamaica 45 if you want to be a 3 minute walk away over a tropical island and bridge. Martinique 25 if you want to be almost on top of the food court area. All of these buildings have their own large pools- the one near the food court is the biggest and is "themed" with water slides and a waterfall for the kids.

Here's a map that will help you:

http://www.wdwig.com/cbrmap1.jpg

Choose Jamaica. <------ my advice.

BJ

[AnnaS]

Thanks BJ for responding so quickly - I will tell her Jamaica 45. How far is the "themed pool with slides" from Jamaica 45 - only two minutes? This would be great. I hope you are enjoying your stay. Two friends are going to be down for two weeks - by brother in July and I am jealous!

[JALaP]

We just returned from CBR, and had a terrific time. While I am not the fount of knowledge that BJ is, I did want to weigh in: The resort was beautiful and our room was clean and 'fresh.' We took the bus, at least 2 round-trips to the parks daily, and never had any kind of wait at all. They finished the Martinique construction while we were there, but thanks to BJ, we had switched to Jamaica.
IMPT: I had been told that Jamaica 45 was the only non-smoking building, which is what CBR front desk had told me when I called to switch. But when I checked in, they told me that there were now only a few smoking buildings at Jamaica.So we ended up in Jamaica 46, where a room was ready for check-in.
The walk to the bus stop was very very short. We always ran, and it took about a minute. And many times we were the last stop leaving the hotel and the first arriving. No set pattern, though, that we could discern.

Also want to confirm the Epcot fireworks report: saw them beautifully from the parking lot! Even heard the music!
The walk from Jamaica to the food court was, as reported, easy and picturesque. Birds on Parrot Cay, but not so many. If you want to avoid the "Birds' sensation, though, avoid the Jamaica and Aruba beaches. Not helped by kids feeding the birds!

We just used food court for breakfast and drinks and it was fine. Dieting, so I didnt get to assess the syrup situation, BJ! Used the Jamaica pool, and the Aruba one when Jamaica was too ball-filled. Also enjoyed the Jamaica and Aruba beaches. Hung out by the main pool for pina coladas, but it was pretty crowded mid-day for swimming, so we stuck to the quiet pools. All in all, very happy with the Hotel- a great disney/beach experience,and what a thrill to be getting it for a reasonable price. Would definitely stay again. Judy

[JALaP]

We just returned from CBR, and had a terrific time. While I am not the fount of knowledge that BJ is, I did want to weigh in: The resort was beautiful and our room was clean and 'fresh.' We took the bus, at least 2 round-trips to the parks daily, and never had any kind of wait at all.
IMPT: I had been told that Jamaica 45 was the only non-smoking building, which is what CBR front desk had told me when I called to switch. But when I checked in, they told me that there were now only a few smoking buildings at Jamaica.So we ended up in Jamaica 46, where a room was ready for check-in.
The walk to the bus stop was very very short. We always ran, and it took about a minute. And many times we were the last stop leaving the hotel and the first arriving. No set pattern, though, that we could discern.

Also want to confirm the Epcot fireworks report: saw them beautifully from the parking lot! Even heard the music!
The walk from Jamaica to the food court was, as reported, easy and picturesque. Birds on Parrot Cay, but not so many. If you want to avoid the "Birds' sensation, though, avoid the Jamaica and Aruba beaches. Not helped by kids feeding the birds!

We just used food court for breakfast and drinks and it was fine. Dieting, so I didnt get to assess the syrup situation, BJ! Used the Jamaica pool, and the Aruba one when Jamaica was too ball-filled. Also enjoyed the Jamaica and Aruba beaches. Hung out by the main pool for pina coladas, but it was pretty crowded mid-day for swimming, so we stuck to the quiet pools. All in all, very happy with the Hotel- a great disney/beach experience,and what a thrill to be getting it for a reasonable price. Would definitely stay again. Judy