Caribbean Beach FAQ part VI

[kive1484]

Here now! Got in Friday night. Had requested 3 rooms together in Jamaica. We are together but in Martinique which is not a big deal to us. Being together was the most important thing to us. Got one working fridge between the 3 of us. Was able to get one more as my niece has medication. There was NO WAY we were getting a third. Highly suspect that this resort will be completed by the 21st as someone was informed. They said they are giving me a credit. So far CMs have been great! The very friendly gentleman who checked me in gave me tons of false information though. Said I'd never need my key cards except for EMH, that Martinique was the first stop on the bus route and that the lifeguards were on duty until 11. All of the above are not true.

Room is great - very clean.

Hit DHS yesterday morning - was busier than expected - and then Epcot in the afternoon for Akershush lunch. I must have done pretty well avoiding Epcot on weekends during F&W in the past because I have never seen it as crazy as it was. We could barely walk around World Showcase. The line for the Mexico boat ride was back to the ramp going down into the pyramid! We had to wait in line for Journey into Imagination! BUT then we walked right into the character spot Headed home for pool time in the evening - it was quite HOT and humid.

Off to MK today! Have a magical day everyone!

 

[maxiesmom]

Can anyone give me an idea of how long it should take from the time we land at the airport to get to the resort by magic express? Trying to figure out our dining options! Thanks!

In all honesty it is best to not book a sit down meal on arrival night. Especially now that Disney is charging the $10 per person fee for missing an ADR at all restaurants. If you are late for any reason, such as the airplane being late or DME taking longer than expected, you would be out that money.

If you decide to take the chance, don't book an ADR for less than 3 hours after your scheduled arrival time. That gives you time to deplane, walk to DME, wait for your bus, get to your resort, get checked in, and then travel to your ADR.

 

[Overexcited]

In all honesty it is best to not book a sit down meal on arrival night. Especially now that Disney is charging the $10 per person fee for missing an ADR at all restaurants. If you are late for any reason, such as the airplane being late or DME taking longer than expected, you would be out that money.

If you decide to take the chance, don't book an ADR for less than 3 hours after your scheduled arrival time. That gives you time to deplane, walk to DME, wait for your bus, get to your resort, get checked in, and then travel to your ADR.

We did Hoop De Doo on arrival night. Landed at 5:30, dinner at 8:30. We ended up running to make it before doors were closed. Very stressful. We said next time we would do downtown Disney instead!

 

[PhoenixStrength]

Here now! Got in Friday night. Had requested 3 rooms together in Jamaica. We are together but in Martinique which is not a big deal to us. Being together was the most important thing to us. Got one working fridge between the 3 of us. Was able to get one more as my niece has medication. There was NO WAY we were getting a third. Highly suspect that this resort will be completed by the 21st as someone was informed. They said they are giving me a credit. So far CMs have been great! The very friendly gentleman who checked me in gave me tons of false information though. Said I'd never need my key cards except for EMH, that Martinique was the first stop on the bus route and that the lifeguards were on duty until 11. All of the above are not true.

Room is great - very clean.

Hit DHS yesterday morning - was busier than expected - and then Epcot in the afternoon for Akershush lunch. I must have done pretty well avoiding Epcot on weekends during F&W in the past because I have never seen it as crazy as it was. We could barely walk around World Showcase. The line for the Mexico boat ride was back to the ramp going down into the pyramid! We had to wait in line for Journey into Imagination! BUT then we walked right into the character spot Headed home for pool time in the evening - it was quite HOT and humid.

Off to MK today! Have a magical day everyone!

About the bolded part: If you have Magic Bands you shouldn't need your KTTWK except for EMH, Martinique is the first stop for some of the parks as there are 2 entrances: If they use the main entrance to come in then it's the first stop, if they use the side entrance (which is used for AK and DHS usually) then Jamaica is the first stop. And the lifeguards are supposed to be on duty at the main pool until 11pm. No lifeguards at the quiet pools.

 

[kive1484]

About the bolded part: If you have Magic Bands you shouldn't need your KTTWK except for EMH, Martinique is the first stop for some of the parks as there are 2 entrances: If they use the main entrance to come in then it's the first stop, if they use the side entrance (which is used for AK and DHS usually) then Jamaica is the first stop. And the lifeguards are supposed to be on duty at the main pool until 11pm. No lifeguards at the quiet pools.

The lifeguards have left both nights at 8 and that is what is posted at the pool also. If you want old fashioned paper fast passes you need your key cards. We were also told by another CM that some dining establishments aren't set up for magic bands yet so we should take our cards (haven't found any of those yet though.) Yes I forget about the other bus route - we were first on today going to MK.

 

[Mommiesblessings2]

4 days, OMG, I can't believe it! This week is going to drag

My family of 10 are all going on our first visit to the World and we are so excited!!

3 days of rain according to accuweather, but oh well. Let it rain it's only water.

Like I tell my DD, your not sugar, you won't melt!

Are we there yet!

 

[sammyjo1871]

We checked in on Saturday around 10:30am. Our room was not ready, which didn't surprise me. We were prepared to just hang by the pool. But the great CM had other ideas! She got on the phone and asked someone (maybe in housekeeping?) if there was a room being cleaned we could get. Our main request was 1st floor (preferred) and that is what she got us. I must admit it was so nice to have the room early.

I was originally hoping for Martinque, but got Trinidad North and am very happy with our room! It's in bldg 31, facing a courtyard and we even have a decent view of the lake from our window. Room didn't have fridge but I asked about one to a passing mousekeeper and next thing I know I have a gentleman in dress pants and a clipboard at my door. Maybe a team leader??? Anyway he asked about using the room phone and got us one delivered later that afternoon. Yea!

We went over to the pool to cool off and both of us (DS6) love it! The kiddie pool is awesome and the large pool slides are so fun too! The grounds are so nice. What can I say? Palm trees and island music makes me happy! We tried out the food court next and like the large selection. I had a Caribbean salad that was soooo good. My son chose a PBJ. he was happy.

All the CMs we've encountered have been very nice and helpful with any questions. Bus service has been pretty good. Longest wait was 22 minutes, going to MK. However, my guess is that a bus that was just pulling away when we turned the corner heading that way was for MK. Waited and a bus for each park and DTD came next before MK.

I will try to post some pics later but right now the pool is calling!!!

 

[Mommiesblessings2]

We checked in on Saturday around 10:30am. Our room was not ready, which didn't surprise me. We were prepared to just hang by the pool. But the great CM had other ideas! She got on the phone and asked someone (maybe in housekeeping?) if there was a room being cleaned we could get. Our main request was 1st floor (preferred) and that is what she got us. I must admit it was so nice to have the room early.

I was originally hoping for Martinque, but got Trinidad North and am very happy with our room! It's in bldg 31, facing a courtyard and we even have a decent view of the lake from our window. Room didn't have fridge but I asked about one to a passing mousekeeper and next thing I know I have a gentleman in dress pants and a clipboard at my door. Maybe a team leader??? Anyway he asked about using the room phone and got us one delivered later that afternoon. Yea!

We went over to the pool to cool off and both of us (DS6) love it! The kiddie pool is awesome and the large pool slides are so fun too! The grounds are so nice. What can I say? Palm trees and island music makes me happy! We tried out the food court next and like the large selection. I had a Caribbean salad that was soooo good. My son chose a PBJ. he was happy.

All the CMs we've encountered have been very nice and helpful with any questions. Bus service has been pretty good. Longest wait was 22 minutes, going to MK. However, my guess is that a bus that was just pulling away when we turned the corner heading that way was for MK. Waited and a bus for each park and DTD came next before MK.

I will try to post some pics later but right now the pool is calling!!!

So glad to hear your off to a great start! Hope we get pixie dust too when we check in Friday.

 

[kellyjeanie]

We checked in on Saturday around 10:30am. Our room was not ready, which didn't surprise me. We were prepared to just hang by the pool. But the great CM had other ideas! She got on the phone and asked someone (maybe in housekeeping?) if there was a room being cleaned we could get. Our main request was 1st floor (preferred) and that is what she got us. I must admit it was so nice to have the room early.

I was originally hoping for Martinque, but got Trinidad North and am very happy with our room! It's in bldg 31, facing a courtyard and we even have a decent view of the lake from our window. Room didn't have fridge but I asked about one to a passing mousekeeper and next thing I know I have a gentleman in dress pants and a clipboard at my door. Maybe a team leader??? Anyway he asked about using the room phone and got us one delivered later that afternoon. Yea!

We went over to the pool to cool off and both of us (DS6) love it! The kiddie pool is awesome and the large pool slides are so fun too! The grounds are so nice. What can I say? Palm trees and island music makes me happy! We tried out the food court next and like the large selection. I had a Caribbean salad that was soooo good. My son chose a PBJ. he was happy.

All the CMs we've encountered have been very nice and helpful with any questions. Bus service has been pretty good. Longest wait was 22 minutes, going to MK. However, my guess is that a bus that was just pulling away when we turned the corner heading that way was for MK. Waited and a bus for each park and DTD came next before MK.

I will try to post some pics later but right now the pool is calling!!!

Thank you for this great post! So happy to hear it. We check in on Sunday!!

 

[Mommiesblessings2]

What's the latest?

 

[karenklo]

I would love to stay there next summer! Any signs of refurb yet? My DH is 6'4'' and refuses to stay anywhere with less a Queen size bed!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I would love to stay there next summer! Any signs of refurb yet? My DH is 6'4'' and refuses to stay anywhere with less a Queen size bed!

Nothing yet. From what I was told, it will start in April, 2014.

 

[mcd2745]

180 days to go!


Just had a very successful morning making our ADRs!

Here's to hoping FP+ reservations go just as well.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Back from our trip to CBR. We arrived Friday about 11:30am and our room was ready in Aruba - we had a first floor corner room, 5408, with a king size bed. We not only had a working refrigerator, we had a refrigerator that could turn beer into a slushy. Anyhow, the room was immaculate -- housekeeping keep the place perfect. We are a couple of times in Old Port Royale, and for food court choice, we thought there were a lot and well worth the money.

We spent a lot of time at Epcot for Food and Wine and found it extremely packed on the weekend, and HOT! However, it was fun to sample lots of food, but not fun to wait in line 45 minute to get a cold drink -- it was that busy and that hot.

The only glitch we had, my magic band (according to the obnoxius cast member at the MK) only had my ticket to the Halloween party on it, and I did not have admission to the parks. I tried correcting him and telling him that I did, in fact, have a 5 day park hopper, he got snotty and loud (another person trying to get in without a pass). At which point "MANAGER NOW" came out of my mouth loudly. 30 seconds the later the very apologetic manager resolved the issue with my magic band -- it didn't work, and he gave me a card pass to use. Nice customer service on the part of the first one!

Other than that the weather was great, and I would stay at CBR again - Aruba 54 is almost as far away as you can be and still be on property, and I can now understand why some people think the resort is too spread out, however, it was no more than a 10 minute, very leisurely stroll to get to Centertown.

Tom

 

[sugerfreesteve]

Hi. This year is our first time at CBR. Previously stopped at PORS. Can anyone advise how long the bus rides generally are to the parks.

 

[dansdad]

Hi. This year is our first time at CBR. Previously stopped at PORS. Can anyone advise how long the bus rides generally are to the parks.

DHS - 5 minutes
Epcot - 7 minutes
AK - 10 minutes
MK - 17 minutes

 

[totebagg]

What's the latest?

We are here in Trinidad north room 3740 and no fridge. When I called I was told they are still replacing and not to expect anytime soon. Didn't offer credit. Do I need to ask or will they just give it?

 

[dansdad]

We are here in Trinidad north room 3740 and no fridge. When I called I was told they are still replacing and not to expect anytime soon. Didn't offer credit. Do I need to ask or will they just give it?

You need to ask.

 

[sugerfreesteve]

DHS - 5 minutes
Epcot - 7 minutes
AK - 10 minutes
MK - 17 minutes

Thanks dansdad. Do you know how long to DTD and the water parks

 

[dansdad]

Thanks dansdad. Do you know how long to DTD and the water parks

You're welcome.

DTD - 7 minutes
TL - 6 minutes
BB - 6 minutes