A "Merry" Birthday celebrating being FIve with The Fab Five. a PTR Dec 2011

[kwitcherkicken99]

I been spending some time finding out about CARIBBEN BEACH RESORT

We stayed there last September. We stayed in a normal Nemo room, and I'm glad we did. The pirate rooms are actually the farthest from OPR (Old Port Royale/Centertown).

The buses suck (for lack of a better term). The buses will make 6 or 7 stops (if you get on at the start of the rotation) and can add a considerable amount of time to your transit time to the parks/ADRs/DTD.

Check in/check out is NOT at the main building, it's in another location near the Barbados section. That is also where ME picks up and drops off so make sure to give yourself extra time.

We were okay with the food court, decent choices, ate there 3 days on our last trip. The gift shop staff was wonderful but I have an un-DIS-friendly term for those working guest relations at OPR.

Bell hop services gets overwhelmed VERY easily there, so keep that as a fair warning if you leave bags with them. On our arrival day, we didn't get our luggage until 3 hours after we called for it. It came at 1a. I also waited on the phone line for over 15 minutes trying to get through.

Mousekeeping was excellent and the grounds were very pretty. If you aren't careful, the pathways in between the buildings can get confusing. Just make sure to keep the kids on the path. There was a report a couple years ago of a little boy getting bit by a water moccasin and ended up at Celebration hospital for treatment. All he did was reach into the brush for a toy that was dropped. So stay on the paths!!!

THERE ARE NO ELEVATORS IN THIS RESORT!!! If you intend on taking a stroller, request a ground floor room, otherwise you will have to deal with carrying it up and down stairs every day.

The room size was good and they do fill it up with furniture. There isn't a good place to put a pack & play or crib (like at CSR - it fit under the garment rack, next to the sink). There is a curtain to separate the sink area from the beds in case you are up separate from your group and need a light on. I thought there was a good amount of storage space as well.

The main pool is fantastic but be forewarned that there are very few life vests and the lifeguards don't do a very good job at preventing people from taking them back to their hotel rooms to use the next time they go to the pool. There are a few slides in the big pool and there is a bar just outside the gate.


We stayed in Aruba building 51 (my opinion of the BEST building on the grounds!). The bridge to OPR was just outside our door and the fastest way over. However, the Jamaica bus stop was closer than Aruba's for us, so again, study that map for the closest bus stop to get you to the parks.

The internal bus DOES exist, but we saw several people jumping on and off the resort buses because the internal shuttle didn't come as often as it probably should.

Would we stay there again? No. DH preferred CSR to CBR but I'm glad we tried the location. The grounds are probably the prettiest on property but it is JUST SO BIG. Even my buddy without kids mentioned that fact and their room was attached to ours.

Can I highly recommend it? No, but do think it is a resort everyone should check out at least once. Just be VERY careful of what village you end up at because it can make for a LONG transit to OPR.

 

[Grace and Mickey]

We stayed there last September. We stayed in a normal Nemo room, and I'm glad we did. The pirate rooms are actually the farthest from OPR (Old Port Royale/Centertown).We are thinking about a priate room
The buses suck (for lack of a better term). The buses will make 6 or 7 stops (if you get on at the start of the rotation) and can add a considerable amount of time to your transit time to the parks/ADRs/DTD.
We will have a car, think this will help
Check in/check out is NOT at the main building, it's in another location near the Barbados section. That is also where ME picks up and drops off so make sure to give yourself extra time.

We were okay with the food court, decent choices, ate there 3 days on our last trip. The gift shop staff was wonderful but I have an un-DIS-friendly term for those working guest relations at OPR.

Bell hop services gets overwhelmed VERY easily there, so keep that as a fair warning if you leave bags with them. On our arrival day, we didn't get our luggage until 3 hours after we called for it. It came at 1a. I also waited on the phone line for over 15 minutes trying to get through.

Mousekeeping was excellent and the grounds were very pretty. If you aren't careful, the pathways in between the buildings can get confusing. Just make sure to keep the kids on the path. There was a report a couple years ago of a little boy getting bit by a water moccasin and ended up at Celebration hospital for treatment. All he did was reach into the brush for a toy that was dropped. So stay on the paths!!!

THERE ARE NO ELEVATORS IN THIS RESORT!!! If you intend on taking a stroller, request a ground floor room, otherwise you will have to deal with carrying it up and down stairs every day. Great tip

The room size was good and they do fill it up with furniture. There isn't a good place to put a pack & play or crib (like at CSR - it fit under the garment rack, next to the sink). There is a curtain to separate the sink area from the beds in case you are up separate from your group and need a light on. I thought there was a good amount of storage space as well.

The main pool is fantastic but be forewarned that there are very few life vests and the lifeguards don't do a very good job at preventing people from taking them back to their hotel rooms to use the next time they go to the pool. There are a few slides in the big pool and there is a bar just outside the gate.


We stayed in Aruba building 51 (my opinion of the BEST building on the grounds!). The bridge to OPR was just outside our door and the fastest way over. However, the Jamaica bus stop was closer than Aruba's for us, so again, study that map for the closest bus stop to get you to the parks.

The internal bus DOES exist, but we saw several people jumping on and off the resort buses because the internal shuttle didn't come as often as it probably should.

Would we stay there again? No. DH preferred CSR to CBR but I'm glad we tried the location. The grounds are probably the prettiest on property but it is JUST SO BIG. Even my buddy without kids mentioned that fact and their room was attached to ours.

Can I highly recommend it? No, but do think it is a resort everyone should check out at least once. Just be VERY careful of what village you end up at because it can make for a LONG transit to OPR.

THank you Jen for your info. I truly appreciate it
We have only stayed at values ASMU and Pops would like to try a Mod and Corri WANTS the PRIATE ROOM I been so excited because she has look into lots of the plans for this trip..
Do you thinking having the car will be a big help to us. We are planing on driving to most of the parks.
Hope you are well. Howare your plans coming.
Sorry I have been over to vist you PTR. I plan to check in later tonite.
Grace

 

[englishrose47]

Morning Grace !!!One of the reasons I stay at Pop is cuz it is not HUGE and spread out !!I have gotten lost at AKL when I went there for Boma and was looking around !!When Animation Resort opens near Pop, they will have cute themed suites also !!!I am however concerned how the Animation will effect Pop's bus service

 

[Grace and Mickey]

Morning Grace !!!One of the reasons I stay at Pop is cuz it is not HUGE and spread out !!I have gotten lost at AKL when I went there for Boma and was looking around !!When Animation Resort opens near Pop, they will have cute themed suites also !!!I am however concerned how the Animation will effect Pop's bus service

Hi Rosie
I am wondering about the size of CBR. CorriREALLY wants to stay here. thinks it might be are only chance for the MOderate Resort. and wants a priate room. I will proburaly get LOST tooo BUT what better place to be LOST in then WDW!!!!!
I hopeing to be able to stay in The Animation resort for our 2014 trip with my best friend and her family. Klariss 1st trip

I bet your getting very excited for you trip Less then 30 days.
Take soon
Grace

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

THank you Jen for your info. I truly appreciate it
We have only stayed at values ASMU and Pops would like to try a Mod and Corri WANTS the PRIATE ROOM I been so excited because she has look into lots of the plans for this trip..
Do you thinking having the car will be a big help to us. We are planing on driving to most of the parks.
Hope you are well. Howare your plans coming.
Sorry I have been over to vist you PTR. I plan to check in later tonite.
Grace

Yes! Having the car will make LOADS of a difference. I stand by having a car down there 100%!

The biggest thing that concerns me for your trip is A) having the stroller at CBR - remember, no elevators! and B) the size of the place.

From what I remember, the pirate rooms are in Trinadad North and South. Those are buildings 31-39 based on my CBR map they gave us. The smaller the number, the closer they are to OPR.

Building 31 is the closest to OPR, it's right next door.
Buildings 32, 35, and 38 are lakeside.
Buildings 33, 36, 37, and most of 39 are parking lot side (a few rooms in 39 are by the lake).
Building 34 is in between the lake and parking lot.

If Martinique has pirate rooms, those are buildings 21-26, with buildings 25 and 26 being the closest to OPR. Only buildings 25 and 22 and one side of 24 are lakeside.

You will check in at the CUSTOM HOUSE next to the Barbados bus stop.

I'm going to take a photo of the map and post it on here for you. It's marked up from our trip, but you'll see what I mean.

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Here is the property map:

Custom house to Martinique:

Martinique to OPR (food court/main pool/gift shop):

Trinidad North and South to OPR:

Where we stayed:

Pictures from around the resort (they are pictures of pictures I took of my scrapbook page)

The Main pool from the bridge:

Old Port Royale (from the pool bar):

The view from our building (looking left):

 

[Grace and Mickey]

Yes! Having the car will make LOADS of a difference. I stand by having a car down there 100%!
We are planning on using the car ALot
The biggest thing that concerns me for your trip is A) having the stroller at CBR - remember, no elevators! and B) the size of the place. We WILL
request a 1st floor room
what I remember, the pirate rooms are in Trinadad North and South. Those are buildings 31-39 based on my CBR map they gave us. The smaller the number, the closer they are to OPR.

Building 31 is the closest to OPR, it's right next door.
Buildings 32, 35, and 38 are lakeside.
Buildings 33, 36, 37, and most of 39 are parking lot side (a few rooms in 39 are by the lake).
Building 34 is in between the lake and parking lot.

If Martinique has pirate rooms, those are buildings 21-26, with buildings 25 and 26 being the closest to OPR. Only buildings 25 and 22 and one side of 24 are lakeside. I think there in Trindad which makes the further from the main building
You will check in at the CUSTOM HOUSE next to the Barbados bus stop.

I'm going to take a photo of the map and post it on here for you. It's marked up from our trip, but you'll see what I mean.[/QUOTE] Thank you

Jen you are wonderful to help me I know how busy you are with you own PTR, and trip report and of course life in general. and I truly apprecaite it. And the Map is very helpful. Thank you for helping meYou are certainly spreading the Disney magic.
Grace

 

[21hearts]

Hey Grace. Just stopping in to say hello. The pirate rooms look awesome.

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Thank you

Jen you are wonderful to help me I know how busy you are with you own PTR, and trip report and of course life in general. and I truly apprecaite it. And the Map is very helpful. Thank you for helping meYou are certainly spreading the Disney magic.
Grace

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I don't mind at all!

Life is busy, but this place is my get-away. My summer stuff will calm down here at week's end and I'll be able to get ready for DS starting kindergarten this fall. I'm not a Disney expert by any means (there are those who have more knowledge than I do), but what I do know, I know well!

 

[Grace and Mickey]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I don't mind at all!

Life is busy, but this place is my get-away. My summer stuff will calm down here at week's end and I'll be able to get ready for DS starting kindergarten this fall. I'm not a Disney expert by any means (there are those who have more knowledge than I do), but what I do know, I know well!

Hi Well said

you are right Life sure can keep you busy.

Your little boy is growing up. They DO grow so fast. Landen will have to wait to go to Kgd, in Ohio you must be 5 before Sept 30.

It's a magical place for a get-way.

Hope you are having a good day

 

[englishrose47]

Evening Grace !!Yes in 31 days we will be in Orlando , staying Off site for 1 night !!!!

 

[Grace and Mickey]

Hi friends
How everyone in well we been having some very hot weather here the past week.

Have some news

We did it!!!!!!
We Booked Caribbean Beach Resort

and a Priate room too

very excitedlooking forward to the MOderate resort

We where able to use our pin that we had on our ASMo
room

Has any one else heard any rumors about some discount coming around Aug 13th?

Any one planning on attending the Christmas party?

We are hoping to buy tickets in a few weeks for the Dec 11th party?

We wo n't be doing the Candlelight prosessinal, thought it was a little to much for Landen ,I would have like it though.

Got a copy of a count down chain will be working on it in Aug our 100day is Sept 5th

My best friend (or my forever friend as we call each other)
will be leaving and Aug 6th for WDW, she stay at the Animal Kingdom lodge, we will be talking day from the park.

Take care and have a magical evening
Grace

 

[annmarieda]

Hi friends
How everyone in well we been having some very hot weather here the past week.

Have some news

We did it!!!!!!
We Booked Caribbean Beach Resort

and a Priate room too

very excitedlooking forward to the MOderate resort

We where able to use our pin that we had on our ASMo
room

Has any one else heard any rumors about some discount coming around Aug 13th?

Any one planning on attending the Christmas party?

We are hoping to buy tickets in a few weeks for the Dec 11th party?

We wo n't be doing the Candlelight prosessinal, thought it was a little to much for Landen ,I would have like it though.

Got a copy of a count down chain will be working on it in Aug our 100day is Sept 5th

My best friend (or my forever friend as we call each other)
will be leaving and Aug 6th for WDW, she stay at the Animal Kingdom lodge, we will be talking day from the park.

Take care and have a magical evening
Grace

on the pirate room.

We just bought our tickets for the 11th. Maybe we will see you there.
Please make sure to post a picture of your countdown. I know I want to work on one... I just haven't had the time.

 

[englishrose47]

Hi Grace !! Congrats on upgrading !!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Grace, what wonderful news about the upgrade!!! We've stayed at CBR about 5 times, beginning the year it opened in 1988. It is a beautiful resort. We've always stayed in Martinique, which is now preferred, but was not the first 4 times we stayed there. So lovely!

The pirate rooms are further out and a bit of a walk, but the weather should be very nice and it is a pretty walk (I've been there several times over your dates, and we've had VERY cold/freezing evenings with daytime in the mid 80's. We always take coats, scarves and gloves just in case).

Do be sure to check your room carefully for bedbugs - CBR is one of the resorts that have had a lot of bedbug reports. If you need info on how to check, I'd be happy to post a link. I know it's a bummer, but better to be careful than take home hitchhikers!

It's going to be wonderful!!! I am so happy for you

 

[Grace and Mickey]

on the pirate room.Thanks

We just bought our tickets for the 11th. Maybe we will see you there.
Please make sure to post a picture of your countdown. I know I want to work on one... I just haven't had the time.

Hope to see you there tooMaybe will could share a cookie

Hi Grace !! Congrats on upgrading !!

Thanks Rosie Cant believe I getting to stay in mod

Grace, what wonderful news about the upgrade!!! We've stayed at CBR about 5 times, beginning the year it opened in 1988. It is a beautiful resort. We've always stayed in Martinique, which is now preferred, but was not the first 4 times we stayed there. So lovely!
Glad you back, i was wondering where you have been I appreciate any tips you can give.

The pirate rooms are further out and a bit of a walk, but the weather should be very nice and it is a pretty walk (I've been there several times over your dates, and we've had VERY cold/freezing evenings with daytime in the mid 80's. We always take coats, scarves and gloves just in case).
They did say something about a preferfed pirate room not sure what building it in.
Do be sure to check your room carefully for bedbugs - CBR is one of the resorts that have had a lot of bedbug reports. If you need info on how to check, I'd be happy to post a link. I know it's a bummer, but better to be careful than take home hitchhikers! OH MY!!!! Please give me the link.
It's going to be wonderful!!! I am so happy for you

Thanks so much It will be wonderful Can't quite believe i getting to upgrade. I planning on taking a wide varity of clothing.

 

[Grace and Mickey]

Guess What???????

I

Got

Free

Dining

​

I 'm very happy save us more than the room pin we had

I was on the phone at 7;00 , had music, at 8;00 then no music thought Iwas discounted call back no music on hold I hoped finally got music again after about 20 mintues, got thur about 9;00 Got a very nice C M So if you call Disney and don't get music just stay on line.


I hope everyone is having a good day too
​

 

[englishrose47]

Congrats on Free dining !!!I am hoping they have it next year !!!

 

[21hearts]

Congrats on getting FD.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Congrats on the free dining, Grace!!!! I am so happy for families because it works out so well!

Because I usually travel with a friend free dining is never a good deal for me since we then must pay rack rate for the room - a room only discount is usually a much better savings.

Here is the link for how to protect yourself from bedbugs when traveling. It is overwhelming and can be a big pain to check the room carefully and be careful with suitcases and clothing etc...but getting rid of bedbugs at home is very costly (up to $7,000!!) and not easy.

http://www.bedbugcentral.com/bedbugs101/topic.cfm/protect-yourself-when-you-travel

Hope this helps!! Are you driving? If so, that is wonderful b/c besides hote rooms, airplanes is the other big way the critters get into your luggage. Yuck!!!