Booked CBR - a mistake?

[skipper]

Was looking to stay at the Poly but no rooms were available. Was probably way overpriced anyways with the quotes over $300/nt on other deluxes and I need two rooms.

Have stayed at Wilderness Lodge and Coronado Springs Resort in the past along with off property timeshares and more recently the Lowes Universal resorts.

Since I have 6 day WDW tix I'd like to soak up some Disney Magic for the week, although kids (21, 17, 15) still want to do a day or two at the Universal parks.

It was a tossup between CSR again or try CBR so I reserved CBR. WL was same pricing as the Deluxes (what's up with that?). I liked the Queen beds at WL - I believe all other moderates unfortunately have doubles.

Am I making a mistake with CBR? I found our room at the CSR to be out of the way and a long walk to the main pool and market. I understand the CBR is even bigger. I'm still on the fence on the benefits of an onsite stay vs offsite. I wound up driving to the parks while at WL because the bus service was too slow and unpredictable.

Is CBR also a good fit for teens? The pool looked like it might be geared to younger kids. The pool at the Hard Rock drove me crazy as it was no more than a few feet deep.

Other options are to do a 2BR Villa at the Sheraton Vistana for half the price of 2 standard rooms at a WDW moderate, or see if a DVC villa rental comes up.

-Skipper

 

[franw]

We love the CBR and you can put in a request for a building closer to the Port Royale. They have pools in each island cluster and a larger pool by the Port Royale.

The grounds are spread out but very tropical. We prefer it to the CSR but mainly because the CSR reminds us too much of the southwest and we prefer a more tropical setting on vacation.

I don't know anything about the offsite hotels as we just would never consider offsite again but someone else might fill you in.

When we have the grandkids we usually stay at the Beach Club Villas as they are vacation club members but they also love the CBR and we often drop by just to say hi.

 

[belle09]

I stayed at CBR back in May, and I have to say that as a 19 yo college student, I loved it. The main pool does have water cannons, but it looked pretty deep (I never actually went in) and there's always the quiet pools. There's also the hammocks on the beaches if you're looking for someplace a little more "mature" to relax. I thought the theming was wonderful -- very lush and it definitely has a tropical feel to it.

We didn't have any problems with the bus service, other than one day when it took 45+ minutes for a bus to Epcot to show up. As for rooms being out of the way, I agree with franw about requesting a room near whatever section is important to you. We were in the Jamaica section. The bus stop was a 1-2 minute walk and Old Port Royale was 7-8 minutes. The only place that was really far was the Custom House, but we never had to go there once we checked in.

I think I heard that CBR and CSR are the same size, but don't quote me on that.

 

[safetymom]

CBR is a beautiful resort. You will have a great stay there. You might want to check out the CBR FAQ thread listed below.

 

[Quinn222]

When did you book CBR for? I was thinking of giving them a try for our spring trip but their main pool is going to be closed for rehab so that killed that idea and we are back at CSR instead.

 

[SUSIEQ]

WL was same pricing as the Deluxes (what's up with that?). I liked the Queen beds at WL - I believe all other moderates unfortunately have doubles.

-Skipper

WL is considered a deluxe resort, not a moderate.

 

[StephaBabe50]

I'm 15 and I love CBR, its actually my favorite. It is big though so if you want to you can request to be near Old Port Royale. The only problem with CBR is the bus ride. It ca be very long because it has quite a few stops.

 

[skipper]

When did you book CBR for? I was thinking of giving them a try for our spring trip but their main pool is going to be closed for rehab so that killed that idea and we are back at CSR instead.

Thanksgiving week. Is the main pool going to be closed!?

 

[safetymom]

No it won't be closed then.

Just keep checking the first post of the CBR FAQ for updated information.

 

[princessgirl2238]

i've stayed at both- my honest opinion is that csr is a whole lot better than cbr- cbr felt old and run down in compairison. at csr- i called a week before we got there and requested the casistas #1 or 3 cause they are right at the path around the lake and are extrememly close to the main area (we liked to go to the main bus stop and get drinks with the mugs), but when we asked for a somewhat close room at cbr, we were told it was an extra charge (which is wasn't at csr) and we were still put at the other end of the resort (not good) and the non smoking rooms (this was last nov) were still very much infested with the smell of smoke and they weren't willing to work with us to find a room closer (cause we did pay the extra money to be close) that also didn't smell like smoke

 

[MinnieTink]

We have stayed at CBR twice, and have enjoyed it both times. The rooms were very clean. (We stayed there in '04 for a few days, then headed over to the Hard Rock Hotel, and found the CBR room to be much cleaner. You don't even want to know what we found in HRH!!!) We like the "preferred location" rooms. Last time we were within about 100 yards of a bus stop and a 1 minute walk to Old Port Royale/Main pool area. I think it was Trinidad North. Some people would probably prefer a quieter area (although we didn't have any noise issues) but after all that walking in the parks, it is great to just hop off the bus, and into your room. Have a great time!

 

[skipper]

WL is considered a deluxe resort, not a moderate.

Nice theming but did not think WL was a Deluxe and would not cough up over $300/nt/rm for a standard room there. The rate I paid a few years ago was the same as what they are asking for on the moderates today.

 

[skipper]

then headed over to the Hard Rock Hotel, and found the CBR room to be much cleaner. You don't even want to know what we found in HRH!!!)

Believe me I know. My bro had blood smeared on the bed, couch and walls on his HRH suite when he checked into his room Weird people, strange events where they close off the lobby, and the service to the resort guests suffers there.

I stick to Royal Pacific or Portofino and thinking of adding two nights at one of these before heading over to WDW. I get a free room upgrade with my Loews First Platinum.

 

[simonkodousek]

Are you sure that the WL is over $300 per night? Did you check Expedia?

 

[skipper]

Are you sure that the WL is over $300 per night? Did you check Expedia?

Yes, Courtyard View (only room type available on Expedia) $320/nite

 

[G8r4evr]

CBR is a beautiful resort. One of the most relaxing I have ever stayed in. I think you made a great choice =)

 

[Amy&Dan]

I love CBR, its my favorite of the mods (have stayed at all of them). We had a spotlessly clean room, wonderful mousekeeping, loved the pools (CBR quiet pools in my opinion are nicer than CSR quiet pools) and we also enjoyed being able to view the high up fireworks from Illuminations from several points within the resort. I liked CSR very much, but for my family the rooms at CBR were a better set up and the lush, tropical theming was a real hit for us too. We also enjoyed the food court and Shutters for dining at CBR. I don't think you made a mistake at all! In fact, if the CBR main pool wasn't closed for our June visit, I would be staying there. I may anyway, since they have so many lovely quiet pools. Give it a try, I don't think you'll be sorry!