Caribbean Beach FAQ part V

[Tinkerbellie16]

Welcome back and thanks for the review and jacuzzi info! Nice that the CM let you check out the pirate rooms. I don't mind walking, either, especially outside in wam weather in a beautiful place.

That's really what we are paying to be able to do! So I don't mind the walk from Trinidad South at all. Just so long as we remember everything we need to when we go to the pool and one of us can run back with our 3 year old if he's melting down and needs to nap.

I am already a little bit sad that we will only be there 5 nights and 4 days. I keep trying to figure out how we'll get to do all the park stuff we want to, AND be able to hang out and relax at CBR. We may have to sacrifice Epcot. My kids are 3 and almost 6 so that seems like the way to go. The first and last days we'll do MK, the second day we'll to AK, and the 3rd day we'll either do half Epcot or we'll just hang at CBR. Just the more I read about how beautiful and relaxing CBR is, the shorter our stay feels. Wish we could stay a little longer.

Our family likes to get to the parks in the morning and then back to the resort by 1. We'll nap (if needed, but always when the kids were younger), then hit the pool. We'd be back to the park in the evening by 5 or 6. You might consider that route if you want to make it to all the parks (and you don't have a park hopper). Definitely go with the attitude that you won't see it all and you won't be disappointed!

 

[dledger]

Just booked my trip to stay at CBR Aug 30-Sept 4th. As you can see from my sig, haven't been there in a long time! I'm excited to go back and read this thread to find out more about the resort!!!

 

[billlaurie]

Welcome back and thanks for the review and jacuzzi info! Nice that the CM let you check out the pirate rooms. I don't mind walking, either, especially outside in wam weather in a beautiful place.

That's really what we are paying to be able to do! So I don't mind the walk from Trinidad South at all. Just so long as we remember everything we need to when we go to the pool and one of us can run back with our 3 year old if he's melting down and needs to nap.

I am already a little bit sad that we will only be there 5 nights and 4 days. I keep trying to figure out how we'll get to do all the park stuff we want to, AND be able to hang out and relax at CBR. We may have to sacrifice Epcot. My kids are 3 and almost 6 so that seems like the way to go. The first and last days we'll do MK, the second day we'll to AK, and the 3rd day we'll either do half Epcot or we'll just hang at CBR. Just the more I read about how beautiful and relaxing CBR is, the shorter our stay feels. Wish we could stay a little longer.

The first time we went to WDW our kids were 3 and 6 as well. We spent the most time in MK, which is the most appropriate park for kids that age. We also only did 5 days that time and it was hard to see everything we wanted. Right now MK is a little torn up. Hopefully they'll have all the construction finished soon. Now, our kids are 9 and 12 and Epcot and HS are their favorites so we spent 2 days at each of those parks this time. We spent 1 day at AK and 1.5 at MK. You could definitely do Epcot in 1/2 a day and see the attractions appropriate for your kids but they would probably be equally as happy hanging at the resort if the weather is nice. We spent a whole day at CBR this time and headed to MK late in the day for dinner. My kids did not want to leave the pool. They have all kinds of kid-friendly activities (with prizes) and my boys made friends with other kids and were content. It helped that the temp was 85! It is always a dilemma trying to figure out whether to rush off to a park or stay at the resort but as my husband pointed out, we paid for the resort too, might as well enjoy it. Whichever you decide, you'll have fun If you do go to Epcot, make sure you do the Turtle Talk with Crush. My kids loved it at that age and still do!

 

[imktdqt810]

Hi There,

We just booked Sept 1st-8th and are excited to have an early flight in to enjoy the resort the first day there. I was wondering if all the rooms have free wi-fi? I read that some areas do.....so wondered about all the rooms?

And is there any great secret "must see" area that folks normally overlook?
We love little things like this.

This is will the first time DS has been and really DH too (he was there 2 days over 8 years ago for a conference....not the same as a family vacation).

 

[dansdad]

Hi There,

We just booked Sept 1st-8th and are excited to have an early flight in to enjoy the resort the first day there. I was wondering if all the rooms have free wi-fi? I read that some areas do.....so wondered about all the rooms?

And is there any great secret "must see" area that folks normally overlook?
We love little things like this.

This is will the first time DS has been and really DH too (he was there 2 days over 8 years ago for a conference....not the same as a family vacation).

Congrats on booking your trip! Yes, all the rooms have free WiFi.

As far as secrets, I don't know of any really. But we did use our first day to explore the grounds. They are absolutely beautiful. You should check out this thread with CBR pics. Check out the last couple of pages for brand new pics.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1845975


The movies at night by the pool are fun. So is the campfire on the beach with s'mores! We had a hard time getting our son out of the main pool too.

Enjoy.

 

[billlaurie]

Hi There,

We just booked Sept 1st-8th and are excited to have an early flight in to enjoy the resort the first day there. I was wondering if all the rooms have free wi-fi? I read that some areas do.....so wondered about all the rooms?

And is there any great secret "must see" area that folks normally overlook?
We love little things like this.

This is will the first time DS has been and really DH too (he was there 2 days over 8 years ago for a conference....not the same as a family vacation).

We just got back and there was WiFi in the room, though it seemed to disconnect every 10 minutes. My kids had a great time at the "pool party."
One thing that my sons (and husband) really enjoyed was the new sorcerers game in MK. It had them running all over the park but they were totally getting in to it If it's your first time there (plus your son is maybe a little on the young side for it) it may be too time consuming.

 

[imktdqt810]

S'mores on the beach!! Really...yum! What beach and what times?

I have been reading backwards on this thread. I need to take a weekend and start at the beginning and work my way through it all.
Thank you for all the pics....that was a cool link.

I was wondering...one thing I keep reading about is that the resort is so big with all the different stops for the buses while heading in or out. Is there a certain order that if we walk to a different village it is the last stop before heading to the parks? Or do they keep it random so everyone in the whole resort is not standing at the "last boarding" stop prior to the parks?

Thanks again.

 

[billlaurie]

S'mores on the beach!! Really...yum! What beach and what times?

I have been reading backwards on this thread. I need to take a weekend and start at the beginning and work my way through it all.
Thank you for all the pics....that was a cool link.

I was wondering...one thing I keep reading about is that the resort is so big with all the different stops for the buses while heading in or out. Is there a certain order that if we walk to a different village it is the last stop before heading to the parks? Or do they keep it random so everyone in the whole resort is not standing at the "last boarding" stop prior to the parks?

Thanks again.

I remember seeing a more detailed bus route earlier in this thread but from what we experienced the bus seemed to enter the resort from the Barbados to Martinique side and work its way around or come in at Jamaica toward Aruba and go around. The bus stops are very spread out so it wouldn't be that convenient to catch the bus at another stop. We were in Martinique and the bus was always empty or almost empty when we got on it in the morning. Coming home from the parks was a different story. The buses were packed, but we always stayed til the end to experience every last bit of Disney magic

 

[mjo99]

The first time we went to WDW our kids were 3 and 6 as well. We spent the most time in MK, which is the most appropriate park for kids that age. We also only did 5 days that time and it was hard to see everything we wanted. Right now MK is a little torn up. Hopefully they'll have all the construction finished soon. Now, our kids are 9 and 12 and Epcot and HS are their favorites so we spent 2 days at each of those parks this time. We spent 1 day at AK and 1.5 at MK. You could definitely do Epcot in 1/2 a day and see the attractions appropriate for your kids but they would probably be equally as happy hanging at the resort if the weather is nice. We spent a whole day at CBR this time and headed to MK late in the day for dinner. My kids did not want to leave the pool. They have all kinds of kid-friendly activities (with prizes) and my boys made friends with other kids and were content. It helped that the temp was 85! It is always a dilemma trying to figure out whether to rush off to a park or stay at the resort but as my husband pointed out, we paid for the resort too, might as well enjoy it. Whichever you decide, you'll have fun If you do go to Epcot, make sure you do the Turtle Talk with Crush. My kids loved it at that age and still do!

We may very well adpot that approach. DS still always naps, and generally a LONG time. We want to get to MK to see wishes once (hopefully day 1), but otherwise, we may just hang out at CBR and not return to the parks on day 2 and 3. We have a 2:20 reservation for CRT on the last day, and definitely can't miss that!

I called about possibly switching from a pirate room and was told the resort is full. Full? It's not a peak week. Is that normal or does that mean there's some sports team from he**? I am happy about the pirate room, it's just DD was thinking Nemo might be better so I told her I'd ask. I'm kind of relieved the answer was no, but I worry about what that means for the resort. We don't get there till 7pm.

 

[mjo99]

Question: Can you bring the life vests from the main pool back to the village pools, or do I need to pack floaties?

Thanks!

 

[dansdad]

Question: Can you bring the life vests from the main pool back to the village pools, or do I need to pack floaties?

Thanks!

There are vests at the quiet pools too.

 

[LuvsTinker]

Whoo Hoo!!! Just booked for first week of June with the 25% discount. Haven't been since Sept. 2008.

Can't wait

 

[minniebeth]

Whoo Hoo!!! Just booked for first week of June with the 25% discount. Haven't been since Sept. 2008.

Can't wait

First week in June (I personally think) is a great time to go...have fun!

 

[vacation_junkie]

Hi There,

We just booked Sept 1st-8th and are excited to have an early flight in to enjoy the resort the first day there. I was wondering if all the rooms have free wi-fi? I read that some areas do.....so wondered about all the rooms?

And is there any great secret "must see" area that folks normally overlook?
We love little things like this.

This is will the first time DS has been and really DH too (he was there 2 days over 8 years ago for a conference....not the same as a family vacation).

Were in Martinique 25 a few weeks ago..which is preferred room... we had a bit of a signal the first day there then nothing the remainder of our trip! Couldn't connect with any of our devices... The connection was sparatic sitting at the pool as well..

The deluxe resorts have it in all the rooms...the moderate in the common areas...

 

[vacation_junkie]

The main pool is definitely open 24 hours. I am about 90% sure that the quiet pools are also 24 hours, but we only used the main pool late at night because the jacuzzis are only at the main pool.

I sure don't think the walk is insane for the pirate rooms. From the farthest point of Trinidad South to OPR it is 8 minutes at a very leisurely pace.

We were there a few weeks ago..it was posted that the main pool was open until Midnight..the waterslides shut down at 7 when the life guards went off duty!

 

[vacation_junkie]

Is there a 24 hour pool at CBR? We love swimming at night when we stay at Pop and I can't tell which pool, if any is open late?

Also is the walk insane for a pirate room? We are already commited to the room, we told DS, but I just want to prepare myself mentally.

Thanks!

We were there 3 weeks ago...sign on the gate says 24hours but the new sign posted with all the rules and stuff says til midnight

 

[dansdad]

We were there 3 weeks ago...sign on the gate says 24hours but the new sign posted with all the rules and stuff says til midnight

Hmm...that's odd. Maybe they change it depending on the time of year, weather, occupancy, etc. When we were there in October, both the sign on the gate and the handwritten sign said pool and spa area open 24 hours. The splash area, water slides and lifeguards were done at 8PM.

My DS and I were in the pool at 2:30AM one night with about 10 others and plenty of CMs walked by and never said a word. Also there's a picture of the hours in the CBR resort picture thread posted by momoftwodisneyboys from January 2, 2012 and it shows pool and spa open 24 hours. They must change it up then.

 

[CamoMama]

Were in Martinique 25 a few weeks ago..which is preferred room... we had a bit of a signal the first day there then nothing the remainder of our trip! Couldn't connect with any of our devices... The connection was sparatic sitting at the pool as well..

The deluxe resorts have it in all the rooms...the moderate in the common areas...

We were just there as well, got home on the 12th. We were in Trinidad South 34, and had no problem with the free wifi in the room. I checked e-mail in the evenings and occasionally in the morning. One night we were even able to stream netflix (late at night when usage was lower and we were having a hard time getting to sleep). I only had an issue getting online once or twice at peak times (just after parks closed) when the page said that there were already too many users online, after a 15-20 minute wait I tried again and got it.

If you really need internet access I'd take a wifi booster along, just to make the signal a bit stronger if necessary (although it wasn't in our room). They're inexpensive and small enough to fit in the pocket of your carryon.

 

[CamoMama]

I remember seeing a more detailed bus route earlier in this thread but from what we experienced the bus seemed to enter the resort from the Barbados to Martinique side and work its way around or come in at Jamaica toward Aruba and go around. The bus stops are very spread out so it wouldn't be that convenient to catch the bus at another stop. We were in Martinique and the bus was always empty or almost empty when we got on it in the morning. Coming home from the parks was a different story. The buses were packed, but we always stayed til the end to experience every last bit of Disney magic

We got home from CBR on the 12th, after a wonderful 9 night stay. We were in Trinidad South, very close to the bus stop. We always timed our exodus just right and never had to wait more than a few minutes for a bus, no matter which park we were heading off to. We noticed that some trips we were the last stop and immediately headed to the park after getting on and other times we seemed to be the first and went all the way around before getting on the main road, and other times it was somewhere in the middle.

I talked to the CM who was manning the bus stop one morning (every morning there was a CM there directing people on to buses and giving wait times, always very friendly and chatty young men, sometimes they started games with the kids to keep them busy, like trying to think of a Disney character name for every letter of the alphabet!) who explained the way the bus system works. It's all run by a computer which dictates each driver's route. The driver checks in with the computer so that his location is reported by opening the door to the bus at each stop (if they don't open the door it messes up the tracking and they can get in trouble). When a driver completes a route the computer sends him on a completely new route, so they're not running the same route all day long and don't get bored. There is a different route for each resort depending on where the driver starts. The computer keeps track of usage for each resort and adds or removes buses from each route as needed.

 

[Disney*Dreamer]

Just changed out reservations from Coronado to CBR. I really liked the queen beds at Coronado, but I know the kids will enjoy CBR's pools so much more. Can't wait! We are going the 2nd week of June, the 8th - 15th. Right now we have dining and tickets, but am thinking about going to room only because we have 2 6 day non-expiring tickets, and would only have to buy the kid's tickets and pay for dining out of pocket. I had to cancel our other dining reservations, because we also changed the week from the 1st week to the 2nd, but we had t-rex, rainforest, royal table, ohana, sci-fi, and rose and crown. I plan on re-making all of them except ohana and rose and crown, as we were only eating there to use table services. Am really excited about the change.