Caribbean Beach FAQ part V

[Sofia's Dad]

That is just it we don't mind walking in the parks but on vacation at a resort we enjoy convenience, it was hot and after spending an afternoon at the pool the long walk back to the room was just too much for small children, again this was only our experience, everyone is different but I wish I would have known some of this before we went.
Many other resorts you literally walk out of your room and you are at the pool or food court. We LOVED Wilderness Lodge because of this convenience and we had towel animals everyday, I can't believe we did not get even one during a 10 day stay.
As far as moving, we actually requested VIP cleaning because of my son's special needs so I assumed our room was cleaner than most and it would have been a hassle to move so I just cleaned it myself. We did not arrive until 10pm because of lightning at Orlando airport our luggage was not able to be loaded off the plane until 2 and a half hours after our flight arrived!
Just trying to be objective and help others who may be like us.

Just got back and I agree with you. Had a preferred room to. I can imagine what you had to do. I can understand why some may like this resort. Its large and they have a good bus service for a size resort like this. But its just not my type of resort. Glad I stayed so now I learned. But to be fair its hard to compare the Wilderness Lodge to this resort being one is considered Delux and the other moderate. But I do agree with you.

 

[princessmom29]

That is just it we don't mind walking in the parks but on vacation at a resort we enjoy convenience, it was hot and after spending an afternoon at the pool the long walk back to the room was just too much for small children, again this was only our experience, everyone is different but I wish I would have known some of this before we went.
Many other resorts you literally walk out of your room and you are at the pool or food court. We LOVED Wilderness Lodge because of this convenience and we had towel animals everyday, I can't believe we did not get even one during a 10 day stay.
As far as moving, we actually requested VIP cleaning because of my son's special needs so I assumed our room was cleaner than most and it would have been a hassle to move so I just cleaned it myself. We did not arrive until 10pm because of lightning at Orlando airport our luggage was not able to be loaded off the plane until 2 and a half hours after our flight arrived!
Just trying to be objective and help others who may be like us.

I think that perhaps the problem here is that you had unrealistic expectations becuase you just didn't have enough information. You got really lucky your last stay at WL if you were RIGHT by the pool. A lot of rooms are a pretty good walk form the pool, in fact there is walking to be done at EVERY Disney resort for GF to the POP just due to the sheer size of them. Deluxe or value, someone is going to be doing a lot of walking to get to the pool, food court ect. It is just part of staying on property. If you get a room where this is not the case, either you have paid dealy for it, or it is pure luck. Towel animals are NOT a requirment for mouskeeping, but a extra if they have time. No one is entitled to them no matter the level of resort. Agian, you got lucky at WL if you got a mouskeeper who had time to do it every day. Most do not. A less than clean room is unacceptable, but proper procedue at EVERY hotel I have ever been in is to call the front desk and have it fixed or get moved. Having to clean it yourself should NEVER happen. I think that perhaps if you had gone in better infromed as to what to expect you would have had a better experience.

 

[mom2taylorandemily]

I think that perhaps the problem here is that you had unrealistic expectations becuase you just didn't have enough information. You got really lucky your last stay at WL if you were RIGHT by the pool. A lot of rooms are a pretty good walk form the pool, in fact there is walking to be done at EVERY Disney resort for GF to the POP just due to the sheer size of them. Deluxe or value, someone is going to be doing a lot of walking to get to the pool, food court ect. It is just part of staying on property. If you get a room where this is not the case, either you have paid dealy for it, or it is pure luck. Towel animals are NOT a requirment for mouskeeping, but a extra if they have time. No one is entitled to them no matter the level of resort. Agian, you got lucky at WL if you got a mouskeeper who had time to do it every day. Most do not. A less than clean room is unacceptable, but proper procedue at EVERY hotel I have ever been in is to call the front desk and have it fixed or get moved. Having to clean it yourself should NEVER happen. I think that perhaps if you had gone in better infromed as to what to expect you would have had a better experience.

Excellent post! I totally agree!!!

 

[Amy&Dan]

That is just it we don't mind walking in the parks but on vacation at a resort we enjoy convenience, it was hot and after spending an afternoon at the pool the long walk back to the room was just too much for small children, again this was only our experience, everyone is different but I wish I would have known some of this before we went.
Many other resorts you literally walk out of your room and you are at the pool or food court. We LOVED Wilderness Lodge because of this convenience and we had towel animals everyday, I can't believe we did not get even one during a 10 day stay.
As far as moving, we actually requested VIP cleaning because of my son's special needs so I assumed our room was cleaner than most and it would have been a hassle to move so I just cleaned it myself. We did not arrive until 10pm because of lightning at Orlando airport our luggage was not able to be loaded off the plane until 2 and a half hours after our flight arrived!
Just trying to be objective and help others who may be like us.

I am so sorry CBR was not a good fit for you and that your room was not clean. Unacceptable.

I will say that location is often a luck thing. You could just as easily been in a location at WL that was far away from the pool. Even in the one building set ups you can have a room that is far from other parts of the hotel. Its not possible at any Disney resort to have all rooms be close to the pool. Although in those one building set ups, at least you are walking inside, out of the rain or heat! But WL has long hallways and some rooms will be a far hike from the main areas.

I think you should definitely stick with resorts like WL and avoid ones like the Poly, GF, SSR and OKW and all of the mods and values. Because all of those are more spread out, with multiple buildings. Which simply does not work for everyone.

I hope the rest of your trip was wonderful!

 

[nbenson]

Can you have room service delivered at this resort? Not the pizza delivery, actual room service? If anyone has tried the pizza delivery here is it any good?
Thank You

 

[aubriee]

Can you have room service delivered at this resort? Not the pizza delivery, actual room service? If anyone has tried the pizza delivery here is it any good?
Thank You

I believe the only moderate that has room service is CSR (because it's a convention resort). POFQ, PORS, and CBR do not.

 

[aubriee]

We're going to be at CBR in less than two weeks and I'm afraid my husband is going to kill me. He liked PORS, but really loved CSR. I however wanted him to try something different, so booked a standard room at CBR requesting Aruba 51, Jamaica 45, or Martinique 21, 22, or 23 without telling him. He thinks we're going to CSR. Someone please reassure me that he's going to be pleased with my little surprise and will not kill me and possibly feed me to the alligators. The things he really loved at CSR were the comfortable new beds, big hot tub, and great bus service, plus I've always been lucky enough to have gotten a great location at CSR (Casitas 1 or Cabanas 9B (twice) or 8A). I love throwing surprises at him and after more than 30 years he is used to it and usually handles them pretty well, just going with the flow, but someone please reassure me that he's going to love CBR!

Also I don't suppose CBR ever shares a DME bus with CSR does it? I'd rather not let him know about my little surprise until we pull up to the resort. If not, I'll deal with him at the airport. lol

 

[mcraft17]

We're going to be at CBR in less than two weeks and I'm afraid my husband is going to kill me. He liked PORS, but really loved CSR. I however wanted him to try something different, so booked a standard room at CBR requesting Aruba 51, Jamaica 45, or Martinique 21, 22, or 23 without telling him. He thinks we're going to CSR. Someone please reassure me that he's going to be pleased with my little surprise and will not kill me and possibly feed me to the alligators. The things he really loved at CSR were the comfortable new beds, big hot tub, and great bus service, plus I've always been lucky enough to have gotten a great location at CSR (Casitas 1 or Cabanas 9B (twice) or 8A). I love throwing surprises at him and after more than 30 years he is used to it and usually handles them pretty well, just going with the flow, but someone please reassure me that he's going to love CBR!

Also I don't suppose CBR ever shares a DME bus with CSR does it? I'd rather not let him know about my little surprise until we pull up to the resort. If not, I'll deal with him at the airport. lol

I am wondering this too. We arrive this Thursday and loved CSR when we stayed there. There was no availability at CSR when I called and was told to go with CBR. After hearing the complaints I am wondering how well we will like it. I don't mind the walking since there is alot of that at CSR but am worried about the buses. One of the reasons we stay at a moderate is so that we feel comfortable coming back to the room mid day and when we stayed at a value the buses took forever so we didn't go back to the room as often. I broke my toe about a week ago and am worried that the buses will be really crowded. Do you think it is better to rent a car?

 

[mcd2745]

We're going to be at CBR in less than two weeks and I'm afraid my husband is going to kill me. He liked PORS, but really loved CSR. I however wanted him to try something different, so booked a standard room at CBR requesting Aruba 51, Jamaica 45, or Martinique 21, 22, or 23 without telling him. He thinks we're going to CSR. Someone please reassure me that he's going to be pleased with my little surprise and will not kill me and possibly feed me to the alligators. The things he really loved at CSR were the comfortable new beds, big hot tub, and great bus service, plus I've always been lucky enough to have gotten a great location at CSR (Casitas 1 or Cabanas 9B (twice) or 8A). I love throwing surprises at him and after more than 30 years he is used to it and usually handles them pretty well, just going with the flow, but someone please reassure me that he's going to love CBR!

Also I don't suppose CBR ever shares a DME bus with CSR does it? I'd rather not let him know about my little surprise until we pull up to the resort. If not, I'll deal with him at the airport. lol

Don't know about the DME buses, but I doubt they would share, since they are separate "resort areas"

If you get your requested buildings - particulalry 45 or 51 - you will not be doing a lot of walking. And what walking you do will be a very nice walk over the bridge and through Caribbean Cay. There are two hot tubs by the main pool, so if DH wants to soak for a while, he certainly can. The beds, while not queens, I found to be plenty comfortable. I think he goes in open-minded, he'll love it.

I am wondering this too. We arrive this Thursday and loved CSR when we stayed there. There was no availability at CSR when I called and was told to go with CBR. After hearing the complaints I am wondering how well we will like it. I don't mind the walking since there is alot of that at CSR but am worried about the buses. One of the reasons we stay at a moderate is so that we feel comfortable coming back to the room mid day and when we stayed at a value the buses took forever so we didn't go back to the room as often. I broke my toe about a week ago and am worried that the buses will be really crowded. Do you think it is better to rent a car?

Buses are fine. The long waits (much like the walks around CBR) seem to get greatly exaggerated. The worst you will encounter will be getting back from MK after closing/Wishes, and if you avoid that time you'll have no problems.

 

[mcraft17]

mcd2745,
Thank you for your reply. We decided to rent a car since we are changing resorts from All star sports to CBR and makes it easier. So no worries if the buses do seem to be an issue we will have a car. We are looking forward to enjoying the resort!

 

[shmedly123]

I have been away from this board for a few days and what I have read really goes to show you how each individual experience can be quite different.

I read a mini trip report stating that they would never stay at CBR again because they were in Martinique and it was dirty. That Wilderness Lodge was much better because the pool and QS food was closer. That a few people really loved CSR and are worried about staying at CBR...

My last experience at CBR in Feb was the complete opposite. I stayed in Martinique and my room was spotless. No towel animals but no dust, mold or dirt anywhere. The pool and food court were really close and the staff was great....

However, my last couple of onsite trips before that were at Wilderness Lodge and Beach Club in '08 and CSR in '04.

After staying at the CSR in '04 we said we would never stay there again. The room was ok not dirty but not as clean as CBR. The walk from Ranchos (7A I believe) was a good 15 minutes to the main dining area and we were there when the weather dipped into the 30's at night. Needless to say we were cold by the time we got back to our room. With the exception of the pool area the resort seemed to be lacking in theming in our opinions.

Our stay at Wilderness Lodge was nice, the room was clean but the walk to the food court was actually pretty far too (at least it was all indoors but it was definitely further than the walk from Martinique to the food court at CBR).

Our stay at the BC which is the one "real" deluxe we have ever stayed at (WL is more like a super moderate) actually had the dirtiest room. We did call down to Mousekeeping to remove the clothing left in the drawers by previous guests and to change the stained sheets that were on the bed. The bathroom had a bit of mildew in the corner of the shower but we just dealt with that. After that though the rest of the stay was good and mousekeeping did a good job.

I know I am just summing up what i said in my first few words that each experience is different but I wanted to reassure those who were thinking of staying at the CBR that most of the time you will have a great experience just like most of the time at other resorts you will too...maybe someday we will get around to giving the CSR another shot too...

 

[mcraft17]

I know I am just summing up what i said in my first few words that each experience is different but I wanted to reassure those who were thinking of staying at the CBR that most of the time you will have a great experience just like most of the time at other resorts you will too...maybe someday we will get around to giving the CSR another shot too...

Thank you so much for the reassurance, we are going with an open mind and are excited to be there Thursday!! I have noticed any more with the Dis that sometimes you just have to experience things for yourself. There are a lot of restaurants that we love but others couldn't stand. And some people don't like CSR and the first time I booked it I wondered if I made the right choice, well we loved it and are hoping to enjoy CBR too.

 

[shmedly123]

Thank you so much for the reassurance, we are going with an open mind and are excited to be there Thursday!! I have noticed any more with the Dis that sometimes you just have to experience things for yourself. There are a lot of restaurants that we love but others couldn't stand. And some people don't like CSR and the first time I booked it I wondered if I made the right choice, well we loved it and are hoping to enjoy CBR too.

I hope you do too...when you get back please share what your experience was with us.

 

[lizziewhan]

thanks so much for starting this thread!! we are going to be at CBR on 11/12 for 6 days and im sooo stinking excited!

 

[aubriee]

I know I am just summing up what i said in my first few words that each experience is different but I wanted to reassure those who were thinking of staying at the CBR that most of the time you will have a great experience just like most of the time at other resorts you will too...maybe someday we will get around to giving the CSR another shot too...

Thanks for the reassurance. My husband is pretty easy going. It's just that he thinks we are staying at CSR. I too was not impressed the first time I stayed at CSR. However, since the rehab about 1 1/2 years ago it's been great. I was happy we gave it another chance. It's the bus service that most impresses me at CSR. We've never had to stand on a CSR bus. It seems like most people are in the conventions and the buses are close to empty early in the mornings and during the day. I've stayed at CBR before, but my husband hasn't. The last time I was there my room was really dirty (a pair of men's underwear left in the bathroom from the previous occupant), hair in the bathroom sink, and dust everywhere. Plus buses were really bad that trip. I've never stood on as many buses as I did that trip. However, in the same way that I gave CSR another chance after a not so great trip, I decided to give CBR another chance and am really looking forward to it. I'm just worried that my husband may not be as thrilled with my little surprise and may decide to rid himself of a wife by feeding her to the alligators.

Thank you so much for the reassurance, we are going with an open mind and are excited to be there Thursday!! I have noticed any more with the Dis that sometimes you just have to experience things for yourself. There are a lot of restaurants that we love but others couldn't stand. And some people don't like CSR and the first time I booked it I wondered if I made the right choice, well we loved it and are hoping to enjoy CBR too.

I agree. Hey, we're going to be at WDW. How bad can it be? I love the look of the CBR, but am just a little concerned about the buses, cleanliness, and distances to the food court. Our rooms at CSR have always been in Casitas 1 or 2, or Cabanas 9B or 8A, so close to the main building. Hey, if my husband doesn't like CBR, he can come back with me in Dec when I'll be at CSR and YC. I go to WDW several times a year, but can only get him down there once a year. Otherwise he sends me by myself, or with my mom or grandaughter. WDW is my thing, not his, so he can stay where I book us (and he better like it or I may just feed him to an alligator) lol.

Oh well, I'll find out in ten days if he likes his surprise or not. lol

 

[garrsmom]

I know this has been asked before, but I can't find it. Where from CSR can you see Illuminations? We are arriving on Friday night and are planning just to eat at the resort and relax. But was hoping to view part of the fireworks.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I know this has been asked before, but I can't find it. Where from CSR can you see Illuminations? We are arriving on Friday night and are planning just to eat at the resort and relax. But was hoping to view part of the fireworks.

We have watched it from the bridge that connects OPR with Jamaica and Aruba. Its a great view because you are a bit elevated so less trees blocking the view. We have also watched it from the beach in I think Martinique. If you ask the front desk, they might be able to tell you which areas are best. But I can vouch for the bridge!

 

[Amy&Dan]

We're going to be at CBR in less than two weeks and I'm afraid my husband is going to kill me. He liked PORS, but really loved CSR. I however wanted him to try something different, so booked a standard room at CBR requesting Aruba 51, Jamaica 45, or Martinique 21, 22, or 23 without telling him. He thinks we're going to CSR. Someone please reassure me that he's going to be pleased with my little surprise and will not kill me and possibly feed me to the alligators. The things he really loved at CSR were the comfortable new beds, big hot tub, and great bus service, plus I've always been lucky enough to have gotten a great location at CSR (Casitas 1 or Cabanas 9B (twice) or 8A). I love throwing surprises at him and after more than 30 years he is used to it and usually handles them pretty well, just going with the flow, but someone please reassure me that he's going to love CBR!

Also I don't suppose CBR ever shares a DME bus with CSR does it? I'd rather not let him know about my little surprise until we pull up to the resort. If not, I'll deal with him at the airport. lol

We have stayed at both CBR and CSR. I really love them both. The thing that I really like about a CBR room vs. a CSR room is that they are a tad bigger and the sink area in the CBR bathroom is very nice! Two sinks vs one and a lot of storage in the vanity. CSR has the queen beds but we always do fine with the doubles in WDW moderates.

CBR has the nice views of Illuminations around the resort, it has the lake (just like CSR) with bike and boat rentals and its very tropical and relaxing.

If your husband enjoys CSR I think the odds are very much in your favor he will enjoy CBR too! I actually find them very similar in that they both have a tropical theme (I know CSR is southwest, but to me it was tropical too), they both have very nice quiet pools and they both have lots of grounds to enjoy and explore. To me they both never feel crowded because they are spread out.

As far as location and walking, unless you are in a pirate room at CBR your walking will not be much if any beyond those sections of CSR you mentioned. We were in Barbados 14 and we had around a 5 minute walk to the main area. At CSR we were in Ranchos 7B and the walk was roughly the same. I find that the walking at both of these resorts (and POR) is somewhat exaggerated. They are spread out for sure, but any WDW resort is going to involve walking for most guests in one way or another.

One last thing, a lot of people comment and don't care for the fact CBR's check in area is a separate building from the food court. This did not bother us. You will want to have a bellman take you to your room if you have a lot of bags (and that goes for any resort) although Barbados and many rooms in Jamaica are very close to the Custom House. But other than checking in and out and Magical Express (or getting a cab) you don't need to go to Custom House. They can help you with anything you need at the guest services area at OPR. Frankly, I like it that the check in area is separate, it cuts down on the human traffic and car/cab/ME traffic over at the food court.

I doubt the two resorts would ever share a ME. CSR generally seems to share with AKL and the All Stars. They are in different "areas". They seem to like to group resorts together. Although when we stayed at POR in March, we shared with Yacht and Beach Club which surprised me. Going back to MCO we shared with SSR and OKW which made way more sense.

If it were me, I'd tell my husband at the airport when you fly out so that just in case he's bummed, he has time to get used to it on the flight!

 

[rso101]

I got back from my first solo trip last week and I stayed at CBR. I had a great time and CBR is a lovely resort. I put in a request for a quiet top floor room as I am a light sleeper and, on arriving at the resort at 10pm after travelling all day from the UK, I was given Jamaica 41. I was shown it on the map and saw that my room was right next to the parking lot so queried as to whether it would be noisy. The CM said it would not, so off I went to my room assisted by bell services. At 5am the next morning the noise started of cars pulling up dropping off and collecting guests and buses etc. I decided to go to Custom House to see if I could change rooms. I was told that there wasn't anything available immediately but they could move me the next day if I wanted. I was offered rooms in three different blocks and asked the CM if he could use his judgement as to which would be quietest.
I ended up with a top floor room in Trinidad North 31. It was lovely and was also a corner room - my previous room had been as well. It had a side room of the lake and the beach and was lovely and quiet.
I was really pleased at the service I received here from the CMs - they were excellent.
I didn't find the food court too hectic and I was usually there just after 8am. The choices there were amazing and the food was good.
I really enjoyed my stay here but I think I will try somewhere different next time, although I would return in the future and would pay extra for a lake view room as they seem to be quieter.

 

[goodmorningbelle]

Our room in Aruba (5633) had a perfect view of all of the Illuminations fireworks--we could even hear some of the music too!