Caribbean Beach FAQ part V

[sarbah77]

Don't tell your family this, but personally, *I* don't think it took any longer to get around the POFQ/POR bus stops than it took to get around the CBR bus stops.

It's not the speed... it's the going to the main stop at POR and realizing that, when the bus pulls up, it's 75% full of people from POFQ. It sounds like even the furthest building from the main CBR is still a shorter walk than from POFQ to POR.

(...we're renting a car anyway)

 

[jcemom]

It's not the speed... it's the going to the main stop at POR and realizing that, when the bus pulls up, it's 75% full of people from POFQ. It sounds like even the furthest building from the main CBR is still a shorter walk than from POFQ to POR.

(...we're renting a car anyway)

Ah, okay. We didn't have that problem when we stayed there, but I can understand how it might happen sometimes. We used the last POR stop and never had a problem. The only standing room only buses we had were at park closing, the same as every other resort we've stayed at.

We walked back and forth between the two a few times, but I'm not sure about the distance. I think if you had to walk from the furthest building at CBR to Old Port Royale, it would probably be similar to walking from POFQ to POR's pool area, but I'm not positive.

I'm not trying to talk you out of CBR, not at all. We loved it! Of course, we also loved POFQ and POR.

 

[sarbah77]

Ah, okay. We didn't have that problem when we stayed there, but I can understand how it might happen sometimes. We used the last POR stop and never had a problem. The only standing room only buses we had were at park closing, the same as every other resort we've stayed at.

We walked back and forth between the two a few times, but I'm not sure about the distance. I think if you had to walk from the furthest building at CBR to Old Port Royale, it would probably be similar to walking from POFQ to POR's pool area, but I'm not positive.

I'm not trying to talk you out of CBR, not at all. We loved it! Of course, we also loved POFQ and POR.

I've ONLY stayed at POR! I just wanted to stay somewhere different! I do get tired of the bus system... and I don't think CBR is going to have some magic and beautiful buses that will be wildly different than anywhere else.

(I had one of THOSE bus experiences two times ago at POR - and you can see it didn't stop me from staying there again - we waited 15 minutes for the Epcot bus. Turned up, from POFQ, half full. The newest arrivals shoved their way on the bus past those of us that had been there the longest. It was another half an hour before another Epcot bus turned up and all of us, who had now waited 45 minutes were spitting mad. My husband put me in time out, when we got to the park )

But, I think splitting the cost of a car with my whole family makes it a more viable expense and a break from dealing with the buses. Instead, traffic! This will be an interesting trip for me in July. I was just finally given a diagnostic test after 7 weeks of pain and diagnosed with TWO separate muscle tears in my left leg and told it's "months" for recovery and pain-free. I have already contacted me TA about a ground floor room, because I just won't be able to go down stairs until the fall (seriously?).

2011 is my year of New Resorts. We stayed at Pop in February and... I have learned that I'm a Moderates snob. Oh well; I tried!!

 

[jcemom]

But, I think splitting the cost of a car with my whole family makes it a more viable expense and a break from dealing with the buses. Instead, traffic! This will be an interesting trip for me in July. I was just finally given a diagnostic test after 7 weeks of pain and diagnosed with TWO separate muscle tears in my left leg and told it's "months" for recovery and pain-free. I have already contacted me TA about a ground floor room, because I just won't be able to go down stairs until the fall (seriously?).

2011 is my year of New Resorts. We stayed at Pop in February and... I have learned that I'm a Moderates snob. Oh well; I tried!!

Oh no! I hope you feel good enough to enjoy your vacation, and I wish you a speedy recovery! CBR is beautiful!

(We've stayed at Pop a few times, and we're not too crazy over it either.)

 

[minniebeth]

But, I think splitting the cost of a car with my whole family makes it a more viable expense and a break from dealing with the buses. Instead, traffic! This will be an interesting trip for me in July. I was just finally given a diagnostic test after 7 weeks of pain and diagnosed with TWO separate muscle tears in my left leg and told it's "months" for recovery and pain-free. I have already contacted me TA about a ground floor room, because I just won't be able to go down stairs until the fall (seriously?).

2011 is my year of New Resorts. We stayed at Pop in February and... I have learned that I'm a Moderates snob. Oh well; I tried!!

I hope you feel better too! ...and putting aside the Polynesian (will always remain my favorite), we've tried quite a few deluxes and I can say I'm a moderates snob too! Idk, I just really like them over the money you spend at deluxes.

 

[sarbah77]

Oh no! I hope you feel good enough to enjoy your vacation, and I wish you a speedy recovery! CBR is beautiful!

(We've stayed at Pop a few times, and we're not too crazy over it either.)

Thank you!!

I hope you feel better too! ...and putting aside the Polynesian (will always remain my favorite), we've tried quite a few deluxes and I can say I'm a moderates snob too! Idk, I just really like them over the money you spend at deluxes.

Thank you, too!!

My TA said that I now have an actual medical reason for needing a ground floor. That should help!

CBR looks like a lovely resort. Since I'm not going to be moving quickly, I think I'll probably get to spend a lot of time chilling out at it. What fun!

EIGHT WEEKS TO GO! If all goes well, my flight will be wheels up this time in 8 weeks!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

100 DAYS until we are back at CBR!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[crazydaisy00]

So I booked a Sept trip in CBR, this is the first time we will be staying there. My main concern is the bus! I havent read through this entire thread so forgive me if I repeat questions. How bad is the bussing? I did put a request in for Trinidad North or Martinique, doesnt mean we will get it though! I will be 7 mos pregnant and dont want a repeat of the horrible bus situation we had last Oct at ASMR. This was just totally uncalled for and upon booking I didnt realize we were sharing the bus with the other All Start resorts. It appears not only is this one of the largest resorts but that the bus also goes to POR as well. Should I switch hotels to CSR? we stayed there last May and I had no complaints. I just dont want to wait every day to and from the parks like we did in Oct. We love trying new resorts but dont want to be unhappy. Any suggestions?

 

[mickeystoontown]

So I booked a Sept trip in CBR, this is the first time we will be staying there. My main concern is the bus! I havent read through this entire thread so forgive me if I repeat questions. How bad is the bussing? I did put a request in for Trinidad North or Martinique, doesnt mean we will get it though! I will be 7 mos pregnant and dont want a repeat of the horrible bus situation we had last Oct at ASMR. This was just totally uncalled for and upon booking I didnt realize we were sharing the bus with the other All Start resorts. It appears not only is this one of the largest resorts but that the bus also goes to POR as well. Should I switch hotels to CSR? we stayed there last May and I had no complaints. I just dont want to wait every day to and from the parks like we did in Oct. We love trying new resorts but dont want to be unhappy. Any suggestions?

The CBR does not share buses with any resort. There are bus stops at each village within the resort and the buses do make their way around to each one before leaving the resort. With that being said, the loop does not take long at all. We have stayed at the CBR multiple times and have never had any issues with the buses.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Do yourself a favor and rent a car. In July and August the prices for September and October rentals will drop and you can get a great deal on a car. You'll be 7 months pregnant. Be good to yourself.

So I booked a Sept trip in CBR, this is the first time we will be staying there. My main concern is the bus! I havent read through this entire thread so forgive me if I repeat questions. How bad is the bussing? I did put a request in for Trinidad North or Martinique, doesnt mean we will get it though! I will be 7 mos pregnant and dont want a repeat of the horrible bus situation we had last Oct at ASMR. This was just totally uncalled for and upon booking I didnt realize we were sharing the bus with the other All Start resorts. It appears not only is this one of the largest resorts but that the bus also goes to POR as well. Should I switch hotels to CSR? we stayed there last May and I had no complaints. I just dont want to wait every day to and from the parks like we did in Oct. We love trying new resorts but dont want to be unhappy. Any suggestions?

 

[crazydaisy00]

Do yourself a favor and rent a car. In July and August the prices for September and October rentals will drop and you can get a great deal on a car. You'll be 7 months pregnant. Be good to yourself.

Thank You!! Believe it or not We are driving! 921 miles 14.5 hours. I have a child who will not fly so this is my only option. We are leaving a day early and most likely going to stop and get a room on the way. We usually drive straight through but I dont think Im going to be up for it. We originally planned a Dec trip for my DH bday but found out hes getting an unexpected baby for a present the day before his bday! So we decided to go for my DS bday and our last just the 4 of us trip before the baby comes, May will be our first just the 5 of us trip

 

[catbertdave99]

The CBR does not share buses with any resort. There are bus stops at each village within the resort and the buses do make their way around to each one before leaving the resort. With that being said, the loop does not take long at all. We have stayed at the CBR multiple times and have never had any issues with the buses.

I totally agree with Mickeystoontown! We've been there several times and have always had great service from the buses! I LOVE not having to drive!!

 

[ekendall2]

Stayed at cbr a few times and was way more impressed with the busses here than at any asr or pop.

Almost vacation time!

Happy Disney Worlding!

 

[speedo]

Just have to say - I cannot wait to be at CBR! It will be my first time at this resort! Two More Weeks!!!!!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Just have to say - I cannot wait to be at CBR! It will be my first time at this resort! Two More Weeks!!!!!!

I think you'll be happy with your resort choice. It's such a beautiful and relaxing resort.

 

[iminla]

1. Is August good time to go ? (end of Aug)
2. I saw someone mentioned - free dining plan for Aug/Sept dates - how do I find that out?
3. Is dining plan worth it?
4. Which part of the resort to stay at ? (which is close to all the action and bus stops )
5. How many days are must to see all the parks?? I mean how many days we should plan? The CBR itself sounds so wonderful so I would love to just spend a day there.
6. Any reco on character dining? how do you reserve that?
7. Any advantages of booking directly with Disney?


We wil not be going there (to Florida DW) that often so want to make this a worthwhile and memorable trip for my daughters (7 yrs old).

THANK YOU in advance )

 

[jegsnakkernorsk]

1. Is August good time to go ? (end of Aug)
2. I saw someone mentioned - free dining plan for Aug/Sept dates - how do I find that out?
3. Is dining plan worth it?
4. Which part of the resort to stay at ? (which is close to all the action and bus stops )
5. How many days are must to see all the parks?? I mean how many days we should plan? The CBR itself sounds so wonderful so I would love to just spend a day there.
6. Any reco on character dining? how do you reserve that?
7. Any advantages of booking directly with Disney?


We wil not be going there (to Florida DW) that often so want to make this a worthwhile and memorable trip for my daughters (7 yrs old).

THANK YOU in advance )

To answer question number 1 - depends perhaps. I went in August about four years ago. They had discounted hotel and tickets at the time and it was called "Days of Disney". I found the discounts online at the Disney website.

It was in the upper 90s everyday and 90% or more humidity. I needed to change my clothes a couple times a day. It rained every afternoon, but we got used to it and either just got wet or went back to the hotel for a nap.
(Staying on Disney property was very nice for that - you could take the bus back to the hotel and with the extra hours resort guests get in the parks, you aren't too concerned you are missing anything by resting during the rainstorm.)

The parks were full - but I can't say I have ever been to Disney when they weren't. There were a lot of English tourists and Europeans in general at that time - think there were some special discount offers overseas as well. But not really the big school groups or cheerleader groups that I've seen at other times of the year.

If you are okay with heat and humidity (which honestly it's Florida you have to expect it some what) and can be okay with it being the "rainy season". I think it's a good time to go. Depends on your stamina for weather really.

Happy planning!

 

[bentleygirl22]

hey everyone, we have 2 days till we head to the world !! and are staying at CBR.. its our 1st time staying here which is scary because i know nothing about this resort ... but super excited at the same time for trying a new resort..
we book the Pirate room for one night with Deluxe Dining , then we will check out the next morning and check back in to reg room (nemo theme room) with Reg dining plan the rest of the trip (7 more days)...

 

[iminla]

Thank you.

When do the discounts/offers come out for end of August?

I assume through Disney, right?

How was the bus service during Aug?

 

[mcd2745]

1. Is August good time to go ? (end of Aug)
2. I saw someone mentioned - free dining plan for Aug/Sept dates - how do I find that out?
3. Is dining plan worth it?
4. Which part of the resort to stay at ? (which is close to all the action and bus stops )
5. How many days are must to see all the parks?? I mean how many days we should plan? The CBR itself sounds so wonderful so I would love to just spend a day there.
6. Any reco on character dining? how do you reserve that?
7. Any advantages of booking directly with Disney?


We wil not be going there (to Florida DW) that often so want to make this a worthwhile and memorable trip for my daughters (7 yrs old).

THANK YOU in advance )

1) We went to WDW last year at the end of Aug (stayed at CBR) and are returning at the end of Aug again this year. It's a very good time to go. Crowds are lower since many states are back to school. It's hot, but managable.

2) I think free dining starts 8/28. Last year it started mid-August. Check WDW's website.

3) Depends on your family. It works for us because we like to do table-service for breakfast and dinner.

4) If you get a preferred room (this costs extra), you will be close to Old Port Royale (OPR) - where the main pool and food court are. If you get a standard or water-view room, I'd request buidling 45 (Jamaica), or buliding 51 (Aruba). They directly across the lake from OPR...just a quick walk over a bridge.

5) Of course, the more the better. But obviously it all depends on your budget, vacation schedules, etc. You can spend 3 weeks in WDW and not have time to do "everything". But you want at least a week, especially if it's your first time (I'm assuming it is). A day to just take it easy at CBR is ideal. It's such a beautiful and relaxing resort.

6) There are many great character dining options. My favorites are Crystal Palace, Tusker House, and Chef Mickey's. All dining can be reserved on WDW's website or by calling (407) WDW-DINE. But note, reservations - known as ADRs (Advanced Dining Reservations) can be made up to 180 days in advance (don't get me started on how ridiculous this is). So for late August, people have been making ADRs since the end of February...so many popular places are booked solid.

7) Yes...you have "control" over your reservation if you want to make any changes or requests.



Soak up all the inforamtion you can. Research and preparation are essential to making the most of your trip. First, these boards are such a great resource. Also, get yourself a guide book or two. What I recommend to people who haven't been before, to first breeze through Birnbaum's offical guide. I's a very quick and easy read with lots of color photos - albeit from a very pro-Disney POV. But it wil give you the basics of what you need to know. Then, for more detailed (and unbiased) info, get the Unoffical Guide to WDW. It goes much more in-depth. Good luck.