Caribbean Beach FAQ part V

[mcd2745]

Does anyone know if there is a height/age restriction on the pirate play area at the pool or at the new playground. My DS will be 10 at the time, and my DD will be 8, but she is "special needs" and would still love to play. And usually my DS plays with her.
TIA!!

Officially, it is for children 48" and under. However, it will pretty much depend on the the lifeguard on duty how strictly it will be enforced.

 

[mcd2745]

Hey there,

We've been planning our trip for a year and got free dining from 13th to 20th at POFQ. We are arriving starting the 10th, and if we switch to CBR, we can get an extra day of free dining and also 25 % off the first two nights with a PIN, which saves us $266 over POFQ. The sticking point - we absolutely LOVE POFQ, and though I think we're going to make the switch, I am trying to get excited about it.

CBR has been on our radar in the past to try - especially since the room refurb. I don't like going to a bigger resort with so many bus stops, and I don't like losing out on Queen size beds. But - I do think there's some awesome features to CBR - the pool looks like DD8 will love it. (She's been sort of into pirates lately.) I also think the playgrounds and the grounds in general will be a big plus.

So, CBR lovers - pump me up - what one thing should I most be looking forward to?

And riddle me this...if I need to go to Guest Services, do I really have to find my way all the way to the Custom House? I know that when we switch from Room Only to Package we will have to go to the front. Is the only way to get there the internal shuttle? How early do they run?

I don't want a Pirate room, or a preferred room. (Paying the extra defeats the purpose of switching resorts.) I'm looking over the map and thinking Buildings 45, 44, 46 in Jamiaca look like prime locales for a standard room. (Close to a bus stop that is first stop for many buses, also close to the Old Port Royale.) Am I missing a better location?

Thanks everyone!

First and foremost, don't worry about the size of the resort. It's a complaint that get really overblown and is not vaild IMO. There's no scenario that will require you to walk around the entire property, so what does how big it is matter? The bus loop takes only about 5-7 minutes to complete (assuming no ECVs, of course) so that is not a big deal.

The pool(s) are great. An 8-yr old will love the slides and splash area. Plus the main pool has a zero-entry for the little ones, which is great. If you like a cocktail while relaxing by the pool, you have the Banana Cabana right next to the pool as well. And the quiet pools almost always live up to their name - which isn't the case at aevery resort. The full beds were not a big deal to us (and we're used to a queen at home). The rooms are very nicely decorated and are a nice size.

What should you look forward to the most? I would say the overall relaxed "feel" CBR has. Take time to enjoy relaxing in a hammock on the beach or on Castaway Cay. Or take a walk or ride a bike along the lush landscaping. At CBR, you really feel like you're on vacation.

There is a guest services/concierge desk inside Old Port Royale They can help with dining and park tickets, etc. But I don't think they can help you with your package "changeover". So you'll probably have to get to the Custom House for that. Don't know when the internal bus starts running. However, the Custom House is right across the street from the Barbados bus stop. So, if you do end up in Jamaica or Aruba you can get on the first bus that shows up and just get off at Barbados and walk acroos the street (there's a path to the Custom House).

Jamaica 45/44 or Aruba 51 are probably the best buildings to request for a standard room. They are close to everything - bridge to OPR, bus stops, and quiet poos/laundry facility.

 

[minniebeth]

Officially, it is for children 48" and under. However, it will pretty much depend on the the lifeguard on duty how strictly it will be enforced.

We noticed that the height restriction was strictly enforced with mulitple lifeguards on mulitple days. In your instance, hotmamac, I would talk to the lifeguard and explain your situation.

 

[lbuzz52]

Hey there,

We've been planning our trip for a year and got free dining from 13th to 20th at POFQ. We are arriving starting the 10th, and if we switch to CBR, we can get an extra day of free dining and also 25 % off the first two nights with a PIN, which saves us $266 over POFQ. The sticking point - we absolutely LOVE POFQ, and though I think we're going to make the switch, I am trying to get excited about it.

CBR has been on our radar in the past to try - especially since the room refurb. I don't like going to a bigger resort with so many bus stops, and I don't like losing out on Queen size beds. But - I do think there's some awesome features to CBR - the pool looks like DD8 will love it. (She's been sort of into pirates lately.) I also think the playgrounds and the grounds in general will be a big plus.

So, CBR lovers - pump me up - what one thing should I most be looking forward to?

And riddle me this...if I need to go to Guest Services, do I really have to find my way all the way to the Custom House? I know that when we switch from Room Only to Package we will have to go to the front. Is the only way to get there the internal shuttle? How early do they run?

I don't want a Pirate room, or a preferred room. (Paying the extra defeats the purpose of switching resorts.) I'm looking over the map and thinking Buildings 45, 44, 46 in Jamiaca look like prime locales for a standard room. (Close to a bus stop that is first stop for many buses, also close to the Old Port Royale.) Am I missing a better location?

Thanks everyone!

I have not stayed at POR or POFW- however, i have stayed at SSR. Sure, CBR may have more stops internally than other resorts- however, it is so close to all the parks. In my mind, the time around CBR plus the short drive is equal to what the time around POR plus the longer drive would be.

I liked Jamaica because most of the time you are early on/ early off the bus. We were in building 44, and were very close to the bus stop, the bridge to OPR, and the beach/ quiet pool/ laundry for our village.

i took the internal bus at 7:45 am from Jamaica to the custom house

 

[fakereadhed]

My dad will have an ECV this trip. Don't know how this will work with the internal bus. Doesn't it have to be empty to load him? How much extra time will this add in in the am?

 

[SnipsNSnails]

Does anyone know if there is a height/age restriction on the pirate play area at the pool or at the new playground. My DS will be 10 at the time, and my DD will be 8, but she is "special needs" and would still love to play. And usually my DS plays with her.
TIA!!

They were very strictly enforcing the 48" height while we were there but there were a lot of kids playing. They might make an exception for her if you ask. The main pool is also has a 0 entry area though so it's easy for her to play there too. The playground said 12 and under but there is no one to enforce that.

Hey there,

We've been planning our trip for a year and got free dining from 13th to 20th at POFQ. We are arriving starting the 10th, and if we switch to CBR, we can get an extra day of free dining and also 25 % off the first two nights with a PIN, which saves us $266 over POFQ. The sticking point - we absolutely LOVE POFQ, and though I think we're going to make the switch, I am trying to get excited about it.

CBR has been on our radar in the past to try - especially since the room refurb. I don't like going to a bigger resort with so many bus stops, and I don't like losing out on Queen size beds. But - I do think there's some awesome features to CBR - the pool looks like DD8 will love it. (She's been sort of into pirates lately.) I also think the playgrounds and the grounds in general will be a big plus.

So, CBR lovers - pump me up - what one thing should I most be looking forward to?

And riddle me this...if I need to go to Guest Services, do I really have to find my way all the way to the Custom House? I know that when we switch from Room Only to Package we will have to go to the front. Is the only way to get there the internal shuttle? How early do they run?

I don't want a Pirate room, or a preferred room. (Paying the extra defeats the purpose of switching resorts.) I'm looking over the map and thinking Buildings 45, 44, 46 in Jamiaca look like prime locales for a standard room. (Close to a bus stop that is first stop for many buses, also close to the Old Port Royale.) Am I missing a better location?

Thanks everyone!

I'm not sure how early the internal bus runs, but a pp had great advice and there is a guest services at OPR.

We were in Jamaica 44 and it was an awesome location very close to the quiet pool, OPR bridge and bus stop. Jamaica is first off from every park but MK is what we noticed. You quickly learn about going in the back entrance vs. front LOL Jamaica 45 would have been a nice location as well. Aruba 51 is close to the bridge but further from the quiet pools and bus stops. 46 would be much the same as Aruba 51 but further from the bridge closer to the pool.

The pool at OPR is amazing. There are two waterslides in the main pool and the kids area is great but has a 48" height restriction. Food court has a lot of great choices for all meals. Grounds are gorgeous.

My dad will have an ECV this trip. Don't know how this will work with the internal bus. Doesn't it have to be empty to load him? How much extra time will this add in in the am?

I don't think they have to be to load them but I'm not sure. Are you planning on taking the internal bus for breakfast? You really can easily walk (and ride) from most locations quicker than waiting for the bus. We got in the habit of taking orders and sending a couple of people to bring food back rather than everyone going over. The park busses come to all the stops so he can board right from the closest bus stop, no need to take the internal.

 

[DisneyLoverUSA]

We are thinking about switching from the ASMU Fam suite to the CBR because one member of our party may not be going and it will just be 4 of us. We can stay at CBR and get the DDP instead of the qsdp for just $200 more than staying in the suite with the qsdp.

Question...if you don't want to pay $25 more a night for preferred or however much it is...Would staying in Aruba 51 or Jamaica 45 be a good spot. On the map it looks like those 2 building are right near the bridge that takes you over to the food court. It doesn't look like a long walk on the map but I know these maps are deceiving. Is it quite a trek to get over to Old Port Royale Centertown from Aruba 51 or Jamaica 45?

Is it worth it just to go ahead and ask for and pay for preferred and get in Martinique or Trinidad North?

 

[mcd2745]

We are thinking about switching from the ASMU Fam suite to the CBR because one member of our party may not be going and it will just be 4 of us. We can stay at CBR and get the DDP instead of the qsdp for just $200 more than staying in the suite with the qsdp.

Question...if you don't want to pay $25 more a night for preferred or however much it is...Would staying in Aruba 51 or Jamaica 45 be a good spot. On the map it looks like those 2 building are right near the bridge that takes you over to the food court. It doesn't look like a long walk on the map but I know these maps are deceiving. Is it quite a trek to get over to Old Port Royale Centertown from Aruba 51 or Jamaica 45?

Is it worth it just to go ahead and ask for and pay for preferred and get in Martinique or Trinidad North?

It's a very quick, and pleasant, walk over to OPR. I would say no more than 5 minutes even at a very liesurely pace.

 

[mickeystoontown]

We are thinking about switching from the ASMU Fam suite to the CBR because one member of our party may not be going and it will just be 4 of us. We can stay at CBR and get the DDP instead of the qsdp for just $200 more than staying in the suite with the qsdp.

Question...if you don't want to pay $25 more a night for preferred or however much it is...Would staying in Aruba 51 or Jamaica 45 be a good spot. On the map it looks like those 2 building are right near the bridge that takes you over to the food court. It doesn't look like a long walk on the map but I know these maps are deceiving. Is it quite a trek to get over to Old Port Royale Centertown from Aruba 51 or Jamaica 45?

Is it worth it just to go ahead and ask for and pay for preferred and get in Martinique or Trinidad North?

We have stayed in Jamaica 41 and Jamaica 42 and both were just a 5 minute walk to Old Port Royale. It's a very pleasant and easy walk.

 

[skier_pete]

Thanks for all that replied to my e-mail. We ended up making the switch to CBR - though I can't say it went without problems.

Long story slightly shorter: we had to book our first night (Thursday 11/10) in a pirate room, as that was the only room available in the whole resort (not just with the discount - period). Still saved a bit of money over rack rate in a standard room.

Our second night (11/11) is another room only - standard room with PIN discount (25 % off)

The remaining 8 nights are free dining, giving us an extra night of free dining. Hopefully we will not have to switch rooms yet again.

Overall we saved $221 versus what we were paying at POFQ (which was already a big savings vs rack rate thanks to free dining. (Total savings versus rack rates $1219.)

The one night in the pirate room hopefully won't be a big deal. We arrive late (flight lands at 7 PM) so won't even need to unpack our bags. I really am going to need to figure out how to get back to Custom House, as it looks like I'll have to do it at least twice.

DD8 looked at pictures last night and was very excited about the pool and playgrounds and beaches...but doesn't like the big skull and crossbones on the curtain in the pirate room. (She been waking up at night thinking her stuffed animals are vampires. I'd hate to think what a giant skull looks like in the middle of the night Probably like a giant skull.)

Question: If we just push the curtain back for the night - is it pretty unoticeable that there is a skull on it? (Weirdest question ever asked on this thread?)

 

[mickeystoontown]

Thanks for all that replied to my e-mail. We ended up making the switch to CBR - though I can't say it went without problems.

Long story slightly shorter: we had to book our first night (Thursday 11/10) in a pirate room, as that was the only room available in the whole resort (not just with the discount - period). Still saved a bit of money over rack rate in a standard room.

Our second night (11/11) is another room only - standard room with PIN discount (25 % off)

The remaining 8 nights are free dining, giving us an extra night of free dining. Hopefully we will not have to switch rooms yet again.

Overall we saved $221 versus what we were paying at POFQ (which was already a big savings vs rack rate thanks to free dining. (Total savings versus rack rates $1219.)

The one night in the pirate room hopefully won't be a big deal. We arrive late (flight lands at 7 PM) so won't even need to unpack our bags. I really am going to need to figure out how to get back to Custom House, as it looks like I'll have to do it at least twice.

DD8 looked at pictures last night and was very excited about the pool and playgrounds and beaches...but doesn't like the big skull and crossbones on the curtain in the pirate room. (She been waking up at night thinking her stuffed animals are vampires. I'd hate to think what a giant skull looks like in the middle of the night Probably like a giant skull.)

Question: If we just push the curtain back for the night - is it pretty unoticeable that there is a skull on it? (Weirdest question ever asked on this thread?)

Glad to see you made the change and were able to save some money. First off, I have never stayed in one of the pirate rooms but I have seen them and believe if the curtain is pushed all the way to the side, you won't be able to make out the details of the skull and crossbones.

There's an internal shuttle bus that you can take from the pirate rooms to the Custom House. You'll hop on and get off at Barbados bus stop and then walk the short distance over to the Custom House. I'd call and make sure that they have your second night and the rest of your vacation noted as a "continuing" reservation. This will increase the likelihood of you getting to keep the same room for the rest of your stay. We had a room only reservation for our first two nights and then a package (with free dining) and we were able to keep the same room the entire time. Oh and I also mentioned it when I checked in on our first night.

 

[bellenbuzz]

Oh My Gosh....and Holy Mickey Mouse !!
After 2 years of research, reading, organizing, asking, decision making blah blah blah we are leaving tomorrow morning !!
I got butterflies in my tummy. I'm SOOOOOO excited, yet nervous and anxious and feeling overwhelmed......PLEASE OH PLEASE Cross Your Fingers for Me that I made all the right choices for resort, tix, dining etc....

CBR HERE WE COME TO CELEBRATE OUR 20TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY !!!

Any last minute advice ?????

THANKS SO VERY MAGICAL MUCH DIS'ERS FOR ALL THE FABULOUS AND HELPFUL INFORMATION I OBTAINED FROM THESE FORUMS & THREADS !!!!

I'll let ya'll know how our vacation went when we return. There are 8 in our group, 4 adults, 4 kids and 1st time attending MNSSHP too and going to Universal for 1st time to see Harry Potter.....

WOW WHEEEEEE Mickey & Gang here we come !!!

 

[2fortheShow]

Thanks for all that replied to my e-mail. We ended up making the switch to CBR - though I can't say it went without problems.

Long story slightly shorter: we had to book our first night (Thursday 11/10) in a pirate room, as that was the only room available in the whole resort (not just with the discount - period). Still saved a bit of money over rack rate in a standard room.

Our second night (11/11) is another room only - standard room with PIN discount (25 % off)

The remaining 8 nights are free dining, giving us an extra night of free dining. Hopefully we will not have to switch rooms yet again.

Overall we saved $221 versus what we were paying at POFQ (which was already a big savings vs rack rate thanks to free dining. (Total savings versus rack rates $1219.)

The one night in the pirate room hopefully won't be a big deal. We arrive late (flight lands at 7 PM) so won't even need to unpack our bags. I really am going to need to figure out how to get back to Custom House, as it looks like I'll have to do it at least twice.

DD8 looked at pictures last night and was very excited about the pool and playgrounds and beaches...but doesn't like the big skull and crossbones on the curtain in the pirate room. (She been waking up at night thinking her stuffed animals are vampires. I'd hate to think what a giant skull looks like in the middle of the night Probably like a giant skull.)

Question: If we just push the curtain back for the night - is it pretty unoticeable that there is a skull on it? (Weirdest question ever asked on this thread?)

I think if you push the curtain all the way to the end it is actually hidden by a part of the closet/wall. We were at CBR in late August (non pirate room) and we always had the curtain pushed to the end and it wasn't even noticable.

 

[fakereadhed]

I don't think they have to be to load them but I'm not sure. Are you planning on taking the internal bus for breakfast? You really can easily walk (and ride) from most locations quicker than waiting for the bus. We got in the habit of taking orders and sending a couple of people to bring food back rather than everyone going over. The park busses come to all the stops so he can board right from the closest bus stop, no need to take the internal.

Thanks for the info!

 

[mcd2745]

Thanks for all that replied to my e-mail. We ended up making the switch to CBR - though I can't say it went without problems.

Long story slightly shorter: we had to book our first night (Thursday 11/10) in a pirate room, as that was the only room available in the whole resort (not just with the discount - period). Still saved a bit of money over rack rate in a standard room.

Our second night (11/11) is another room only - standard room with PIN discount (25 % off)

The remaining 8 nights are free dining, giving us an extra night of free dining. Hopefully we will not have to switch rooms yet again.

Overall we saved $221 versus what we were paying at POFQ (which was already a big savings vs rack rate thanks to free dining. (Total savings versus rack rates $1219.)

The one night in the pirate room hopefully won't be a big deal. We arrive late (flight lands at 7 PM) so won't even need to unpack our bags. I really am going to need to figure out how to get back to Custom House, as it looks like I'll have to do it at least twice.

DD8 looked at pictures last night and was very excited about the pool and playgrounds and beaches...but doesn't like the big skull and crossbones on the curtain in the pirate room. (She been waking up at night thinking her stuffed animals are vampires. I'd hate to think what a giant skull looks like in the middle of the night Probably like a giant skull.)

Question: If we just push the curtain back for the night - is it pretty unoticeable that there is a skull on it? (Weirdest question ever asked on this thread?)

Never stayed in a pirate room, so can't answer about the curtain. As for getting to the Custom House...from Trinidad South (where the pirate rooms are located), you can take the internal shuttle - which makes a stop at the Custom House, so no need to get off at Barbados - or if a park bus comes first, ask the driver if he still has to stop at Barbados. If he says yes, take that.

For the rest of your stay, hopefully you can keep the same room after the first night. Like the PP said, make sure they are aware it is a continuing reservation. If you are able to stay in the same room, I'm not sure if it requires another trip to the Custom House or not, although I'm thinking it will as you'll probably need new KTTW cards.

 

[jeanylaser]

love it awesome! Thanks!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Hi all......I'm thinking of changing my ressies to CBR for next September. I do have one question and believe me, I have searched the thread and can't seem to give the computer the correct wording to search for what I need to know....

Question: After we check in, how do we get the Jamaica village? From what I can kind of piece together, we would take an internal bus to that bus stop. But yet, luggage is not allowed on the internal busses, right???? But we'd only have our carryons due to having Magical Express service for the rest of it.

Please help!! TIA!!

 

[mcd2745]

Hi all......I'm thinking of changing my ressies to CBR for next September. I do have one question and believe me, I have searched the thread and can't seem to give the computer the correct wording to search for what I need to know....

Question: After we check in, how do we get the Jamaica village? From what I can kind of piece together, we would take an internal bus to that bus stop. But yet, luggage is not allowed on the internal busses, right???? But we'd only have our carryons due to having Magical Express service for the rest of it.

Please help!! TIA!!

Bell services will take you and whatever bags/luggage you have with you in a van over to Jamaica (or whatever island you're in).

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Bell services will take you and whatever bags/luggage you have with you in a van over to Jamaica (or whatever island you're in).

OH, thank you so much. I had been reading and reading trying to find that answer!! You are the best!!!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Question for all of you CBR experts. If you wanted to be close to the bus, pool, etc but didn't want to pay the preferred rate, what room location would you request? Thanks in advance!