Caribbean Beach FAQ part V

[aubriee]

I still don't understand why the crowds of people were terrible at CBR. I remember telling my DW that this is the time of year where WDW was suppose to be slow. We were able to relax a lot more after transferring over to CSR, the bus situation was SO MUCH better.

I did a split stay this past May at AKL and CSR. I couldn't believe how much better the bus service at CSR was, compared to AKL. There was no comparison. We stayed at CBR this past week and even though the bus service was OK, we've found the CSR bus service blows it out the water. I go to WDW several times a year and one of the main reasons I like CSR is their great bus service.

 

[jenseib]

I have heard those pizza guys have been hitting alot of the resorts, and they aren't allowed, so if it happens again, take the flyer to the front desk and report it.

 

[jennifer in canada]

Thinking of requesting jamaica bldg 45, but wondering if i would need to pay the extra for waterview as that looks like a different category in order to put in a room request for that bldg?If i do, is waterview that much better than standard?

 

[mcd2745]

Thinking of requesting jamaica bldg 45, but wondering if i would need to pay the extra for waterview as that looks like a different category in order to put in a room request for that bldg?If i do, is waterview that much better than standard?

I had a water view reservation and requested building 45. I ended up with room 4557. I don't think I could have picked a better room location myself. It was a second-floor corner room (so extra window and a great view of the lake and Caribbean Cay), about as close to the foot of the bridge as can be (so real short walk to OPR), and right around the bend to the ice machine. We were also extremely close to Jamaica's beach area and quiet pool/laundry. According to Disney, water view can mean either a view of the lake or a view of the pool (which no one would prefer). Building 45 is not next to the pool, so if you get a room in 45 it will be a lake view. I think a water view reservation with a request for building 45 or 51 is better than a preferred room reservation. It's the same upcharge, but if you get either of those building (not guaranteed, I know), you'll probably end up with a shorter walk to OPR than some preferred rooms and have a great view.

 

[disneyfan55]

I have heard those pizza guys have been hitting alot of the resorts, and they aren't allowed, so if it happens again, take the flyer to the front desk and report it.

I don't know what you are talking about? What pizza guys? Thanks!

 

[Fundytrail]

We took the plunge today and booked a package at CRB from April 8th to 15th

 

[WIMom]

I don't know what you are talking about? What pizza guys? Thanks!

Pizza guys from outside of WDW.

This happened during our stay as well. It scared the living day lights out of me.

 

[disneyfan55]

Pizza guys from outside of WDW.

This happened during our stay as well. It scared the living day lights out of me.

Why is it frightening? Are they up to no good?

 

[anicholson75]

We just got back last week (10/5-10/12) and I thought CBR was just ok. I had made a bldg request of Jamaica 45 or Aruba 51, as many others have done, and we got Barbados 12. Not even close! I asked and the not-very-friendly check in guy said that "nothing on that side of the resort was available because they had convention overflow from another resort." Uh huh. Turns out Barbados was ok, we were right next to the quiet pool and fairly close to the bus stop (which was ALWAYS the last stop on the way back from the parks every day.) Old Port Royale was about a ten minute walk, so that was a bummer. People were smoking everywhere outside, not in the designated areas. Our room was nice and clean, no complaints. Our mousekeeper was just so-so, even though I tipped almost every day. No towel animals, sheets were changed once in the 8 days we were there. She didn't refill the coffee supplies or replacement cups every day, so that was hit or miss. I walked in on her cleaning our room and asked how she was doing and her reply was "not good." What do you say to that? I just said "oh, I'm sorry, hope it gets better!"

Overall, it was just ok. The rooms were sufficient and clean, although my parent's room next door reeked of mildew the whole week. Gross. The food at OPR was ok, comparable to the mall food court. Not sure I'd stay there again, I liked PO Riverside (Alligator Bayou) much better. The kids did love the beach areas at CBR though!

 

[WIMom]

Why is it frightening? Are they up to no good?

They try opening your door before they shove the menu under the door. We called security when it happened to us. Security told us that the pizza guys are looking for open doors as well delivering the menus.

 

[disneyfan55]

They try opening your door before they shove the menu under the door. We called security when it happened to us. Security told us that the pizza guys are looking for open doors as well delivering the menus.

oh, that is odd. I'm surprised they can get onto the grounds.

 

[jenseib]

I don't know what you are talking about? What pizza guys? Thanks!

A previous poster commented on pizza delvery guys coming to door and wiggling the handles and passing out flyers.

Why is it frightening? Are they up to no good?

It's not allowed. It is a private resort and they are not allowed to bother or solicit guest without permission.

 

[jenseib]

oh, that is odd. I'm surprised they can get onto the grounds.

They probably tel lthem at the agte that they are delivering a pizza. You are allowed ot oreder pizza from offsite and have it delivered, they just can't solicit.

 

[utkscvol1]

I'm starting to get nervous! This will be our first time at cbr and I've read a few not so great posts from recent guests. I'm really debating talking to dh about changing resorts. The only reason we changed from pop was because of the dining plan. we got the better plan for staying at a moderate but i'm really getting worried about the buses, cleanliness, etc.

 

[Plumeria9]

I'm starting to get nervous! This will be our first time at cbr and I've read a few not so great posts from recent guests. I'm really debating talking to dh about changing resorts. The only reason we changed from pop was because of the dining plan. we got the better plan for staying at a moderate but i'm really getting worried about the buses, cleanliness, etc.

I'm nervous too, mainly about the bus transportation. Esp. after seeing that video of the guy trying to beat up the bus driver! I just booked a rental car, which I can always cancel, but from day 1 I was nervous about this issue. DH doesn't want to deal w/a car but he will definitely be unhappy if we sit at a bus stop waiting and waiting because buses are either full or they are slow. We got the *free* dining too. So hope that kinda makes up for the $200 car rental?

 

[Gitts2008]

I'm starting to get nervous! This will be our first time at cbr and I've read a few not so great posts from recent guests. I'm really debating talking to dh about changing resorts. The only reason we changed from pop was because of the dining plan. we got the better plan for staying at a moderate but i'm really getting worried about the buses, cleanliness, etc.

I am understand your concerns. I had them too....Fear of the unknown. People write about good and bad, but what they think is good might be your unacceptable. Sometimes it is a magical trip and some times it can just be a trip.

We have been to CBR 2 x. The first time the resort was EXCELLENT, we only had one complaint and it was with the front desk. The second time, the carpet was wet in our room and there was no HOT water for the first few days. Overall, we LOVE this resort. It is calm and peaceful. The staff are very nice and helpful. The buses were fine. Our room was clean and I am a clean freak. It will be a great trip even if there is a bump or two.

Have a great time!

 

[mom2taylorandemily]

I'm starting to get nervous! This will be our first time at cbr and I've read a few not so great posts from recent guests. I'm really debating talking to dh about changing resorts. The only reason we changed from pop was because of the dining plan. we got the better plan for staying at a moderate but i'm really getting worried about the buses, cleanliness, etc.

I'm nervous too, mainly about the bus transportation. Esp. after seeing that video of the guy trying to beat up the bus driver! I just booked a rental car, which I can always cancel, but from day 1 I was nervous about this issue. DH doesn't want to deal w/a car but he will definitely be unhappy if we sit at a bus stop waiting and waiting because buses are either full or they are slow. We got the *free* dining too. So hope that kinda makes up for the $200 car rental?

Ok, everyone RELAX. I have stayed at CBR 4 times and have our 5th booked for next summer. We have gone during some of the busiest times of the year, and the buses are fine. We have gone during Pop Warner, during Free Dining in Dec. and in Aug. and the buses are just fine. There are a few tricks that you need to follow; 1) Don't try to ride during the "Peak" times, prior to rope drop or at park closing. We always go right after rope drop and we always leave about an hour before park closing. We do stay sometimes, but we know that the buses will be busy then. 2) Know that there will always be others there with you, and that those with ECVs will load first.

As far as cleanliness is concerned, I have yet to have a dirty room. I don't doubt that some experience a less than "what they'd do" clean room, but come on, you can find one of those at the Grand Floridian too. I don't know why everyone wants to blame it on CBR. Did you all realize that CBR shares the same Mousekeepers with Pop, so they are the same ones. So you will the same kind of clean at Pop as you get at CBR. Go and try to have a good time, enjoy your trip, even if you have to wait a few for a bus. It can't be all bad, you are at Disney afterall!!!!!

 

[Ariel on Land]

There are a few tricks that you need to follow; 1) Don't try to ride during the "Peak" times, prior to rope drop or at park closing. We always go right after rope drop and we always leave about an hour before park closing. We do stay sometimes, but we know that the buses will be busy then. 2) Know that there will always be others there with you, and that those with ECVs will load first.

This is our first time using buses... is trying to hit rope drop too crazy? We've always been rope drop people, but we've also always had a car.... Does anyone have any good bus recommendations or advice?

 

[nessz79]

This is our first time using buses... is trying to hit rope drop too crazy? We've always been rope drop people, but we've also always had a car.... Does anyone have any good bus recommendations or advice?

maybe try just getting an earlier bus? For example, instead of catching a bus at 8:30, try catching one at 8? Maybe someone else will know better, but I think we try to get there extra early to beat the crowds.

 

[zima-cheryl]

There are a few tricks that you need to follow; 1) Don't try to ride during the "Peak" times, prior to rope drop or at park closing. We always go right after rope drop and we always leave about an hour before park closing. We do stay sometimes, but we know that the buses will be busy then.

Another option at the end of the night is to wait it out. If a park closes, they don't toss you out right away. Rides close but shops don't. We will grab something to eat/drink & find a bench for an hour before trying to grab a bus back. We figure if we are going to stand in line an hour, why not just sit & relax for the hour then go out & stroll onto the bus. Busses run well after closing & we've never had a problem doing this. And as an added bonus you may catch the burn-off after Illuminations or the Kiss Goodnight @ MK.

maybe try just getting an earlier bus? For example, instead of catching a bus at 8:30, try catching one at 8? Maybe someone else will know better, but I think we try to get there extra early to beat the crowds.

I seem to remember that busses start running an hour before park open. Of course busses running 1 hour before doesn't mean they are at your bus stop then... probably means they leave the depot then & head out. If you have to be there early, to be safe, I'd be @ the stop an hour before opening so you do catch that 1st bus.
Another option, if you absolutely have to be there at a certain time would be to use a cab. Might be cheaper than a rental car if you only need it a couple times during your trip. Just call down to bell services 30 - 60 minutes before you need it so they can make sure one is there. I know they are usually around, but Murphy's law the one time you need one they won't be there, so better to call & be sure it is arranged.