Caribbean Beach FAQ part V

[jcemom]

Is the pirate play area, at the pool, just
for the little ones, or can even 10yr olds check it out? tia

I think there's a max height of 48" -- when we were there last year my DD was 8. She was allowed in, but they measured her every single time (she was right at the mark, but not over it). I have read that if a child is with a younger sibling they will be allowed in, even if they're about the max height. I don't know first hand though.

 

[Lidian]

Lidian: I see your DD is 10 (like my DS) Is the pirate play area, at the pool, just
for the little ones, or can even 10yr olds check it out? tia

I think there's a max height of 48" -- when we were there last year my DD was 8. She was allowed in, but they measured her every single time (she was right at the mark, but not over it). I have read that if a child is with a younger sibling they will be allowed in, even if they're about the max height. I don't know first hand though.

As jcemom posted, there is a height requirement, but I'm not sure what it is (48" sounds right). In 2010, DD was over the height requirement, but none of the CMs said anything to her (or measured her). They allowed her to stay -- but not sure if it was because they didn't care since she was playing so nicely with the little ones or if it was because of her little brother. Honestly, it was probably our third pool visit when I saw the height requirement.

I have personally heard mixed reports ... some cases where it didn't matter if there was a young sibling (and single parent) and others who were never said anything to. A friend of mine was asked to take her DD to the other pool area and still didn't allow the DD to stay when she tried to explain that she was there (alone) with both of her kids. However, earlier that week, she had no issues with both kids playing. So truly, I think some CMs enforce the rules, and some don't mind as long as everyone is playing nicely. (And it could also be because of crowds, as well.)

Honestly, I'd let him know ahead of time he may not be able to play in the pirate area, but I'd still give it a try. Some CMs are more lenient than others. If it's real busy, he may be asked to leave. If there's no one there, he may be allowed to stay. You won't know what will work until you try. I hope he gets a chance to play, at least for a little bit!

 

[tink20]

Okay, thanks. Is this the area where the big bucket of water dumps out or is that in a different area?

 

[Lidian]

Okay, thanks. Is this the area where the big bucket of water dumps out or is that in a different area?

Yes, it does have a large barrel of water that dumps periodically on the whole play area. The barrel is barely visible, but if you look close to the left of the mast, there is the barrel with XXX on it. Once it's full, it topples and everyone gets a surprise!

 

[jcemom]

I should add, that while DD was really curious about the water play area, and wanted to check it out, it really didn't interest her much. She did go in a few times over the course of our ten day vacation (we were at the pool every day). A couple of those times it was because other kids she was playing with went in, so she went in too, to continue playing with them. She by far preferred the slides in the big pool over the play area. So, I would think a ten year old boy probably wouldn't go too crazy over the splash play area anyway, though he might want to check it out for himself before he decides.

 

[tink20]

I should add, that while DD was really curious about the water play area, and wanted to check it out, it really didn't interest her much. She did go in a few times over the course of our ten day vacation (we were at the pool every day). A couple of those times it was because other kids she was playing with went in, so she went in too, to continue playing with them. She by far preferred the slides in the big pool over the play area. So, I would think a ten year old boy probably wouldn't go too crazy over the splash play area anyway, though he might want to check it out for himself before he decides.

Okay, thanks. I know he is going to love the slides at the big pool. Last year at Portifino (Universal) he LOVED the slide. I'll let him know in advance, that he may not get to go in that area. It will be our first time at Carribean and I am so excited!

 

[octoberprincess]

does anyone know which buildings are considered preferred?

 

[lamb616]

this is in the OP:

Preferred locations
Martinique it will be buildings 24, 25, 26. In Trinidad North it will be 31,32,33. The additional charge will be $15 per night.

 

[Rosenichole]

i was wondering if any one has a picture of the pack and plays or can tell me how they fit in the rooms with out use tripling over it the whole time there will be 5 of use in the room. this is our first time so i just want to have an idea of how everything will be. i also have another question i read on here somewhere that they have bed rails i was wondering if u need to call ahead of time or just ask when we get there ( my 3 year old can not stay on a bed for anything). thank you so much for answering my questions

 

[snowbird gal]

Hey everyone! My daughter and I will be doing a special Mother-Daughter Disney trip starting on April 14th, this is our first time staying at a hotel other than ASMU and POP. We are doing CBR In your opinion, is it worth the extra cash? Also, we requested Jamacia 44, 45, 46 (45 being our first choice), what are the chances we will actually get into those buildings. My daughter picked them on how close they were to OPR and the fact that she thinks Jamacia buildings are the best looking in the whole resort
Also, any tips or advice anyone would like to share would be great!

 

[pktbMouse]

Just wanted to let you guys know the Cheerleaders will be at CBR 26th April to 4th May...we have just moved our reservation to the following week.

 

[jdd]

Just wanted to let you guys know the Cheerleaders will be at CBR 26th April to 4th May...we have just moved our reservation to the following week.

Oh, thanks for that info. Is it definite that they're leaving on 5/4?? We check in that day, and really don't want to deal with cheerleaders (sorry if that offends anyone!!)

 

[pktbMouse]

yes those are def the dates,,,I was 30 mins today on the phone to Disney trying to find out, finally I got put on to block bookings and they confirmed it for me. The values could no longer take large groups and the spill over is now going into CBR (how dare they right??) lol He told me they chose CBR as it is closest to the All stars resorts. I immediately changed my booking and we are now going 5th may to 11th. I have experienced this before and would never do it again. You cant get near the food court, pool, hot tub and the noise is terrible. Not to mention the lack of respect. My husband told them off once for foul language in front of my 3 yr old and got flipped off!!!! Now Im not saying they are all like that, I guess you do get some nice kids, we just dont want to go through that again...we have saved like crazy all year to come back to our beloved CBR and Im not chancing having it ruined. Just our choice oh ps...the CM said they will be in the parks also!!

 

[mom2taylorandemily]

Just wanted to let you guys know the Cheerleaders will be at CBR 26th April to 4th May...we have just moved our reservation to the following week.

Oh, thanks for that info. Is it definite that they're leaving on 5/4?? We check in that day, and really don't want to deal with cheerleaders (sorry if that offends anyone!!)

yes those are def the dates,,,I was 30 mins today on the phone to Disney trying to find out, finally I got put on to block bookings and they confirmed it for me. The values could no longer take large groups and the spill over is now going into CBR (how dare they right??) lol He told me they chose CBR as it is closest to the All stars resorts. I immediately changed my booking and we are now going 5th may to 11th. I have experienced this before and would never do it again. You cant get near the food court, pool, hot tub and the noise is terrible. Not to mention the lack of respect. My husband told them off once for foul language in front of my 3 yr old and got flipped off!!!! Now Im not saying they are all like that, I guess you do get some nice kids, we just dont want to go through that again...we have saved like crazy all year to come back to our beloved CBR and Im not chancing having it ruined. Just our choice oh ps...the CM said they will be in the parks also!!

Yep, they are staying at CBR and the All Stars. My DD's BFF is a Level 5 Cheerleader and they are going. These resorts are the ones offered in the package. They were also offered 4 day Park Hoppers. DDs BFF's mom is the eternal Cheer Mom, so we are very up to date on their happenings with the Cheer squad. The competition should be over on May 4th, that is the final day of the offered package.

 

[kjg5]

Oh this is a bummer. Hubby and I were really looking forward to trying CBR for the first time, but now that cheerleaders will be there the entire time, I'm almost dreading it. Our dates are fixed, and not that we're less than 45 days out we'd have to change to a more expensive reservation to avoid the change fee, and that is just not feasible. We aren't fans of POR, POFQ has a negligible 5% AP discount, and CSR lacks that 'magic' the other resorts have. We've decided to 'tough it out' at CBR, but we had our TA put in a room request to be as far from the cheerleaders as possible. She said that was the funniest request she ever heard!

Anyone know if the hang around the beaches? We're hoping relax on the beach with a tropical drink each night after the parks, so I really hope they prefer the pools to the beaches.

 

[mom2taylorandemily]

Oh this is a bummer. Hubby and I were really looking forward to trying CBR for the first time, but now that cheerleaders will be there the entire time, I'm almost dreading it. Our dates are fixed, and not that we're less than 45 days out we'd have to change to a more expensive reservation to avoid the change fee, and that is just not feasible. We aren't fans of POR, POFQ has a negligible 5% AP discount, and CSR lacks that 'magic' the other resorts have. We've decided to 'tough it out' at CBR, but we had our TA put in a room request to be as far from the cheerleaders as possible. She said that was the funniest request she ever heard!

Anyone know if the hang around the beaches? We're hoping relax on the beach with a tropical drink each night after the parks, so I really hope they prefer the pools to the beaches.

My understanding is that they will compete during the days and leave the nights open to tour the parks and such. But, my experience is that they love the pools and hot-tubs but expect to see them everywhere. There will be plenty of them. But, as I have said on other threads, most are very nice and don't deserve the reputation that they get. My own DD is a High School Cheerleader and she is a very nice and respectful girl. So, just take it with a grain of salt, it is still Disney and any day there beats a day at home!!!!

 

[lamb616]

Oh this is a bummer. Hubby and I were really looking forward to trying CBR for the first time, but now that cheerleaders will be there the entire time, I'm almost dreading it. Our dates are fixed, and not that we're less than 45 days out we'd have to change to a more expensive reservation to avoid the change fee, and that is just not feasible. We aren't fans of POR, POFQ has a negligible 5% AP discount, and CSR lacks that 'magic' the other resorts have. We've decided to 'tough it out' at CBR, but we had our TA put in a room request to be as far from the cheerleaders as possible. She said that was the funniest request she ever heard!

Anyone know if the hang around the beaches? We're hoping relax on the beach with a tropical drink each night after the parks, so I really hope they prefer the pools to the beaches.

how long is your trip? can you do a split stay and move somewhere else just the days the cheerleaders are there?

 

[jdd]

yes those are def the dates,,,I was 30 mins today on the phone to Disney trying to find out, finally I got put on to block bookings and they confirmed it for me. The values could no longer take large groups and the spill over is now going into CBR (how dare they right??) lol He told me they chose CBR as it is closest to the All stars resorts. I immediately changed my booking and we are now going 5th may to 11th. I have experienced this before and would never do it again. You cant get near the food court, pool, hot tub and the noise is terrible. Not to mention the lack of respect. My husband told them off once for foul language in front of my 3 yr old and got flipped off!!!! Now Im not saying they are all like that, I guess you do get some nice kids, we just dont want to go through that again...we have saved like crazy all year to come back to our beloved CBR and Im not chancing having it ruined. Just our choice oh ps...the CM said they will be in the parks also!!

Wow - we really dodged a bullet on that one. We chose between two weekends for this trip (our actual anniversary date is May 1st, so we said either the weekend before or the weekend after) - so glad we chose the later weekend!

As I said, I'm not trying to offend anyone - I would just prefer to not have to deal with any large group - that's why we don't go to CSR anymore, I don't like the mass of convention people either!

 

[pktbMouse]

we just had a bad experience with them a couple of years back I guess, thats why we dont want to deal with it again. They were in the pool being very rough, they hogged the hot tub, the food court you couldnt get near and the noise was unbearable...they cheered and shouted everywhere and anywhere.*** I said....all kids are not like this and I dont want to give all cheerleaders a bad rap, we probably just had some bad luck but I am just recovering from a long illness and I dont need to deal with that again so we switched to 5th May to 11th. The fact that they were given a 4 day park hopper too made us change our minds. Hopefully when they are gone the ride wait times will be a little better. If your dates are set I would definitely still go and take it day by day. You can always complain while your there and who knows they may move you and give you an upgrade? (wishful thinking!!)

 

[CamoMama]

Thanks SafetyMom! I read somewhere that it is 1.5 miles from Tinidad South to OPR. Do you (or anyone else) know if that's correct?

Good lord no. Well, maybe if you walk in the opposite direction and go all the way around the lake. The beds do suck, in my opinion, but my girls and others have said they were fine. The pirate theme is very cool and looks way better in person than in photos. I won't do a pirate themed room again, but just because we want to try all the mods, and the royal room at POR is our next stop.