Caribbean Beach FAQ part V

[safetymom]

Hi, I am the person that has started this thread numerous times. What exactly would you like to see in this thread? I am over at the resort quite often and just stayed there.

 

[HiHoOffWeGo]

I do not mean that you are not following the thread but one example is the person who asked about snacks etc... You have many pictures but all outside ones are overcast and I personally look for something cheery and bright. Not many of the grounds and it's beauty. More of the buildings, lake and beaches. You have done so much more then WDW does and I thank you for that but my family has picked CBR for our next WDW trip but all I talk to ask me why we would go to CBR when there is CSR and others much better. Now we have not stayed at CBR yet but from the beauty and feel we got on a visit last year, who wouldn't want to go to CBR. Seems like PPL talk more of why not go. I just thought that what I saw was not presented so others would choose CBR too. Your first pic is of the laundry? I may have missed it but I do not see the sign or main building and as I said the pool, HT and other places don't jump out at you do to overcast shots. A map and all info should be on the first page of the thread. You have worked hard to present CBR but some update will bring PPL to the place you love. I am very sorry to upset you but CBR is not OKW so with your help people will see CBR for what it is and find there way to CBR because of you!

 

[TJDisneymama]

I will post pics some time in the next day or two. i can't promise the sun is shining in all of them, lol, as we did have a mix of sun and clouds.

 

[ifightfortheusers]

Hi. Hoping someone can help me here. I'm looking for information on what's a Snack Credit (SC) in the food court at CBR. I checked page one for photos but I think they are a little old. I would like to update CBR on my 2012 Confirmed snacks thread.

I would love it if someone has any recent photos of the menus showing the DDP on them. Or if someone who is there now could post using the free WiFi that would be awesome.

Specifically I'm looking to see the the Tropical Smoothies that are $4.19 are a SC.

TIA!

BTW, stayed here once in Jan. 2006 and loved it!

They are a Snack Credit. You can also use the smoothies as either your drink or your dessert with a Quick Service Meal.

The entire Grab-N-Go Market (other than the sushi, alcohol, and sandwiches) are considered snack credits. Too many items to really take pictures of. Side dishes, like Mac-n-Cheese or French Fries, are also considered Snacks on the Dining Plan. Finally, Calypso Trading has some Snack Merchandise, candy or crackers, in front of the Food Court Cashiers.

 

[Dizneydaz]

Ohh, I hope I didn't start anything! I am the person who asked about snack credits.

Personally after running a POP fridge swap for over 5 years, and now the Confirmed Snacks thread, I know how much work it is to keep current. Keep up the good work safetymom!

I had someone ask on my snacks thread about the Tropical Smoothie and if it's available as a SC? Since I couldn't answer based on my own knowledge (I stayed at CBR in 2006) I went looking around. Haven't been able to verify it or not. It sounds like (based on comment on my thread) that you get a cup and fill it yourself?

I found a menu from Dec. 2011 on touringplans.com but it doesn't have any DDP logos on it And on another site I found a menu but it's from Nov. 2010 and has no DDP on it. Even the menu on allears is from Nov. 2010. Eatingwdw.com has menu prices from Feb. 2012 but again, no DDP info is shown. There doesn't seem to be any DDP logos on their menus.

Any information on this item, or any other snack items that CS has that aren't available at all other resorts would be great. I'm mostly interested in non-bakery and non-fruit items. Those items seem to be consistently available at most resorts.

If anyone can verify that the following items are, or aren't, a SC I would be very grateful!

Smoothie $4.19
Side of Bacon or Sausage $2.49
Soup $2.99
Oatmeal $2.79
Grits $2.79
Breadsticks $1.99
Fries

TIA and keep up the good work!

UPDATE-while I was writing this ifightfortheusers posted the answer about the smoothies. Thank you! I will update my snacks list.

Unless someone posts that the items mentioned above aren't available as a SC I'm going to assume that they are.

 

[cruise cruise cruise]

I kind of hate to ask with all the other recent inuires, but does anyone have a current picture or list of what is available from the fountain drink area in the food court area at CBR?
Now that we get a refillable mug with DDP, I am trying to figure out what all is available to us.
Specifically I am looking for what lemondade (flavored, light, etc) and is there a Poweraid from the fountain?
Thanks

 

[netnurse31]

We are staying in one of the Pirate rooms during our next trip and I had a question. My Mother will have to rent a Scooter while we are on Vacation and I'm wondering how difficult it would be to be able to get on a bus first thing in the morning? I know the resort is very spread out and has multiple stops and the South Buildings are not going to be the first stop.

Are we better off going to Old Port Royale or just waiting at the South stop? She's already upset about having to rent one to get around so I'm trying to help avoid the stress it may cause her.

We are coming in late June so we know it will be crowded which we have no problem with. The buses are our biggest worry.

Thanks

I rented a scooter last year,and will again this year, because of a bad back injury I have. First off let me tell you how much of a blessing it was. I could never have lasted in the parks as long as I did without it!

We were at CBR the last week of August, which isn't peak season like when you will be there. That being said, I rarely had an issue with getting on a bus. We were in Jamaica and I can only remember one time when we had to wait for the next bus because of a problem with the lift, not because of crowding. We never headed out to the parks before 9am. I'm sure the mad rush to get there at opening would cause some crowding. They tend to board wheelchairs and scooters first so hopefully your Mom will do just fine.

 

[TJDisneymama]

I have to say I was upset that the food court didn't offer quesadillas which was my favorite go-to meal last year at ASMU; they were delicious! I guess I expected that all food courts had the same food.

 

[mgdisney]

7 days till I arrive at the CBR!! Getting so excited now!

 

[MommytoaPrince]

I was wondering if anyone could tell me about the Pirate Cruise at CBR. I know that parents are not allowed to go with their children but I was wondering if anyone can tell me if you can see the boat the entire time that the kids are on it. We really want our son to do this for his bday trip but we are not confortable with him going by himself.

Also, can you rent bikes from CBR with infant carriers on the back & toddler bikes with training wheels. TIA!

 

[kgoodb00]

So I stayed at CBR for 4 nights this past weekend. I was so excited to stay here and have always wanted to see what the resort was like.

I arrived late Thursday and took the ME to the resort. The CM that helped me wasn't very friendly. She really seemed like I was a nuisance and wasn't very welcoming.

I was given a room that was pretty close to the building I requested so that was good! I get into my room and go to put my water I purchased in the fridge and the fridge was warm...it was turned off and smelled gross! Do they normally turn them off when there aren't guests in the rooms? So I turned it on and by the 2nd day it was pretty cold.

It was late so I went to bed and realized that one of the beds' headboards was broken! Every single time you moved on the bed it would bang against the wall! Also the curtain rods were off of the curtains. It all wasn't a big deal but I did let them know so they could fix it before the next guest would arrive!

I was in Martinique 22 and the walk to OPR was at the very most 5 minutes. It wasn't as far of a walk as I imagined. Also the pools were very nice! Its nice to have a quiet pool in each village. The grounds of the resort are absolutely beautiful! Each village just seems so secluded from the other parts of the resorts. It is very serene and quiet!

I think the most I waited for a bus was about 25 minutes. I must of just missed the one before. Martinique was usually the first pick up and drop off. A lot of times we didn't even go around the whole resort. The longest trip was to MK of course. We did have a one bus driver that drove so horribly. Slammed on the breaks a lot and took sharp turns! I thought a few kids that had to stand up because the bus was so packed were going to get hurt. Definitely not the most pleasant of a ride!

I ate at Shutters one night and it was awful. It was so noisy because the restaurant is right off of the food court. It took almost 10 minutes for someone to acknowledge that I was sitting at the table and the restaurant was pretty empty. It definitely wasn't what I expected!

Everyone I saw was really nice though (minus the CM that checked me in!) and a lot of CM's went out of their way to help me if I needed something!! It was a very nice resort, but is not my favorite! But it was a great experience staying there!

 

[TJDisneymama]

So I stayed at CBR for 4 nights this past weekend. I was so excited to stay here and have always wanted to see what the resort was like.

I arrived late Thursday and took the ME to the resort. The CM that helped me wasn't very friendly. She really seemed like I was a nuisance and wasn't very welcoming.

I was given a room that was pretty close to the building I requested so that was good! I get into my room and go to put my water I purchased in the fridge and the fridge was warm...it was turned off and smelled gross! Do they normally turn them off when there aren't guests in the rooms? So I turned it on and by the 2nd day it was pretty cold.

It was late so I went to bed and realized that one of the beds' headboards was broken! Every single time you moved on the bed it would bang against the wall! Also the curtain rods were off of the curtains. It all wasn't a big deal but I did let them know so they could fix it before the next guest would arrive!

I was in Martinique 22 and the walk to OPR was at the very most 5 minutes. It wasn't as far of a walk as I imagined. Also the pools were very nice! Its nice to have a quiet pool in each village. The grounds of the resort are absolutely beautiful! Each village just seems so secluded from the other parts of the resorts. It is very serene and quiet!

.

we checked in Weds. for 5 nts. We were in Martinique 25. I didn't have any of the issues you had. I'm sure with the # of rooms they have, they are bound to have problems with some. The most we ever waited for a bus was 5 minutes. Every other time, one usually came within a minute or two! I guess we lucked out.

 

[kgoodb00]

we checked in Weds. for 5 nts. We were in Martinique 25. I didn't have any of the issues you had. I'm sure with the # of rooms they have, they are bound to have problems with some. The most we ever waited for a bus was 5 minutes. Every other time, one usually came within a minute or two! I guess we lucked out.

Yea, I won't hold it against them for the minor things wrong with the room! It happens in every resort at some point. I am not sure what was up with the buses! It wasn't exceptionally busy I think I just kept getting to the bus stop right after the bus I wanted would leave! My trip just felt a little "off" compared to others and I am not sure why. I did like the resort, but I don't think it was for me. My dream is to try out every resort! I hope some day I can do that

 

[maryj11]

Yea, I won't hold it against them for the minor things wrong with the room! It happens in every resort at some point. I am not sure what was up with the buses! It wasn't exceptionally busy I think I just kept getting to the bus stop right after the bus I wanted would leave! My trip just felt a little "off" compared to others and I am not sure why. I did like the resort, but I don't think it was for me. My dream is to try out every resort! I hope some day I can do that

Yes it sounds like your vacation was a little off, good thing you are not one of those kind who get mad easy. Sounds like you made the best of it anyway. I have had some vacations like that before, actually way worse We went to Myrtle beach and was evacuated because of a hurricane then our car broke down in Gatlinburg TN and we had to have it towed to Ohio along with a few other minor things. Now we look back on it and laugh .

 

[Amy&Dan]

Who heads up this thread? If someone is no longer interested in keeping it up then we need someone to do so. Most threads except some deluxe are turning over after 250 pages in less than a year. This one since 2010 and is the info current? Most have awesome pictures that make you want to stay at that resort. I want more and this thread needs a makeover. I nominate Mickeystoontown as she is on here all the time and I had to refer to her trip reports for pictures. I have nothing against a person who is doing the job I just find other resort threads (Like POR and CSR) give a better review and promote their resorts better. With the possible renovation of CBR to queen beds(only one of the moderates that has fulls) I would like to see a better side of this fine resort. I can't wait for my 2013 vacation at CBR but if I had not been for a personal visit in 2011 I would pass for POR or CSR or maybe a value. So who loves this place?

I do very much love this place! Here is my most recent review:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2904377

Actually, I have always found this thread pretty helpful (this isn't the first CBR FAQ). Sorry you don't, but the various resort threads/FAQ threads in my opinion are not here to necessarily promote, but rather have people share their expereinces. Andre who does the POR thread does a great job and has a website devoted to POR but its not feasible for all the resort threads to have that much information.

I will say that I have noticed for many years, when a resort gets a refurb, it becomes the new kid on the block everyone wants to stay at and talk about. POR with the Royale Rooms has really generated a ton of interest on this board as did POFQ when it got its refurb and added the queen beds.

CBR has not had a major refurb in a few years so therefor it hasn't had all the "buzz" talk that a refurb generates for any resort. I can tell you a few years ago when CBR got the Nemo and Pirate overhaul to the rooms and its new pool, it got a lot more traffic on this board. Now its being overshadowed by other resort refurb discussion. However, based on our recent stay, its still felt updated and our room was clean, in good shape and the grounds are as beautiful as ever.


This link is to a video of CBR and is one of the things that had me really hankering to stay there again:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ji2fxJCYvY&feature=player_embedded#!

And for what its worth, I have been around this board for many years, and she (Safetymom) has been keeping the various CBR threads up to date since I have been on. Between her and Lisa's (Mickeystoontown) photos, there is still alot of valuable and up to date information on CBR.

Good luck with your resort choice!

Watch that video link, I find it very helpful and it also helped friends of ours with their resort choice (which was CBR and they loved it).

 

[SenecaWolf]

We did have a one bus driver that drove so horribly. Slammed on the breaks a lot and took sharp turns! I thought a few kids that had to stand up because the bus was so packed were going to get hurt. Definitely not the most pleasant of a ride!

I think we had the same driver! Was it a woman? The one we had was not only a horrible driver she was touchy about everything! So not only a bad driver but a bad attitude also. Thank goodness it was the only time we encountered her lol.

 

[kgoodb00]

Yes it sounds like your vacation was a little off, good thing you are not one of those kind who get mad easy. Sounds like you made the best of it anyway. I have had some vacations like that before, actually way worse We went to Myrtle beach and was evacuated because of a hurricane then our car broke down in Gatlinburg TN and we had to have it towed to Ohio along with a few other minor things. Now we look back on it and laugh .

Oh wow! I am glad I didn't get evacuated! That would of been crazy! lol. Yea it was just a weird vacation. I got really bad blisters (which I have NEVER had before in my life!), my phone just all of a sudden turned off and wouldn't come back on, and one of the buses I was on broke down! I am sure some day I will look back on it and laugh lol. All in all it was a good vacation. It wasn't anything fantastic, but I was at Disney so it was worth it! It is crazy how that place just feels like my 2nd home

I think we had the same driver! Was it a woman? The one we had was not only a horrible driver she was touchy about everything! So not only a bad driver but a bad attitude also. Thank goodness it was the only time we encountered her lol.

No mine was a guy! A bunch of guys were yelling at him on the bus because he kept shoving people on. and there was absolutely no room to do so. And there were like 4 year olds who had to try to stand and it was pretty late at night so they were sooooo tired! So their parents were trying to hold on to them and hold on to the railing too! I had to keep catching one girl because every time he would slam on the brakes she would fly forward and almost fall! He had a bad attitude too. He seemed to definitely not like his job! But all the other bus drivers were ok. No one was like exceptional, but other drivers didn't try to kill us! haha

 

[goofyinohio]

I rented a scooter last year,and will again this year, because of a bad back injury I have. First off let me tell you how much of a blessing it was. I could never have lasted in the parks as long as I did without it!

We were at CBR the last week of August, which isn't peak season like when you will be there. That being said, I rarely had an issue with getting on a bus. We were in Jamaica and I can only remember one time when we had to wait for the next bus because of a problem with the lift, not because of crowding. We never headed out to the parks before 9am. I'm sure the mad rush to get there at opening would cause some crowding. They tend to board wheelchairs and scooters first so hopefully your Mom will do just fine.

Thank you for the response!

 

[HiHoOffWeGo]

Amy&Dan - We visited CBR in June 2011 and after our walk around the family said we would stay at CBR for our 2013 vacation. That will not change. I guess I am an old fart and when I reviewed the first page of this thread I was a little let down esp with a picture of the laundry first. I guess us POR fans are spoiled by Andre. I am sorry to have shook the palm trees but I guess I didn't do a very good job of pointing out that people do use that first page as a reference and if I had not visited the resort personally I may not even try CBR. A little makeover of that first page and some additional shots that show the bright exterior of how wonderful CBR is in person may be in order.

Safetymom and other FAQ moderators have a thankless job and donate their time. She loves CBR as you and Lisa do and a good first impression will bring more to find what you all love so much. Just to take a step showing others what you know is at CBR. I will be honest, we had second thoughts until we read Lisa's TR and saw her pictures.

I guess I got tired of all the bad mouth that the CSR crowed gives CBR. You here CSR or CBR and they choose CSR. There are so many reasons to stay away from CSR in my opinion. CBR is like a less costly POLY and that is how I would like to view things.

Please try to understand all I wish is for PPL to have a good impression of CBR and Safetymom I am sorry for any upset I have caused.

 

[elleinad16]

With 25 days left until our trip, I have officially switched us from All-Star Music to Caribbean Beach!!! Even upgraded us to a king bed! I'm so excited for my first stay at this resort. I will report back after my trip.