Caribbean Beach FAQ part V

[MickeysMommy]

Wow omalleycat! What a vacation! Glad you had such a wonderful time

Sent from my Incredible using DISBoards

 

[lisam427]

omalleycat thank you for the review. i am so glad you had a great time!! thanks for posting. it makes me look forward to next september even more!!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Hi CBR lovers! We have just returned from the U.S and spent Sep 1 -24 at CBR. I picked this resort out as my favourite from the vacation planning DVD long before I knew what any of them cost and was thrilled to find it was doable.
WE LOVED IT!! Absolutely stunning grounds and set-up, and loved the building layout and colours. We were in non-preferred Martinique 21 and found the location fine, easy walk to OPR. Good view of Epcot fireworks. The foodcourt options do get a bit old after a while but we mixed it up with character meals and lots of eating at DTD in the evenings.
With over 3 weeks we had time to explore non-disney parks as well, and it was really nice coming "home" after spending a day off-site, our disney magic continued long after our park tickets had expired.
Found the buses great, had lots of times when we arrived at the same time as the bus, and probably just a couple of 15-20 min waits. Very happy to see that the DTD buses started quite early, as we needed to transfer to the Lynx buses.
The main pool and kids activities were great, and we had 2 "quiet" pools very close.
Our room was perfectly clean and well-maintained during our stay, 1 towel animal on the 2nd day.
We spent a few days visiting other resorts (mostly deluxe) and was surprised to find that visually CBR was still our favourite. Port Orleans (all sections) came very close and we loved walking around there and taking the boat to DTD. We are definately "moderate" people! The fact that CBR has the beaches would still put it ahead.
We had some issues at check-in due to our length of stay and the way it was booked through our travel agent (and something about reservations only lasting 14 days) but this was sorted by the manager as quickly as they were able. We ended up having 3 different sets of KTTW cards during our stay but this wasn't a problem. Our ME departure date was incorrect due to the reservation problem, but due to needing to be at the airport by 5AM we decide to cancel ME completely and take a taxi. After reading the recent comments about bell services I'm glad we did! We had our luggage with us upon arrival and weren't that impressed with them then.
Apart from Bell/luggage services, all staff were great. On our second last day my husband decided that he wished he had a bought a Blizzard Beach towel while we were there, and we couldn't find it at DTD. He went to the gift shop at CBR and asked if there was any way we could get it - not expecting to be able to. The assistant conferred with the manager who said she would drive over to BB and get it. We were amazed and 30 minutes later it was in our possession. Fantastic service and she wouldn't take anything for doing it.
This was a once-in-a-lifetime trip for us and it is unlikely we will ever be able to return, but we will remember our visit to CBR forever.

Wow that was a long stay!! Sounds like it was as close to perfect as you can get. I agree - CBR is one of the most beautiful resorts WDW has to offer. We have enjoyed our 3 stays there!! That is awesome what they did for your DH. Glad you had such a nice trip. Thanks for sharing!

 

[DiscoMinnieMouse]

We just returned from CBR - Sept. 22-29. It was great! When I checked in the custom house smelled like coconuts, and the gift shop smelled floral, in a good way, but the coconut was better. The room was comfortable for our family - 2 adults, 1 child, 1 infant, and now that I've stayed here again (haven't been to CBR in 12 years, all other stays have been at All Stars, Pop Century or Polynesian) I think I would find the Value Resort rooms to be too small. The room was clean, but we thought the outside could have been better maintained - things like dirty walls, dirty walkways - quite honestly I thought the Values are better maintained in that regard!

We also got some not so stellar customer service at the food court a couple times - it's disappointing just because we expect a certain level of service from Disney. For example, upon check in at 7:30 am, I requested a crib. We went out to the parks and returned to unload our luggage at 3:00 pm. No crib. I called the front desk and asked that they send a crib, I had already requested one that morning and on my reservation. We went back out and returned at 11:00pm. No crib again!!!! Luckily, it only took them 15 minutes to get us one, but I don't understand why I had to request it so many times.

The pool area is great, and I love the kids play area. The beaches are beautiful. We drove, and the parking was so convenient compared to Pop Century or Polynesian! We just got the standard room, and my daughter loved the Nemo theme. The food court had lots of good options - I liked the Caribbean Jerk Chicken sandwich - and the gift shop was nice and large with good selections. All in all, a great trip at a good resort.

 

[maxiesmom]

We also got some not so stellar customer service at the food court a couple times - it's disappointing just because we expect a certain level of service from Disney. For example, upon check in at 7:30 am, I requested a crib. We went out to the parks and returned to unload our luggage at 3:00 pm. No crib. I called the front desk and asked that they send a crib, I had already requested one that morning and on my reservation. We went back out and returned at 11:00pm. No crib again!!!! Luckily, it only took them 15 minutes to get us one, but I don't understand why I had to request it so many times.

If it is not too big of a hassle, walk down to the front desk when you need something brought to your room asap. Otherwise you are calling a call center, and not really calling the front desk. They just act like they are the front desk, and then pass your message along.

 

[Mississippianna]

For example, upon check in at 7:30 am, I requested a crib. We went out to the parks and returned to unload our luggage at 3:00 pm. No crib. I called the front desk and asked that they send a crib, I had already requested one that morning and on my reservation. We went back out and returned at 11:00pm. No crib again!!!! Luckily, it only took them 15 minutes to get us one, but I don't understand why I had to request it so many times.

The Pack and Play cribs come from Housekeeping, so if you did indeed call only the front desk you may have gotten faster service by calling Housekeeping directly. Though, I am really surprised that someone didn't tell you. It's still not great customer service, and what you had to deal with is pretty ridiculous. I just wanted to put that out there for anyone else who would need a crib. Hit the Housekeeping button when you get to your room, even if you confirmed your request at check in.

 

[aubriee]

My husband and I will in Orlando Oct 27th-Nov 4th for my birthday and our anniversary. Way back last Dec, I booked a room only bounceback deal at POFQ and planned on using the TiW card for our meals. ADRs were made and we were just waiting for the trip. Then this past weekend out of the blue, my husband decided he wanted to use the DDP, instead of TiW ('for convenience'). Because it's a bounceback deal, we couldn't add the DDP without also buying one day park tickets we don't need (we are both AP holders). POFQ was not available using the AP discount, so the only way to get the DDP was to change resorts. I love the moderates, but CBR is probably my least favorite. Granted I haven't been there in 2-3 years, but both times I've stayed there we've been blessed with loud neighbors, poor housekeeping, poor bus service, packed main pool and hot tubs, and was not fond of either the food court or Shutters (actually got sick after eating at Shutters). However to get the AP discount and use the DDP, our choices were CBR or CSR. I actually love CSR and thought my husband would choose there. He surprised me, saying he wanted to try CBR, just because we hadn't been there in awhile and things might have improved. Knowing we didn't like the bus service there, we'll probably rent a car and we don't plan on eating any meals at the resort, so that takes care of two of our problems we had the previous stays. How packed will the main pool and hot tubs be during the last week of Oct? Also I booked a preferred room and requested Martinique 26 or 25. Booking a preferred room, means I wasn't able to book a King bed or a water view, but I had the CM add those as requests. Adding the DDP made the ressie a pkg, so since we are now withing the 45 day window, I don't guess it matters much, as it is now too late to change our minds. We just want to get away for awhile, so I'm sure we'll be fine. I just want a little reassurance that we didn't make a mistake switching from POFQ to CBR with just 27 days left before our trip.

 

[aubriee]

OK, another question: I just looked at my reservation on the WDW site and under preferences it says:

CARIBBEAN BEACH- SWMCARIBBEAN BEACH-PREFERRED
PLEASE NOTE: REQ. MARTINQUE 26 OR 25/BURNS

What is SWM and BURNS? I booked a preferred room and made requests for Martinique 26 or 25 and then also made requests for a King waterview room. I don't expect to get them all, but made the requests hoping for at least one or two. There is nothing online about me requesting King or waterview, but I don't know what SWM or BURNS means. I copied exactly what it said on my reservation online, except above it, it says Passholder Dine (I used the AP discount and added the DDP).

 

[dansdad]

How packed will the main pool and hot tubs be during the last week of Oct?

We were there October 23-30 last year and the main pool and hot tub were never packed. We had 2 resort days last year where we were at the pool most of the day and there were others there, but it was definitely not what I would call packed. And we very rarely saw anyone at the quiet pools, so that is always an option.

 

[dansdad]

OK, another question: I just looked at my reservation on the WDW site and under preferences it says:

CARIBBEAN BEACH- SWMCARIBBEAN BEACH-PREFERRED
PLEASE NOTE: REQ. MARTINQUE 26 OR 25/BURNS

What is SWM and BURNS? I booked a preferred room and made requests for Martinique 26 or 25 and then also made requests for a King waterview room. I don't expect to get them all, but made the requests hoping for at least one or two. There is nothing online about me requesting King or waterview, but I don't know what SWM or BURNS means. I copied exactly what it said on my reservation online, except above it, it says Passholder Dine (I used the AP discount and added the DDP).

I'm sorry, but I have no idea what those accronyms mean.

Being able to see requests when looking at your reservation online must be a new thing. We never saw our requests online last year and we got both requests. But from hearing others experience on the DIS, only one request will be viewable online.


Since it's just the two of you and you have already paid for and booked preferred, IMHO it would a good idea to change your requests order of importance. I would move King to be your #1 request and the buildings to the second. Being preferred, you are going to be very close to OPR and the Main Pool no matter what. Since CBR has no balconies, again IMHO, having a waterview is really a waste.

CBR is our favortie Moderate and I hope you enjoy it more this time than your last visit!


Since you booked and paid for preferred you are going to be very close to OPR and the Main Pool. Since it

 

[dawgsgirl]

Can anyone help me out with the bus route and system at CBR?? Where does the bus go first, etc. TIA

 

[dansdad]

Can anyone help me out with the bus route and system at CBR?? Where does the bus go first, etc. TIA

It depends on which entrance the driver uses. If it's the side entrance, Jamaica is first. If it's the main entrance, Martinique is first. The bus goes clock-wise around after that.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/cbrmap.htm

 

[CleveRocks]

Can anyone help me out with the bus route and system at CBR?? Where does the bus go first, etc. TIA

Buses headed to Magic Kingdom and buses headed to Downtown Disney start at Martinique.

Buses headed everywhere else start at Jamaica.

 

[fd1972uk]

It's so long away, but I'm bursting with excitement to hit Disney at CBR.

A question for the CBR experts out there.

I've noticed that you can see a little of the Illuminations Firework display, is this possible from the main lake area.

Was thinking if it will be possible to sit on the beach (or a hammock) and take in the Illuminations Firework show. (I know it'll only take in part of the fireworks as there is more to the show, but just wondering).


TIA


FD

 

[dansdad]

It's so long away, but I'm bursting with excitement to hit Disney at CBR.

A question for the CBR experts out there.

I've noticed that you can see a little of the Illuminations Firework display, is this possible from the main lake area.

Was thinking if it will be possible to sit on the beach (or a hammock) and take in the Illuminations Firework show. (I know it'll only take in part of the fireworks as there is more to the show, but just wondering).


TIA



FD

That is one of our favorite things to do at night! You get a nice view from the beach at OPR and Martinique. I hope you enjoy CBR as much as we do!

 

[cybrkitn]

It's so long away, but I'm bursting with excitement to hit Disney at CBR.

A question for the CBR experts out there.

I've noticed that you can see a little of the Illuminations Firework display, is this possible from the main lake area.

Was thinking if it will be possible to sit on the beach (or a hammock) and take in the Illuminations Firework show. (I know it'll only take in part of the fireworks as there is more to the show, but just wondering).


TIA


FD

That is one of our favorite things to do at night! You get a nice view from the beach at OPR and Martinique. I hope you enjoy CBR as much as we do!

Oooh, I didn't even know about that! That's good to know and something we can see during our downtime days!

 

[mamathompson]

We arrived home last night after 9 nights at CBR. Let's just say we were not impressed. I placed a phone call to management on the way home to tell them about all the issues we faced. Let me preface this by saying we are not really complaining people, my husband especially sees the good in everything. We stayed at POR last year and were blown away by how amazing the service at Disney resorts is, it was above and beyond and so we thought that was how it would be throughout Disney resorts.
It started with our rooms smelling moldy (pirate rooms) we called housekeeping and they sent someone who cleaned the filter, but they still smelled. We couldn't switch rooms because the resort was full and we had three rooms reserved, so we were stuck. Our luggage didn't arrive until after 11pm , our flight landed at 4:30. The outsides were dirty, chipped paint everywhere, definitely not nice neat grounds in Trinidad South. The servers at the food court were down right rude, and couldn't figure out our meals every time we tried to check out. The maintenance workers who drive the golf carts kept speeding past us on walkways and almost running us off the walkway. One in particular blocked our walkway to the bus stop every morning and we would have to walk around the building. We were caught in the storm at MNSSHP and told at the Magic Kingdom to go to our concierge. My husband was told no refunds but he could be readmitted the next night, but then my sister was issued a refund. So we went back to tell them we didnt want to go the next night we wanted a refund also. The lady told him they absolutely did not issue refunds, and they had already said we could go the next night, he explained that we didn't want that and wanted the refund and that they had already given one to another member of our party. She acted like we were stealing from her! She finally called Magic Kingdom who said yes we could have a refund, then she didn't have the forms so we had to go back again. She was so condescending he couldn't believe she was concierge. It took 3 trips to Old Port Royale to figure that out.
Bus service was absolutely terrible, even the bus drivers were rude. Many other people on the buses were disgusted with the service. Bell services did come on time for checkout, but we never received an itemized bill, so I called 3 times from the airport yesterday morning and gave them my email address still no email. I called last night when we landed and now the system is down until tonight. I really don't like being charged without being able to double check the charges. And finally they lost our stroller. We turned it into Bell Services to be picked up by the rental company, and got a call after landing in Seattle that it wasn't there. The stroller company can't find it, bell services can't find it. My husband was on the phone all night trying to figure it out. Thank goodness we bought the insurance so we are not liable, but I can not understand how they can just lose it??
Our housekeeper Jamie was outstanding, the best we have had in Disney, but the resort service was severely lacking.We still had a great time despite the resort and the list of hassles we had, but we now know CBR won't be a repeat resort for us. It was lacking that extra touch of Disney Magic

 

[fd1972uk]

That is one of our favorite things to do at night! You get a nice view from the beach at OPR and Martinique. I hope you enjoy CBR as much as we do!

That's brilliant, we'll grab a coke and goto the OPR Beach methinks!

Thanks again.


FD

 

[dansdad]

We arrived home last night after 9 nights at CBR. Let's just say we were not impressed. I placed a phone call to management on the way home to tell them about all the issues we faced.

I'm sorry you didn't enjoy your stay. Your experience was completely different than our 4 stays at CBR. I'm glad you let management know of your disappointment as that is the only way it will get corrected.

 

[dansdad]

That's brilliant, we'll grab a coke and goto the OPR Beach methinks!

Thanks again.


FD

If you get that coke from the Banana Cabana, please tell Mike the Bartender from Boston that Mike from Chicago says HI!