Caribbean Beach FAQ part V

[mickeystoontown]

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

Wow! I'm sorry to hear that you encountered problems while at the CBR. I've stayed at the CBR numerous times but never in Trinidad South so I don't know the condition of those rooms or buildings. I wonder if you could have requested a thorough cleaning of the rooms as those with severe allergies do. Maybe that would have gotten rid of the smell.

I've been reading more and more about rude castmembers at all of the resorts. It seems as if their training team needs to do a better job. (Believe it or not, the absolute worst concierge castmember we have ever encountered was on the Disney Dream this past May.) It sounds as if there was a big communication problem on the part of Disney with their concierge staff regarding refunds on the MNSSHP tickets. Having said that, there was no need for the castmember to be rude to you guys. You weren't trying to commit any crime, you were just doing what the people at the Magic Kindgom told you to do.

I hope that you get your itemized bill soon so that your mind can be put as ease. I know that we've always gotten our itemized bill before leaving the resort. It's true, though, that Disney's reservation system is down right now and won't be back up and running until sometime late this evening.

 

[fd1972uk]

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

Hehe, I will do.


FD

 

[maxiesmom]

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.(

I know this is a minor point in and among all the hassle and grief, but keep in mind that the time your flight lands has nothing to do with when you will get your luggage from DME. What counts is at what time you check in to your resort. They try to deliver luggage within 3-4 hours of when you check in. Even so, your luggage was delivered late. But I wanted to pass that bit of info along so you were aware the next time you go to WDW.

 

[bentopher]

I just booked my vacation for this afternoon...

I'm coming with my 2 boys (6 and 5 years old) an doing a split stay.

May 15-18 at Pop Century (4 nights)
and then May 19-22 at Caribbean Beach (3 nights).

I have opted to pay for a "preferred" room.
Can you tell me what area these rooms generally are?
Is there a good building (or two) to request so I won't hear a ton of noise after 11pm. Or is this really only a concern over at Pop.


Thanks all! Very excited!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I just booked my vacation for this afternoon...

I'm coming with my 2 boys (6 and 5 years old) an doing a split stay.

May 15-18 at Pop Century (4 nights)
and then May 19-22 at Caribbean Beach (3 nights).

I have opted to pay for a "preferred" room.
Can you tell me what area these rooms generally are?
Is there a good building (or two) to request so I won't hear a ton of noise after 11pm. Or is this really only a concern over at Pop.


Thanks all! Very excited!

Congrats on booking your vacation! The preferred rooms are all buildings in the village of Trinidad North and Buildings 26, 25 and 24 in Martinique. We've never had any problems with noise in any of the villages so I'm sure you'll be fine in whatever building your in.

 

[deedeew80]

Hi everyone! I have been to WDW 10 times, and most of those times I have stayed at CBR!! (My Favorite Resort!!) However, I have always been in a preferred room. I have a trip coming up in early May & am trying my hardest to stay at CBR. It's just so much more expensive than a value. So I have been waiting for a discount to come out but am also looking into staying in a standard room instead of preferred. Exactly how far are the standard rooms from the OPR? Is there one that is closer than the others? Can I request a certain location? TIA!!

Forgot to add that I will have my two children with me! DD2 & DS1. So being closer to OPR would be a lot nicer!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Hi everyone! I have been to WDW 10 times, and most of those times I have stayed at CBR!! (My Favorite Resort!!) However, I have always been in a preferred room. I have a trip coming up in early May & am trying my hardest to stay at CBR. It's just so much more expensive than a value. So I have been waiting for a discount to come out but am also looking into staying in a standard room instead of preferred. Exactly how far are the standard rooms from the OPR? Is there one that is closer than the others? Can I request a certain location? TIA!!

Forgot to add that I will have my two children with me! DD2 & DS1. So being closer to OPR would be a lot nicer!

Hey girl! We've only stayed in preferred twice (once because that's all that was available and once because we were given a free upgrade). All other visits were in standard rooms.

Our walk from Jamaica to OPR was about 5 minutes. Our walk from Martinique non-preferred was about the same. The walk from Barbados 11 was about 7 minutes but we were behind a couple with a double stroller who were walking super slowly. You know that Mama went with us two years in a row and she didn't have a problem walking from Jamaica to OPR.

You can put in a request for a specific village (and building). Martinique 21, 22, and 23 are non-preferred and you wouldn't have to cross through the island on your way to OPR.

 

[deedeew80]

Hey girl! We've only stayed in preferred twice (once because that's all that was available and once because we were given a free upgrade). All other visits were in standard rooms.

Our walk from Jamaica to OPR was about 5 minutes. Our walk from Martinique non-preferred was about the same. The walk from Barbados 11 was about 7 minutes but we were behind a couple with a double stroller who were walking super slowly. You know that Mama went with us two years in a row and she didn't have a problem walking from Jamaica to OPR.

You can put in a request for a specific village (and building). Martinique 21, 22, and 23 are non-preferred and you wouldn't have to cross through the island on your way to OPR.

Thanks so much Lisa!!! I knew you would have the answer!!! I should have just asked you the question on your TR!!! I haven't planned a trip since 08 & I feel like a newbie at some things!!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Thanks so much Lisa!!! I knew you would have the answer!!! I should have just asked you the question on your TR!!! I haven't planned a trip since 08 & I feel like a newbie at some things!!!

You're welcome! It's a whole different ballgame when you're traveling with two little ones.

 

[bentopher]

If I'm at the Contemporary Resort. How do I get back "home" to the CBR?
I'm hoping to take the boys on the Pirates and Pals excursion. I'm just wondering when I'm back on land. What is the easiest way to get back?

Thanks

 

[TJDisneymama]

If I'm at the Contemporary Resort. How do I get back "home" to the CBR?
I'm hoping to take the boys on the Pirates and Pals excursion. I'm just wondering when I'm back on land. What is the easiest way to get back?

Thanks

we just took a cab. at that time it was late, we were exhausted, so we weren't dealing with taking the monorail to the bus to the resort.

 

[bentopher]

we just took a cab. at that time it was late, we were exhausted, so we weren't dealing with taking the monorail to the bus to the resort.

OOH? So... what time of year did you go? And what time was "late"? And how much was the cab ride? any idea at all??? So I can budget accordingly?



Side note.. I think I'm choosing to do this for the boys than any other fireworks show (ie Fantasmic, Illuminations etc). They'll only be able to stay up this late once during our vacation. Any opinion??

 

[Harmony]

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

We didn't share the exact same experiences but the way you describe your stay...yep, we experienced that at CBR during our 9 day stay last August. When I read about how great CBR is, I compare their experience to my experience and I feel cheated. I wish so much that I could give CBR a glowing review but I just can't. And even though many on here glow about CBR, I'm finding more and more negative reviews. I hope Disney management is listening and reading. I hope they fix whatever lacked for us at CBR. It didn't didn't have the extra touch of Disney magic, at least not for us. Boo.

Disney management...are you listening? *sigh*

 

[mickeystoontown]

We didn't share the exact same experiences but the way you describe your stay...yep, we experienced that at CBR during our 9 day stay last August. When I read about how great CBR is, I compare their experience to my experience and I feel cheated. I wish so much that I could give CBR a glowing review but I just can't. And even though many on here glow about CBR, I'm finding more and more negative reviews. I hope Disney management is listening and reading. I hope they fix whatever lacked for us at CBR. It didn't didn't have the extra touch of Disney magic, at least not for us. Boo.

Disney management...are you listening? *sigh*

I hope that Disney management is listening too. I've been reading more and more negative reviews about many of the Disney resorts including the deluxe resorts....even the Yacht Club which most rave about. Mousekeeping needs to step it up a notch or two. Disney definitely need to do something about the apparent lack of training that the castmembers are receiving relative to dealing with the guests.

I'm sorry that you didn't like the CBR and experienced problems there. I hope that you wrote a letter to Disney letting them know.

 

[PA Disneymania]

We stayed at CBR in Feb of 2008 and we said we would never go to that resort again. We have stayed at all the moderates and POP and All Star Movies. We had a problem and needed to speak to the manager who kept us waiting for 45 minutes. When he finally came out of his office he was rude and condescending.
We were in Martinique in a preferred room. We are almost always at the park for rope drop. One morning the bus was full when it came by our stop, and another bus did not come for 35 minutes. By then there were more people pushing to get on and the bus was already half full. There were no CMs trying to keep order or calling for another bus. (Even the All Stars had this.)
We also tend to stay at a park until closing so naturally the buses are crowded. At MK we were about 3 buses back in line, but no CBR buses came by for a long while. We all watched CSR, All Stars, etc. pick up passengers, but no CBR. It was at least an hour before we were on the bus, heading to our hotel. Some of the other hotel bus stops were empty.
We had no complaints about the room; the grounds are beautiful. The food at the food court was more than satisfactory.
That all being said, we are staying there again this summer because our traveling companions want to stay there. I hope that things will be better with the buses.

 

[mickeystoontown]

We stayed at CBR in Feb of 2008 and we said we would never go to that resort again. We have stayed at all the moderates and POP and All Star Movies. We had a problem and needed to speak to the manager who kept us waiting for 45 minutes. When he finally came out of his office he was rude and condescending.
We were in Martinique in a preferred room. We are almost always at the park for rope drop. One morning the bus was full when it came by our stop, and another bus did not come for 35 minutes. By then there were more people pushing to get on and the bus was already half full. There were no CMs trying to keep order or calling for another bus. (Even the All Stars had this.)
We also tend to stay at a park until closing so naturally the buses are crowded. At MK we were about 3 buses back in line, but no CBR buses came by for a long while. We all watched CSR, All Stars, etc. pick up passengers, but no CBR. It was at least an hour before we were on the bus, heading to our hotel. Some of the other hotel bus stops were empty.
We had no complaints about the room; the grounds are beautiful. The food at the food court was more than satisfactory.
That all being said, we are staying there again this summer because our traveling companions want to stay there. I hope that things will be better with the buses.

I hope that things go better for you this go-round. We have stayed at the CBR many times (even during busy times of the year) and never had any issues with the buses or rude castmembers. I'll keep my fingers crossed that things go well for you.

 

[mari360]

We stayed at CBR in Feb of 2008 and we said we would never go to that resort again. We have stayed at all the moderates and POP and All Star Movies. We had a problem and needed to speak to the manager who kept us waiting for 45 minutes. When he finally came out of his office he was rude and condescending.
We were in Martinique in a preferred room. We are almost always at the park for rope drop. One morning the bus was full when it came by our stop, and another bus did not come for 35 minutes. By then there were more people pushing to get on and the bus was already half full. There were no CMs trying to keep order or calling for another bus. (Even the All Stars had this.)
We also tend to stay at a park until closing so naturally the buses are crowded. At MK we were about 3 buses back in line, but no CBR buses came by for a long while. We all watched CSR, All Stars, etc. pick up passengers, but no CBR. It was at least an hour before we were on the bus, heading to our hotel. Some of the other hotel bus stops were empty.
We had no complaints about the room; the grounds are beautiful. The food at the food court was more than satisfactory.
That all being said, we are staying there again this summer because our traveling companions want to stay there. I hope that things will be better with the buses.

I'm sorry you had such a horrible experience with CBR buses. And I'm ashamed at management for being more proactive to your concerns. Hopefully second times a charm!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Koda]

I am excited to stay at CBR 1/10-1/13/13!

I had booked the disney visa package deal for Pop, but all they had available were preferred pool view rooms. It was only $60 more per night to upgrade to CBR and get the regular dining plan instead of quick service. I am running the 1/2 marathon on Saturday, and DD (17 yrs) and I are both running the 5k on Friday, so we will definitely enjoy the table service meals!

Can't wait to check out CBR! We have never stayed there, and the pictures online look so pretty.

 

[Dan183]

Hi, last March we stayed at CBR and had a room in Martinique and when I walked down to the beach area for our building you could see some of the illuminations fireworks. If you would be closer to the main pool/central hub area you should be able to see it really well.

 

[snowcupid]

Just got back from our trip. I think next time we will stay somewhere else. We were so far away from the food court and bus stop this time. Also one of the CMs in the gift shop was watching everyone like a hawk. I don't shoplift and neither does anyone in my family - but she made you feel guilty just being in the shop. She literally would come out from behind the counter, and stand next to you and watch you. It was really strange.