Caribbean Beach FAQ part VI

[butterfly71076]

Just back, stayed 3/1-3/8 This was our second time at CBR, first with DS. Upon arrival, our room was ready (thank you online check in!) and we were upgraded to a pirate room! Although it was very far from Old Port Royale (Trinidad South bldg 34), my DS was very excited and loved the room! The only thing we didn't care for, the beds were very hard and not very comfortable. Otherwise, the room was great, corner room, fairly large, and very clean upon arrival. Since we had a car, getting to/from Old Port Royle (OPR) was fairly easy.

We also drove alot to/from the parks. We did take the bus from MK, only once, due to the new bus stop being the furthest one form the park exit. What a hike! After a long day in the park, that was a very unpleasant surprise. I knew they were building new bus stops, but I thought it would be for the value resorts!

We loved the main pool at OPR! It was a lot of fun and my DS had a great time using both water slides. The water was a bit chilly, but, after a very warm day at AK, it felt great! The pool games were great and DS made a few friends to play with. The staff was very upbeat and friendly, and included everyone, even adults, that wanted to be involved.

We didn't eat much in the food court, but, found the food to be good. It was the right temp, and service was good. We had a dinner, burgers for DH and DS, chicken nuggets for me. Not bad tasting, a bit long to get the order. Typical Disney food, although DS thought there should be other offerings besides grapes. He likes grapes, just not with every meal! We also had a breakfast, Mickey waffles for DS, breakfast platter for DH, and I got the steak, egg and cheese quesadilla. Delish! If you are going to have breakfast, try it!

We were using DDP, and had our credit card attached to the room. Using the magicbands for everything was very easy and we didn't have any problems.
Over all, the resort is very beautiful, but very big. If you have a car, you will probably use it to get around or use the internal busses. There is no reason why we wouldn't stay here again!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Just got back early this a.m.
CBR is nice but huge, got upgraded from a standard to a pirate room in Trinidad south.

Wish I would have had a car for the entire trip instead of 3 days in the middle. The 10 minute walk back and forth to Old Port Royale and the extensive bus wait at the resort were a downer.

The main pool was really nice with an awesome kids pool.(both could have been warmer)

Food court was fair at best. Breakfast snack options got beat up early every day and not replaced. Dimly lit and standard food court stuff.

All in all it was a good trip. Will not do CBR again though. Our whole family agreed that POP is better fit for us, with a much more vibrant and alive feel.

Will elaborate more on FP+ and our food reviews in our trip report , but thought this might help in someone's decision making process.

Thanks for the mini-report! It sounds like quite a few people were upgraded to the pirate rooms.

We hardly eat breakfast so I couldn't comment on the breakfast foods. However, lunch and dinner have always been good.

Isn't it great that Disney has so many different resorts? If one resort is not the one for you, then you have another to try.

Hi all! I stayed at CBR during the marathon weekend for 3 nights with my family and had a great time there. When we checked us in, they originally had us in one of the buildings farthest away, but after asking to switch to Jamaica (46 I think- the close one) we were accommodated and got to keep a ground floor room, too (which is what we wanted with our kids (5 and 3). It was a very quick and nice walk over the bridge to the food court and main pool. Our kids LOVED the splash pool and my 5 year old daughter also liked the big pool a lot too. That was all they wanted to do - go swimming! I know the food court seems to get a lot of bad reviews but we liked the things that we got there, although we didn't have a chance to eat there too many times. We had some chocolate croissants on our last day that were SO good - wish I could have one right now! We only rode the bus once since we had a car rented (we were at a condo for the first part of our trip and needed the car) but didn't wait at all for the bus that one time. We did wait a while on our way back from the MK, but there didn't seem to many buses coming for any resorts at that time. I have to say that having experienced WDW with and without a car, I prefer to have a car, but it probably isn't necessary. Although, my kids liked the bus rides more than taking the car. Our room was fine, but it did have a little musty smell. I've had that same smell at other WDW rooms too... But it didn't bug us; and my kids and I have allergies and we were all fine. I can see how others might be bothered by it. Anyway, we all really enjoyed the resort for our first time there and are planning on returning there this September!! Yay!

Glad to hear that you enjoyed your trip! I could go for one of the chocolate croissants myself.

Just back, stayed 3/1-3/8 This was our second time at CBR, first with DS. Upon arrival, our room was ready (thank you online check in!) and we were upgraded to a pirate room! Although it was very far from Old Port Royale (Trinidad South bldg 34), my DS was very excited and loved the room! The only thing we didn't care for, the beds were very hard and not very comfortable. Otherwise, the room was great, corner room, fairly large, and very clean upon arrival. Since we had a car, getting to/from Old Port Royle (OPR) was fairly easy.

We also drove alot to/from the parks. We did take the bus from MK, only once, due to the new bus stop being the furthest one form the park exit. What a hike! After a long day in the park, that was a very unpleasant surprise. I knew they were building new bus stops, but I thought it would be for the value resorts!

We loved the main pool at OPR! It was a lot of fun and my DS had a great time using both water slides. The water was a bit chilly, but, after a very warm day at AK, it felt great! The pool games were great and DS made a few friends to play with. The staff was very upbeat and friendly, and included everyone, even adults, that wanted to be involved.

We didn't eat much in the food court, but, found the food to be good. It was the right temp, and service was good. We had a dinner, burgers for DH and DS, chicken nuggets for me. Not bad tasting, a bit long to get the order. Typical Disney food, although DS thought there should be other offerings besides grapes. He likes grapes, just not with every meal! We also had a breakfast, Mickey waffles for DS, breakfast platter for DH, and I got the steak, egg and cheese quesadilla. Delish! If you are going to have breakfast, try it!

We were using DDP, and had our credit card attached to the room. Using the magicbands for everything was very easy and we didn't have any problems.
Over all, the resort is very beautiful, but very big. If you have a car, you will probably use it to get around or use the internal busses. There is no reason why we wouldn't stay here again!

Thanks for your report! Sounds like you had a good stay. I have to agree that the kids' meals should have more options especially on their side items.

 

[Belle5]

I met the person that took those pictures at CBR when he took them, and saw them on his phone before they were posted. I even know what room........

Can you tell us which room?

The new rooms will be gorgeous! Tell your friend how much we appreciate the pics!

 

[CTPacky]

4431, but I doubt you'll get anyone to open it for you

 

[Belle5]

4431, but I doubt you'll get anyone to open it for you

Thank you! I wasn't thinking of having anyone open it for me. I was trying to guess in what building the refurb might begin. I think that is in Jamaica? If they have one completed there, perhaps that might mean that's the building they will be refurbished first???

 

[yolie912]

When is the refurb going to begin.
Can someone post pics of how it suppose to look?

Thanks again

 

[dansdad]

When is the refurb going to begin.
Can someone post pics of how it suppose to look?

Thanks again

Suppose to begin in April.

 

[P00H1010]

Hello all! I have a quick question.
We have stayed at CBR 3 times (Pirate rooms twice and King room once). We are looking to possibly book 2 rooms this year- 1 King and 1 Standard. We enjoyed our King stay before in Jamaica and was thinking about requesting rooms there for this trip.
I know the Pirate rooms are all located in Trinidad South. My question would be is Jamaica only King rooms or does it house both Standard and King rooms? Essentially can both our rooms be in the same village if our request is made?

 

[dansdad]

Hello all! I have a quick question.
We have stayed at CBR 3 times (Pirate rooms twice and King room once). We are looking to possibly book 2 rooms this year- 1 King and 1 Standard. We enjoyed our King stay before in Jamaica and was thinking about requesting rooms there for this trip.
I know the Pirate rooms are all located in Trinidad South. My question would be is Jamaica only King rooms or does it house both Standard and King rooms? Essentially can both our rooms be in the same village if our request is made?

King rooms are spread out all over the resort, except for the Pirate Rooms in Trinidad South. So yes, it's possible to get a King connected to a standard in Jamaica.

 

[P00H1010]

King rooms are spread out all over the resort, except for the Pirate Rooms in Trinidad South. So yes, it's possible to get a King connected to a standard in Jamaica.

Thanks so much! That is exactly what I wanted to know

 

[dis_guy]

King rooms are spread out all over the resort, except for the Pirate Rooms in Trinidad South. So yes, it's possible to get a King connected to a standard in Jamaica.

Yup. We've done this a few times. I'm sure it's a common request.

 

[gorjus121]

We are looking to do a short stay to extend our timeshare week off property. Last year we did the Polynesian. This year, to cut down on cost we were looking at a moderate level resort and liked the Caribbean Beach. Where is the best location to request a room for a short stay? I was reading reviews that the resort is huge. We were considering a pirate room or a nice lake view room. Any suggestions?

 

[dansdad]

We are looking to do a short stay to extend our timeshare week off property. Last year we did the Polynesian. This year, to cut down on cost we were looking at a moderate level resort and liked the Caribbean Beach. Where is the best location to request a room for a short stay? I was reading reviews that the resort is huge. We were considering a pirate room or a nice lake view room. Any suggestions?

The Pirate Rooms are all in Trinidad South which is the farthest village from the Main Pool and Old Port Royale (food court, arcade, shop, etc). Our favorite location is Jamaica 45. It is a very short, 4-5 mins, stroll across the bridge to OPR and the main pool. Aruba 51 is also a very short walk, we just happen to like Jamaica 45 better.

Our opinion on water views at a moderate is that they are a waste of $$. Because the moderates don't have balconies you would have to leave your blinds/shades open to even see the water view. With the shades open and the outdoor hallways, anyone walking by can, and will, look into your room. We have found it better to save the extra $25 per night and if we want to enjoy a water view, just step outside our room and walk maybe 10-15 steps. Now when we stay deluxe, paying extra for a view is worth it. Again, that's just our opinion.

 

[gorjus121]

The Pirate Rooms are all in Trinidad South which is the farthest village from the Main Pool and Old Port Royale (food court, arcade, shop, etc). Our favorite location is Jamaica 45. It is a very short, 4-5 mins) stroll across the bridge to OPR and the main pool. Aruba 51 is also a very short walk, we just happen to like Jamaica 45 better.

Our opinion on water views at a moderate is that they are a waste of $$. Because the moderates don't have balconies you would have to leave your blinds/shades open to even see the water view. With the shades open and the outdoor hallways, anyone walking by can, and will, look into your room. We have found it better to save the extra $25 per night and if we want to enjoy a water view, just step outside our room and walk maybe 10-15 steps. Now when we stay deluxe, paying extra for a view is worth it. Again, that's just our opinion.

Thats definitely helpful...thanks!!!

 

[KimberlyE]

We're planning our first trip at a moderate for this September (21-27) and chose CBR. We have always stayed at a value resort. Thank you all for the great tips - I actually read all 200 pages today! Whew!

I have a few questions:

1. I saw a few pages back someone post about the playgrounds on the beaches and boat rentals having been removed. Does anyone know if that's true? We were hoping to have our munchkins enjoy some sandy beach time!

2. We prefer driving over busses. Anything different about using your car to go to parks from CBR versus from Pop?

3. Does anyone have the measurements for the chair that is in the room - specifically in comparison to the table. We will be eating breakfast in the room and I'm trying to determine if I need to bring a booster seat for my youngest.

We don't mind the walk over the bridge - the pictures make it look so pleasant - we are budgeted for a standard and would like to be as close to feature pool and beach as possible. So we're going for a first floor room in Jamaica 45 or Aruba 51. Does that seem like the right place?

Any other tips that you can give us will be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[dansdad]

1. I saw a few pages back someone post about the playgrounds on the beaches and boat rentals having been removed. Does anyone know if that's true? We were hoping to have our munchkins enjoy some sandy beach time!

The boat rentals have been removed, but the playgrounds have not and are not scheduled to be removed.

2. We prefer driving over busses. Anything different about using your car to go to parks from CBR versus from Pop?:

Nope.

3. Does anyone have the measurements for the chair that is in the room - specifically in comparison to the table. We will be eating breakfast in the room and I'm trying to determine if I need to bring a booster seat for my youngest.:

Sorry, can't help you there.

We don't mind the walk over the bridge - the pictures make it look so pleasant - we are budgeted for a standard and would like to be as close to feature pool and beach as possible. So we're going for a first floor room in Jamaica 45 or Aruba 51. Does that seem like the right place?

Yes, Jamaica 45 and Aruba 51 are both 4-5 minute stroll over the bridge to the main pool. Every village has their own beach and quiet pool so you are always close to one of them. Just beware, your munchkins will probably want to stop and play at the playground that is on Caribbean Cay on your way to the main pool or OPR.

 

[KimberlyE]

Thanks bunches!!!! Glad to hear that the playgrounds are intact! We are excited about having such a beautiful place to stroll around and the extra square footage in the room!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I thought that I'd pop in and let ya'll know about the most recent chat that I had regarding the upcoming refurb. I was told that they are "still on schedule" and that it will begin April, 2014 but no specific date. Again, I was told that they would begin in one village and work their way around the resort until it is complete. When I inquired as to whether or not there was a possibility that I would have a newly refurbed room when I arrive on May 24th, I was told that it was a possibility.

I was told to check back in two weeks to see if there had been any updates to the schedule. Of course, I'll post any further info when I get it.

 

[CJK]

I thought that I'd pop in and let ya'll know about the most recent chat that I had regarding the upcoming refurb. I was told that they are "still on schedule" and that it will begin April, 2014 but no specific date. Again, I was told that they would begin in one village and work their way around the resort until it is complete. When I inquired as to whether or not there was a possibility that I would have a newly refurbed room when I arrive on May 24th, I was told that it was a possibility.

I was told to check back in two weeks to see if there had been any updates to the schedule. Of course, I'll post any further info when I get it.

Thanks for the update!! Can't wait to see the new rooms! You got my family hooked on CBR several years ago, so I love the thought of CBR getting a little TLC!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Thanks for the update!! Can't wait to see the new rooms! You got my family hooked on CBR several years ago, so I love the thought of CBR getting a little TLC!

You are welcome! As you know, we love the resort. Like you, I think that it does need a little TLC and am excited to see the new rooms.