Caribbean Beach FAQ part VI

[dansdad]

2)i have a 8:15 am reservation for the crystal palace. how early do the busses start running? tia!

The buses start rolling at 6:30.

 

[sammyjo1871]

Have only stayed at POFQ on our 1st trip last year. You hear so often, on how small that resort is. Then I hear how large CBR is, and I was pretty nervous and booked preferred.

So just for curiosity's sake, can anyone tell me how big CBR is, compared to one of the parks? Over on the POFQ board, Andre did an overlay of the buildings onto MK map. Does anyone have the know-how to do this for a comparison? If so, it would be greatly appreciated. (BTW, from bldg 1 to bldg 7, FQ only stretches from Adventureland bridge to entrance of Space Mtn).

I'm so excited to try a new resort!!

 

[pktbMouse]

hey sammyjo..Im not sure about comparisons...maybe someone else can help you with that one...personally I just dont find it all that big as people make it out to be. Not any bigger than say Pop century or a All star resort. Just set out alot nicer around a lake but you can cut across the lake vi the bridge. We always opted for the preferred rooms but after continually walking over the bridge to take the kids to the playground every day we thought why bother so this year we are just paying for standard. Its such a beautiful resort to walk around with all the flowers, ducks, bunnies, lizards, beaches, fish, turtles..it really dosnt seem all that big to me at all..just my personal opinion. If you have booked preferred then you will definitely be right next to the main pool and food court so you will no need to worry.

 

[mickeystoontown]

hey sammyjo..Im not sure about comparisons...maybe someone else can help you with that one...personally I just dont find it all that big as people make it out to be. Not any bigger than say Pop century or a All star resort. Just set out alot nicer around a lake but you can cut across the lake vi the bridge. We always opted for the preferred rooms but after continually walking over the bridge to take the kids to the playground every day we thought why bother so this year we are just paying for standard. Its such a beautiful resort to walk around with all the flowers, ducks, bunnies, lizards, beaches, fish, turtles..it really dosnt seem all that big to me at all..just my personal opinion. If you have booked preferred then you will definitely be right next to the main pool and food court so you will no need to worry.

Ditto! I've never really understood the whole "it's such a huge resort" posts as the walks to and from our room to OPR or the bus stops have never felt that long to us. We were in Barbados before our cruise last year and our walk was about 7 minutes behind a couple with a double stroller who were walking at a slow pace.

 

[maxiesmom]

Ditto! I've never really understood the whole "it's such a huge resort" posts as the walks to and from our room to OPR or the bus stops have never felt that long to us. We were in Barbados before our cruise last year and our walk was about 7 minutes behind a couple with a double stroller who were walking at a slow pace.

I have stayed at POR multiple times, and didn't think I would have a problem with the size of CBR. I did! It is not just that it is so big, but the layout is strange--you check in and out once place, go eat and shop at a different place, and the pool is here, and then there is the 10+ minutes you spend driving around the resort before you even leave for the parks.

No thanks. CBR is a pretty resort, but it is added onto my short list (along with the Beach Club) of resorts where it is almost necessary to have your own car.

 

[mickeystoontown]

I have stayed at POR multiple times, and didn't think I would have a problem with the size of CBR. I did! It is not just that it is so big, but the layout is strange--you check in and out once place, go eat and shop at a different place, and the pool is here, and then there is the 10+ minutes you spend driving around the resort before you even leave for the parks.

No thanks.

I guess the Custom House location isn't a problem for us because we only check-in and then leave. But, I can see where that might be a problem for others. There is a concierge desk in Old Port Royale should a guest need their services. The bus stops didn't bother us either. Maybe we've lucked out and it didn't take us long. Oh well, that's why Disney has a lot of different resorts that come in all shapes and sizes.

 

[lisam427]

thanks to everyone who answered my questions!!! you guys are awesome

 

[dis_guy]

I don't mind walking and I sure don't mind the buses stopping at each village. Maybe I'm weird. "Next stop Aruba!"

 

[Brave teacher]

Good afternoon all. We are DVC members. We check in on Friday, May 31st at AKV-Jambo House, but we are arriving on Thursday. I reserved a pirate room for the night because I thought my boys would love the pirate theme. I am coming across a lot of contradictory information regarding the bed size. In various places, I have read that the beds are doubles, queens, and full (in addition to the king rooms). I know only one of these can be correct. Which one is it?

 

[PhoenixStrength]

Good afternoon all. We are DVC members. We check in on Friday, May 31st at AKV-Jambo House, but we are arriving on Thursday. I reserved a pirate room for the night because I thought my boys would love the pirate theme. I am coming across a lot of contradictory information regarding the bed size. In various places, I have read that the beds are doubles, queens, and full (in addition to the king rooms). I know only one of these can be correct. Which one is it?

Actually two are correct, as double and full are the same exact size, just two different names for it! The beds are double/full, no queen beds in CBR.

 

[PA Disneymania]

DH and I prefer CSR because of the bus transportation. We fly so we use the buses exclusively. While staying at CBR 3 summers ago, we experienced very long waits for buses upon leaving from the parks. We do often stay until close to closing. However, we saw buses come and go and come and go for other resorts including the budget without any coming for CBR. In the mornings (we are rope drop people as well) on more than one occasion the bus was full when it arrived at Martinique so we would have to wait for another bus, which 15 minutes later was likely full as well. Last year we stayed at CSR and each stop had a CM organizing the lines and calling for an additional bus if the bus was full. While sometimes the wait was an additional 15 minutes, we were assured that we would get on the bus rather than those just arriving who would push to the front. If you are staying at CBR plan on at least 1 hour in the am and 2 or more to return to your hotel unless you come and go at off times. Even so, there are 7 stops within the resort.
CBR is a beautiful resort, but so is CSR. I have heard from people who have not stayed there that it is not friendly to children. My children loved the pool and the food and there were many other children there as well.

 

[jollygreengirl]

For those at the resort now (or have been recently), how are the rooms looking? Lots of wear and tear or still pretty good shape? That's one thing I worry about if we stay here in August...

We stayed at CBR for the first time this weekend and I was really disappointed with our room. Trinidad 3506 was so stinky and the curtains even had mildew. The pirate theming was very cute and my ds adored it (which was the whole point in staying there), but I wasn't impressed with the cleanliness or upkeep of our room. Holes in the wall, sticky goo on various tabletops, rust and mildew around the AC unit...not Disney quality, IMO.

If we had been booked longer than the weekend, I would've switched rooms. It was very quiet and the grounds were pretty, but I regret staying there this trip.

 

[Princess SarahK]

Thanks everyone for this thread! We just booked CBR for our Babymoon coming up! Just a quick 4 day/3 night trip but it'll be plenty since we'll be taking everything slower as I'll be about 5 months pregnant while we're there. Just looking through these pictures and reading all of your posts has gotten me so excited!! I've stayed here before and have absolutely loved it each time! We will be there 4/5-4/8...I'd love to stay longer but DH isn't as "passionate" (read: crazy) as WDW as I am!

Quick question though...we are utilizing ME for this trip and I'm curious how we will get from the check-in building to our building? Can they take us on a golf cart? Since I'll be 5 months pregnant I'd rather not have to push the suitcase all that way (well, I'd rather not have DH push them all that way!! ). Also, I want to get a Jamaica or Aruba building so we can be first on the route for the buses and I'd really like to be able to get a seat on them..do you think I should wait til we check in to make that request or call and ask them now? We're 24 days away now so I know if I were to do it, nows the time to get going!


TIA everyone!! Can't wait to be back at CBR soon!!

 

[maxiesmom]

Quick question though...we are utilizing ME for this trip and I'm curious how we will get from the check-in building to our building? Can they take us on a golf cart? Since I'll be 5 months pregnant I'd rather not have to push the suitcase all that way (well, I'd rather not have DH push them all that way!! ). Also, I want to get a Jamaica or Aruba building so we can be first on the route for the buses and I'd really like to be able to get a seat on them..do you think I should wait til we check in to make that request or call and ask them now? We're 24 days away now so I know if I were to do it, nows the time to get going!

They do have a bus that will take you to your building. No need to walk!

I would call and have your request for Jamaica or Aruba noted now. And you may want to add a request for a first floor room, so you don't have to do the stairs.

 

[dansdad]

Thanks everyone for this thread! We just booked CBR for our Babymoon coming up! Just a quick 4 day/3 night trip but it'll be plenty since we'll be taking everything slower as I'll be about 5 months pregnant while we're there. Just looking through these pictures and reading all of your posts has gotten me so excited!! I've stayed here before and have absolutely loved it each time! We will be there 4/5-4/8...I'd love to stay longer but DH isn't as "passionate" (read: crazy) as WDW as I am!

Quick question though...we are utilizing ME for this trip and I'm curious how we will get from the check-in building to our building? Can they take us on a golf cart? Since I'll be 5 months pregnant I'd rather not have to push the suitcase all that way (well, I'd rather not have DH push them all that way!! ). Also, I want to get a Jamaica or Aruba building so we can be first on the route for the buses and I'd really like to be able to get a seat on them..do you think I should wait til we check in to make that request or call and ask them now? We're 24 days away now so I know if I were to do it, nows the time to get going!

TIA everyone!! Can't wait to be back at CBR soon!!

How exciting! Like maxiesmom said, ni need to walk after checking in. If you do not get your luggage at the airport and have ME deliver it to your room, you can take the internal shuttle. If you have your luggage with you, Bell Services will drive you and your luggage to your room in one of their vans. Have a great trip!!

Also just as maxiesmom suggested, call now and have your requests added to your reservation.

 

[RHMH]

Hello Everyone - Fort Worth will see 70 degrees today. WOW!!! Disney is getting so close. Ready for this? Pulled out the suit cases We went pre-disney shopping yesterday, Nike tennis shoes for Midori OMG !!!!! 125.00 all I can say is Salmon color shoes are cute. Went to Victoria Secret to purchase a back pack for Disney also. Midori on spring break is expensive, she is on the internet shopping.

DD 13 is eye awakening - Sephora makeup, Urban Decay palette. I had to get her a Makeup Vanity last week. My lttle girl is growing up......

 

[fairytalelover]

I read somewhere that there are no elevators in any of the buildings. Is this true?

 

[maxiesmom]

I read somewhere that there are no elevators in any of the buildings. Is this true?

Yes. But the stairs are pretty gradual, not long sets.

 

[mickeystoontown]

I read somewhere that there are no elevators in any of the buildings. Is this true?

No elevators. I just posted pictures of the stairs over on the CBR pic thread. Like the previous poster said, they are gradual with a landing in between.

 

[fairytalelover]

Thanks for the info. Maybe we will request the bottom floor. Not that we are against walking, but after a long day of walking at the parks I think those stairs will feel like that long hallway in "Poltergeist"