Caribbean Beach Resort FAQ Part 3

[CleveRocks]

Unfortunetly the buses come in from 2 different enterances (there might be more2 i def know of) so there is no knowing where the first stop would be. It's usually in old port royale or one of the trinidads. I did not have the same problem you did in POR... CBR buses are great. I only waited 1 time for about 20 min and that was a bus to DTD. Other then that i was on the bus in 10 min.

Buses to/from Magic Kingdom and Downtown Disney start at Martinique, and then proceed clockwise.

Buses to/from Epcot, DIsney's Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom start at Jamaica, and then proceed clockwise.

It's a set pattern.

The only time I recall a deviation from that was one late night with a very full bus filled with very tired parents with even more very tired kids returning from MK following Wishes. The driver asked who wanted to start the dropoffs at Martinique and who wanted to start at Jamaica. Obviously, it was about 50/50. He had us do a singing contest to decide where he would start the drop-offs. A good time was had by all ....

 

[cheesekate2005]

Sorry to interrupt the current conversation, but, I read somewhere that there is a pirate cruise that leaves from CBR on Sundays and Tuesdays. Is this true? Where can I find out more information about this? Is it any good for 9 - 12 year olds? Thanks! We will be visiting CBR for the first time in Feb 2009 for a grand gathering.

 

[daannzzz]

CBR has 2,112 rooms ... 33 buildings with exactly 64 rooms in each.

I won't believe for a second that they will simply eliminate half the rooms.

Because we are talking about rumors it is hard to make a real opinion on what is happening. I also don't beleive they would eliminate 900 rooms (though it wouldn't shock me if they did). My intent was to infer that maybe the figures suggest that all the other "900" units would be made up of Pirate themed family suites 900 + 900 + 300.

 

[bauerchic]

I'm new to the boards, and have to thank safetymom for her wonderful info and picture taking skills!
We're staying at CBR (1st time for DH and 2 DS) Sept 14-20 - fingers crossed on the pool being completed on time! Now here's my question: I saw something on the boards about a pirate adventure of some sort at CBR. Disney is great and all, but their web site is sorely lacking in info on all the options available (that's why I love this site!). Is this something that I need to book before hand or do I sign up the boys when we get there? They're 3 and 5, I don't know if there's an age minimum...and I don't want to pump it up too much if I'm going to be setting myself and them up for disappointment.
Thanks for any info!

BUMP!
Thanks

 

[mat5]

Ok,

know that I have made my room request.

I requested the Jamaica area, corner room,
near parking, and On the 2nd floor.

I know that I may be asking too much,
but thought it could not hurt.

Will I get one or two of the things I asked for?

Thanks

Mike W


" Thank you for all help, this is a great board"

 

[mari360]

Ok,

know that I have made my room request.

I requested the Jamaica area, corner room,
near parking, and On the 2nd floor.

I know that I may be asking too much,
but thought it could not hurt.

Will I get one or two of the things I asked for?

Thanks

Mike W


" Thank you for all help, this is a great board"

When i went to CBR all i requested was a 1st floor room in the martinique section and i got it. You might be able to get your section and the 2nd floor but corner room might be pushing it. But when you get there if they give you a room that you might not like you can ask them if there is anything else available. They are very nice like that.

 

[Disney Dreamin]

OK all you CBR experts.....we have always stayed in a preferred room, but for our trip in Dec we aren't. What should we request to be somewhat close to OPR? Jamaica, Aruba? Which area is best?

 

[LuvsTinker]

OK all you CBR experts.....we have always stayed in a preferred room, but for our trip in Dec we aren't. What should we request to be somewhat close to OPR? Jamaica, Aruba? Which area is best?

Jamaica and Aruba are basically the same; however, in each section there are numerous bldgs. so you could end up close to bridge over lake, or close to bus stop, or further away from one or the other.

We requested Jamaica last trip and lucked out getting close to both bridge and bus stop.

 

[Mazzy]

How did you all make your room requests? Did you ring Disney Reservations or call the Resort itself? Thanks

 

[CleveRocks]

How did you all make your room requests? Did you ring Disney Reservations or call the Resort itself? Thanks

You can't call the resort itself. Even though there are published telephone numbers for each resort, it's really an illusion. When you call, the call is answered at a call center, not at the resort itself. The Disney Reservations staff are trained to be gate-keepers ... they are trained to not let calls through to the resort unless it is a question that truly cannot be answered by the reservations staff.

In other words, if you have a reservation request, it is something that can 100% be handled by reservations CMs, and therefore they will handle it themselves.

After the call, you will not be aware that you failed to get through to the rresort itself. They will never tell you "I'm sorry, I can't ring the resort itself but I will be happy to help you" ... they just passively allow you to assume you are talking to someone at the front desk inside CBR'S Custom House.

 

[Mazzy]

Thanks Eric, that's an eye-opener! I can see why they do it though, and if the Reservations Center can help you then that's all that matters.

 

[who me?]

Hi all! we are counting down to our Disney trip, we have hit less than 100 day point so the kids are going nuts ... so am I honestly. This is our first in about 8 yrs and the very first for our youngest.

Anyway, my question is about the dining at the resort. Do we need reservations? I have found out the hard way that its hard to get in at many of the parks restaurants. I called 180 days prior to the trip but was out of luck for many (Coral Reef specifically... we got in but at 3pm ... what a weird time of day for a nice meal).

Also, any of you veteran Disney visitors have a strategy for the laser show at Epcot? it seems that there isn't a 'bad' spot to be but any tips would be appreciated. It could be a while before we go back so I am trying to prioritize. I imagine it is nearly impossible to do and see everything in 8 days!

This has been a very helpful resource for me, I love reading everyones questions and suggestions .. .the bed bug thing had me a bit freaked but I think you guys are right as far as the site and the way the reviews go on it.

Thanks again ... will stay tuned for your suggestions!

 

[mari360]

Hi all! we are counting down to our Disney trip, we have hit less than 100 day point so the kids are going nuts ... so am I honestly. This is our first in about 8 yrs and the very first for our youngest.

Anyway, my question is about the dining at the resort. Do we need reservations? I have found out the hard way that its hard to get in at many of the parks restaurants. I called 180 days prior to the trip but was out of luck for many (Coral Reef specifically... we got in but at 3pm ... what a weird time of day for a nice meal).

Also, any of you veteran Disney visitors have a strategy for the laser show at Epcot? it seems that there isn't a 'bad' spot to be but any tips would be appreciated. It could be a while before we go back so I am trying to prioritize. I imagine it is nearly impossible to do and see everything in 8 days!

This has been a very helpful resource for me, I love reading everyones questions and suggestions .. .the bed bug thing had me a bit freaked but I think you guys are right as far as the site and the way the reviews go on it.

Thanks again ... will stay tuned for your suggestions!

Well when i stayed in CBR in May of 07 I didnt' make any reservations to the restaurant. I was able to walk up and just sit but if you know you are planning on going you should make an ADR just to be on the safe side. You can keep calling back to try to make your ADR for coral reef earlier. Remember people are always cancelling so it wouldn't hurt to try even on the day of you never know you might get lucky.....

 

[mickeystoontown]

Hi ya guys!

You all know that I am a CBR fan. We originally had a May/June, 2008 stay booked at the CBR. Then, we changed it to the WL. After that, another family decided to go to WDW with us and they could only afford a value so we changed, again, to Pop Century.

After all that, we had to cancel the trip entirely due to several circumstances: Our daughter was injured while on a missionary trip; I got a new job; etc. etc. etc.

We thought a 2008 stay was just not in the cards. Well, we just booked another stay at the CBR for August 9th through August 16th!

We have never stayed at the CBR or anywhere else in August. For those of you who have stayed at the CBR during this time period, how busy is it going to be? I'm thinking it won't be too bad because, like I have posted before, the resort is spread out which gives you the illusion that the resort is not filled to capacity.

I am really wondering about the lines in the food court and wait times for the buses.

Also, I haven't put in any requests yet. Not paying for a preferred location either. Has the construction had any effect on walking to and from the villages to Old Port Royale?

Any other August tips?

 

[safetymom]

The sidewalk to Trinidad North is closed off due to the pool construction. It requires a detour through the parking lot. No problems using the bridge from OPR.

 

[Charleyann]

Taking my DS on a 7 day land and sea pakage Christmas 2009. I ask for Carribean Beach. We are doing POFQ this Christmas and want to try another moderate.

My son uses a wheelchair and requires a roll in shower room for many reasons. We want to be close to the main pool. (He'll loves the POTC). Where should I request? Does it cost more to ask for a room closer to the main pool? If it is preferred what is the difference in price? How much more for preferred?

Sorry for the questions, just trying to iron out the details and get everything a go....


Charleyann

 

[safetymom]

Closer to the main pool would be Trinidad North or Martinique. You would pay for a preferred location. It is about $15 extra nightly.

 

[Charleyann]

Closer to the main pool would be Trinidad North or Martinique. You would pay for a preferred location. It is about $15 extra nightly.

I have stayed in All Star Movies and not preferred and loved it. It really wasn't a long walk. We were in Mighty Ducks building 2. We often used Music. I didn't find the resort that big.

I hear Carribean is much larger? So, in your opinion is it worth the extra $$ to get a preferred? Of the two building mentioned, which one do you recommend? Is there a building that over looks the main pool?

Thanks

Charleyann

 

[CleveRocks]

I hear Carribean is much larger? So, in your opinion is it worth the extra $$ to get a preferred? Of the two building mentioned, which one do you recommend? Is there a building that over looks the main pool?

CBR is quite large. If you want to minimize walking, the paying for a "preferred location" room is worth it.

No guest room buildings overlook CBR's main pool.

There are 6 preferred location buildings, 3 in Martinique (which is half of Martinique) and 3 in Trinidad North (which is all of Trinidad North). I can't think of an objective, substantial reason to request one over the other.

 

[Charleyann]

CBR is quite large. If you want to minimize walking, the paying for a "preferred location" room is worth it.

No guest room buildings overlook CBR's main pool.

There are 6 preferred location buildings, 3 in Martinique (which is half of Martinique) and 3 in Trinidad North (which is all of Trinidad North). I can't think of an objective, substantial reason to request one over the other.

Thanks, I guess I request either one of them!

charleyann