Caribbean Beach Resort FAQ Part 3

[safetymom]

Yes the refurbished rooms do.

 

[Cinder-Belle]

I was around this board a few months ago, when I first started planning my trip. We were going over New Years, but changed our plans based on things I read on DIS.

Now we are going Jan 14th-Jan 18th. I got so side tracked by the budget board and Christmas shopping. I kinda let the trip slip up on me.

Now, I cannot remember all the great ideas and tips that I got before.

Mainly, should I call now and request a certain building to get Nemo? We are in the preferred section. Then, I am supposed to fax a form a few days out? Should I ask for a corner room and the specific building/s?

Anyone know about the weather in January? I will check weather.com for the average temps and of course check a few days out. I am just stressed over trying to pack and realizing that I have only read an 1/8 of my Passporter book. It is just me and DH on this trip.

I really wanted to be prepared and I feel lost all of the sudden. I already made so many bad decisions like booking a package through Disney and originally planning over a MAJOR holiday. I don't want to screw anything else up.

I am glad that the kids' first trip is still over a year and a half out. I will need a year to get ready!! Haha!! Seriously.......

 

[safetymom]

If you want Nemo in the preferred rooms ask for Martinique. If you have your requests in your reservation there is no need to fax.

www.wftv.com is a great local weather station.

 

[momof2intx]

Here's a link to a map of CBR: http://allears.net/acc/cbrmap2.jpg

The food court is located inside the building at Old Port Royale, which is "B" on the map. Buildings 24-25-26 (in Martinique) and Buildings 31-32-33 (in Trinidad North) are the preferred location rooms. Since you won't be eligible for those, the closest buildings to Old Port Royale are Aruba 51 and Jamaica 45, which are directly across the bridge over the lake. Martinique 22 wouldn't be a bad choice earlier, but assuming it's the same distance from OPR as the other 2 I mentioned, people tend to prefer the other two because it's a pretty walk across the bridge (not that the walk on the Promenade along the lake shore isn't pretty, either).

I'm not up-to-speed with the locations of the designated smoking areas, but I understand they are relatively numerous.

Thank you! That is a great map. I see what you mean about where the buildings are. I think I will call and request either Jamaica or Aruba. I know it always looks further on a map than in real life!

Let me ask you, I saw numerous bus stops. That is for the buses to the parks right? Last year we stayed at POP and there was only one area to catch the buses, and that was outside the main building. I was worried about that at CBR because after long day at the parks, it stinks to have another long walk back to your room!!

One more question....we love the Disney resort pizza....it is a great value and something quick to pick up and take back to the room for everybody. We did that a few times during our stay at POP last year. I see that CBR has room service. What kinds of taxes and service charges do they tack on to the price of the pizza?? If we don't have too long of a walk it would probably be cheaper to pick one up at the food court instead of calling rooms service....but I was just wondering!

I love this thread and the one with the pictures of the resort. It looks so peaceful and beautiful, we are really looking forward to it!

Thanks again!

 

[catbertdave99]

Thank you! That is a great map. I see what you mean about where the buildings are. I think I will call and request either Jamaica or Aruba. I know it always looks further on a map than in real life!

You will love CBR! The walk from Jamaica/Aruba to Old Port Royale (food court and main pool) is beautiful and not long at all across the bridge!

Let me ask you, I saw numerous bus stops. That is for the buses to the parks right? Last year we stayed at POP and there was only one area to catch the buses, and that was outside the main building. I was worried about that at CBR because after long day at the parks, it stinks to have another long walk back to your room!!

That's one of the things we love about CBR! We stayed at POP this summer and I know what you mean! At CBR, those ARE the stops for the buses to the parks, as well as the internal shuttle. That means there's never a long walk to your room!

One more question....we love the Disney resort pizza....it is a great value and something quick to pick up and take back to the room for everybody. We did that a few times during our stay at POP last year. I see that CBR has room service. What kinds of taxes and service charges do they tack on to the price of the pizza?? If we don't have too long of a walk it would probably be cheaper to pick one up at the food court instead of calling rooms service....but I was just wondering!

Well, it's not really room service, but they DO deliver the pizza to your room. I don't honestly remember what extra charges they add... You can indeed pick one up at the food court if you prefer. I'm sure it's less expensive that way.

I love this thread and the one with the pictures of the resort. It looks so peaceful and beautiful, we are really looking forward to it!

Thanks again!

Ditto - me too!

 

[Cinder-Belle]

Thanks, SafetyMom! That helps!

I'm also glad to hear that the pizza is good and can be picked up and taken to the room. I guess we need to start with a refillable mug as soon as we arrive.

Where is the closest grocery/convenience store to CBR? I want to get water, etc. We have a rental car. Generally, something will come up and we will need a trip to the store during the trip.

Does anyone know if there is a disney outlet on-site or a discounted store in downtown disney? Is the big outlet in Orlando or another city?

What about the specialty bakery that can do b'days and anniversaries? We will be celebrating our 5th anniversary/ the anniversary of our honeymoon.

I am planning on getting a few things for my Son's 1st Birthday party, while we are there. I want to do a Disney-themed party, but not really. Like a few Disney things mixed in with the usual boy stuff and primary colored things. Hope that makes sense...

Thanks for all your help and answers. I hate to bother people, but you all have the real insider info.!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Thanks, SafetyMom! That helps!

I'm also glad to hear that the pizza is good and can be picked up and taken to the room. I guess we need to start with a refillable mug as soon as we arrive.

Where is the closest grocery/convenience store to CBR? I want to get water, etc. We have a rental car. Generally, something will come up and we will need a trip to the store during the trip.

Does anyone know if there is a disney outlet on-site or a discounted store in downtown disney? Is the big outlet in Orlando or another city?

What about the specialty bakery that can do b'days and anniversaries? We will be celebrating our 5th anniversary/ the anniversary of our honeymoon.

I am planning on getting a few things for my Son's 1st Birthday party, while we are there. I want to do a Disney-themed party, but not really. Like a few Disney things mixed in with the usual boy stuff and primary colored things. Hope that makes sense...

Thanks for all your help and answers. I hate to bother people, but you all have the real insider info.!!

Let me see if I can answer some of your questions.

First, there is a Publix grocery store on Hwy. 192 in Kissimmee. When you leave the CBR, go to your left back towards World Drive. The exit to World Drive will be on your right. Go a little ways and you'll see the Hwy. 192 exit signs. Take the left exit. You won't have to go far until you see mile marker 9. Don't worry, the signs are huge tall purple signs. You'll see a drug store on your left and a Days Inn just a bit up ahead on your right. There is a red light near the drug store and you'll turn left. Publix in on the right. Very easy to find.

Second, if you are going to the grocery store to get bottled water anyway, why don't you pick up some juice, milk and soft drinks and there will be no need for refillable mugs.

There is a Mickey Mart in Downtown Disney. Everything there is under $10.00. It's in the Marketplace end of Downtown Disney. If you take the bus to Downtown Disney, get off at Marketplace. Walk down the pathway towards Rainforest Cafe. Mickey Mart will be on your left by Goofy's Candy.

You'll also find lots and lots of stores on Hwy. 192 in Kissimmee. Lots of Disney t-shirts. Not the official ones but the ones with Disney Florida on them.

I've never ordered a specialty cake but we have picked up one in the food court at CBR. They are the small round kind but I can't for the life of me remember what's on the top. Seems like it was a Mickey and it said Happy Birthday. The price was pretty good too.

Hope that helps!

 

[Cinder-Belle]

thanks!

 

[CleveRocks]

Gooding's is an area supermarket that has a bakery department and takes orders for custom-made/custom-decorated cakes. It's right near Downtown Disney.

 

[safetymom]

There is a Publix near the outlet at Little Lake Bryan. There is also a Winn Dixie near the Goodings. Goodings is run down and is a lot more expensive than Publix. Publix has a great bakery.

There is also a Super Walmart and Super Target on 535 and 192. It isn't very far from the resort.

 

[MariaEllerºoº]

Thank you! That is a great map. I see what you mean about where the buildings are. I think I will call and request either Jamaica or Aruba. I know it always looks further on a map than in real life!

Let me ask you, I saw numerous bus stops. That is for the buses to the parks right? Last year we stayed at POP and there was only one area to catch the buses, and that was outside the main building. I was worried about that at CBR because after long day at the parks, it stinks to have another long walk back to your room!!

One more question....we love the Disney resort pizza....it is a great value and something quick to pick up and take back to the room for everybody. We did that a few times during our stay at POP last year. I see that CBR has room service. What kinds of taxes and service charges do they tack on to the price of the pizza?? If we don't have too long of a walk it would probably be cheaper to pick one up at the food court instead of calling rooms service....but I was just wondering!

I love this thread and the one with the pictures of the resort. It looks so peaceful and beautiful, we are really looking forward to it!

Thanks again!

Also, be sure when making your location (building) request that you request close to Designated Smoking Area. The hubby and I always request Aruba 51 or 52 or Jamaica 45 or 44, 1st floor, as close to Designated Smoking Area as possible. We have always gotten our requests. I think since they've stopped allowing smoking in the rooms the CM's do go out of their way to get you as close to a Designated Smoking Area as possible.

 

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

Did I read that Jamaica was done being refurbed? I heard that's a nice place to be.

 

[hollieplus2]

Can someone tell me what bus stop is first leaving and which bus stop is last? I'm sure it's in this thread somewhere but i couldn't find it. This will determine if I request Martinique or Trinidad for a preferred room. THANKS

 

[CleveRocks]

Can someone tell me what bus stop is first leaving and which bus stop is last? I'm sure it's in this thread somewhere but i couldn't find it. This will determine if I request Martinique or Trinidad for a preferred room. THANKS

Buses headed for Magic Kingdom and Downtown Disney (separate buses) start at Martinique and then go clockwise.

Buses headed for Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom (separate buses) start at Jamaica and then go clockwise.

Keep in mind that getting on the bus earlier gives you a better chance at a seat, but it also means you spend a little bit more time riding on the bus until it leaves the resort.

 

[disneymomof2boyz]

So, any news on the Pirate Rooms? Does anyone know when guests will commence staying there? And if guests already are, then what are the reviews? Pictures?

Thanks, we'll be in a pirate room in April!

 

[DearDaisyinDurham]

Did I read that Jamaica was done being refurbed? I heard that's a nice place to be.

We were there in mid September, has Jamaica been rehabbed since then?? Very curious since we're going back in MARCH!!!
(very happy about this surprise Christmas gift!!)

 

[catbertdave99]

So, any news on the Pirate Rooms? Does anyone know when guests will commence staying there? And if guests already are, then what are the reviews? Pictures?

Thanks, we'll be in a pirate room in April!

Although you can book Pirate Rooms now, the last info I've read is that they aren't scheduled for use until January 24th.

 

[NYPDwife]

Left CBR on Friday and I sooo sad!! The resort was great!!! We got there on 12/21 at 7:30 AM and the room was ready! I orginally wanted a room in Jamaica 45 and we got one in Trinidad South 37 (really far), but since it was ready, I didn't complain! Our room was right downstairs from the bus stop and a 7 minute walk from OPR. The resort was beautiful. The buses were always around. I don't think I ever waited more than 15-20 minutes for a bus. The food at OPR was good. Unfortunately, we never ate at Shutters, but I did have a great mango margarita from the Banana Cabana!! The pool was awesome. I'm so happy that we had some great weather and we used one of our days to go to the pool. The kids LOVED the slides and even I went down a few times. People were very friendly everywhere .

Here were my only two negatives.

When we got to the room, it smelled a little musty. No problem, we turned on the fans in the bathroom, the ceiling fan and the air conditioner and left the room and when we came back, it was better.

Another negative and please don't flame me on this one. I'm only going to say that it seems like CBR is a popular resort for people on scooters. I won't say disabled people because I say alot of people on scooters getting off and walking while other family members took a ride for a while. When you're up at 5 AM and in the parks until 11 and you wait on line for the buses at the end of the day, it's disheartening to see these same people get priority seating on the bus with 10 other members of their family and you just have to wait. I understand some people are really disabled, and I have no problem with them getting on the bus first, but maybe Disney can limit the number of people that skip the line to just 2 caregivers per disabled guest. And maybe Disney should start asking for a medical note before allowing anyone with a scooter in because it seems like a lot of people are taking advantage.

Other than that, CBR was great!!! You can check the link in my signature for my TR. I'll be starting it soon!!!

Here's a pic of our room. I don't think this one was refurbished yet.

 

[catbertdave99]

Thanks for the trip report! I LOVE the photo of your kids at the bus stop!!

 

[DavidNYC]

Hi all! Booked our first stay at CBR from Feb. 8-13. My wife and I try to do a new resort each trip so we can see it all.

We booked a King Bed room (which was a great deal at about $119 with the promotions). Any recommendations on buildings (or at least ones to avoid?).

We're probably not going to be using the food court much if at all and don't mind a reasonable walk to the room (especially if it's a pretty walk).

I've seen a lot about rennovations so would probably want a rennovated room (couldn't really find in the thread the most updated list of what still remains to be rennovated). I've also seen a number of comments on the "musty" smell in some rooms - does that seem to be in certain buildings or is that more random based on cleaning schedule, humidity, etc.

Any recommendations would be appreciated!