Caribbean Beach Resort FAQ's Part II

[kelleigh1]

Opinions please,

What are some thoughts out there for CBR vs. AKL?
We currently have rezzies at CBR from 11/24-12/1. However, with the new room discount, we were thinking of upgrading to the AKL.

Our only exposure to WDW hotels has been the All-Star resorts, so either way we'd be taking a "step up."

Just my DH, myself and our 3 1/2 year old daughter are going on this trip.
I've poured over pics at both resorts and am having a hard time deciding.
I know it's all a matter of personal preference, but I really want to hear what some other people think....

Thanks!

We'll be at CBR at pretty much the same time. (Nov. 25 - Dec. 2) We considered AKL, but my TA recommended against it because of all the construction. We haven't stayed at either as of yet though.

 

[OneBadApple]

Opinions please,

What are some thoughts out there for CBR vs. AKL?
We currently have rezzies at CBR from 11/24-12/1. However, with the new room discount, we were thinking of upgrading to the AKL.

Our only exposure to WDW hotels has been the All-Star resorts, so either way we'd be taking a "step up."

Just my DH, myself and our 3 1/2 year old daughter are going on this trip.
I've poured over pics at both resorts and am having a hard time deciding.
I know it's all a matter of personal preference, but I really want to hear what some other people think....

Thanks!

We will be at the CBR from 11/24 - 11/30. I was looking at switching to AKL, but the kids are against it because they think it will smell with all the animals.

After many positives reviews on here about the CBR, I think that we made a good choice. Maybe we will see you in November.

 

[catbertdave99]

Opinions please,

What are some thoughts out there for CBR vs. AKL?
We currently have rezzies at CBR from 11/24-12/1. However, with the new room discount, we were thinking of upgrading to the AKL.

Our only exposure to WDW hotels has been the All-Star resorts, so either way we'd be taking a "step up."

Just my DH, myself and our 3 1/2 year old daughter are going on this trip.
I've poured over pics at both resorts and am having a hard time deciding.
I know it's all a matter of personal preference, but I really want to hear what some other people think....

Thanks!

I took my DS12 and DS9 to AKL, then took them to CBR one year later -- they preferred CBR! Yes, the animals are awesome, no they don't smell, but the walk from our room to the pool at AKL was waaayyyy longer than we've had at CBR - really. Just depends where your room is at each place.

My kids are now 16 and 13 and we've been to CBR twice and that's where they want to go back.... the animals are truly incredible, but we love CBR more.

We also haven't found it to be old or in need of repair. All our experiences at CBR have been top notch!

 

[Stinky_Pete]

I like the CBR but it is old and in need of renovation I don't know if you would enjoy it plus the main pool is closed for repair.

The main pool is not closed. It will be closing in January, but it is not closed right now.

 

[ThinkTink75]

Just to throw in my 2 cents... I don't think CBR seemed in need of any repairs after returning from a trip this past July. I actually felt apprehensive because of all the reviews I had read that said this but I was right in my choice to go with CBR because it was gorgeous and relaxing and wonderful. I think it may depend on when you visited CBR because I think they refurbed a lot of stuff about 5 years ago... so when making your choice just decide what is right for you AND take note of recent TRs and reviews. Hope that helps! And feel free to visit my TR and take a look at some pictures.

 

[JuneBugg]

I have a question about early morning ADR’s for CP at the Magic Kingdom. We have stayed at the POP many times but will be enjoying our first trip to CBR in December. At he POP a bus would come and get all of us that had early breakfast ADR’s, does CBR have an early bus also, and if so do you wait at any of the bus stops?

 

[CleveRocks]

All resorts have early buses for early ADRs.

At CBR, all park buses stop at all the regular stops. There's no such thing as a "special" park-bound bus that only stops at certain bus stops within CBR.

 

[bookgirl2632]

I'm considering booking CBR for our September 2008 trip. I stayed there once before several years ago and truly loved it. My only concern is the pool rehab. As it stands now, the rehab will be finished halfway through our trip.

My question to the Disney veterans is what is your experience with rehabs? What are the chances of them being done a little early or even late? I wouldn't mind the main pool being closed for a portion of our trip as long as I did get to visit it at least a couple of times. We could definitely make do with the quiet pools during the first part of our trip. But if it ends up being closed for the entirety, I would be disappointed.

 

[EMcCool419]

If we request a king instead of 2 doubles does that mean the room is a suite or just a regular room and are there only kings in certain areas of the resort?

 

[safetymom]

Disney is usually pretty good about opening on time after a refurb. But I wouldn't go counting on it.

 

[safetymom]

A king bed is a separate category that you pay extra for at CBR. They are scattered around the resort. It is the same room as a double just with different bedding. You can try requesting a king bed but if you really want one you should go ahead and pay for it. There are no suites at CBR.

 

[csharp7]

I'm leaving on Saturday and I just found a spot scared1: ) on the dress I'm planning on bringing for the Cali Grill dinner (BF's and my 18-month anniversary!) and my local cleaners can't promise it will be ready by the time we leave. It's a silk blend with complicated pleat structure, so I can't just wash it. It needs to be specially laundered or dry cleaned and have the pleats pressed back in. Does CBR offer any kind of cleaning service? I'm sure the Deluxes would and my mom is sure that there wouldn't be more than one dry cleaning facility on property that they all share, so it makes sense that that service could be made available to guests at any resort. This is a one time deal, so price isn't really an issue (but if someone knows, that information would be helpful.)

Anyone have any experience with this? Is there a general resort number I can call with a question like this?

 

[Nancyg56]

I don't know if this has been asked before, if so I apologize. We are staying at CBR in October and wonder if the toiletries are H2O. We used them at the Poly and really liked them. I usually bring all of my own, but I would love to leave them behind if possible.

 

[mom2taylorandemily]

Do they have towels at the pool, or do we need to pack beach towels for our stay?

 

[safetymom]

There are towels at the main pool. If you use a quiet pool you will need to bring towels from your room. You can always call mousekeeping for more.

 

[CleveRocks]

There are towels at the main pool. If you use a quiet pool you will need to bring towels from your room. You can always call mousekeeping for more.

As an early rider as well as part of a family that used our quiet pool much more often than the main pool, I often strolled to the main pool early in the morning, grabbed a bunch of pool towels, and took them back to my room for later use at the quiet pool.

 

[tpholland]

we're leaving in a few days & are really getting excited. it's our most anticipated time of year!! It's been several yrs since staying a cbr & was wondering what time the food court closes. our flight doesnt get in until 9:45 so I know it will be late when we get to the resort. Not sure what to do about dinner, & was hoping the food court might still be open.

 

[Eclpz314]

we're leaving in a few days & are really getting excited. it's our most anticipated time of year!! It's been several yrs since staying a cbr & was wondering what time the food court closes. our flight doesnt get in until 9:45 so I know it will be late when we get to the resort. Not sure what to do about dinner, & was hoping the food court might still be open.

The whole menu is listed under Dining at the top of this page, but here's the hours:
Old Port Royale

• http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/packages/index.htm#dreams-diningFood/Dining Type: American
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
• Location: Caribbean Beach / Market Street Food Court
• Reservations: Not Accepted
• Hours: 6:00am-12:00 midnight

 

[tpholland]

thanks, guess we won't starve

 

[QTMichele]

thanks, guess we won't starve

No, you won't starve - there's so much food everywhere! Do you have free dining?

BTW, when we were there, there was a sign in our room advertising pizza delivery until 11:30. I would check if the above hours for the food court are still accurate as it is value season. It seemed like a few things closed earlier for us after Labor Day weekend, but I have no idea if that affects CBR's food court.

Have a GREAT time!!!