Caribbean Beach Resort FAQ's Part II

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

Here's the sitch; my husband wanted to clear up the credit card before we made our car rental ressies, but now the cost is over 250 for an economy car. (More than what I'm willing to pay.)
So, it's probable that we'll be using ME, as well as the bus service WDW provides to and from the parks.
What I'm wondering is does the bus that picks us up at the park takes us to our village's bus stop, or do all CBR guests have to get out at the main building?
I've already requested Trinadad South because I liked the idea of being way out of the way but that was when I thought we'd have a car of our own!

All of the theme park busses, as well as the internal bus, serve each village in CBR. This was convenient, except when you are the first on, last off (Barbados/Aruba).

 

[Sabre2th]

All of the theme park busses, as well as the internal bus, serve each village in CBR. This was convenient, except when you are the first on, last off (Barbados/Aruba).

Thanks Blue!
Whoo! What a relief!
I've been planning this trip since January, and now that I'm only days away from our vacation, I find myself scrambling to get something as basic as our transportation figured out!

 

[Sabre2th]

I know that Trinadad South itself, isn't a preffered location, but what buildings and/or rooms at TS would be considered to be its most preffered locations?

 

[safetymom]

I haven't really seen anyone express a certain room number in Trinidad South. Hopefully someone will be able to help with one.

 

[KodakFigment]

Here's the sitch; my husband wanted to clear up the credit card before we made our car rental ressies, but now the cost is over 250 for an economy car. (More than what I'm willing to pay.)

Even though bus service was fine last week I would encourage you not to give up on a rental, especially if you plan to visit other resorts for sightseeing or meals. The prices change almost hourly. Check out the transportation thread for the latest ups and downs. Just as a reference our intermediate car (taxes and fees included) ranged from $115 to $338 for the same car, same week, same company. At one point I had four active reservations

 

[CleveRocks]

All of the theme park busses, as well as the internal bus, serve each village in CBR. This was convenient, except when you are the first on, last off (Barbados/Aruba).

Bus starting/ending points vary depending on destination/origination.

Magic Kingdom and Downtown Disney buses start at Martinique, and from there stop at Old Port Royale, Trinidad North, Trinidad South, Jamaica, Aruba and finally Barbados before going to the final destination.

Epcot, MGM and Animal Kingdom buses start at Jamaica, and from there stop at Aruba, Barbados, Martinique, OPR, Trinidad North and finally Trinidad South before going to the final destination.

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

Bus starting/ending points vary depending on destination/origination.

Magic Kingdom and Downtown Disney buses start at Martinique, and from there stop at Old Port Royale, Trinidad North, Trinidad South, Jamaica, Aruba and finally Barbados before going to the final destination.

Epcot, MGM and Animal Kingdom buses start at Jamaica, and from there stop at Aruba, Barbados, Martinique, OPR, Trinidad North and finally Trinidad South before going to the final destination.

Ah yes. Having been placed in Aruba, we appreciated the Epcot/MGM and AK bus ride back to the resort. The MK bus, well it's not fun walking in the parks all day, standing on the bus ride back to the resort and being the next to last stop. But, hey - sure beats parking and fighting traffic after long days and nights having fun until your wiped.

 

[the Fidge]

Is there any location that you can view fireworks from at the CBR?? ON one of the videos it showed fireworks in the distance, or so we thought!

Thanks!

 

[Rustysmom]

I saw part of Illuminations from the little bridge that connects OPR to Aruba and Jamaica. I was in the pool when I heard fireworks, and by the time I found where they were coming from, I saw the tail end of it.

I think you can also see them from Martinique.

 

[safetymom]

Our favorite place to watch them is from the beach at Martinique. You can't beat laying in a hammock watching the fireworks.

 

[the Fidge]

thank you! DH wants to consider the CBR for 9/2008. I am hoping the pools will be completed by that time as well!

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

Is there any location that you can view fireworks from at the CBR?? ON one of the videos it showed fireworks in the distance, or so we thought!

Thanks!

I could see them from the Aruba bus stop (on Sea Breeze Dr), which faces the RCFD on Victory Way. Our room faced the woods, so I couldn't see from there. I think building 56 room may lend views that direction.

 

[LoveMyLAP-BAND]

just got back from a long weekend at Disney World. I wanted to visit all the resorts at WDW- and take advantage of the free dining! My home resort was Pop, but here is what I noticed about CBR:

The bathrooms at CBR have a double sink with "storage" underneath and a privacy curtain. I love those privacy curtains!

The gift shop, like all the ones I visited, had your typical souvies (tees, pins, etc) as well as sundries like deoderant, toothpaste, diapers and even items to make sure that your trip next year doesn't include another family member .

There were life jackets at the pool. The OPR pool had a nice slide, hot tub and there were hammocks and Caribbean music playing on Caribbean Cay. There was a cool playground, hammocks and a beach area just across the lake from Caribbean Cay in the Jamaica section. The pools in each village were nice, too. More quiet as well.

The arcade was nice. I found the arcades at the Values bigger than the Mods (and the Mods were bigger than the Deluxe).

The walk from Aruba, building 56, room 5664, to OPR was 10 minutes. The walk from building 39 in Trinidad was 15 minutes. The internal bus takes 15 minutes to make the loop.

The color of the buildings are: Jamaica is yellow with blue roof, Aruba is purple/pink with green roof, Barbados is pink with green roof, Martinique is blue with red roof and Trinidad is salmon with red roof. I love the colors of Jamaica, mon.

The preferred buildings are 24, 25 and 26 in Martinique and 31, 32 and 33 in Trinidad North. I definitely think it's worth the extra money if being close to the food court and OPR is a priority.

I love this resort. I don't know if it is because I worked there many moons ago or because I love the flashy colors and Caribbean feel. Doesn't matter- it is a wonderful resort.

 

[pperfectmom]

Can anyone tell me what you can get with a CS credit on the DDP at OPR? We will probably be grabbing a couple of meals there to take back to the room. Specifically, can you assemble your meals from several areas like get the dessert from a different area than your entree? Also, can you get fruit as your dessert from the grab and go area? Can you get ice cream later if you choose that as your dessert or do you have to get everything at once and let your ice cream melt? Also, does anyone recall what you can get with a snack credit at the food court? Thanks all! Can't wait to be there 2 weeks from today!!!!!

 

[pamouselover]

Hi,
For CS breakfast, they are now saying you take two drinks.
The desserts from what I saw were located in a differnt area. You can go to the areas and then check out with the cashier.
There are many items you can get for snacks. It is really anything under $4.00.
If you check out my trip report I have a list of everything that was on the DDP.

Can anyone tell me what you can get with a CS credit on the DDP at OPR? We will probably be grabbing a couple of meals there to take back to the room. Specifically, can you assemble your meals from several areas like get the dessert from a different area than your entree? Also, can you get fruit as your dessert from the grab and go area? Can you get ice cream later if you choose that as your dessert or do you have to get everything at once and let your ice cream melt? Also, does anyone recall what you can get with a snack credit at the food court? Thanks all! Can't wait to be there 2 weeks from today!!!!!

 

[ricknkimmie]

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!

 

[DisneyTabby]

Just got back from CBR 8/27-9/4. Very pretty resort. We were in Trinadad North 32. We had great housekeeping all week and loved the quiet pool at Trinadad north more than OPR. The only negative here is the bus system. We had long waits all week. One day waiting for the MGM bus we had 3 Epcot and 3 Magic Kingdom buses in 20 Minutes but no MGM bus till 10 more minutes passed and we had to stand on it. I talked to a few families at the resort and they said CBR 's buses were the worse they've seen at any other resort they've stayed at. I hope this improves. I really liked the resort itself. Did anyone else notice a problem too? I hope it was just a busy week. I would stay here again.

 

[standleyent1]

I have stayed at both and without a doubt the AKL is a far superior resort. 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 AKL has a big beautiful pool and the savannah view, if you can get it, would be awesome for all. AKL is very quite and peaceful but it is the farthest property away from everything (except the AK) and takes a little longer to get to the other parks. CBR is in the Epcot/MGM area and is just 5 mins to each of those parks as well as DTD. I don't know if I confused you further or actually helped you but I am just trying to give you a couple of options on each property.
Have Fun!!

 

[pamouselover]

We were in Trinadad north 31!!!
We asked a CM about it one night waitng for the bus from MGM to CBR.We were told that they are short bus drivers. He said for every hundred they hire and train,it averages that two will stay workign for Disney.

Just got back from CBR 8/27-9/4. Very pretty resort. We were in Trinadad North 32. We had great housekeeping all week and loved the quiet pool at Trinadad north more than OPR. The only negative here is the bus system. We had long waits all week. One day waiting for the MGM bus we had 3 Epcot and 3 Magic Kingdom buses in 20 Minutes but no MGM bus till 10 more minutes passed and we had to stand on it. I talked to a few families at the resort and they said CBR 's buses were the worse they've seen at any other resort they've stayed at. I hope this improves. I really liked the resort itself. Did anyone else notice a problem too? I hope it was just a busy week. I would stay here again.

 

[pperfectmom]

Hi,
For CS breakfast, they are now saying you take two drinks.
The desserts from what I saw were located in a differnt area. You can go to the areas and then check out with the cashier.
There are many items you can get for snacks. It is really anything under $4.00.
If you check out my trip report I have a list of everything that was on the DDP.

Thanks! I'm gonna go look for your TR.