CBR - Did I make a mistake?

[mello]

and it was wonderful!

The CMs went out of their way to be helpful to us, the rooms were nice, and a nice size, and the atmosphere is just lovely and laid back. It is a very big resort, which may be why some people don't care as much for it, but the size didn't bother us at all - it seemed less crowded I think, for being so spread out. My 2yo dd wasn't feeling the best one day so she and I spent one afternoon at the resort while the guys went to the parks. I put her in her stroller and we ambled around the grounds, had a leisurely lunch at OPR, and sat on the beach awhile... it was one of the most pleasant and memorable times of our vacation for me! I would stay there again any time.

 

[mello]

We met you at the bus stop at CBR in Sept! Not sure if you'll remember, but we had the two boys and the baby in the stroller. Nice to "see" you again.

I agree I think you will really enjoy CBR. It is a big resort with a lot of different things to do. It has the largest rooms of any moderate (340 vs 314 at others), great Caribbean Beach feeling, lots of pools, a marina, bike rentals, a new pirate cruise, volleyball court, 3 playgrounds, a nice outdoor pool deck (which includes tables chairs, outdoor pool table, a bar), lots of birds, loads of turtles. If you enjoy a tropical beachy feel you will love CBR. The rooms were also rehabbed in 2002 and this past fall the rooms had a new a/c heating units put inside them. It seems like for every person who doesn't like a resort there is someone who does like the resort.
Here are some pics:

CBR Jamaica Building:

Shot of Jamaica Buildings Coming from bridge to OPR:

Turtle at CBR:

Marina:

Picnic Tables:

View From Jamaica Pool Area looking towards bridge to OPR:

CBR Bus stop at OPR:

 

[crystalblue705]

This will be our third time staying at CBR in June/July 06. We love it there. It is so relaxing and beautiful. Unlike most others we request Trinidad South because it is more like staying at our own private resort. I don't mind the walk to OPR. Everything about this resort is perfect for us.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

The short answer: no.
The long answer: We really liked CBR. Honestly, the vote after staying at CSR was that our family liked that even better, but that was just us. CBR was a fun resort too! We got towel animals at CBR, but not CSR, and we had trouble with one of the showers at CSR. Also, the floors in our room were not that clean. CSR was very clean! Also, the food court at CBR was less expensive, and very efficient!

I think part of the reason everyone liked CSR better had to do a little with who went in our group that year (there was a naysayer in our group at CBR), the pool was better, the hot tub was better (although it often had convention guests in it), and we liked the options at the food court a little better (Mexican). Also, it seemed like the bus waits were a little shorter, but that could be due to any number of things.

I think you really have to go and see for yourself. Both resorts are very nice. Both will give you that Disney feel! I really think that if CSR appealed to you more initially, then you should stick with it and not worry. If your visit is long enough - consider a visit to a few of the other resorts - maybe for a meal. Then next trip you'll get a sense of which one you prefer! One of the things that makes Disney so much fun is that there are so many choices when you stay on property - and lots of reasons to come back!

 

[scoutsmom99]

It is a very big resort, which may be why some people don't care as much for it, but the size didn't bother us at all - it seemed less crowded I think, for being so spread out.

I agree with you about the size of the resort scaring some people away. For some reason the size of CBR does feel more resorty to me beacuse of the size and like you said it makes it feel less crowded. And Yes, I remember meeing your family and you! One of your boys ran back to the room to get a blanket for you dd.


DisneyMomx7 hope it is ok to add a few more pics. I'm kinda in photo posting mood while I work on my album:
Bird/Fish Feeding at OPR

Shot of Caribbean Cay

Hammocks on Caribbean Cay

My Favorite Tree at CBR

Courtyard in Jamaica 44

Shot of Aruba Beach

 

[BrerRabbit_fan]

Our first on site hotel was POR or Dixie Landings as it was called then. It will always hold a special place in my heart, the mansions were beautiful. However, I love CBR and that would be my choice. Lying on a hammock on a white sand beach, watching Illuminations, while sipping hot cocoa... It doesn't get better then that.

The resort is huge, so what. You don't have to walk around the whole thing. I didn't feel the extra bus stops were a big deal. We were at MGM, Epcot, and DD in minutes.

You will enjoy your stay very much!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

scoutsmom99 - I love seeing your pictures. Post away. It gets me in the mood for CBR. I just wish July would hurry up and get here.

THis is really our only chance to try CBR. Because my in-laws are joining us for this trip one of our kids will be in their room, we're keeping the extra room for the three days after they leave. In January (DH running marathon again) we'll have go back to a deluxe, POR or two value rooms. Families of 5 - wouldn't you think since CBR is the biggest mod THEY would be the ones with the trundle beds?

 

[catbertdave99]

Families of 5 - wouldn't you think since CBR is the biggest mod THEY would be the ones with the trundle beds?

No kidding! It's just me and DS14 and DS11, and they realllllly like to take a friend with them (each), and the trundle would make it much easier to figure out the rooms! We end up traveling with others who have an extra space in their room, so it works, but that would be really nice!

Scoutsmom99, your pictures really are great! Thanks for sharing!

 

[tubachick]

going for the first time to CBR in a few weeks.

after looking at the pictures and the CBR thread... I know we made the right decision.

thanks for the nice pics too!!

 

[WantToGoNow]

My dd and I stayed at the CBR for our first and second trips to WDW – that was in 1994 and 1996 (my dd was 10 and 12). Since marrying my dh and having 2 more dc, we have stayed off-site twice (Orange Lake Country Club and Beachtree Villas), Coronado Sprints Resort and All Star Movies. Last year my dd (now 22) and her friend extended their vacation and stayed 3 extra days at the Pop Century after we came home. We will be going back to the CBR in December – I am so excited. It was my first Disney experience and I will always have a soft spot for it. I have some beautiful pictures from my two trips there – just wish I could post them.

 

[murph103]

When I first started reading these boards, I was really discouraged by all the negative opinions of CBR, but we decided to try it anyway. We stayed at CBR in 2004 and when we go back this summer, we're staying there again!!

We looked at the other moderate resorts and while I loved the theming of POR, no one else was interested in those. We loved CBR so much that everyone wants to go back. We're getting a preferred room this time, but last time we were in Jamacia which was a great location for us. While the full-service restaurant isn't great, the food court is good. We ate breakfast there most mornings, and had lunch and dinner in the parks. The bus for CBR is not shared with another resort, although it does get crowded when leaving a park at closing time. The only time we really waited for a bus was when leaving MK after the fireworks. This time we plan to hang out at MK a while longer after the fireworks instead of heading right out.

 

[dismom9761]

My mom called me in a panic last night after reading in the Unofficial Guide that the CBR was not a good choice.She wanted to know why I picked it,I am going to print this thread and let her read it. Thanks everyone for the honest opinions.

 

[maria & rossi]

As you can see we've been a few times and love it. Last time we took my dm and dd and they also loved it. This year we are all going back and taking my db and his family. I'm sure you will all have a great time.

 

[Tiggerfan14]

I stayed at the CBR this past december, while it was beautiful, i found we spent most of our time waiting or riding the buses. We stayed in Trinidad north. We were only there 4 days so we didnt want to waste time walking to the food court, which would have been a 20 minute or so walk, then by time you eat then wait for the bus it was an hour out of our day gone. Then if we chose to take a bus to the food court we had to take it around the complex for about 15-20 mins to get to the food court or take the to one of the parks to eat, we would have to wait a bit, then sometimes go complete around the complex before we would head out. Also the customs house, which is the lobby, is completely separate from the food court area. you have to take the bus to get there or walk from the food court across the road to get there. So if you needed to stop at the lobby for something, then that takes time also. Don't get me wrong the place is beautiful, the rooms are good size, they have a fridge and high speed internet. It all depends on what you like. We like to be able to get to the food area in a short amount of time grab a bit and be on the bus say within an half hour. and when you get off the bus you have 5 -10 min walk back to your room. we stayed at the pop in january and absolutely loved it. We stayed in the 50's bldg and had a 5 min walk to the food court/lobby/bus area.
the atmosphere was awesome!! The rooms are smaller. So it all depends what you like. This is just one woman's opinion for what its' worth.

 

[Cmbar]

I stayed at the CBR this past december, while it was beautiful, i found we spent most of our time waiting or riding the buses. We stayed in Trinidad north. We were only there 4 days so we didnt want to waste time walking to the food court, which would have been a 20 minute or so walk, then by time you eat then wait for the bus it was an hour out of our day gone. Then if we chose to take a bus to the food court we had to take it around the complex for about 15-20 mins to get to the food court or take the to one of the parks to eat, we would have to wait a bit, then sometimes go complete around the complex before we would head out. Also the customs house, which is the lobby, is completely separate from the food court area. you have to take the bus to get there or walk from the food court across the road to get there. So if you needed to stop at the lobby for something, then that takes time also. Don't get me wrong the place is beautiful, the rooms are good size, they have a fridge and high speed internet. It all depends on what you like. We like to be able to get to the food area in a short amount of time grab a bit and be on the bus say within an half hour. and when you get off the bus you have 5 -10 min walk back to your room. we stayed at the pop in january and absolutely loved it. We stayed in the 50's bldg and had a 5 min walk to the food court/lobby/bus area.
the atmosphere was awesome!! The rooms are smaller. So it all depends what you like. This is just one woman's opinion for what its' worth.

I totally agree with this assessment. That is what we found as well. IT was a pretty resort with big rooms but I think just inconvenient. It may depend on how long you are staying at the resort. For those that loved this resort, did you have long stays where you felt you had the time to walk the 15 minutes to the food court. One note: there is a conceirege(sp??) in the food court area. They have someone there to help you do changes to tickets, information and maps and also they checked us in for our Southwest flight! So you don't usually have to go back to the front lobby except for bell services or to catch the magical express bus.. BUT I agree I didnt' like having to wait for them to come get us for ME. I would rather walk out of my room and be where I need to be quickly.

JMO!!

 

[DisneyaholicRaquel]

I signed the kids up for the new pirate cruise and I think we'll enjoy it immensely.

What did you ask for when you booked the new pirate cruise? Your talking about the one @ CBR right? I was just on the phone with a CM for about an hour and he couldn't find a pirate cruise @ CBR. I knew I had saw something on one but, couldn't find it anywhere...

 

[DisneyMomx7]

What did you ask for when you booked the new pirate cruise? Your talking about the one @ CBR right? I was just on the phone with a CM for about an hour and he couldn't find a pirate cruise @ CBR. I knew I had saw something on one but, couldn't find it anywhere...

I had to call the CBR marina directly - it wasn't on the CRO system yet. Hope that helps.

 

[scoutsmom99]

DisneyMomx7 Here are a few more pics:

Food Court Grab and Go

Another Shot of the Grab and Go

Food Court Seating

Calypso Straw Market (You can send those coconut "postcards" here, I sent one to my grandma and she thought it was awesome)

Banana Cabana Pool Bar

Tatoos and Hair Wrapping at the Main Pool:

Landscaping

View of the safe in the rom (I always like to know how large these are)

 

[DisneyMomx7]

scoutsmom99 - Thank so much for the pictures! I love looking at them. Keep them coming if you can.

I especially liked the one of banana cabana - in-laws are coming with us. I think I'll be spending quite a bit of time there. Only kidding.

Your pictures do make me feel I made the right decision though. Maybe its all about themeing, and the CBR themeing just appeals to DH and I.

 

[Golf4food]

While the CBR is the only onsite Disney resort I’ve stayed at, my DW and I loved it and plan to return this December when we do a 4 day land / 3 day sea vacation. I think that deep down you will find most of the malignerers complaining about the size are just basically impatient people by nature more interested in DOING than relaxing and enjoying. Big city Yankees, perhaps. (FYI – that is meant to be funny - I get the same way sometimes myself – so no big city Yankees need take offense!)

We love the spread out feel, the landscaping, the water, the birds, etc. I get tired of crowds and houses that are two feet from the neighbor’s wall, etc. The CBR is a nice break from that crowded world that I go on vacation to escape!

And for those that complain about the landscaping in winter – IT’S WINTER!! Florida is not Jamaica, so flowers do not bloom in December (very often) and the best time to visit will always be April to June if you truly want the full, flowery effect. But on the same token, none of the other resorts are going to be blooming in December either, so why pick on the CBR? Makes a lot of sense to me… Perhaps I’ll visit Michigan in January and then complain about the snow.

I can’t comment on the transportation because we drove and bough breakfast food from Publix to eat quickly in our rooms each morning and be at the parks at opening, so we didn’t use any of the busses, but they seemed to be moving when we were there in March 2005.

If you are the type who would enjoy a tropical setting, then you should enjoy CBR. If you prefer Deep South/New Orleans, then POR would be better. If you prefer the desert Southwest/Mexico, then CSR would be better. It’s all a matter of taste. To me, a relaxing stay at CBR tastes great (and I don’t care if it is less filling or not!)