CBR or CSR

[woody5]

We are going with extended family. We will be getting three rooms. Which would be best? We have kids ages 1 to 14 and a handicapped grandmother in the group. Swimming is important. But many of the kids are picky eaters so I am concerned about the pepper market. What would any of the experts out there suggest. We don't really want to do POR since we have stayed there many times before when we travel as just our family because we need that trundle bed with three kids. Any help would be appreciated. Also, off of the subject but do you think that the parks will be even more crowded this summer than usual due to the FTP? It seems to still be available at most resorts for the date I am checking in July. We went in August last year and there were crowds but they were managable with Fast passes.

 

[lasmickey]

We have never stayed at CSR, but my family LOVES CBR and wouldn't think of staying at any of the other moderate resorts. The rooms are larger than those in the other moderates There is a nice main pool and each of the "islands" has it's own quiet pool. I have picky eaters, and everyone in the family finds something they like to eat at OPR food court. The only draw back is that some of the "islands" are a good distance from the main pool and food court, which may be a problem for "grandma". However, if you request to be in one of the "islands" closest to OPR, I don't think that it would be a problem at all.

Whichever you choose, I'm sure both are nice. Have a great time!

 

[Buzz2001]

If swimming is important, than CSR has a great pool area for you. Check out pics on my website below.

My nephews were picky eaters but they were able to get P&J or plain pasta, hot dogs, burgers, chicken fingers. The PM is very accommodating.

Both resorts are large.

 

[clutter]

CBR is now my favorite!!! Haven't done CSR, though. Love the AS's for value, love CR for location, WL and ALK are nifty, but not my taste. CBR is wonderful. I loved the island feel, and for the first time really, really felt like I was on vacation.

And the pizza and the chicken nugget areas of the food court were open late, if that's what you mean by picky eaters. Plus mickey waffles in the morning.

 

[susy]

This seems to be the question of the hour.

I am from the CSR camp, but I will give you a side by side review you can judge what will suit your family's needs.


Grounds/ Theming/Decor-
CBR is a colorful "caribbean beach" theme. Each village is decorated in a dfferent color scheme and has its own quiet pool/ laundry and beach with hammocks. They are nestled around a beautiful lake.

CSR has southwestern theming with three diferently themed areas. Casitas (city-like), Ranchos (southwest, desert), and Cabanas (beachy with beaches/hammocks). Each section has a quiet pool and laundry.

I give this one to CSR.I feel the theme is better carried out and a little more upscale. JMO. Both resorts are spread out and could have far walks, depending on where you are. There are bus stops close to all areas, though.

Rooms-
CBR's rooms are recently refurbished. They are very bright and roomy! Lots of storage space, two sinks outside the bathroom and a privacy curtain. If you don't have a coffeemaker, hair dryer,iron,just call housekeeping!

CSR- southwestern, colorful decor. One sink outside of bathroom. All rooms come with coffeemaker, iron, hair dryer.

Rooms I give to ... CBR. You just have the feeling of being in a deluxe room here.


Food-
CBR- CBR's food court was just redone and they have a new restaurant. See menu at wdwig.com!

CSR- Pepper market- you are seated, brought your drinks and then you get up and get your food. Silverware is already at your table. You pay at the end of the meal. Maya Grill hs a great breakfat buffet and they are open for dinner. Menus at wdwig.com

This is a tie for me. I like the formality (and decor) of the Pepper Market-no running around after drinks, silverware, or balancing a tray while waiting to pay. The atmosphere is more relaxed. This is just a matter of personal preference. CBR is a more traditional food court, but very nice. I am just as happy there.


Pools-

CBR-
The main pool is a "Spanish fort" theme. Real cute,but the slide is just too short. Mostly kids under ten were going down. Anyone older than that would think it's babyish. There is a kiddie pool and hot tub. The pool area and pool bar are very nice.

CSR- This pool is amazing. When you check-in ,you can see the pyramid from the main building. GREAT water slide(DH and I had a blast on it), HUGE hot tub, kiddie pool, playground, sand play area, arcade. The pool bar also serves lunch items here. See menu at wdwig.com

I give the best pool to CSR. I forgot that I was at a moderate!

Recreation- Both resorts have the same boats/bikes features I believe???? both have playgrounds and beaches (you can't swim, though)

Transportation-
CBR- I forgot how many bus stops are here, but it seemed to take FOREVER to get in and out of the resort. Once out, though the bus service to the parks was quick!
CSR- I have heard that the trasportation times here are the FASTEST of any resort. There are four bus stops.

I can't give this to either, since I did not use the buses at CSR!

I would go back to either resort, but I like CSR best.

 

[Always Grumpy]

I agree with Buzz2001, Both resorts are large but IMHO CBR is harder to navigate around. CSR has a wonderful pool with Handicap accessibility although I think they pull the lifeguards a bit too early, when we were there last week they shut the water slide down around 8:00 p.m. because the lifeguards leave.The rooms are smaller than CBR but how much time do you really spend in your room? Overall my vote is for CSR. We will be back there again in October.

Always Grumpy

 

[cruisnfamily]

Here is an excerpt from my trip report.....personally I vote for CSR hands down! It's my favorite Disney resort so far although my only on site stays have been CSR, CBR and ASSp.

We left between 10:30am and 11:00am and were at The Carribbean Beach Resort by about 1pm. As we pulled up to the Custom House we were amazed by the large crowds of people apparently checking in. Dad parked with the kids while Mom ran in to get on line. The line was LONG! But, it moved very quickly and I was checking in within 15 minutes. Dad and kids came in and I asked Dad to get on the Guest Services line to see if he could turn our vouchers(bought at AAA) in for the Play 4 days passes. Turns out you can't do that at the resort, must be done at the parks, oh well, can't hurt to ask. Well, nobody's rooms were ready, as I waited in line I kept hearing CM's telling the folks to call at 3pm to get their room number. Well, when it was my turn, surprise, our room was ready. Trinidad North Bldg 31 just as requested! Hurrah! We were on the second floor, room 3153.

OK, here' my resort review. We like this place...but we didn't love it. The set up is similar to, but not the same as, Coronado Springs. For some reason CBR just didn't grab me the way Coronado Springs did. Maybe because I'm a FL Resident so the palm trees don't do an awful lot for me. One thing I did like better at CBR is that the Food Court and restaurant were in the same place as the pool, very convenient. At Coronado Springs, they're in different directions however, Coronado Springs sells food by the pool and CBR doesn't, you have to go in to the food court which was a pain if you were dripping wet. Our room was nice and I loved the bright bed spreads. It didn't seem particularly big or small-it was just the right size with 2 double beds, a table and 2 chairs. There was also a bench type of thing which had hooks above it that were really great for hanging pin lanyards, fanny packs, hats, etc. We felt like there was alot of storage space in this room....more than the average hotel room and it helped us stay organized and not trash the room. The curtain to block off the vanity area was great for early risers to start the coffee and wash up without bothering anybody. It was also a good changing area for the modest among us. The pool seemed small and crowded to me. The one at CSR is MUCH bigger. The slide here was fun but nothing special, just a plain old slide. CSR wins the pool and slide contest in my opinion.

Anyway, we had a quick lunch in the food court(Penne Pasta for Mom, Pizza for Amanda, Chicken Nuggets Bucket for Billy, and Dbl Cheeseburger for Dad) Dad also got a refillable mug. Everybody was happy with their food except Amanda...we do not recommend the pizza...we all tried it and everybody agreed with her that it was pretty lousy. She shared bits of all of ours and everybody got fed.