CBR or POR-first timers

[sharonb]

HI,
This is my first post, so forgive me for not using many abbreviations. We are planning a trip to Disney-likey Dec 8-12, 2004. We have 2 boys who will be 5 1/2 and almost 3-they have never been to disney. We have been once. My question: I have read guidebooks and these posts for weeks and can't decide-do you think CBR or Port Orleans Riverside would be a better choice? I am nervous about the size of CBR, but liked how it seemed to be a really fun resort-I think we will spend a fair amount of time there as they may get worn out if we stay at the parks all day. Any advice appreciated. Also, what are these AP rates people keep talking about? can anyone get them? Is it better for me to reserve now or wait?

 

[kevind65]

we haven't stayed at POR, so I can't help much with that one. We have stayed at POFQ and thought it was pretty cool. We stayed at CBR back in 1996' when our dd was 5. stayed in the village of Martinique(bldg 26) and loved it. Martinique is the closest village to Old Port Royale and the main themed pool. The resort was very pretty and we really had no complaints about it. CBR was very centrally located and it was easy to get to everything. You could see some of the illuminations show from epcot on the beach at the resort. that was pretty cool.
These AP rates you keep reading about are: Annual Passholder rates....to answer your question: if you purchase a Annual Pass or a Premium Annual Pass, you can get AP rates at disney resorts as well as some other passholder benefits(discounts at restaurants, shops and on tours). The AP's and PAP's are not cheap. The PAP's(which our family has) will run about $500 for adults and a little over $400 for children ages 3-9. If you are planning on spending more than 10 days at disney over the next 12 months, the AP or PAP are the way to go.....The savings on the resort alone can make up for a large portion of the price of the AP or PAP.

 

[grimp]

We had rooms at POFQ in 1994, 1998, and 2000 (quite pleased). We planned a trip for Feb, 2004 and initially reserved three rooms at CRB since POFQ was closed. When annual passholder rates came out, CRB was not available for our dates, but POR was at the 40% discount, so we took these in spite of my 12 yr old granddaughter's protestation (I think Pirates of the Caribbean movie had a spell over her).

I was concerned about the bus service at CRB and the expansive layout, but was also concerned about the room condition at POR. I remember when POR was Dixie Landings and they shared a bus with POFQ with the advantage to POFQ, but with only POR opened, that should not be a problem.

Also, I understand that some chearleaders and dance teams will be at WDW both the weekend (1/31) we arrive and the next weekend (2/7), and that they were offered the Allstar plus CRB for their stays, and while they are College and not High School I would prefer to avoid any resort at which they are in numbers, hence my final decision to pick POR. As an incentive to my grandaughter, I scheduled the carriage ride at POR and plan on the campfire one night in addition to all our extras.

I feel like I am shooting in the dark a little, but unless we get very run down rooms or a very bad location, I think that we will have another great out of this world experience. Just hope that Disney financial problems or overdone airport security do not hamper our fun.

 

[Robinette]

Welcome to the DISboards, sharonb!

I have stayed at both resorts your are asking about and truly love both of them (helps you a lot, huh?). If I had to choose, it would be CBR. I enjoyed the Caribbean theme and music, the colors of the buildings. I liked how everything is situated around a lake, beautiful walks in the early morning. All the rooms were refurbished about two years ago. And I have said this before, but I really loved the curtain that separates the sink area from the beds. I was able to get up early and get ready for the day while everyone else slept without the bath area lights shining in their faces. There are threads about each resort your thinking about. Lots of info for you to read. here are the links...good luck!
Caribbean Beach Resort FAQ's
It's The Port Orleans FAQ Thread!!!

 

[safetymom]

I think it all comes down to the theming. They are both great resorts. You might want to read the CBR FAQ thread listed below. It contains lots of good information about the resort and trip reports.

 

[SeaSpray]

We've stayed at CBR twice and LOVED it both times. Click on my "Family vacations" link below to go to two different pages from both of our CBR trips.

Happy planning, and have a wonderful trip, whichever resort you choose

P.S. If you don't have an Annual Pass to qualify for the AP rates, there is always the AAA rate which saves you some money too, if you have AAA.

 

[momofmikey]

Seaspray -

I just looked at your pixs - they're beautiful! I was going to post the same question as the OP. My question is regarding parking. We may rent a car - is Martinique close to a parking lot? I know you mentioned no parking lot views.

Thanks!

 

[HunnyPots]

but I thought I might be of help.

We were at CBR in June and stayed in Martinique 25. Although we had a standard, or "parking lot" view, you never would have known it. The view from our window was of the beautiful landscaping; not a parking lot in sight, yet all we had to do was leave our room, go around the corner, down the stairs, and across the courtyard, to our van.

We loved CBR and will most likely stay there again in June '04.

 

[SeaSpray]

momofmikey:

I'm glad you liked my pictures!

HunnyPots is correct! While none of the buildings at CBR are very far from a parking lot (there are parking lots all around the perimeter of the resort and all of the buildings), there no rooms in Martinique 25 that were right up close to the curb/parking lot. So even the standard views were of landscaped areas. Some rooms in some of the other buildings have rooms that would be closer to the actual parking lots.

I hope this helps

P.S. I always like to mention that when staying at CBR, unless you want to be REALLY FAR AWAY from Old Port Royale (the main pool, food court, shops, restaurant), do not let them put you in Trinidad SOUTH. Trinidad NORTH is good, though! (My personal favorite is still Martinique 25).

 

[momofmikey]

Thanks for the replies. I want to stay in Martinique, but didn't want it to be a hike to the parking lot. So you think a 5 minute walk or so?

Thanks again.

 

[safetymom]

I doubt it would take 5 mins to walk to the parking lot. It is landscaped so well I agree you have a hard time seeing the parking lot. It is a very nice walk and not very far from all the buildings. That is what I like about the moderates, you are never far from your car.

 

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by momofmikey
Thanks for the replies. I want to stay in Martinique, but didn't want it to be a hike to the parking lot. So you think a 5 minute walk or so?

Thanks again.

Definitely under 3 minutes to walk to a parking lot from anywhere in the resort I guess it all depends on how slow or fast you walk, but even a slow, leisurely pace wouldn't more than a couple-minute walk.