After much debate between CBR, CSR and POR we decided upon CBR. We had recently stayed at CSR, POR and POLY (all very nice for different reasons), but opted for CBR for a new experience. We had booked a preferred room for myself, DH and our almost 3 year old son and our only request was 1st floor. Check-in (at around 5:00 p.m. on a Sunday) would have been extremely quick except they said they were out of preferred rooms and so they placed us in a waterview room because the price was the same. Having stayed here before I knew that a waterview meant very little as there are no balconies and nicely said that I was not interested in paying additional money for it. I was really nice about it and the cast member was equally nice. She went back "behind the scenes" twice and ultimately we were offered a waterview room in Jamaica 45 on the 1st floor. According to the map the walk didn't appear to be much further than the preferred rooms and it was very close to the quiet pool, the bridge to Caribbean Cay and the playground on the beach so I happily accepted it. It turned out to be a blessing because it was a very quick, but more importantly ENJOYABLE walk to Old Port Royale via Caribbean Cay. We enjoyed the scenery, flowers, bunnies, birds and tropical feel as we strolled to and from the food court. The preferred area was very close to the construction and the walk to Old Port Royale from there was along the ugly construction wall that was put up so we were very VERY please with our location and I was happy that my laid back attitude at check in paid off. Our room was spotless upon arrival and mousekeeping was outstanding throughout our stay. There was nothing above and beyond (i.e. towel animals), but the room was always in "check-in condition" when we returned to it and was always clean early (which was important to us because we did come back each day fairly early. My son sleeps in a crib at home but we were able to push the bed against the wall and put three bed rails around it. He did great and was happy to have so much room. Our bed was squeaky, but suprisingly comfortable for a full sized bed. I was prepared to share the bed with my toddler because it seemed small, but DH and I slept just fine. The squeaking did wake me a few times when I or DH would turn in the night, but it wasn't worth complaining about. The resort was very quiet considering it was sold out and the guests were all very nice and respectful. We really enjoyed our stay at Coronado when we were there, but we noted that this was a much better fit for us. We did go to CSR to eat at the Pepper Market one night and were turned off by the large number of conventioners. There were just a lot of loud, rowdy groups of men who were obviously enjoying a little R & R after the normal convention hours at CSR and we realized after returning to CBR that night how much we enjoyed the "Family Feel" of that resort. There were lifegurards on duty at the pool and they did a great job of keeping the pool experience safe and enjoyable. The food court was better than average. It's typical food court food, but it was quick, easy and the prices were fair. It was always clean and everything in the grab and go area was extremely well-stocked at all times. There were lots of fun activities going on. Our favorite was the movie on Caribbean Cay. We sat in beach chairs and watched Toy Story. Fun! There was live music in the main courtyard area and kids were up dancing. The most noteworthy thing to me on this trip were the cast members at the resort. Each and every person we came in contact with was friendly and courteous. We were always greeted with smiles, eye contact and hellos. I have enjoyed all of my stays at Disney. Most recently we stayed at the Polynesian and although it was a great experience I can't justify the price of the deluxes for what you get there. I also don't personally care for the values (mainly because of the large school/sport groups and lack of landscaping/walking areas). I feel the moderates offer the most dollar value and while I do like each of them, I can honestly say CBR is now my favorite by far. I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone and I'm looking forward to going back on a future trip and enjoying the new pool!
Great review. I have not stayed at CBR, but have stayed Value (Pop), Moderate (POFQ and POR) and Deluxe (AKL, BWV) and totally agree with you that the Moderates offer the best value for your dollar.
Thanks for the review!!! We have stayed at POR and CSR in the mod category, and I'm dying to try CBR... if I can just talk DH into a Christmas trip!!
We stayed at CBR in 2006. We loved it. I just wish we had spent more time enjoying the resort but it was our first time at Disney so we spent little time at the resort. I never even took any pictures except as we were in the van leaving that I remembered to atke one. I got one of a building that we didn't even stay at.
CBR is by far my favorite resort!!!! I sometimes like to try the other resorts - but I always come back to CBR!!!
So nice to see a wonderful review of CBR! It's our favorite resort-- I always recommend it to others. Glad you had a great time.
Great review! Glad to hear you enjoyed CBR. Is there any pictures you can post? Would love to see some more of CBR.
Thanks so much for your report. We're staying at CBR this June mainly because it's the "host" hotel for the Disney Magical Music Days for our DDs dance group and all I've heard is how big it is, etc. I had originally wanted Poly or POFQ but they were booked and my DDs wanted to stay where "everyone else" was staying After reading your report it has reassured me that it was good not to change.
I am glad to hear that you had a great time at CBR. Could you do me a favor and copy and paste your review into the CBR FAQ thread? Link is below. It will help other planning a trip to CBR.
We stayed at CBR in 2007, and we loved it. We should have spent more time enjoying the resort but as always we also wanted to play at Disney. I enjoyed my morning run/walk before everyone got up and ready for our daily adventures. The only thing that would make it better is to get some real coffee there!
Thank you for your review!! DH and I will be staying at CBR in September for FD and I am really looking forward to it. So far I have only stayed at WL and will be staying at BC in June but I am hoping to love CBR so we can cost some cost in the future.
Glad you enjoyed it! I love the tropical theming there. Probably my favorite moderate resort - especially when the new pool is done. Once they renovate the rooms, which should be due in a year or 2, i'll be sure to return!
Great review! We stayed in Jamaica 45 back in September and I liked that location as well. I also agree with you about the mods being a good value for the money. I can't justify the price of the Deluxes, and the Values are just too "busy" for my tastes. I love the moderates!
I like that you enjoyed your room! I had a similar one, but not water view, in Jamaica. Isn't that walk across the island so nice?! I was surprised how nice it was.
Whoo! I'm so glad you enjoyed your stay there. We will be staying at CBR in October and I can't wait. This will be my first Mod. say (have stayed at WL and POP in the past), and I hope I enjoy it has much as you have!!
