CBR size hassles vs. all stars value

[kjs1976]

Finally planning a trip after a three yr hiatus with one Disneyland trip in '12. Stupid new roof and unexpected new car ate our vacation funds last year.
Found a great airfare deal and room deal for first week in April but we are still trying to do it all on the cheap. The rate for CBR is not that much more than the all stars, at which we were planning to stay.

We have stayed at AS-Music, Sports and POP before and know the routine and layouts there. Our absolute fav resort is POFQ but the prices I've found there have been out of our price range. Realistically, we will not be spending more than sleeping, quick afternoon break and swim at the resort. And honestly, as long as I'm back in my happy place and can walk to get my morning coffee along a path in FL in the morning, palm trees swaying, lizards crossing my path, and the anticipation of a day at the parks ahead of me, I'm good! I'm slightly drawn to CBR because of the beauty of the Caribbean theme ( from Mn and it's snowing as I type this so you can only imagine what warmth and greenery mean to me right now!) and the main pool looks great for Dd 6 who remembers the slide at POFQ and keeps asking about going back there. HOWEVER, I see the size and layout and it almost doesn't look worth it. Then you read the CBR threads on here, and you have loyal followers.

Soooo.....wondering if the layout of CBR is more hassle for the small touches and upgrades it provides than staying at sports or music....thoughts? Thanks in advance!

 

[hulk51382]

We've stayed at CBR the past 3 years and have loved it. The pool is outstanding for kids. I personally like the fact that it is a bigger resort. It never feels crowded. I'm not sure why people complain about the walk...even the furthest building is maybe about a 8-10 minute walk to the food/pool area. I'd definitely give it a shot.

 

[smiths02]

I haven't stayed value, but I really enjoyed the theme at CBR. The pool is neat. Also, if your kid/s are small enough (there is a height limit) the pirate ship kiddie play area is super cool.

You could pay for a preferred room or at least request a closer room (we stayed pirate, which is farthest, but was fine). If you are going after the return starts, you could request one of those rooms.

 

[henry72]

We love CBR and will be there in June. We paid for a preferred room and the walk was still about 4-5 minutes to OPR. We had the same distance in our non-preferred room the trip before. But really the walk never bothered us. We love the tropical theme and the kids love the beaches and main pool.

 

[DisPrncess19]

We have stayed at All Star and CBR and love CBR. We are planning another trip in October and have booked CBR already. The walk from any of the buildings to the food court area is not bad maybe 10 mins, they also have an internal shuttle you could take. I find CBR much more relaxing that any of the All Start resorts.

 

[DSLRuser]

its personal preferences. But disney could not pay me to to stay at a value resort. CBR has some quirks, but the positives far surpass anything the values can offer.

We have visited the all starts and pop a few times. I just cant get past how CHEAP it looks and feels. Motel 6 with disney charecters painted on the walls does not = theme to me.

 

[dis_guy]

We have been a CBR family for years. Just never felt the need to stay anywhere else because we are always very happy with our familiar old CBR digs.

My two DDs are graduating from University this spring and we gave them a WDW trip to mark the occasion. Being good kids they insisted in staying at a value so we booked them at POP.

Their overall positive experience there has DW and me wondering if we should try POP on our next trip. Saving some money looks pretty good after having kids in University the last 5 years.

Here's what we'll be doing. If we're planning on 2 or 3 resort days, we'll stay at CBR but if we're just going to hit the parks every day we'll give a value a try.

 

[HopperFan]

I will be the first to admit I have zero warm fuzzies for CBR. There are many reasons but especially that the interior of the rooms are no more comfy than a value and still have double beds. I won't pay moderate prices for what I consider a value room.

BUT if I were planning the All-Stars and had been offered CBR for a minimal difference then I would highly consider staying at CBR. It is possible you will have a long walk from your room to the main hub - but honestly if you get a room at the back of ASMu it can be just as bad. Your DD will love the main pool. If you enjoy the leisurely walk that is good cause you might have a long walk but at least you know in advance and the landscaping/lake are pretty and peaceful. If you were already geared for the All-Stars value then CBR won't disappoint you!

 

[Redarrow5150]

Yeah not too mention that CBR has a lot of side pools (no waterslides) that will be closer to your rooms. I always say this when it comes to CBR the busses can be hassles at times but if you're renting a car that week then it's a great place to stay.

 

[maxiesmom]

I've only stayed at CBR once, but I have to say if I ever do again, it would be in a preferred room location. My location was supposedly a fairly good non-preferred location, but I found it too much hassle to walk up front to get my mug refilled. I'm also not a fan of having so many darned bus stops! Seven is about three too many.

If you think you will spend any time at all hanging out at the resort, just relaxing, go with a preferred room at CBR. If all you will be doing at the resort is sleeping and showering, go with an All Star.