CBR vs CSR

[Pig Pen]

We stayed at Coronado in September and loved it. We would like to try Caribbean Beach in May but now I am having second thoughts.

There will be just the two of us (me and DH). Food court is not a big priority. We don't mind walking.

What are the main differences between the two? These are the things we liked most about CSR:

Quiet - we were in Casitas 5 which was about midway between the food court area and the main pool. Either way, it was a long walk but we didn't mind because it was calm, peaceful, and quiet (completely different from ASMU where we stayed the night before!)

Pool area - lovely theming, warm pool, spa was huge and stayed open till midnight.

Rooms - nothing really special, but we had an iron and ironing board and a coffeemaker (and perhaps a blowdryer?)

Bus Service - We were close to a bus stop and the buses were on time and practically empty most days.

Adult atmosphere - don't get me wrong, I am not a child-hater, but I didn't have to worry about anyone divebombing me in the pool or mowing me over at the food court.

Walking trail - I loved the beautiful path around the lake. I walked it every morning to see the sunrise.

Views - We somehow got a lake view for the standard price.

So....what is different or better about Caribbean Beach?

Thanks.

 

[Nolcrest]

Sounds like to me CS would be a good choice. You will probably be dive bombed in the theme pool at CBR. CBR did not have an iron and ironing board in the room. I say if you really liked CS, stick with it. I really can't imagine you liking CBR more.

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Having stayed at both resorts numerous times i can break down the differences in terms of what you liked about CSR.

Quiet

CSR - the Casitas, Cabanas and Ranchos are all very quiet (having stayed in the first 2 mentioned, I prefer the Casitas for atmosphere and views)

CBR - Barbados, Aruba and Trinidad are all fairly safe options for quiet. Martinique is right beside the pool and Jamaica has a playground right in front of it.

Pool

CSR - as you said HUGE, warm big spa, great theme etc...

CBR - the pool is MUCH smaller, theme is cute for kids and the spa is small and in a awkward location (right beside slide with kids splashing into the pool constantly, not relaxing)

Rooms -

CSR - rooms are a little smaller but are newer as well. CSR also has room service which CBR does not

CBR - only bonus to CBR is that they are a bit bigger and have 2 sinks. They do not have an iron or ironing board from what I know.

Bus Service (have never used buses so can only compare locations)

CSR - there are only 3 stops but as you said depending on your room location it can be very convientient

CBR - each "island" has its own bus stop from what I know

Adult Atmosphere

CSR - has a more luxurious feel and you are more likely to see conventioneers than kids

CBR - very popular with families, lots of kids

Walk - both have beautiful walking paths

Views - views at both are wonderful

Any more questions feel free to pm me

Hope I've been a help

 

[kevind65]

we have stayed at both of these resorts and really liked both of them. they are actually very similiar in design in a lot of ways. we will always have a special place in our hearts for CBR because this was the first resort that we ever stayed at in disney back in 96'. If you're looking for a little more adult oriented resort, then you should probably stick with CSR as there are many more famalies with small children at CBR. The pool at CSR is one of the best on property and the hot tub is defenitely the largest one I can think of. we had no problems with room noise at either resort. the both have walking paths that stretch around the lakes. bus transportation was good at both resorts, but, DW and I both thought that CSR had the best transportation that we've ever had at a disney moderate. decide for yourself. I don't think you could go wrong with either choice.

 

[DisneyFan79]

Wow!! After reading these posts I really am stumped at which resort to stay at. There will be 3 adults going on my trip. I really like CSR for its theme and more adult like, but I really like the CBR for its theme and bigger rooms and an extra sink. I really don't know which one to choose. Maybe we should put the 2 names in a hat and draw.

Does CSR seem to have as much "magic" as CBR? I have heard that they are a bit more serious there. I don't want to feel as though I am not in Disney World. Any help will be sooooo greatly appreciated and will put my mind at ease!!! Thanks!!!

 

[jaguar9748]

We had 5 adults during a recent CBR stay and fell in love with this resort! The rooms were redone a year ago and they are so bright and wonderfully maintained! They are a bit wider than CSR and much brighter. We were in Trinidad South which was very quiet. There are quiet pools in each village so that should make for more enjoyable swimming. The food court is cheaper than CSR and there are many quiet nooks for folks to sit. The buses were fine. There are 7 stops, but that was not a problem for us.

We rank CBR and POR first, CSR second and then POFQ.

I say stay at CBR because then you can really compare CBR and CSR. I'll bet you like CBR!

 

[mm6mm6]

We're going to stay at CSR in August. We stayed at CBR this past June '02 and just loved it. We're changing only to experience something different (and THEN I'll be able to compare the two!)....
We had our honeymoon on a caribbean cruise so we just loved the caribbean theming at the CBR. You can't go wrong there. The double sinks were wonderful but I think some of the rooms at the CSR have two also (I've seen pics on this board of the CSR with two sinks at least!)....

 

[epcotfan]

I have stayed at both resorts and I do like each for different reasons. I find CBR has more families with children. If you prefer a resort with more adults then CSR is the way to go. I found CSR much quieter than CBR. Buses to and from CSR were less crowded than CBR. CSR convention goers tend not to use the buses as much. Also CBR has more bus stops on their resort loop than CSR.

 

[Ti2gerrr]

We have never stayed a CSR, but have stayed at CBR, PO-FQ, and PO-R. We hated PO-R. I would have to say it would be a toss up between PO-FQ and CBR as our favorite. (Also hated the All Stars)

We are staying at PO-FQ on our up comming trip, but would not hesitate to go back to CBR. We are two adult, not child haters, but do enjoy some quiet relaxation on our vacation. We requested (and received) a second floor(top floor is always quieter) non smoking, courtyard view, room in Jamaica #44 and got just that.

We were a very short walk to the bus stop, close by to the quiet pool, a short walk from the beach, and about a five munite walk across to the food court , main pool and shop. It was very quiet and convienent. Our favorite thing at the end of the day was stopping in the room, going to the quiet pool for a quick swim, and then relaxing in the hammocks on the beach...

We spend most of our days at the parks, I'm assuming that when the kids were at the playground... we never saw anyone using it in the AM when we walked by, or in the late PM when we would be out and swinging in the hammocks or for a walk...

We would probably be staying there again this time, but thought we would celebrate Mardi Gras at PO-FQ.

 

[Whitegloves]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe you can request an iron/ironing board & hair dryer at CBR. Another thing....I believe the food court at CSR puts an automatic gratuity on all purchases made there while the CBR doesn't.
=0)

 

[gethane]

I've only stayed at CBR, and with kids to boot, but I think it was lovely. As soon as I arrived I called mousekeeping for an extra pillow and hair dryer, and they also brought an iron and small ironing board. Not that I needed it .

It was very quiet I thought, but we just came back so we went during slow time.

I wasn't real thrilled with the placement of the hottub, but I'd go back to CBR again. The food court is cheap I thought. I fed my kids for about 5 bucks each, and my husband and I often shared a "main" entree and then got a fruit salad. So our food wasn't much more.

 

[Tnkrbl2199]

We have stayed at both CBR and CSR. I could list so many similiar advantages to each resort as we loved them both! Amazing atmospheres, great service, etc. We always leaned toward those two b/c PO never interested us. The only thing I can say in CBR's favor, and this is a personal opinion, we felt a little more disney magic at CBR than CSR. Though we enjoyed the adult atmosphere and the perks CSR gave us for my birthday and the surprise engagement my now fiance had planner, it just felt magical at CBR and a little less at CSR. I cannot explain it! But we recommend both resorts!!

 

[Pig Pen]

I am still in a quandry about it. I really want to get that tropical feel......I guess I will wait and see what kind of AP rates I can get and then decide. Sometimes Coronado doesn't accept the codes for some reason.

Two sinks at CBR is tempting...but I just LOVE that spa at Coronado!

I wish this was my biggest dilemma in life!