CBR Worries

[kevin_cambs_uk]

I have read some worrying things about CBR, I have been to WDW 4 times but this my 5th trip is first time to s Disney Hotel (CBR). I am worried that I won't get a room thats nice like on the website and a non smoking room. As were a family of 4 from England its costing me nearly 8,000 dollars and I am beginning to wonder if I should choose another resort.

Anyone offer any help or advice on thismatter or have any experience in getting the best rooms?

Many thanks

Kevin

 

[SeaSpray]

Hi Kevin:

Specifically, what kinds of things have you been reading about CBR that have you worried?? ALL of the rooms have been totally refurbished within the last year and a half. New carpeting, paint, some new pieces of furniture, bedspreads, curtains, etc. If you click on the CBR logo below, you can see exactly what every room in CBR now looks like.

CBR's entire food court area was just totally redone and opened last week. So far I haven't seen any pictures of what it looks like, yet.

My best advice to you about CBR is to just make sure you get a room in a location that suits you. I prefer the area called "Martinique" because it's close to everything; bus stop, food court, main pool, etc. Some people enjoy a little bit of a walk across the bridge across the lake, so they request Jamaica.

If you go too far back and search about CBR on this board, you will find some negative posts which are no longer relevant, mainly about the condition of some of the rooms BEFORE the refurbishment.

 

[eeyore0062]

Kevin, I totally agree with SeaSpray. We stayed there in May of 2001, when they were doing the room renovations, and we had a newly renovated room, and it was wonderful! The colors were cool and peaceful, the room was of a good size, and the grounds were very nice. The pools were all lovely, and the beach was beautiful.

We haven't had a chance to visit since the Old Port Royale renovation, since it was just completed 2 weeks ago, but from what I have heard, it is a great improvement over the past food court, and you no longer have to pay at each individual food area, but can go to many, and pay at a centralized location. There is a brand new sitdown restaurant, named Shutters, and if it is like the Shutters at Vero Beach resort, you will enjoy it.

As for areas, I also tend to agree with SeaSpray. Our 1st choice would be Jamaica, as we don't mind the walk from there to Old Port Royale, and we like the colors of the buildings in that area, and the fact that it is the 1st bus stop going to the parks, and coming from the parks. Our 2nd choice would be Martinique, for the proximity to the Old Port Royale, and the main pool, but if you get too close, it could get a little loud... that is why it is our 2nd and not our 1st choice... we like things quiet!

I think you will be pleased with CBR... oh, and at night, you can see the fireworks from Epcot if you are on the beach... ask for the specific location, though!

 

[renessa]

Hello! We stayed at CBR this year in Jamacia, and I agree that you should request Martinique. Our only problem was being so far away from food, pool, etc. Nice resort. Our room was nice, and we had guaranteed Non smoking because of allergies. If anyone in your party has medical reasons that you need non smoking they will guarantee it. I am just wondering (and maybe it's none of my business) how long you are staying if your trip costs $8000. We got a code rate for $89 a night. Maybe if you check on mousesavers.com you could find a better rate? Ren

 

[Beast2Prince]

renessa,
When did you go that you got an $89 code rate? I am hoping for that rate so we can switch our ressies from ASMo to CBR. We are going in May.

 

[Tartan Tigger]

I'm staying at Caribbean Beach for the first time in June and I'm really looking forward it.
Sending you a pm Kevin.

 

[dtauer]

We enjoyed our stay so much at CBR last June that we stayed again in August. I agree, before refurbishment, there were varying opinions on this resort. Since then, most of the comments have been positive, and if they fixed the food court problem that's even better.

You can worry about any hotel you make reservations at, because it's a Disney resort, and a moderate, that should put your mind at ease somewhat.

Also, if you get a bad room, Disney is pretty good about fixing things. Just make sure you make any disappointment in a room known before you leave. Last trip we had cold water in the shower our first morning. We called guest services and told them about the issue. We stated that we would be gone all day and if they could get it fixed while we were out that would be great. Barely 3 minutes after hanging up the phone we had someone at our door. He said that he wanted to catch us before we left to make sure he understood the problem and then told us what he was going to do to fix the problem. That night, upon returning, we had hot water. Of course this doesn't always happen, but because Disney generally does a good job of satisfying their guests you can be reasonably certain that if there is a problem with the room they will try to help you.

 

[RNMOM]

Kevin,

We just returned from CBR last week and you should not be worried. There should be no problem having a non smoking room. Just put in the request. Are you arriving early or late in the day? If you have a choice, early would be better to help you get better choice of rooms.

We were in Martinique 25 and it is pretty close to Port Royale but no buildings are "close". It is such a huge resort and spread out. Very pleasantly so though. I used a scooter even to go over to the food court as it was 4-5 blocks away. We stepped out to the beach to see the fireworks and really enjoyed that.

Do relax. I have been to WDW 6 times staying on property each time and usually switching resorts mid trip and I have never had difficulty getting a non smoking room. Hope this helps.

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Hi there,

Just wanted to add that we stayed at CBR in April 2002, in a refurbished room and LOVED it.

I can understand your concern about spending so much money and not getting a vacation that satisfies you. I worry about that every time I've gone to WDW because even when traveling from a few states away - it's a lot of bucks for a WDW vacation. And every time I go I've read bad to horrible reviews from someone about the very resort I've chosen. But I've also never been disappointed or had a bad experience at a WDW resort. Maybe we're just lucky or easy to please - but honestly I don't think I am LOL! I think the odds are that you'll be happy with your resort. And if you aren't, as others have said, request another location or even another resort, until you are happy. I've read so many posts about dirty rooms or ones that need repairs - but it's never happened to us and I'm pretty finicky about things being clean. All the rooms at CBR have been refurbished now I believe and have the new decor. I have a goal of trying almost all the WDW resorts so we rarely stay at one twice - BUT it's going to be hard to try another moderate as I really LOVE THE ATMOSPHERE at CBR!

We were in a garden view room in Martinique 25, a perfect location. I have a few pictures of the grounds here if you'd like to see them

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/ladytram...r=/April+2002+Disney+Vacation&.src=ph&.view=t

Sending you a PM. Whatever you decide I hope you have a lovely, magical time!

 

[DisneyObsessed]

Nice pictures Lady...thank you! I can't wait to get there

 

[Nolcrest]

I also found the CM's at CBR to be very accommodating. They honored all of our requests and even gave us other options in case we wanted to choose something else. If you know what you are interested in I feel they will really try to help you out.

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

You're welcome DawnF316 - have a great time!

 

[susy]

Please don't worry!!!!

All the rooms are exactly the same- beautiful, spacious, and full of amenities!!!!

If you arrive in your room and need something- extra towels, pillows, decaf coffee for your coffeemaker- just call and ask. It is a lovely resort.

The atmosphere is very laid back. Even if you are a bit far from the food court/main pool, every village has its own pool and bus stop. They also have a "beach" with hammocks at each village.

Go to wdwig.com and check out the map, FAQ, and photos. Use the map to figure out where you would like to be. We were in Trinidad North and it wasn't too far from everything. About a 2-3 minute walk to the the food court.

It is very tropical and colorful. Just as pretty a room as I've ever stayed in (including deluxe resorts)-wait until you see that bathroom tile!

You will love it!!!!!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

CBR is my favorite moderate resort! The landscaping and the architecture really make it feel like a deluxe resort. The rooms are large and recently renovated. The only difference with this moderate is your hallways are exterior and you have double beds instead of queens. The food court is great, the pool is great. I think you'll love it! Martinique 25 and 26 are my favorite buildings. Have a great trip!

 

[kevin_cambs_uk]

Many thanks to all who repiled to my thread. I think we will stick wioth our choice, but after all the great replies I think we will start to save for 2004 and a deluxe resort!

kind regards to all

Kevin

 

[epcotfan]

As in any travel situation if you look for the negative you are surely bound to find it. In my opinion all the resorts are lovely and if something isn't right tell them. They can't fix a problem without knowing something is wrong.

 

[SueM in MN]

We just got back from WDW yesterday (Jan 3). We didn't stay at CBR, but we did eat at the food court on Jan 2. The newly renovated food court is very nice. They still have the original "shops" for food that were there previously, but instead of having to pay at each "shop" , you go to a central checkout area in the middle just before the seating area. The atmosphere is very nice with bright Carribean colors and an outdoor terrace feeling. In case you really do want to eat outdoors, there is a raised patio with tables outside. They still sell refillable mugs; On the pop dispensor (the top part that says what types of drinks are in the dispensor) there is a permanent notice that stated refillable mugs are good for unlimited refills during the stay in which the mugs were originally purchased.
The Shutters restaurant is on the end of the building toward Martinique and looked very nice.

 

[mom2of2]

There are only 3 bldgs out of 33 that are smoking so getting a non should be pretty easy...