Did I make a BIG mistake???

[Wenlitz]

We are staying at CBR. I keep reading bad reviews. Should I move us to a different resort?? Starting to get worried. I certainly dont want our trip ruined by staying at a bad resort. Help please.

 

[bigbabyblues]

There was a thread about this just the other day, I don't remember exactly what the title was now, but you might scroll down a couple pages and see if you see it for more info.

We stayed at CBR on our honeymoon, and we absolutely loved it! I'd like to go back, but it just isn't in our budget right now, so we're staying at Pop. We had no complaints at all, and we were in South Trinidad buildings, which are the furthest from anything. Yes, it was a 10-15 minute walk to the food court, but the walk was absolutely gorgeous. It is a large resort, and it is spread out.

Hope this helps a little, what are your concerns? It's been a long time since I stayed there, but maybe I can help.

 

[webray]

CBR is fine, very cute. All the moderate resorts are large and sprawling, so depending on where they put you a lot of walking is involved.

Resort stays are very subjective to how much magic is bestowed on each family while they are there. Families that have something special happen, like a gift in the room or special attention paid to a child at some point..will think the resort is much better than someone who doesn't get any special treatment.

Do you research, go with your instincts.

We stayed away from a wonderful restaurant because of bad reviews off this board..now we take everything with a grain of salt.

 

[goodferry]

No, you didn't make a mistake. We stayed at CBR and had a wonderful trip. Just be prepared. It is a LARGE resort, did you get an upgraded location? There is the potential for a lot of walking. Also, it is a popular resort, with a lot of guests. If there is something that is not getting done for you that should be, you have to be the squeeky wheel. A lot of times this may mean driving over to the "customs house" to get an issue taken care of in person. Have a great trip and don't stress over it. If you get there and things are not working out for you, ask to be moved!

 

[Micca]

I haven't stayed there but the CBR has a number of fans who post on this board. Our WDW mod is CSR, and if it's anything like that hotel, you'll be very happy.

 

[cocowum]

We loved CBR and will definitely go back!! Great room, I think we were in Jamaica. Absolutely gorgeous!! you did not make a mistake.

 

[MickeyFlirt]

If you like the theme of the resort I say go for it. The bad usually gets posted more than the good and if you pick a resort b/c others didn't like it, well you wouldnt be staying at any of them as they all have bad comments made about them. For every resort I have stayed at and loved there are many more who said they didn't like it. Everyone has different taste and expectations. I have not like some things that others loved usually do to 1 or 2 bad experiences or CMs which can ruin the whole experience. Wherever you decide just remeber you're in Disney and it doesn't get any better than that.

 

[Aimeedyan]

You have to remember that day after day people have incredible stays at Disney resorts and rarely post much about it, get online to a discussion board and talk about it, etc. But when someone has a bad exp, they are far more likely to tell people about it - more likely than not, for every bad stay there are TONS of great stays.

We have stayed at CBR and love the resort, go with the intention of having the time of your life and things will be great, I'm sure =)

 

[Linda T.]

You didn't make a mistake. CBR is wonderful. It has beautiful beaches and great themeing. The food court has a great variety, and we have always had good bus service. It's my family's favorite resort!!

_____________________________________________________________

1979 - Offsite
1995 - CBR
1997 - CBR
1999 - Dixie Landing
2003 - CBR
2005 - CBR

 

[Minerva]

You're going to hear good and bad about every resort. If it's where you want to stay then stay there and I'm sure you'll be quite happy. I have a dear friend who absolutely loves CBR, she doesn't see why there are any other resorts on property at all and she sure can't understand why I'm not staying there. I bet we could go at the same time and spend every minute together and we'd come home and write two totally different reports about the resort. Things that drove me up the wall wouldn't phase her in the least because she was where she wanted to be and I would be at a place I couldn't stand even before I step foot on the grounds. Arrive convnced you're going to love it, remember the people working there are human and not perfect and you'll have a great time: )

 

[zagafi]

Good Heavens. If *you* like the theme and the resort appeals to you why would you let faceless strangers change your mind? Truly, there are no "bad" Disney resorts. There are merely personal preferences. I can't stand the BoardWalk, and others swear by it. I'd rather stay at Pop Century than return to BWV! I love WL and AKL. Others don't like them. The good thing is there is *plenty* of choice for all tastes! Go, enjoy, and have a magical time!

 

[EsmeraldaX]

You are going to see horrible reviews of all of the resorts.

I was nervous about staying at a Value resort from all of the talk about how horrible and tacky there were. Then I stayed at Pop Century and Dec 2004 and had the time of my life there.

Vacations are really what you make of them. If you like the theming of the resort , you'll probably like it.

I've stayed at CR, POR, POFQ, Poly, Pop and will be trying AKL in May. I've never had a terrible experience at any of the resorts. Youc an not control who your resort neighbors will be. You are just as likely to be near a loud obnoxious group at All Star Movies as at the Grand Floridian, no matter what anyone tells you. Case in point, I had an obnoxious loud family near me at Poly in 2002. They were the loudest people I have ever witnessed. Meanwhile, my stay at Pop Century was quiet as being in the middle of nowhere.

You may hear water running/toilets etc in any of the hotels. I don't think I've ever stayed in any hotel, anywhere, ever where I did not hear water running. That's just what happens with shared pipes.

As for the bus service, I've never had bad bus service anywhere onsite either. If you try to avoid traveling during peak times, you should be fine.

Have a great stay!

 

[Gabrielle]

I love CBR. The drawbacks of the resort, in my humble opinion, are its size and therefore, the wear and tear on your feet; and the small main pool with the small slide. Other folks identify the food court as a problem too but I like the food court.

So, these are ways to ensure a better stay. Pay the cost for a preferred room that gets you closer to the food court and main pool. The extra cost isn't that much to have this problem taken care of. If a preferred room isn't available, ask for Jamaica and the other village right over the bridge (can't think of its name right now) from the food court (which is Old Port Royale).

Or, rent a car. I think a rental car is worth the money when you're staying at, other than a, deluxe. It helps you get around your own spread out resort better and enables you to visit other resorts for meals. Mousesavers has all kinds of discounts for rental cars. The combination of a rental car and a moderate can be less than the stay at a deluxe without a car. Very easy to rent a car at the Orlando airport.

If you have young kids, bring a stroller for use at the resort - to minimize the whine factor.

Other than that, the resort is great - gorgeous landscaping - you can see the Epcot fireworks from the Martinique beach each night - bikes and boats. You can't beat it. Kids especially love the bright colors of this resort.

 

[DisneyJen0504]

We stayed at CBR and would stay there again in the future. It is a beautiful resort with a lot of great services. Dont worry! Everyone has their opnion...check it out for yourself, I dont think you will be disappointed!

 

[Bracho]

I had a family reunion several years ago and had people all of the place. We had 2 rooms at the CBR and like everything, one group had a wonderful time and the other group didn't care for the resort.. it's just a matter of taste. From what I saw of the resort, it's a great place, the themeing is pretty cool and the resort is very relaxing. I think you'll have a great time...

 

[maxaroni]

We've been at CBR and had no problems. We loved it but are going back to POFQ only because it was where we stayed the first time as a family and ds requested to go back....just sentimental, no problems at CBR. It is big and sprawling but we had no problems with transportation.

 

[franw]

We love the CBR. Try to get a building near the main pool area with a garden view or water view. Not that you will enjoy the view that much but you won't hear the traffic at night.
The CBR is a great place for kids to run and we find the rooms comfy, festive and quiet. Bus service has always been great for us. The food court serves decent food and is quite convenient for a quick bite or for kids.
We love to walk the grounds, catch the sunset over the water and sit out by the Banana Cabana in the evenings.
Even when it is sold out it doesn't seem crowded. Check out Safetymom's site with lots of CBR info. Have fun.

 

[tiggersmom2]

CBR is LOVELY!!!!! You will have a wonderful time!!!!! They have the largest rooms of ALL the moderates....the hammocks on the beach are worth their weight in GOLD! There is a wonderful themed pool, numerous quiet pools, and a HOT TUB!!!!!

The food court is top notch and Shutters is a wonderful experience.....if you go, you must try the seared scallops...I guarantee they will be the best you have ever had!

Request Jamaica....close to everything and usually the first bus stop (you will always have a seat!)


OHHHHHHH!!!!! They also have playgrounds for the kiddies.....AND watersports!!! What more could you ask for?!

 

[disneyfan67]

I stayed there for my first Disney trip and loved it! The rooms were nice and while it was laid out it still was a nice resort and I remember all of the fun I had there. You will hear more bad than good when it comes to reviews and take them with a grain of salt and have fun. I may do a mini vacation in the fall and stay there. Can't afford the Poly every trip!

Good luck and remember all of the good advice you received on this thread and you will be ok!

 

[tiggersmom2]

LOL!! You are so right....we try to stay at the Poly every 2-3 years...but the CBR is a lovely diversion!