Disney's CARIBBEAN BEACH RESORT Information & Questions-Old Thread-New Thread Link in Post 1

[nkereina]

Just left this morning. We were in Jamaica 46, first floor King room. First stay at this resort and our room request of Jamaica was filled.

After we checked in, we didn't want to wait on bell services to deliver our bags so we wheeled them ourselves from custom house to Jamaica. Mistake! Having previously stayed at POR and CSR, I was expecting this resort to be comparable in size but it was much larger. When we left, we arranged the night before for bell services to be at our room at 8am to pick up and store our bags which worked out well.

No issues with smokers near our room. Thought the location was convenient but the pathways are convoluted - never could get my bearings or figure out which was the shortest way to the bus or OPR. Lots of twists and turns.

Room itself was refurbished and very nice. Couldn't figure out the thermostat - wouldn't let us change it all but fortunately the room stayed comfortable. We have AT&T and had no service whatsoever in our room. Had to step outside and walk towards the parking lot to make a call. Wifi in our room worked intermittently - was fine when connected but would disconnect at times. Happened on both of our iPhones and iPad.

Housekeeping was mediocre. One day we came back to the room around 4pm to find our room hadn't been cleaned yet. There were also crumbs on the floor, along with a sticky drink ring on the dresser and a hair on the bathroom floor from previous guests. But otherwise, housekeeping restocked everything each day.

OPR and the main pool were both nice. Ate breakfast in OPR along with a dinner one night - all good. OPR was busy at all times. Only used the pool once - nice area but I'd prefer if it were one large open space. We could only find chairs near the back gate where the second hot tub was and felt cut off from the pool area.

Buses were horrific. I'm a firm believer that any resort can be subject to bad bus service, and CBR was no exception. Jam packed bus depots, numerous buses filled to capacity at the first bus stops and had to bypass the remaining stops, standing room only 95% of the time. Took forever for buses to come it seemed, felt like we were on Candid Camera. Others said they had waited over an hour for certain buses. Crazy.

I really think with free dining being offered at two of the four mods and being announced early, and this being the largest resort, the resort was filled to capacity. Since this is a slow time of year, I think they were ill prepared for this.

Overall, our stay was ok. Definite pros and cons. Would go back to POR next time, but glad we tried it.

 

[londonlovesdisney]

We just stayed in Martinique on 11/16-17. It looked like they were working on building 21. We were in 26 and had an old room. We didn't walk around much so I'm not sure what other buildings they may be working on.

Thanks : )

 

[gabriellewatson]

Just left this morning. We were in Jamaica 46, first floor King room. First stay at this resort and our room request of Jamaica was filled.

After we checked in, we didn't want to wait on bell services to deliver our bags so we wheeled them ourselves from custom house to Jamaica. Mistake! Having previously stayed at POR and CSR, I was expecting this resort to be comparable in size but it was much larger. When we left, we arranged the night before for bell services to be at our room at 8am to pick up and store our bags which worked out well.

No issues with smokers near our room. Thought the location was convenient but the pathways are convoluted - never could get my bearings or figure out which was the shortest way to the bus or OPR. Lots of twists and turns.

Room itself was refurbished and very nice. Couldn't figure out the thermostat - wouldn't let us change it all but fortunately the room stayed comfortable. We have AT&T and had no service whatsoever in our room. Had to step outside and walk towards the parking lot to make a call. Wifi in our room worked intermittently - was fine when connected but would disconnect at times. Happened on both of our iPhones and iPad.

Housekeeping was mediocre. One day we came back to the room around 4pm to find our room hadn't been cleaned yet. There were also crumbs on the floor, along with a sticky drink ring on the dresser and a hair on the bathroom floor from previous guests. But otherwise, housekeeping restocked everything each day.

OPR and the main pool were both nice. Ate breakfast in OPR along with a dinner one night - all good. OPR was busy at all times. Only used the pool once - nice area but I'd prefer if it were one large open space. We could only find chairs near the back gate where the second hot tub was and felt cut off from the pool area.

Buses were horrific. I'm a firm believer that any resort can be subject to bad bus service, and CBR was no exception. Jam packed bus depots, numerous buses filled to capacity at the first bus stops and had to bypass the remaining stops, standing room only 95% of the time. Took forever for buses to come it seemed, felt like we were on Candid Camera. Others said they had waited over an hour for certain buses. Crazy.

I really think with free dining being offered at two of the four mods and being announced early, and this being the largest resort, the resort was filled to capacity. Since this is a slow time of year, I think they were ill prepared for this.

Overall, our stay was ok. Definite pros and cons. Would go back to POR next time, but glad we tried it.

Thanks for the honest review. We're planning on staying in September to hopefully *fingers crossed* score free dining. We were looking at Jamaica building since it didn't look that far from everything on the map. Might be looking into POR more closely after the review.

 

[Mbuksa]

Just left this morning. We were in Jamaica 46, first floor King room. First stay at this resort and our room request of Jamaica was filled.

After we checked in, we didn't want to wait on bell services to deliver our bags so we wheeled them ourselves from custom house to Jamaica. Mistake! Having previously stayed at POR and CSR, I was expecting this resort to be comparable in size but it was much larger. When we left, we arranged the night before for bell services to be at our room at 8am to pick up and store our bags which worked out well.

No issues with smokers near our room. Thought the location was convenient but the pathways are convoluted - never could get my bearings or figure out which was the shortest way to the bus or OPR. Lots of twists and turns.

Room itself was refurbished and very nice. Couldn't figure out the thermostat - wouldn't let us change it all but fortunately the room stayed comfortable. We have AT&T and had no service whatsoever in our room. Had to step outside and walk towards the parking lot to make a call. Wifi in our room worked intermittently - was fine when connected but would disconnect at times. Happened on both of our iPhones and iPad.

Housekeeping was mediocre. One day we came back to the room around 4pm to find our room hadn't been cleaned yet. There were also crumbs on the floor, along with a sticky drink ring on the dresser and a hair on the bathroom floor from previous guests. But otherwise, housekeeping restocked everything each day.

OPR and the main pool were both nice. Ate breakfast in OPR along with a dinner one night - all good. OPR was busy at all times. Only used the pool once - nice area but I'd prefer if it were one large open space. We could only find chairs near the back gate where the second hot tub was and felt cut off from the pool area.

Buses were horrific. I'm a firm believer that any resort can be subject to bad bus service, and CBR was no exception. Jam packed bus depots, numerous buses filled to capacity at the first bus stops and had to bypass the remaining stops, standing room only 95% of the time. Took forever for buses to come it seemed, felt like we were on Candid Camera. Others said they had waited over an hour for certain buses. Crazy.

I really think with free dining being offered at two of the four mods and being announced early, and this being the largest resort, the resort was filled to capacity. Since this is a slow time of year, I think they were ill prepared for this.

Overall, our stay was ok. Definite pros and cons. Would go back to POR next time, but glad we tried it.

Couldn't agree more

 

[ryckpen]

Good Morning Everyone, I have a quick question that I know is off topic, sorry about that. I know how helpful and friendly everyone here is so thought I would give it a try. Heading to the world in January and staying at CBR for the first time. I had an idea how great it would be to grab some pictures of Magic Kingdom before opening. I know Crystal Palace opens at 8am. I was curious what time I could get into the park without a Crystal Palace ADR. I am a very early riser and thought how amazing it would be to wander magic kingdom before the crowds. DH and I did this in Tombstone Arizona, it was really neat to watch the town come alive around us. Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[hcox31]

Good Morning Everyone, I have a quick question that I know is off topic, sorry about that. I know how helpful and friendly everyone here is so thought I would give it a try. Heading to the world in January and staying at CBR for the first time. I had an idea how great it would be to grab some pictures of Magic Kingdom before opening. I know Crystal Palace opens at 8am. I was curious what time I could get into the park without a Crystal Palace ADR. I am a very early riser and thought how amazing it would be to wander magic kingdom before the crowds. DH and I did this in Tombstone Arizona, it was really neat to watch the town come alive around us. Thanks in advance for any info.

I haven't been in years, so one of the more recent experts and travellers could probably confirm, but I imagine you can't get in unless you have an ADR.

 

[prisjoyce]

Morning, all. Headed to CBR next week and DH raised a question about bringing breakfast foods: we're wondering if we can take a bagel from our room to the food court area to toast. Is the toaster near the drink machine (ie- out in the open)? Is butter or cream cheese available or can it be purchased in individual packs? I would only do this if it's "allowed"- don't want have to try sneaking anything. I'd appreciate any guidance.

Many thanks!!

 

[ryckpen]

Morning, all. Headed to CBR next week and DH raised a question about bringing breakfast foods: we're wondering if we can take a bagel from our room to the food court area to toast. Is the toaster near the drink machine (ie- out in the open)? Is butter or cream cheese available or can it be purchased in individual packs? I would only do this if it's "allowed"- don't want have to try sneaking anything. I'd appreciate any guidance.

Many thanks!!

You sure can. Our last trip to POR an entire family had a pic nic in the food court using the toasters and microwaves. Hamburgers and Hot dogs. Hope you have am amazing trip with lots of pixie dust.

 

[twinspluscade]

Good Morning Everyone, I have a quick question that I know is off topic, sorry about that. I know how helpful and friendly everyone here is so thought I would give it a try. Heading to the world in January and staying at CBR for the first time. I had an idea how great it would be to grab some pictures of Magic Kingdom before opening. I know Crystal Palace opens at 8am. I was curious what time I could get into the park without a Crystal Palace ADR. I am a very early riser and thought how amazing it would be to wander magic kingdom before the crowds. DH and I did this in Tombstone Arizona, it was really neat to watch the town come alive around us. Thanks in advance for any info.

They won't let you in the park early unless you have an ADR at Crystal Palace.

 

[Donald - my hero]

Good Morning Everyone, I have a quick question that I know is off topic, sorry about that. I know how helpful and friendly everyone here is so thought I would give it a try. Heading to the world in January and staying at CBR for the first time. I had an idea how great it would be to grab some pictures of Magic Kingdom before opening. I know Crystal Palace opens at 8am. I was curious what time I could get into the park without a Crystal Palace ADR. I am a very early riser and thought how amazing it would be to wander magic kingdom before the crowds. DH and I did this in Tombstone Arizona, it was really neat to watch the town come alive around us. Thanks in advance for any info.

You are let into the park about 15 minutes before your ADR but, and this is a BIG BUT, don't make that the only reason you book a "pre-park ADR" Disney can (and frequently does) change hours without notice. OR unexpected events can occur such as the one we encountered a couple of weeks ago. The 1st Friday that the Christmas decorations were up the Brazilian equivalent of Good Morning America was filming ... we were there for a tour that started at 8 and along with all the early-bird dinners we escorted through the stores until we got to Casey's. SEVERAL parents were livid and got into heated discussions with CMs about losing the coveted "empty-Main Street pictures" We however, took some awesome pictures of the film crews, that is something i've never seen!! Current active discussions are raging about early ADR's during the Christmas season now that hours have been announced ... and yup now the park opens at 8 NOT 9. And to answer the question, nope CP will not open any earlier than 8.

Long answer to a simple question that boils down to, you get in 15 minutes before your ADR BUT be aware that the park hours might change and you won't be "alone" OH and even if you do get in before park opens you won't get past the hub

 

[ryckpen]

Thank you so much Jacqueline. What a bonus for your family. I figured I would need an ADR. Maybe next time when it is just Hubby and I. With 6 of us going all adults harder to plan an early morning anything lol.

 

[twinspluscade]

I was playing around on the Disney website this morning (might add another night to our trip in May), and for the first time I noticed that CBR is coming up as an option for us (family of five).

When I clicked on the "update cart" button, it goes to a screen where it says in red: "Unable to book room and ticket package at this time. Check back later, or you can make a room only reservation." Or something to that affect.

Is this a new thing, or did I just not notice before that CBR would come up as an option for five? I might try calling after work today to see if they will let me switch from POR to CBR now (love POR, but it's also fun to try someplace new).

 

[twinspluscade]

I just called the reservation line, and the CM said that so far they are not letting families of five book yet. But, it did come up on her screen as an option for families of five, which she said it didn't used to. She suggested I call back in a week or so to see if the system is now allowing parties of 5 to book.

 

[dis_guy]

I just called the reservation line, and the CM said that so far they are not letting families of five book yet. But, it did come up on her screen as an option for families of five, which she said it didn't used to. She suggested I call back in a week or so to see if the system is now allowing parties of 5 to book.

I just tried a fake online reservation for 2 adults and 3 kids, aged 8, 6, and 6. It said packages were not available at the time but I did get to select a room only reservation for a standard room. I followed the booking process up to the point where the guests names had to be entered. Looks like I could have booked it.

 

[mickeystoontown]

I just called the reservation line, and the CM said that so far they are not letting families of five book yet. But, it did come up on her screen as an option for families of five, which she said it didn't used to. She suggested I call back in a week or so to see if the system is now allowing parties of 5 to book.

I just tried a fake online reservation for 2 adults and 3 kids, aged 8, 6, and 6. It said packages were not available at the time but I did get to select a room only reservation for a standard room. I followed the booking process up to the point where the guests names had to be entered. Looks like I could have booked it.

Earlier this week, a travel agent friend of mine who is at WDW right now attending a travel agency related conference, said that they were told that the rooms for 5 should open for booking in March.

 

[Music City Mama]

What an informative thread -- thank you mickeystoontown for putting it together!

I apologize in advance if this has been addressed somewhere, but even when the 5 person booking begins, does anyone know if you can book that kind of room for 4? Here's what I'm getting at... One of my boys would love to sleep in the fold-down bed instead of sharing with his brother, but there are only 4 in our party. For example, at POR, if you wanted to, you could book a preferred room which is in the AB section. All of the AB section rooms can accommodate 5 (so if you book 'preferred', you automatically get the fold-down bed). Will all of the preferred rooms at CBR accommodate 5 or will they all be interspersed? I'm just trying to figure out if there will be some type of guarantee (bookable category) to get the fold-down even if you don't have 5 in your party (vs. just being a request).

I hope that made sense -- thanks!

 

[Lillabelle0]

Yay!! Just booked our trip for May!! I love the feel of CBR and can't wait. CM just said that all rooms should be complete by early spring. Music city mama, I think you just have to request a room that sleeps 5! I've also read that it's the standard rooms that are being converted to sleep 5.

 

[deedeew80]

What an informative thread -- thank you mickeystoontown for putting it together!

I apologize in advance if this has been addressed somewhere, but even when the 5 person booking begins, does anyone know if you can book that kind of room for 4? Here's what I'm getting at... One of my boys would love to sleep in the fold-down bed instead of sharing with his brother, but there are only 4 in our party. For example, at POR, if you wanted to, you could book a preferred room which is in the AB section. All of the AB section rooms can accommodate 5 (so if you book 'preferred', you automatically get the fold-down bed). Will all of the preferred rooms at CBR accommodate 5 or will they all be interspersed? I'm just trying to figure out if there will be some type of guarantee (bookable category) to get the fold-down even if you don't have 5 in your party (vs. just being a request).

I hope that made sense -- thanks!

Sorry I don't have an answer for you, but this is a very good question & one I've been wondering myself. We are a family of 4 but I have a boy & a girl, so I don't know how they will like sharing a bed. Plus they are 4 & 2 so getting them to sleep in the same bed is trouble enough! Lol!

 

[tzolkin]

Is this a new thing, or did I just not notice before that CBR would come up as an option for five? I might try calling after work today to see if they will let me switch from POR to CBR now (love POR, but it's also fun to try someplace new).

Yes it's new.

I was looking last week and all that came up was "your party exceeds the room occupancy".

Thanks for the update. We are planning a June trip and I was hoping this option would open soon.

 

[bafleyanne]

I've already put Emma right on the preferred status, Lisa. It took literally 3 minutes to walk to OPR from our room (especially after we discovered it was quicker to turn right when we came out of our room instead of turning left and going the long way round past the laundry! Reading some of these earlier posts about position of rooms - especially floors - I hope to God that they do honour my requests for a first floor room as we'll be in trouble otherwise - I do need to run the ECV into the room!! We're going the week before the Easter break so I'm hoping that we can get a good room (as far as I'm concerned) before the resort fills up: I'm sure it'll be full the second week we're there. I've also specifically requested a room without an interconnecting door or murphy bed, as again I need the room to park the ECV. Last time I booked directly with Disney so was allowed to ring them up with my requests; I had a nice little chat about where I'd like us to be - I said I wasn't bothered about a water view: I just didn't want to be near a smoking area (due to our asthma) or facing the car parks! All my requests were fulfilled - but the hotel was really quiet the week we were there this year. We had a lovely courtyard view - and it was the only courtyard without even a bench in it so people couldn't sit in it and smoke - or anything else, for that matter. ... and let me tell you, I will NOT tolerate someone smoking outside my room. I am hyper sensitive to cigarette smoke and if I catch even a whiff of it, I WILL be on the phone to complain!!

Our room did have the Murphy bed, although no connecting door, and we were able to get my ECV in without an issue. We always left the seat and basket in the car and free wheeled into the room, but I think you could probably drive in easily too. We were first floor Jamaica 41, and we always parked the ECV to charge in front of the right hand sink so it didn't obstruct people getting in and out of the bathroom.