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

[WDW4us2006]

Does anyone know how the taxi service is at CBR? I assume taxis come to the Custom House, but are they usually hanging around or is it something I need to arrange ahead of time? Thanks!

 

[twinspluscade]

The multiple bus stops (along with resort size) seem to be a negative point for many.

If I'd request Barbados, would that mostly eliminate the multiple bus stops? It looks like Barbados is either last to be picked up, or third from last. Is it the same when dropping off from the parks?

Are the busses often full by the time they reach the Barbados stop? We don't mind having to stand, but I would hate to see busses fly by completely full while we're still waiting at the stop.

 

[Mousemommy1]

The multiple bus stops (along with resort size) seem to be a negative point for many.

If I'd request Barbados, would that mostly eliminate the multiple bus stops? It looks like Barbados is either last to be picked up, or third from last. Is it the same when dropping off from the parks?

Are the busses often full by the time they reach the Barbados stop? We don't mind having to stand, but I would hate to see busses fly by completely full while we're still waiting at the stop.

We stayed in Barbados and the multiple stops really depends on how they enter the resort. Sometimes we were first, sometimes last...but the bus drivers took different routes into the resort at times.

 

[nkereina]

Has anyone noticed whether there is some type of heat out at the pool bar recently? They were talking about eliminating the patio heaters during the spring.

We were there last week and there were NO heaters anywhere around the bar. In fact, one day the high temperature was 50 degrees and they closed the bar for the whole day.

Does anyone know how the taxi service is at CBR? I assume taxis come to the Custom House, but are they usually hanging around or is it something I need to arrange ahead of time? Thanks!

We were told by bell services to come to custom house and they are "usually" available when needed. We went around 4pm on a Wednesday and there were two cabs waiting, and they flagged one over for us. I'd suspect you can get one at any time, or maybe with just a short wait.

The multiple bus stops (along with resort size) seem to be a negative point for many.

If I'd request Barbados, would that mostly eliminate the multiple bus stops? It looks like Barbados is either last to be picked up, or third from last. Is it the same when dropping off from the parks?

Are the busses often full by the time they reach the Barbados stop? We don't mind having to stand, but I would hate to see busses fly by completely full while we're still waiting at the stop.

As PP mentions, it depends on the route the driver takes. We often got on at the OPR stop, which was usually third to last. Most times it was standing room only, and sometimes not everyone at our stop was even able to make it on the bus. There were a few times full buses had to pass our stop because they couldn't take anymore people. We found it better to use the Jamaica stop which was among the first stops, even though it was time consuming to go through the other stops. But usually, the bus would fill before we made it through all 7 stops.

 

[CTPacky]

Thank you

 

[Happy Mama Shel]

Does anyone know how the taxi service is at CBR? I assume taxis come to the Custom House, but are they usually hanging around or is it something I need to arrange ahead of time? Thanks!

We used taxis a few times. Just call the front desk and they'll connect you with mears taxi. For our early breakfasts I called the night before to schedule a time and they picked us up right in Jamaica 46.

 

[Happy Mama Shel]

The multiple bus stops (along with resort size) seem to be a negative point for many.

If I'd request Barbados, would that mostly eliminate the multiple bus stops? It looks like Barbados is either last to be picked up, or third from last. Is it the same when dropping off from the parks?

Are the busses often full by the time they reach the Barbados stop? We don't mind having to stand, but I would hate to see busses fly by completely full while we're still waiting at the stop.

We were in Jamaica and usually were the first ones on the bus. Epcot and HS always first. MK sometimes first for pickup but usually one of the last for drop off. If we really needed off the bus (cranky kids) we would get off at OPR and walk, especially if there were scooters on the bus.

 

[themommy]

The multiple bus stops (along with resort size) seem to be a negative point for many.

If I'd request Barbados, would that mostly eliminate the multiple bus stops? It looks like Barbados is either last to be picked up, or third from last. Is it the same when dropping off from the parks?

Are the busses often full by the time they reach the Barbados stop? We don't mind having to stand, but I would hate to see busses fly by completely full while we're still waiting at the stop.

Maybe it has to do with the time of year but....We were in Barbados for 9 days during Christmas last year and always got a seat when we were going to the parks. I never saw a bus pass us up at all. And yes, you get dropped off in the same order.

 

[twinspluscade]

I just switched to CBR.

Deciding factor is that it saved us $154, but I'm also excited to try a new resort! One of my daughters saw a picture of the beach with hammocks, and thought that looked like fun.

I read somewhere that they have turtles and fish in the lake? Any other types of wildlife? What about alligators?

 

[tiggerjenn]

I'm excited to try it out in December as well! I read reports this summer that baby alligators had been spotted in the water!

 

[Alexis772]

So we check into CBR for the first time in5 days I called today to make sure our requests were correctly noted and was connected to the front desk (or so they said). They wouldn't give me room number or building number but did tell me that we have been assigned connecting rooms in Jamaica (we have 6 going so need 2 rooms, I had requested Jamaica or Aruba). Since they had already assigned the rooms I didn't want to push my luck and ask anything else, but Im hoping for the Murphy beds. Very excited about Jamaica and connecting rooms! Now to pack...

 

[SheenaXena21]

Just got back yesterday from a stay at CBR.

I booked the FD in a pirate room since that's what was left. I tried many times to book a standard room, no such luck. I even told them I would downgrade at check-in, still no luck. So we were stuck in Trinidad all week.

We drove, so no biggie with the distance. But to room we had, 3403, stunk. It had a funky smell. I didn't like the fact they had a thermostat, but you still had to turn on the unit. The beds were to small. It really stinks that you're paying all this money to be further away, and a smaller bed. Mouse keeping was great all week, no complaints, except the smell. They couldn't fix that... OPR food court was adequate. They could use more dessert items to choose from. Used the pool once, as there was only one hot day.

Crowds were higher than expected. A lot of rude people...

I hope they change FP+ soon. There were so many rides, PotC, iaSW, etc. that just don't need them. All it does during slower season is cause unnecessary lines. PotC had a 40 minute wait one day we were there.

But we had a blast. It was the little things that annoyed me this trip. But, in my opinion, the pirate rooms are not worth the money, unless the get renovated too!!!

 

[caperkathy]

I just switched to CBR.

Deciding factor is that it saved us $154, but I'm also excited to try a new resort! One of my daughters saw a picture of the beach with hammocks, and thought that looked like fun.

I read somewhere that they have turtles and fish in the lake? Any other types of wildlife? What about alligators?

We were just there 3 weeks ago and we watched the turtles almost every time we went to OPR. Saw fish too but not as pretty as the turtles. They are big too. Many different types of birds when you walk through Caribbean Cay but we never saw alligators.

 

[Crazy Kanga]

We leave in the morning for the 10 hour drive. Staying off property tomorrow night then check in Wednesday morning!
I'll check in here some during our trip and will try to post pics and refurb updates if possible. Can't wait!

 

[DanInMN]

Last night I found Spirit Airlines airfare from MSP to MCO for $120 RT! Since we have Annual Passes to WDW, want to get away from the cold, like to see the Christmas decorations, and are always looking for an excuse to go... we booked a 4-day weekend trip for mid-December. This is crazy as we just visited WDW (Bonnet Creek resort) in September, and are already booked to visit again in January (Reunion resort)!

There wasn't much available in the Value resorts, and I don't like their tiny rooms, paper-thin walls, and no hot tubs. The AP holder discount makes CBR a reasonable choice, so we booked it (the other mods were much more expensive - we really like POR Alligator Bayou)!

I think we have stayed at CBR once long ago, but I have forgotten everything about it. I have some questions...

- Does CBR have any on-site entertainment? (like Yehaw Bob at POR)
- Any other special things we should see or do at the resort?
- Have they removed the boat rentals at CBR, like they have everywhere else?

 

[GWhitten98]

Just got back yesterday from 9 days at CBR! Overall a very good trip although I wish the weather had been a little more cooperative and crowds could have been slightly lower.

Monday afternoon, Tuesday afternoon and Wednesdays were our down times we hoped to use the pool, but that was a definitely no go. We did finally brave the water for an hour Friday night, but it was short lived. The kids loved it, but the adults couldn't hang so back to the rooms we went. The pool/splash pad was one of the reasons I booked CBR

As for room requests we were hit and miss, I requested Jamaica or Aruba(close to the bridge), 1st floor and adjoining. We got Jamaica, but the building the furthest from the bridge, we did get first floor, but not adjoining. I even said we would be willing to take a room anywhere on any floor to have adjoining, but no luck. they did finally manage to at least find two side by side rooms. Ours rooms were clean, but one had an odd odor. The bathroom doors were GREAT! It was so nice to be able to dress while the kids slept and not worry about waking them.

I was not super impressed with the food court; but it was adequate for breakfast. I think the one at POR is much better.

Buses were great; minimal wait with a couple of exceptions. Made it to the parks/Resorts for a couple of pre-park opening breakfasts no problem. I think our longest wait was for the HS studio bus our last morning and that was like 30 min. I did feel bad one morning b/c our MK bus drove right by the last two stops b/c it was already full. I would have been so peeved if I was at one of those stops.

The only last note I have is that if you are charging to the room and don't want it sent to the CC on file pay it before you hit $500. I waited till day 5 of our trip and was over by $23 so it had already been sent to the CC. They were great about reversing the charge and letting me pay with my gift cards though and it only took one day to see the debit on my CC(chase visa).

Amazing trip, can't wait to starting planning another although with all of the construction and new things coming we are probably going to wait until 2016 or 2017 for our next visit. If I can wait that long.

 

[GWhitten98]

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.

We were there this past week, had 905 ADR at CP and they still would not let us in until rope drop. You must have an pre 9am ADR to get in early.

 

[Shaden]

Just wanted to be added to the roll call...

Booked May 3 - May 15 !!!

Very excited.

All your work Mickeystoontown has made us more than excited to try CBR !!!

And Jensieb's pictures haven't hurt either !

 

[AmyKat]

- Does CBR have any on-site entertainment? (like Yehaw Bob at POR)
- Any other special things we should see or do at the resort?
- Have they removed the boat rentals at CBR, like they have everywhere else?

- No
- They do activities at the pool, marshmallow roast, and movies at night. There's an entertainment guide for each month with the details.
- Yes. Boat rentals are now only available at deluxe resorts.

 

[AmyKat]

The only last note I have is that if you are charging to the room and don't want it sent to the CC on file pay it before you hit $500.

That's interesting. Moderates aren't supposed to charge to the card until $1000.