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

[mrg013]

Thank you to everyone for all of the great information on this thread! We checked into CBR two days ago and have been having a great stay so far. We were a little nervous, but have found the resort to be much nicer and better maintained than expected.

Just wanted to give a renovation update, since I know people are always curious about that. As many have reported, Jamaica, Aruba, and Barbados are completely done. Martinique is partway done, but it does appear that the renovations have been stopped for the holidays. I just took a walk around Martinique and there is no sign of construction (other than a random 'pardon our dust' sign that I saw), with every building appearing open with guests. The only buildings in Martinique that have been renovated are 21 and 22. Non-preferred building 23 and all of the preferred Martinique buildings still contain the old decor (along with all of Trinidad North).

 

[dis_guy]

Thank you to everyone for all of the great information on this thread! We checked into CBR two days ago and have been having a great stay so far. We were a little nervous, but have found the resort to be much nicer and better maintained than expected.

Just wanted to give a renovation update, since I know people are always curious about that. As many have reported, Jamaica, Aruba, and Barbados are completely done. Martinique is partway done, but it does appear that the renovations have been stopped for the holidays. I just took a walk around Martinique and there is no sign of construction (other than a random 'pardon our dust' sign that I saw), with every building appearing open with guests. The only buildings in Martinique that have been renovated are 21 and 22. Non-preferred building 23 and all of the preferred Martinique buildings still contain the old decor (along with all of Trinidad North).

Thanks for such a detailed report. I was wondering yesterday, if anyone who was there now would give us an update.

 

[Airship Ariadne]

Not the main refurb, but an interesting update...staying in Jamaica 46, and on Wednesday, there were workers going around replacing the inner workings of all the ac units around us. They had long carts and were going room-to-room pulling out the old ones and putting in new ones.

SO with the main refurb they just put a new shell on the old units, but are now replacing them...I think a PP on this or the previous thread commented on the poor functioning of the system, even in a refurbed room...looks like they are on it.

And as for Mousekeeping, our lady, Vicky I think, has been fantastic...but I assume yesterday was her day off...room was clean and nice, but no towel design or note...she and DD had been carrying on a great correspondence by note...and the one time we were just leaving as she came by they even talked about how much she was enjoying the notes and the origami folds we did on the tip money.

I suppose even Mousekeepers need a "weekend" But it was sad coming back to just a clean room.

 

[CJK]

Can't figure out how to post so here are some activities....
Dec 20-24 cookie decorating 1-2
Dec 20, 22 holiday performers. 6:30 & 8
Dec 23 meet disney characters 5-9pm
Dec 24 variety of pool games 1-6
Dec 24 meet Santa. 5-9pm
Dec 25 pool games & dance party 1-5
Dec 25 5-6 campfire and 7 pm movie The SantA Claus

Thank you!!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Thank you to everyone for all of the great information on this thread! We checked into CBR two days ago and have been having a great stay so far. We were a little nervous, but have found the resort to be much nicer and better maintained than expected.

Just wanted to give a renovation update, since I know people are always curious about that. As many have reported, Jamaica, Aruba, and Barbados are completely done. Martinique is partway done, but it does appear that the renovations have been stopped for the holidays. I just took a walk around Martinique and there is no sign of construction (other than a random 'pardon our dust' sign that I saw), with every building appearing open with guests. The only buildings in Martinique that have been renovated are 21 and 22. Non-preferred building 23 and all of the preferred Martinique buildings still contain the old decor (along with all of Trinidad North).

Not the main refurb, but an interesting update...staying in Jamaica 46, and on Wednesday, there were workers going around replacing the inner workings of all the ac units around us. They had long carts and were going room-to-room pulling out the old ones and putting in new ones.

SO with the main refurb they just put a new shell on the old units, but are now replacing them...I think a PP on this or the previous thread commented on the poor functioning of the system, even in a refurbed room...looks like they are on it.

And as for Mousekeeping, our lady, Vicky I think, has been fantastic...but I assume yesterday was her day off...room was clean and nice, but no towel design or note...she and DD had been carrying on a great correspondence by note...and the one time we were just leaving as she came by they even talked about how much she was enjoying the notes and the origami folds we did on the tip money.

I suppose even Mousekeepers need a "weekend" But it was sad coming back to just a clean room.

Thanks to both of you for your updates! I hope that you are both having a fantastic time. Looking forward to hearing all about your trips.

 

[AmyKat]

We checked in at CBR on Friday December 12. We had booked a standard room. We had faxed and called to request ground floor & Jamaica. We also noted that it was an anniversary trip and we would love a king bed (not bookable with the free dining promotion when we booked).

The room was not ready when we got there but the castmember made a phone call and had us transferred to a ready room (we didn't ask for that, she just did it). We were put in a ground floor, king sized, florida accessible room in Aruba building 55.

We waited forever on the internal shuttle. I really would have walked if I had realized how long the wait would be and then the loop around the entire complex. We then wound our way through Aruba and finally found our room in the middle.

It was not love at first sight. It was dark and did not feel like Disney. It was our first stay at CBR and we just didn't connect. We walked to the food court for lunch. The food was fine but the walk was so long. But, we knew the internal bus would take even longer.

We went to Epcot for a while and found ourselves dreading going back to the room. We finally decided we would call and see if we could transfer resorts. We were able to move to POFQ and that fit us much better.

To be clear, there was nothing wrong with CBR. CMs were nice. Room was clean. Grounds were clean. Buses took a long time but that's to be expected in a resort this size. It just didn't fit us or what we wanted for the trip. The walk to the food court took forever. The bus loop took forever. We were on a kid free trip to try to see things faster (no stroller parking, no nap breaks, less bathroom & snack breaks, etc) and we felt like we were spending our entire time on the bus.

I did manage to take some pictures of the room. The only problem I had with the room was the crack in the door needs to be weather-proofed. There was a big gust of cold air constantly coming through.

I really hate that I didn't love the resort. I have loved this thread and really felt like it was one of the most positive ones on the boards.

(thermostat on the wall worked the a/c unit under the window)

(you can see the crack in the door in this picture)

 

[AmyKat]

I also took pictures of the bounceback offer since people seem to have a hard time finding it.

 

[mickeystoontown]

AmyKat, I am sorry that the CBR wasn't the right fit for you. Thanks for the honest review. Hope that you felt more at home at French Quarter and enjoyed your trip.

 

[dis_guy]

Not the main refurb, but an interesting update...staying in Jamaica 46, and on Wednesday, there were workers going around replacing the inner workings of all the ac units around us. They had long carts and were going room-to-room pulling out the old ones and putting in new ones.

SO with the main refurb they just put a new shell on the old units, but are now replacing them...I think a PP on this or the previous thread commented on the poor functioning of the system, even in a refurbed room...looks like they are on it.

When we were there the last week of March and the first week of April, I saw them doing the same thing then. We were staying in Jamaica too. I'm not sure this is so much a part of the refurb, but more a regular "pull-overhaul-replace" maintenance program they have. The units they were putting in sure didn't look like new ones. Seeing as how it was spring then, I just assumed that they were getting the resort ready for the upcoming A/C season. I didn't ask them so who knows?

 

[Col.W.Deering]

AmyKat... Thanks for your honest review. Sorry CBR wasn't your cup of tea. It's funny the reasons that you stated for not liking the resort, are for me and my husband, the reason we always keep coming back to CBR. We love taking long walks around the resort, are in no rush to go anywhere and just love the laid back feeling. Hope your stay was lovely at POFQ.

 

[Toffeewoffy]

Thank you to everyone for all of the great information on this thread! We checked into CBR two days ago and have been having a great stay so far. We were a little nervous, but have found the resort to be much nicer and better maintained than expected.

Just wanted to give a renovation update, since I know people are always curious about that. As many have reported, Jamaica, Aruba, and Barbados are completely done. Martinique is partway done, but it does appear that the renovations have been stopped for the holidays. I just took a walk around Martinique and there is no sign of construction (other than a random 'pardon our dust' sign that I saw), with every building appearing open with guests. The only buildings in Martinique that have been renovated are 21 and 22. Non-preferred building 23 and all of the preferred Martinique buildings still contain the old decor (along with all of Trinidad North).

Looks to me as if they got to the end of building 22 and decided to stop early and not start on 23 until the new Year. I just hope they've at least done 25 before end of February. While I'm not bothered about staying in an unfurbished room per se (as OH will be staying off site most of the booking and it'll just be me in the double bed), I am bothered about staying in a neglected room due for refurbishment, right next door to noisy refurbishment which might throw up dust and stuff.

 

[titansgal]

Can we please be added to the roll call for October 2 to October 16? My DH, DD11 and myself are super excited to be heading back to CBR!

 

[notrub98]

Just a heads-up but a co-worker just returned from CBR and she was told by a CM that CBR will be a Pop Warner 2015 hotel, for those who were thinking of going that week (Dec 5th).

 

[ILUVDizney]

Hi Everyone,
I just want to say that I've really enjoyed reading this thread (and the previous one) and soaking up all the info about CBR. I was really hoping to enjoy our first stay at a moderate (first two were at AoA) and just wanted to leave some thoughts I had on our stay (12/5-12/13). We booked Preferred (because that was all that was available) but really wanted a renovated, water-view room. When we arrived we still had Preferred (Trinidad North) but were 'upgraded' she said to water-view. I was hesitant at first and asked if anything in Jamaica or Aruba was available, but she said that we didn't want to be over there because of all the Pop Warner kids. I said I agreed and would rather be in a quieter section.

I was hesitant about not having a renovated room because of the earlier reports about Mousekeeping issues. I just want to report that our room was exceptionally clean and we had no issues with Mousekeeping all week. I did leave a note a couple of times asking for extra coffee and washcloths and received both each time. No towel animals were left, but the kids stuffed animals were arranged really cute each day. We did leave a tip each day also.

Unfortunately our main problem was with the Pop Warner kids which arrived to surround us on our 2nd night. Even though I was told they have a 10pm 'curfew', they kept me awake until 1am two nights in a row running from room to room and talking really loudly on the balcony (we had a 2nd floor room). Boys were jumping in bushes, dads were crowded around the pool bar yelling profanities while watching football, and kids were taking up all the hammocks on the beach.

Two nights we went to OPR for dinner and there was no way we were going to try and eat with all the kids in the food court - it was crazy. We instead waited for a table at Shutters and were so glad we did. Food was outstanding and it was such a nicer atmosphere!

Anyway - just wanted to leave my two cents. I wish I could've enjoyed the resort more and would love to come back to try it again in the future, but I will never stay at a resort hosting Pop Warner week again.

 

[Bektasmic]

Getting v excited! Just booked FP+ tonight, and now my head is swimming with new plans and possibilities.

Transportation-wise, does it save any walking (not necessarily quicker) to take the Friendship boat from the back of Epcot WS to HS and then a bus to CBR? Or just walk back up to Epcot buses and take a bus back to CBR? Thinking my kids might enjoy the boat ride, and at this point in our trip my already weak knees might welcome any breaks possible.

 

[Airship Ariadne]

Getting v excited! Just booked FP+ tonight, and now my head is swimming with new plans and possibilities.

Transportation-wise, does it save any walking (not necessarily quicker) to take the Friendship boat from the back of Epcot WS to HS and then a bus to CBR? Or just walk back up to Epcot buses and take a bus back to CBR? Thinking my kids might enjoy the boat ride, and at this point in our trip my already weak knees might welcome any breaks possible.

Yes it would save some walking if you are leaving Epcot and are in the World Showcase, if in Future World, it won't...BUT, HS would have to have closed recently or still be open...we thought that sounded like a great idea on our first EPCOT night as we watched Illuminations from Tokyo Dinning and walked to the International Gateway and were told that since HS closed at 8 the buses to CBR would be done running from there by the time we arrived...and we would be stuck needing to call a cab...so make sure HS will still be open.

 

[Orph]

Just got back from an awesome trip. Stayed at Jamaica 41 in a renovated room. Everything is went pretty well...but 2 small things.

1) The Disney bus! 9/10 Drivers and etc are GREAT! They are entertaining and tries hard to make sure that everyone is accomdated and comfortable. HOWEVER, the night buses is a different story. On 1 returning trip from MK, we had a driver that insisted on packing everyone as tightly in as possible, or he would not drive the bus. In turn, he caused some crying kids and 10 buses to be backed up. The internal buses are night zooms by people. One night while trying to get to OldPort for food, we managed to catch the Internal bus, but the people are Aruba were not so lucky and ran after the bus. The bus driver did not stop. Lastly...STAND BEHIND THE YELLOW LINE! There are drivers that refused to open the door because a child's feet is ON the line.

2) Noise levels. It is not that bad most of the time...but there are several nights that people got rowdy.

 

[Airship Ariadne]

Just got back from an awesome trip. Stayed at Jamaica 41 in a renovated room. Everything is went pretty well...but 2 small things.

1) The Disney bus! 9/10 Drivers and etc are GREAT! They are entertaining and tries hard to make sure that everyone is accomdated and comfortable. HOWEVER, the night buses is a different story. On 1 returning trip from MK, we had a driver that insisted on packing everyone as tightly in as possible, or he would not drive the bus. In turn, he caused some crying kids and 10 buses to be backed up. The internal buses are night zooms by people. One night while trying to get to OldPort for food, we managed to catch the Internal bus, but the people are Aruba were not so lucky and ran after the bus. The bus driver did not stop. Lastly...STAND BEHIND THE YELLOW LINE! There are drivers that refused to open the door because a child's feet is ON the line.

2) Noise levels. It is not that bad most of the time...but there are several nights that people got rowdy.

Just got back from Jamaica 46 and agree, though would put the ratio at about 19/20...though we never needed the internal bus so maybe that's the difference. We had two that weren't all that great, one to DTD who didn't know how to use the microphone to make announcements, we know she said SOMETHING, just no idea what it was...hold it about an inch from your lips not on your lips!

The second was just a little surly...but all the others were very polite, and cheerful.

coming BACK from DTD, the driver did what I never seen any do...it was just us and another family, the announcements come on, "for the safety and enjoyment of others please refrain from eating, drinking..." and as soon as the message is done, the other family pulls out a back of popcorn and starts passing it around...we hear the driver say "Oh come on! The message just said no eating or drinking!" They sheepishly put the popcorn away.

But the yellow line...several times kids would run up the the curb when the correct bus would come, and then stand there looking dumbfounded that it was not pulling in...so make sure your kids know to stand behind the yellow line.

 

[Orph]

Getting v excited! Just booked FP+ tonight, and now my head is swimming with new plans and possibilities.

Transportation-wise, does it save any walking (not necessarily quicker) to take the Friendship boat from the back of Epcot WS to HS and then a bus to CBR? Or just walk back up to Epcot buses and take a bus back to CBR? Thinking my kids might enjoy the boat ride, and at this point in our trip my already weak knees might welcome any breaks possible.

The HS bus stop is a bit far compared to the Epcot bus stop in my experience

 

[Orph]

Just got back from Jamaica 46 and agree, though would put the ratio at about 19/20...though we never needed the internal bus so maybe that's the difference. We had two that weren't all that great, one to DTD who didn't know how to use the microphone to make announcements, we know she said SOMETHING, just no idea what it was...hold it about an inch from your lips not on your lips!

The second was just a little surly...but all the others were very polite, and cheerful.

coming BACK from DTD, the driver did what I never seen any do...it was just us and another family, the announcements come on, "for the safety and enjoyment of others please refrain from eating, drinking..." and as soon as the message is done, the other family pulls out a back of popcorn and starts passing it around...we hear the driver say "Oh come on! The message just said no eating or drinking!" They sheepishly put the popcorn away.

But the yellow line...several times kids would run up the the curb when the correct bus would come, and then stand there looking dumbfounded that it was not pulling in...so make sure your kids know to stand behind the yellow line.

I can imagine driving that route to be a very demanding job. Also, certain human behaviours does not help. People think that they are on vacation and common courtesy goes out the window. We had some great experienced with bus drivers also. There some one ride from MK back to CBR where the driver was joking around on the announcement system and got the whole bus to participate in a Disney Trivia game. Like.."EPCOT stands for Everyone Person Comes Out Tipsy or Every Pocket Comes Out Thiner" or that the "MK Parking lot is 4th largest in th world"

It is the...more serious bus drivers. But overall it is enjoyable.

For safety reasons though, please do stay behind the yellow line.