Ease my mind about CBR

[harleyquinn]

Please?

We wanted to do something different this time (we've done POR a lot and POFQ once), and I chose CBR mainly for the pirate ship splash area that I know DD 3 will love. The size of the beds won't matter for this trip (but they will in the future).

I'm a bit worried about the size of the resort, though POR never bothered us, but the food court looks kind of small..

Anyway, ease my fears, just tell about what you love about the resort!
Thanks!

 

[dansdad]

This thread may help.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2960608


We love CBR. We like POR, but we prefer the theme of CBR better. We like the CBR pool and food court better also. Just a preference.

IMHO, the size of CBR is blown way out of proportion. The longest walk to OPR and the main pool is from Trinidad South which only has Pirate Themed rooms. Unless you book one of these rooms, you won't be in Trinidad South. And even if you are, it's under 10 minutes at a very relaxed pace.

To us the size of CBR is one of the positives in that even when it's at capacity, it does not feel like it. I swear sometimes it feels like we're the only family staying in Jamaica even when it's packed.


Good thing WDW has a resort for everyone as people like different things.

 

[minnie mum]

I've stayed at both resorts multiple times and really don't find the overall walking to be any different. If you are really concerned about distances then take a look at the resort map, find a village that you would like to be in and put a request for it on your reservation.

 

[harleyquinn]

Ugh thanks!! I just saw that! I know better than posting before browsing/searching! Thanks!!

And I'm glad to hear you like CBR food court better. POR's doesn't thrill us, but it's okay.

 

[dansdad]

Ugh thanks!! I just saw that! I know better than posting before browsing/searching! Thanks!!

And I'm glad to hear you like CBR food court better. POR's doesn't thrill us, but it's okay.

You're welcome. If you have any specific questions, fire away.

 

[Suelala]

I love CBR! It's my "home" resort. Some walks are farther than others, but I have never felt like they were unmanageable. Ask when you check in for something closer to the food court. The resort is so pretty that you will enjoy doing a little walking there. The white sand beach by the food court will be a fun stop for your daughter. Wish I could stay there this year, but budget says I need to try POP. Go and enjoy!

 

[twinboysmom]

We go a lot, 5-6 times a year. We just branched into the moderate category (we stay DVC and values) and we really like cbr. Yes, the grounds are tranquil and gorgeous, the resort is relaxing, but for us, it was the pool area for our twins. They were 2.5 and they had a blast. We really appreciated the play area being gated (we have a runner) and the fact that they strictly enforced the 48" height limit. The main pool is also great. Your child might be ready for the 2 slides (mine weren't) and the pool is zero entry.

I believe the size of the resort is exaggerated on these boards. We stayed in a pirate room (which I highly recommend). They are the furthest section and like a pp said, maybe max a 10 minute walk at a leisurely pace. We never found it far. Bus service for us was good but I never base my stays on that aspect.

As for the food court, I find them all about the same (except for CSR). Values and moderates, I haven't seen anyone better than another. It was fine for us. We do not go for breakfast (ever, learned our lessons years ago) so sometimes a late lunch or during normal dinner time and there was more than enough seating.

Just so you know, we are returning to WDW in September and since we are DVC and staying on points, we are planning on legally pool hopping to the pool at cbr. For us, it was that good. We have another family travelling the same dates staying there (per our recommendation). I hope this eases your mind some. We really loved this resort (and we didn't think we who'd even like it).

 

[friend2Figment]

We love CBR! We have stayed there 3 times and my daughters are sad that we are now too big. The only way we will get to stay there is if we have another family to split a room with and a great pin discount. We normally request Jamacia the kids like to walk across the bridge and they have the newer playground on the island before getting to the food court.

The main pool is awsome and we like the food court, my kids are picky and did not go hungry. They also liked to play in the sand and lay on the hamocks.

 

[englanddg]

I've done CBR twice, and I love the resort. The food court has a lot of great offerings. Also, there is a fantastic full service restaurant there called "Shutters" that is on my must do list every trip!

I have walked through other resorts, and the food court is comparable in offerings. It can get a bit crowded at times, but it rarely is packed. The fact that Shutters takes up about 1/3 of the dining area might be why the food court appears "small".

The grounds are amazing to walk around (not as nice as POR, but still very nice), and the whole time you are there you will not feel cramped or crowded, even when the resort is booked. If you jog/speedwalk, it's a great resort to do it at.

The pool is very fun, and has a few themed water slides that are a blast. There is also a nice jacuzzi there. If you are at the pool when Illuminations is going on at EPCOT you can see the fireworks from the pool/jacuzzi. There is also a full service bar at the pool as well.

The foilage is all themed and very nice, and it's common you'll run into birds, squirrels and lizards (especially lizards). Kids enjoy that.

Since the bus stops are spread out, there is rarely a time when you'll feel crowded at the stop, however, the busses do take longer to cycle at night on the ride home becuase they have to stop all over the resort.

You can always put in a room request when you book, and if you do, I'd ask to stay in Jamaica or Aruba, as both are close to the island/bridge that connects to Port Royale (the pool/food court). I'd ask for Aruba 51/52/53 or Jamaica 44/45. Trinidad 31 and Martinique 25/26 are also nice. I'd avoid Barbados and Trinidad South altogether.

It's a wonderful hotel, and definately feels like a step up from Pop or the All Stars. Still, as a moderate resort, I think Port Orleans is prettier, but CBR is fantastic. You won't be disappointed!

 

[harleyquinn]

Wow! Thank you all so much! I really appreciate all the info you've imparted. You guys are the best!!

 

[DisneyLindsay]

We love CBR! We too have out grown it and can only do POR or a family suite! We will do POR for our first time in a couple of months!
You do not have to worry about the walk, it is not that bad at all! The food court is plenty big and has some great food!

We love the quiet pools as much as the big pool! They have a really cool splashpad pirate ship that my little ones LOVED! YOu will have a great time. I also love all the different bus stops that are covered, so you are able to wait for your bus in comfort, and not in huge masses.

Go with an open mind and enjoy every second of your trip! CBR is a really great resort!

 

[MMS1125]

If we were a smaller family and didn't care about the bed size I'd choose CBR in a heartbeat. I love the atmosphere of the resort I just want queen beds if I'm paying for a mod. I'm not a huge fan of their food court though I think CSR is much better

 

[KELLY]

I think you will enjoy it. I have never stayed at CBR. But a moderate is a moderate. Your in the same class of resort that is how I look at it. We didn't have much of a choice for our resort during FD. But as long as I got a moderate I was happy.. The pool looks great for your 3 year old. I know people complain about the walking but sometimes I find it a little over the top as they describe it.

 

[CrabbyPatty]

We really enjoyed CBR and I just do NOT get this whole "it's a huge resort and it's so FAR to walk" mentality! We stayed in Martinique and had a great "little" pool right by our building and it was a nice walk to the food court area. The big pool was good but always seemed a bit too crowded, and we ended up liking our little "quiet" pool better.

The food court is okay - there were a few stations, and a grab n' go section. We could always find a table to sit down, or there are tables/chairs outside. We stayed at CSR the following year, and IMHO Pepper Market seemed needlessly confusing with very poor signage, and it was the ONE place where the food prep people seemed 100% UNinterested in taking your order, IMHO. CBR's food court was much better in this aspect.

 

[disneydreamfan14]

Isn't CBR the largest on property?

But from what everyone else says, you shouldn't have problems getting around.

 

[*Fantasia*]

We really enjoyed CBR and I just do NOT get this whole "it's a huge resort and it's so FAR to walk" mentality! We stayed in Martinique and had a great "little" pool right by our building and it was a nice walk to the food court area.

I don't think it's mentality, because the fact is that CBR is the largest moderate I can see why others may say that it is a FAR walk because they didn't stay where you stayed. They probably ended up in Aruba section. I'm glad you find CBR not huge, but to some of us, it is.

To the OP. CBR is a beautiful resort. The pool there looks very fun, especially the kiddie pool. If you're going to stay there, I would recommend the preferred room at Martinique. You will be closer to the food court. If you don't want to pay the preferred rate, then I would ask for Jamaica #45 which is just a bridge away from the food court and the main pool. If you end up in Aruba, I believe there is an internal bus that will take you to the food court. Don't get the internal bus mixed up with the park bus. Have fun! Btw.. CBR still have the full size beds, while all the other moderates now have queen beds.

 

[CrabbyPatty]

Yes, YMMV. We also stayed in CSR at the very farthest building from the food court (Ranchos - our room was right by the back parking lot) and I STILL did not be consider this to be a long walk. Personally, I'm surprised that people who walk all around WDW all day long and rack up 10-12 miles a day think the distance in ANY resort is almost insurmountable. But, that's just me.

 

[MMrules]

I have stayed there 4 times both with and without kids. I would suggest bringing a stroller from home to use at the resort if your child needs it. Last time my boys were almost 3 and 5 and we used the stroller at night. With the children walking our walk to the food court and pool area was about 8 minutes at a leisurely child's pace. We stayed in the Pirate rooms which is a bit further but was no bother. My boys loved looking at the foliage, lake, ducks, flowers, salamandars etc. (which is why our walk was often long ).

Make sure you look at the menus page so you can see what foods are offered. There are about 5 different food stations with various items such as pizza, burgers, chicken, sandwiches, pasta, a grab and go section, and then at night there is a quick service that offers more of a homecooked meal selection like salmon, meatloaf, roasted chicken etc. There are also various choices for breakfast in the mornings. I have never had to wait to find a table to sit and eat it. Also, I have never had a bad meal there. They give kids meals in cute little buckets to use at the beach

The kiddie pool area is fantastic! THere are pint sized waterslides so you don't have to worry about losing them or hovering over them like in a regular pool. I think it is the best kiddie pool on property. Last year at the Beach Club my boys wanted to go back to the pirate pool b/c they loved it so much.

I think you will love CBR! It is beautiful, tranquil and the CM's have always been helpful and friendly

 

[P00H1010]

Please?

We wanted to do something different this time (we've done POR a lot and POFQ once), and I chose CBR mainly for the pirate ship splash area that I know DD 3 will love. The size of the beds won't matter for this trip (but they will in the future).

I'm a bit worried about the size of the resort, though POR never bothered us, but the food court looks kind of small..

Anyway, ease my fears, just tell about what you love about the resort!
Thanks!

We love CBR!!!!! We have stayed their 3 times now and just adore the resort. It is very beautiful, lush, tropical and quite. It is large but not unmanageable. There are walking trails around the resort as well as an internal bus shuttle that circles the resort. We have stayed in pirate themed rooms twice and a standard king this past trip. Both types of rooms are nice. I would recommended checking it out !