Just Back: Some Observations

[Doug123]

My wife and I just got back from Disney World’s CBR. We had a great time. Both of us read the DIS on a fairly regular basis (though it’ll be harder to do so now that we don’t have a trip planned). We’ll still stop in to assist others in their trip plans, though! Here are a few comments and observations on some things that have been discussed regularly on the Boards over the past few months:

-- Parks Clean/CMs Friendly: The parks are still clean and the CMs are still friendly. Neither one of us noticed a drop off in either.
-- Crowd Levels: The parks are fairly busy, but not overly so. I think that compared to our last trip in May 2000, Magic Kingdom was a little bit busier and the three other parks were about the same.
-- Pop Century: Whoa, is this place tacky and cheap looking. And, yes, you can see it clearly from Trinidad South (avoid this section of CBR unless you like to look at huge bowling pins as part of your Caribbean resort theming).
-- Le Cellier: The food is good, but overpriced (as in most or all Disney restaurants). The portions aren’t as large as some on the Boards have indicated, either.
-- Spaceship Earth Addition: The television sets at the start of the ride DO take away from the experience. It’s too bad Disney thought it necessary to explain to people not to get out of their seats when on the ride.
-- Bus Transportation: Still running smoothly. We never had to wait longer than 5 minutes for a bus between the CBR and one of the parks.

Other observations: The Rose and Crown will no longer let you wait for an outdoor table (even with PS).

Any questions about vacationing at WDW or the CBR? Happy to try and answer!

 

[pnelson]

How was the heat? With planning and all the indoor attractions, can you avoid the worst of it? I'm really worried about it-We leave tonight!!!

 

[Doug123]

It was in the low 90s while we were there and somewhat humid. We didn't mind too much, though, since we don't see a lot of warm weather here in Michigan.

 

[pumba]

parks were still clean and the cm's still friendly.......hope you do stop in and give people your expertise.....every one that helps plan someone elses vacation is great........thanks again

 

[Boots]

Glad you had a great time! Wish I knew when I was going to be at WDW again!!

 

[inky dinky doo]

Doug, I'm curious about your Rose and Crown comment. What time was your PS, and what did they say when you told them you were willing to wait? (I assume that's what happened.) We had a table outside last fall, but I'd love to hear your experience if you're willing to share. We might have to change our plans for next time.

Thanks!

Inky

 

[QuickGold]

Interesting comments....thanks for posting!

 

[Doug123]

Our Rose & Crown PS reservations were for 7:30 this past Sunday night. We were told that it's now their policy to seat people at the "first available table." When we went in 2000, they allowed us to wait for an ourside table so we could see the fireworks show. Apparently this isn't allowed any more. We booked the Rose & Crown, at least partially, because we like the outdoor cafe area. Now that you can't wait for an outside table, I'm not sure we'll make returning to the Rose & Crown such a high priority (though we both still like the restaurant a lot).

 

[inky dinky doo]

Thanks, Doug! That's what I was afraid you'd say. We had a 7:30 PS in November and were seated on the patio outside. The food was good -- in fact, I loved their mushroom apetizer!!! -- and the view was wonderful. But, I'm disappointed to hear of their new seating policy. I don't know if we'll go back there on our next trip or not. Thanks for sharing your experience, though.

Inky

 

[Liz]

I appreciated reading your Rose & Crown comments too. My only reason for making a PS there would be to get good seating for Illuminations. Would it be just totally tacky, if they said we had to sit indoors, to just say "never mind then" and leave?

 

[Ratpack]

We are staying at CBR in July and have requested Trinadad North or Martinique. However, if we get the fartherest from Port Royal, how long does it take to get there walking, any idea? I have a 4yo DD and she would love the pool there more than the individual pools. Also, how crowded did the Port Royal pool get during the day?

Thanks!

 

[Kallison]

Liz I don't think that would be totally tacky at all. It is your choice to turn down a table if you aren't happy with it.

 

[Gabrielle]

Ratpack:


I just got back from CBR - if you can, take a small stroller with you for use at CBR. It's a very long walk to Old Port Royale from the more remote villages and your 4-year old will have a tough time of it, in the heat.

-Gabrielle

 

[Doug123]

Ratpack,

Sorry for the delay (I've been switched over to Microsoft's Outlook and have been having trouble receiving some e-mails).

I would say that walking from the furthest islands (Trinidad South and Barbados) might take 15+ minutes. A fax to the room controller a few days prior to your trip with your Martinique/Trinidad North request would give you a great chance in getting one of those locations. The main pool was moderately busy during the day during our trip, but not overwhelming. As a backup, the quiet pools almost always had light crowds.

 

[Ratpack]

Thanks for the info. I have my requests on my reservation and I call periodically to make sure they are there and they read them back to me verbatim. From what I understand the fax is no longer necessary since they are on the reservations themselves.

 

[susy]

I just returned for CBR and stayed in TN. The walk was longer than what I expected. We were at ASMo in Jan and thought the walk from Toy Story to the food court/pool was a lot shorter in comparison.

 

[yepod]

Thanks for the report, We too thought the resort was a bit too spread out (long walks)!

 

[JWP]

"Would it be just totally tacky, if they said we had to sit indoors, to just say "never mind then" and leave?"

My sons, 18,15 did this in April. We had a 7:30 ps and they said that we had to take the first available table. We were seated inside. We looked at the menu and none of us could decide what to get. We really were eating there because the year before we had such a great view of Illuminations from the patio. Any, we decided to leave. I just told them on the way out that we decided against having dinner there. The CM that I spoke with was very appreciative that I mentioned it to them without just leaving.

 

[Boots]

Thanks for sharing!

 

[Blondie]

Originally posted by Doug123
Spaceship Earth Addition: The television sets at the start of the ride DO take away from the experience. It’s too bad Disney thought it necessary to explain to people not to get out of their seats when on the ride.

Probably has something to do with the 3 (or was it 4) year old kid that climbed out and broke his leg last year.