I prefer CBR over all the other mods. We enjoyed all of our stays at all of them, but found the buses, theming and overall feel of CBR was the best for us. I loved the way you can see the high up fireworks of Illuminations from around the resorts. It is spread out, however, we didn't find it that much more so than POR or CSR. And frankly, POFQ was too small for us, and we really missed the quite pools and larer main pools of the other mods. They are all lovely resorts, however, I would never let bad reviews of any of them sway me, because they all get their fair share of not so great reviews! Before each of my stays at all four of them, I would read those bad reviews, feel a twinge then figure it would all turn out fine. And it did each time, CBR in particular just wowed my family and became our new favorite mod. There are plenty of great reviews of this resort on the dis, it has a loyal following.
If the theming of CBR appealed to you enough to book it, I would just stick with that and be excited for your trip! If the size thing bothers you, pay the extra fee and get preferred. Or request Aruba or Jamaica, they are both fairly close. As is Barbados where we stayed. We had a five minute walk along the lovely lake to the food court, two quiet pools very nearby and loved that location.
Good luck!