Second guessing my resort choice

[maryj11]

1st off welcome to the resort changers club LOL, honestly I would love to stay at CBR, but those full size beds scare me too......
But think of it this way, all the resorts that WDW have something different, or amazing to offer. Maybe write down the pro's and con's of each. If you think that you may go back in a year or two, then keep that in mind.
I want to stay at AoA, but on our next trip we will be going for Christmas, so I am saving AoA for our spring 2014 trip, this christmas trip will be a split stay with POR and CR
Wishing you luck, where ever you stay you will have fun

Oh yeah I just remembered the resort changers thread I should of posted this there. I agree I think POR or CR would be better for Christmas time.

 

[maryj11]

you are SO FUNNY! only becasue you sound SO MUCH like me and hubby!!!

isn't it great that there are so many choices?

since you have not been there before try it. I thinkyou will like it. it it SO bright and cheery!!

you could always do a split stay (we love to do that, indecisinve people that we are) but a warning.. we don't like to have the shorter stay at the end. feels too much like you are just waiting to go home.

Yes a split stay is on my mind, my only problem is we are only staying 5 nights But I may still do it with CBR and AKL.

 

[maryj11]

I have fanily and friends that think CBR is the best thing going, but for my family, CSR and POR are our favorite mods.

Let's face it, all the resorts are great, but confortable sleeping is a big deal. We would have a tough time going back to the double beds now that we've had the queens.

When we stayed in Pop no one wanted my DGD to sleep with them because she wiggles around to much so it wasnt real comfortable. We had to take turns on who would sleep with her. Then again I was thinking of taking a twin air mattress, not sure about that yet because we are flying.

 

[maryj11]

CBR is our favorite mod even with the double beds. I can say with confidence that they are very comfortable. We have a king at home, DW and I have no issues with the doubles at CBR. Maybe the 16 or so hours we are on the go at WDW has something to do with that though.

I really feel you can't go wrong no matter what you decide.

We may go ahead and try out CBR anyway even if they have full beds. We did stay at Pop before and it was a little uncomfortable with the beds but not so bad that we didnt get any sleep I love the tropical themeing, that is why have stayed at the Poly and the Cabana's at CSR

 

[maryj11]

I could, and have, written the same post. We are booked at CBR for Oct, but I am wonder about going to AofA for more "magic" or upgrading to SS...which may not appeal to my 7yo or have ideal buses, but it appeals to Momma! I am going to do a pros & cons list and discuss wih DH. There is just something about CBR that I'm not feeling. It's a bit overwhelming to say the least!

I know how you feel, DGD wants to stay at CBR and AKL appeals to me Even though I do want to stay at CBR because I like the tropical theme, AKL is my number 1 pick.

 

[glocon]

I have never stayed there, and it is not on my top choices list, but something about it must have pulled at your heartstrings. I think you should try it and go in with the attitude that you will enjoy it. Lots of people love it there, so there must be plenty of good things about it

.

Hopefully you will be back to Disney again and can try one of your other choices then. Really though, you will be at Disney, so it will be magical. I wouldn't worry about how other people feel about where you will be staying, you need to judge it for yourself. There was something about CBR that called out to you- so you should try it and enjoy it!

 

[maryj11]

What a coincidence! We just returned from WDW and did a split stay of 5 days at CBR and 5 days at AKL. We would not go back to CBR again. Like others have stated everyone has preferences over what is important to them...

What we liked about CBR...

Grounds are BEAUTIFUL and immaculate, we have small children and they loved the pirate themed area.

What we didn't like...

We did not pay for preferred, stayed in Jamaica which was recommended as a closer walk to the food court (Port Royale) without paying the fees for preferred.

What we did not like...

We don't make coffee in the room, and we also like having a soft drink when we return from the parks, we thought the walk to Port Royale was too far.

The CBR theming, grounds are beautiful but we miss the Disney theming, we've stayed at all-stars and loved the characters on the ground, we loved the richness and detail of AKL.

Room theming, again this is picky, but the grounds are so lovely and Caribbean like, then the rooms have tacky bedspreads and a hurting nemo fish border... if they would have carried the Caribbean resort theme completely in the room or extended Disney characters to the grounds that would have made more sense.

Bed comfort, the beds are more comfortable than All-stars, but they are not great.

AC wall unit, to me, it's too motelish like and too loud and hard to adjust to a really comfortable temperature. I don't like the exterior entry, I do prefer a hall entry.

Food court, has all these different little grills, it was a pain having to stand in multiple lines due to different requests from family members. I thought the food was pretty standard and not different than a value resort.

The rooms at CBR did not appear to be much larger than value to me.

I heard the on-site restaurant was horrible, so it was difficult when returning from a park tired and not wanting to go out and not having a great place on-site.

AKL, beyond awesome theming, quick service food court was awesome, bedding was incredible, also we could get the room completely pitch black for naps. I requested a room close to the pool and foodcourt at AKL and it was super convenient. The whole pool experience at AKL was much more resort like for us also.

I read in another thread that you have to look for what is important for you, and now I know that food court closeness, and non wall AC units are big points for us.

For us, we would do value over CBR. Love AKL but it is pricey....

I read on this board where someone did a split stay and only did a dining plan for half their stay, I thought this was a really good idea because the dining plan does not work for us as a family because we really don't want to be tied to dining reservations the whole trip. I think even if you don't get free dining for your AKL stay, having additional days to use meals gives you alot of flexibility depending on your situation.

Really you picked the same resorts that I'm thinking of.
I agree about the CBR rooms from looking at the pictures they do not look very well decorated. They for sure should of decorated them with some tropical theme. But the grounds look beautiful. I would like to stay a couple days there.
What I really really would like to do is stay at AKL the whole trip But of course I would need to be rich, if only they would come out with a discount. Pool view room was what I would book if we go there. Where were you at around the pool and what floor ? Did it take long to get to the pool or food, I mean a lot have said they have to go down long hall ways to get where they are going.

 

[cjsm&d]

When we stayed in Pop no one wanted my DGD to sleep with them because she wiggles around to much so it wasnt real comfortable. We had to take turns on who would sleep with her. Then again I was thinking of taking a twin air mattress, not sure about that yet because we are flying.

My DSis like a magnet, so no matter where I try to lie down he winds up pressed against me! It actually affected my sleep a little at POR (per-Queen) a few years back. I could escape it a little two years ago when we had Queens at CSR!

You'll have fun no matter what! You really can't make a bad choice between any of the mods really!

Have a great trip!

 

[maryj11]

I think you will be happy with CBR. We love it there. Good luck and lots of wishes and dreams come true to you on your trip!

Thank You Poohbear

 

[maryj11]

My DSis like a magnet, so no matter where I try to lie down he winds up pressed against me! It actually affected my sleep a little at POR (per-Queen) a few years back. I could escape it a little two years ago when we had Queens at CSR!

You'll have fun no matter what! You really can't make a bad choice between any of the mods really!

Have a great trip!

I really liked the beds at CSR, I thought they were the most comfortable beds I have had there except for the Poly's. Thank you for the encouraging words

 

[mariahasmousefever]

Really you picked the same resorts that I'm thinking of.
I agree about the CBR rooms from looking at the pictures they do not look very well decorated. They for sure should of decorated them with some tropical theme. But the grounds look beautiful. I would like to stay a couple days there.
What I really really would like to do is stay at AKL the whole trip But of course I would need to be rich, if only they would come out with a discount. Pool view room was what I would book if we go there. Where were you at around the pool and what floor ? Did it take long to get to the pool or food, I mean a lot have said they have to go down long hall ways to get where they are going.

Oh yeah we are on the same page. I also booked a pool view room to save money and would probably do so again. Big drawback to the pool room on the first floor is that people could walk by and see into your room. It's now like it's just concrete and no barrier between your balcony and the pool, there is lush vegetation as a buffer, but a person of average height can look over the vegetation. I was okay with that... I would probably just get a map and make sure I was close to an elevator or stairs for easy access to food and pool if I wanted a second floor room.

We were in the 1400 block of rooms on the first floor, but I think ANY room that is poolview and has easy access to an exit door to the pool would be good for QS availability. There are covered walkways, and the Mara (QS place) entrance faces the pool.

Rooms at AKL are pretty sound proof, we could hear some of the pool noise in our room but it was really faint, we were close to an exit door and never had a problem with hallway noise.

You may want to post this question in another thread about switching rooms... we had already planned a down day and my sister-in-law was leaving with her family from CBR. At CBR you have to call bell services to come and pick up your baggage (at the value we stayed at we dragged our luggage up the day of departure) and she/we HAD to wait for bell services to arrive to count and receive a receipt for the bags. Now it was no big deal for us because we had already planned a down day during this extended vacation but that might be an issue for you if you are planning to also do a park day.

I will say bell services was only about 10 minutes late and they were very friendly about scheduling any time that was convenient. You may want to see how early they can come pick up if you were thinking of having your luggage picked up early and taken to your other resort.


You mention walking a long way and we DID have a pretty good hike to the buses. We didn't mind it because AKL is just so beautiful and we enjoyed the walk.

 

[stepdisney]

I hate it when I do this Right now I have reservations at CBR and was thinking maybe adding a couple days at AKL. Except I do not think there will be any discounts or free dining when we go, so AKL may not be an option. There are so many resorts to choose from and I like a lot of them. Now I'm thinking maybe do I want to stay at WL, or maybe POR, or maybe even POFQ. I really do want to stay at CBR because I have not been there yet and the photos are all so nice. I just think the full size beds may be uncomfortable. It is just that Disney has so many nice resorts to pick from it makes a person crazy trying to decide

Come on over to the Resort Changers thread where we cha cha change our resorts so often that we have to help each other remember where we are booked. We stayed at Pop one year and needed two rooms because the full sized beds just wouldn't work for us after a long day in the park and this was when my DS's were much younger! The next year we stayed at the WL. What a difference. We can't stay at a resort that doesn't have queen beds. We also like more bed options so we now stay at a Deluxe that has a day bed so everyone can stretch out. There are 4 of us total and my DS's are 16 and 10 and just cannot share. Beds and location are the key things for us.

 

[maryj11]

Oh yeah we are on the same page. I also booked a pool view room to save money and would probably do so again. Big drawback to the pool room on the first floor is that people could walk by and see into your room. It's now like it's just concrete and no barrier between your balcony and the pool, there is lush vegetation as a buffer, but a person of average height can look over the vegetation. I was okay with that... I would probably just get a map and make sure I was close to an elevator or stairs for easy access to food and pool if I wanted a second floor room.

We were in the 1400 block of rooms on the first floor, but I think ANY room that is poolview and has easy access to an exit door to the pool would be good for QS availability. There are covered walkways, and the Mara (QS place) entrance faces the pool.

Rooms at AKL are pretty sound proof, we could hear some of the pool noise in our room but it was really faint, we were close to an exit door and never had a problem with hallway noise.

You may want to post this question in another thread about switching rooms... we had already planned a down day and my sister-in-law was leaving with her family from CBR. At CBR you have to call bell services to come and pick up your baggage (at the value we stayed at we dragged our luggage up the day of departure) and she/we HAD to wait for bell services to arrive to count and receive a receipt for the bags. Now it was no big deal for us because we had already planned a down day during this extended vacation but that might be an issue for you if you are planning to also do a park day.

I will say bell services was only about 10 minutes late and they were very friendly about scheduling any time that was convenient. You may want to see how early they can come pick up if you were thinking of having your luggage picked up early and taken to your other resort.


You mention walking a long way and we DID have a pretty good hike to the buses. We didn't mind it because AKL is just so beautiful and we enjoyed the walk.

Thanks for all the information. If we did do a split stay we would stay at CBR first and then on the day we switch resorts we were not going to the parks or anything. We will only have carry on bags and I was thinking we could get a cab to AKL and just take our bags with us . Do you think that would work ?

 

[OnSpaceshipEarth]

We've been to CBR twice and have always loved it. I really *do* want to eventually be able to stay at every Disney resort. Not even close at this point, unfortunately!

 

[mariahasmousefever]

My daughter got sick so I had to get a cab from CBR to a drugstore at 4 in the morning! She turned out to be just fine.

I called the front desk and they sent it right where we were staying at CBR. I will say the cab came within 30 minutes and he was very friendly. I think if you want to get to from CBR to AKL quickly that it might be a very good option and probably not too expensive.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I actually find the rooms at CBR very tropical themed. The palm leaf carpet, dresser and headboards are all tropically themed. Now that Nemo thing mystifies me since Nemo lives in the waters of Austraila not the Caribbean but I find that pretty subtle.

Double beds do not bother us at all. We have a queen at home but it never feels that different size wise. Now if dh was 6'5" that might change although I am not sure a queen would make a huge difference with that if he was that tall!

CBR rooms are the exact same size as standard rooms at the WL and AKL (340 square feet).

CBR is way more centrally located than AKL which is nice.


We really enjoy CBR, we just had 11 great nights there in late March into early April.

If you do the split stay, you can arrange to have a cab pick you up near your own building, or arrange ahead of time for a CBR bellman to come directly to your room, then give you a lift in the van over to the Custom House to check out and then get a cab. You do not need to drag your bags or wait around. I always arrange for bell services ahead of time no matter where I stay. They get busy and backed up, but you just call from your in room phone the day or night before and its all set and you are on the list.

A cab from CBR to AKL will be around $20.

 

[maryj11]

I actually find the rooms at CBR very tropical themed. The palm leaf carpet, dresser and headboards are all tropically themed. Now that Nemo thing mystifies me since Nemo lives in the waters of Austraila not the Caribbean but I find that pretty subtle.

Double beds do not bother us at all. We have a queen at home but it never feels that different size wise. Now if dh was 6'5" that might change although I am not sure a queen would make a huge difference with that if he was that tall!

CBR rooms are the exact same size as standard rooms at the WL and AKL (340 square feet).

CBR is way more centrally located than AKL which is nice.


We really enjoy CBR, we just had 11 great nights there in late March into early April.

If you do the split stay, you can arrange to have a cab pick you up near your own building, or arrange ahead of time for a CBR bellman to come directly to your room, then give you a lift in the van over to the Custom House to check out and then get a cab. You do not need to drag your bags or wait around. I always arrange for bell services ahead of time no matter where I stay. They get busy and backed up, but you just call from your in room phone the day or night before and its all set and you are on the list.

A cab from CBR to AKL will be around $20.

Last time we stayed at Disney they had automatic check out where you didnt have to go to check out, that is if you have a credit card on file. So I was thinking we could just get in the cab at our building and head on our way with our carry on bags with us ?

 

[jojomoore]

I understand. And your not alone.I have visited WDW 3 times. Each time i am planning a trip, I change my mind several times. I am planning my fourth trip and i am so undecided. I have figured many different combinations and cant decide. I think when general public discounts are released then that will naturally narrow down my decision.At the moment my reservation is at AOA - LM room for 8 nights but i keep looking at Pictures of POR - and want to stay there too. And i have stayed at AKV - Kindani and want to return there or to AKL(I feel a little home sick towards it.) I dont think it is in my budget this year to stay the entire 8 nights at AKL but maybe we could stay 3 nights or 5 nights??If i add the three nights to the end of the trip, it could be a surprise for my daughter because she loved AKV. Wish i could somehow manage at 5 night stay at AOA family suite and 3 nights at AKL but this is the most expensive option i have come up with. Decisions. HMM. I know the easiest would be AOA for 8 nights or POR - Royal ROom for 8 nights and right now my DD (12) chooses POR over AOA-LM, CBR, CSR, or POFQ. Maybe i need to go ahead and change my reservation to POR and wait and see if a general public discount gets released but then again AOA - LM rooms are no longer available for my time frame and if I let it go then i will not be able to stay there even for a few days if i change my mind to do a split stay. I think if my DD gives AOA a chance she will love it.Decisions?. yeah I think Disney having so many wonderful options makes it very difficult for us to make a final decision. I have also always wanted to give WL a try. Im hopeless.

The biggest concern i would have with CBR is that it is very large and i would be concerned about the bus service. If i stayed there, I would want a preferred room or i would choose to drive to the parks each day. THe theme and grounds look lovely but the room decor is just ok. The pool looks fun and the beaches look relaxing.

If you can stay at AKL for a few days that would be great. It is truly a wonderful resort.

If i did a split stay i would take my car or get a cab and take my bags with me. THis seems to be the fastest easiest way. There would be no leaving your bag with bell services and waiting on your bags to arrive. YOu can just jump in the car and start a new vacation in just a few minutes - just check in. If your room isnt ready then you will need to store your bags but with a little pixie dust maybe your room will be ready and then will be on your way.

 

[maryj11]

I understand. And your not alone.I have visited WDW 3 times. Each time i am planning a trip, I change my mind several times. I am planning my fourth trip and i am so undecided. I have figured many different combinations and cant decide. I think when general public discounts are released then that will naturally narrow down my decision.At the moment my reservation is at AOA - LM room for 8 nights but i keep looking at Pictures of POR - and want to stay there too. And i have stayed at AKV - Kindani and want to return there or to AKL(I feel a little home sick towards it.) I dont think it is in my budget this year to stay the entire 8 nights at AKL but maybe we could stay 3 nights or 5 nights??If i add the three nights to the end of the trip, it could be a surprise for my daughter because she loved AKV. Wish i could somehow manage at 5 night stay at AOA family suite and 3 nights at AKL but this is the most expensive option i have come up with. Decisions. HMM. I know the easiest would be AOA for 8 nights or POR - Royal ROom for 8 nights and right now my DD (12) chooses POR over AOA-LM, CBR, CSR, or POFQ. Maybe i need to go ahead and change my reservation to POR and wait and see if a general public discount gets released but then again AOA - LM rooms are no longer available for my time frame and if I let it go then i will not be able to stay there even for a few days if i change my mind to do a split stay. I think if my DD gives AOA a chance she will love it.Decisions?. yeah I think Disney having so many wonderful options makes it very difficult for us to make a final decision. I have also always wanted to give WL a try. Im hopeless.

The biggest concern i would have with CBR is that it is very large and i would be concerned about the bus service. If i stayed there, I would want a preferred room or i would choose to drive to the parks each day. THe theme and grounds look lovely but the room decor is just ok. The pool looks fun and the beaches look relaxing.

If you can stay at AKL for a few days that would be great. It is truly a wonderful resort.

If i did a split stay i would take my car or get a cab and take my bags with me. THis seems to be the fastest easiest way. There would be no leaving your bag with bell services and waiting on your bags to arrive. YOu can just jump in the car and start a new vacation in just a few minutes - just check in. If your room isnt ready then you will need to store your bags but with a little pixie dust maybe your room will be ready and then will be on your way.

I know how you feel, my head has been spinning trying to figure out which resorts and what plans. I have added totals up, called Disney for different prices, and done every which way I can think of trying to decide We have reservations with CBR preferred room right now for our whole trip. I think I will keep that for now and wait until the general public discounts or free dining comes out. If there are any discounts, which I think my week will be blocked out if it is the same as last years block out dates. Anyway I will wait to see if I can add AKL on some way. We do have 10% off of CBR from my daughters pin, I dont think I would be able to use that for AKL because it said it expired some where in the first week of June. 10% is not much and we really would like to have more but I havent gotten a pin or anything this year.
I really like POR and AOA looks really cool too ! I know I'm not helping on your decision

 

[Mousemom]

Did no read above posts from others but my feeling is that you may enjoy a resort when someone else does not. As for our family we love the grounds at CBR but not much else. We don't like the size, having to walk through the parking lot to get to the bus every day. There was construction going on and it just took away the Disney feeling that I want at all times in Disney. Even though the room was just upgraded it did not appeal to us. We love POFQ and AKL. We even like the values, especially Pop, over CBR. I also feel that it is fun to try new resorts if you can..and who knows you may end up finding that CBR is your favorite.