Sell me on Caribbean Beach Resort

[Lizardbeth61]

We've been going around and around on where to stay for a long weekend anniversary trip. DH wants to save some money at stay at CBR, which is probably fine, but it's so OLD . . . or won't I notice?

Anyone want to sell me on the virtues of CBR? Help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[tink2]

I think CBR was refurbished recently- maybe last year. So everything should be new and in good shape. I also would like to be sold on this resort though. We have reservations at POFQ and of course will be relocated. I have 2 small children ( will be 2 and 4) and am worried about the size of this resort. Anyone with any expertise on this resort please convince me!
You might also want to check out the CBR Facts thread.

 

[wickey's friend]

Well, here's my story!

We had stayed two times at WL, but wanted to save a little money on our last trip. We decided on CBR, even though I was a little anxious about going from a deluxe to a moderate.

Was I ever pleasantly surprised!

We (DH, DS 14, DS 2 and I) really loved the CBR! Yes, it is a moderate, but we didn't lose any of the Disney Magic! Walking to Old Port Royale after we checked in was a treat. The beaches are so pretty, and the foliage is great! It's hard to describe it to do it justice! Try going here to see some great pics of the resort.

We stayed in Martinique, and from the closest beach to our room, we could see SE and some of the fireworks.

DH and older DS loved the pool and hot tub. They also rented a paddle boat one afternoon for awhile and loved it too.

We had no problems with the buses (we went in Dec. 01) either going or returning. We did take the monorail from MK to Epcot one night, then hopped a bus to CBR, which took no time at all. You are very close to MGM, AK and BB too.

Liked the food court for quick snacks and breakfasts (get a kids' breakfast -- it was plenty for me, and I like to eat breakfast!). We ate at the old Captain's Tavern, so I can't tell you anything about the new restaurant.

We were there Christmas Eve and they had activities, characters, etc., plus Santa was there.

Do we love the WL and are we going back? YES! But, we are also going to stay the first few days at CBR because we like it so much and it makes more $en$e!

I know there are some who have had bad experience there -- but I'd go there today if I could!

 

[denman007]

Does this help?

 

[clhcpaca]

CBR is my favorite resort. All the rooms were renovated in 2001 and the food court in 2002. The rooms are bright and a nice size. There is a curtain that separates the sinks ares from the room, which I really liked. Wished the rest of the moderates would so this. The last time I was there, I was in Martinique which is quite close the the food court/main pool area. Plus, each of the "islands" has a pool. I really, really like it and hope to go back this fall.
Cindy

 

[donaldlou]

Been there twice and we love it. Color scheme and foliage are so tropical. the food court was clean and pretty good. Something for everyone. Very convenient to the parks also. We decided to drive to everything and couldn't believe how close the parks actually were. We've done deluxe also but would be glad to go back to CBR.

 

[mm6mm6]

We stayed at the CBR in June '02 and our room was spotless and brand new! We were in Jamaica in room 4251. Second floor with a water view room on the lake. Every morning I would step outside with my breakfast juice and lean on the balcony railing. I would inhale that morning dew Florida humidity and gaze at the morning sun glistening on the lake's surface.

The CBR is just gorgeous! The brick accented walkways and outstanding attention to landscaping is wonderful. The beaches make you feel like you're in the Caribbean!

Did you know the CBR is the only moderate that gives you double sinks in your room?

We loved everything about it. Go for it! You WILL NOT be disappointed!

 

[Lizardbeth61]

Thanks to you for the posts. I feel excited about CBR now instead of like I'm settling! Thanks. Hubby will be happy too with a contented wife!

 

[bunnyfoo]

That's a great pic denman007! Are all of the buildings at CBR close to a sandy/beach area?

 

[ead79]

It's great to hear these good reviews!

 

[sm4987]

The CBR is wonderful. We stayed there last summer and our stay was perfect. We never had any problems with transportation, our food always arrived hot and was good. The shops had a good selection and the maid service was great!! One of my favorite features of the room was the curtain that you could pull across the sink area to give you your own private dressing area. It was great with 4 of us in the room. The rooms are a great size and it wasn't cramped at all. I think that if you stay there, you'll love it. I'm going back again this summer!

 

[DeeP]

I have stayed at all the moderate resorts and CBR has the largest rooms, and it IS a noticeable size difference. My last stay at CBR was about 9 months ago, so the refurb of all the rooms was completed, the rooms were very, very nice. Not old or run down at all. I do agree CBR is a very large resort, but that problem can be solved by requesting a room close to the main hub. All the WDW resorts are very nice and CBR is certainly no exception--you will love it!!!

 

[safetymom]

Cbr is a beautiful resort. When we stay there we feel like we have truly escaped from the world. It is beautiful.

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

We were there April '02 and our room was new looking and spotless. The rooms are larger than other moderates and there seems to be more storage areas to me. My kids (5 and 1 then)loved playing in the sand with the pails and shovels that some kid's meals come in at the food court. Here's a few of my pictures:

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/ladytram...r=/April+2002+Disney+Vacation&.src=ph&.view=t

It is a large, spread out resort and although it isn't guaranteed, you can request a building close to Old Port Royale - the food court area. Here's a map http://www.wdwig.com/cbrmap1.jpg , we were in Martinique 25 with a garden view and a very short walk out to the beach. This building has no parking lot views (we had a std booked) and a short walk to OPR. There is an internal bus system for CBR also.

IMHO Jamaica is the prettiest, yellow with white gingerbread trim. Whatever you decide - have a great trip!

 

[Lizardbeth61]

EEK! I was all set to stay at CBR . . . in fact, I was getting excited about it until I went elsewhere and read a review . . . and it was only one review that was negative, but it's content gives me the heebeegeebees! It talked about a bad door seal and how they found bugs in their room . . . a cockroach in particular. Now I'm not fond of any insects, but cockroaches really get me. Of all the reviews I had to find! All the rest were stellar and anyone can have a bad experience, but . . .

I know you find them ALL over Florida, but I have never seen one in a Disney room . . . prefer to pretend that that isn't a possibility . . . until I read that review. Has anyone else encountered such livestock?

Help save my marriage! Well, not really, but DH really wants to stay at CBR and I'm afraid I won't sleep thinking of . . . you know! LOL!

Yeah, I know. Grow up and find a life! I know I'm being ridiculously paranoid, but I really hate cockroaches!

 

[Lizardbeth61]

LadyTramp etc. Loved the pictures. Thanks for sharing them and your opinions.

 

[safetymom]

I have never had any type of bug or any roaches in the many times I have stayed at CBR or the other resorts.

I don't think you have to worry. Now if you saw lots of reports then I would think you have a concern but I haven't seen that mentioned for CBR.

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

You're welcome.

Bugs are a fact of life in Florida's climate but of course you wouldn't want them in your room. We didn't have any problems at CBR and I'd say take the negative reviews with a grain of salt. I do the same thing, read all the reviews I can find, when deciding on a resort. It doesn't matter which one or which category you are looking at - you can find someone who will report they had a nightmare experience there.

If the reviews are mostly on the positive side - I wouldn't worry too much. If you do find something in a room that you can't accept - ask for another room. That's not always possible but I think they would try to accomodate you if they can.

Worst bug experience I had was the no see um's while at AKL but I don't blame the resort. I just learned how to handle it the next time.

 

[sherrie]

Think of warm breezes, calypso music, beautiful tropical landscaping, the smell of coconut suntan lotion, banana cabana cocktail, large bright rooms. Never seen a bug in the room, smiling maids, everyone happy and freindly. Have no doubt, you will love it. See my signature, I sure do.

 

[cinjam]

We were there in February and we had a great time. DS was 2yo and just had a blast on the beaches and with the ducks! I've posted one of my favorite pictures from our entire trip!!!! Room was spotless, food at the food court was good, bus service was excellent, CMs were was great. We were in N. Trinidad (I think bldg 32), not too far from the food court, close to bus, real close to pool & laundry. IMO it's the best moderate!