So disappointed with CBR!

[PolyTigger]

You get what you pay for. The walmart of motels

 

[KatMark]

You get what you pay for. The walmart of motels

As most everyone on here knows, I am not a fan of the CBR simply because the theme/colors do not appeal to me. But what you just said was totally uncalled for.

 

[mom2taylorandemily]

You get what you pay for. The walmart of motels

I personally take this as an insult!!!! My mother always said that if you have nothing nice to say, then say nothing. If you have to say something, then make it constructive!!! What you said was not constructive. You don't have to like any resort that Disney has, but you certainly do not get the right to insult or slam any resort. I think you should take your marbles and go play somewhere else!!!

 

[robin09]

I must say you have made me feel better about my choice this year. I'm going to CBR this August, and the long walks and bad bus service has me nervous. My DD10 is autistic and long waits for the busses makes it very difficult. We do drive down from NY, so if it becomes a regular problem, we'll just take the car.

I have alot of problems with walking, but pace myself. Loved POFQ last year and even found the walk to Riverside very pleasant. Is CBR bigger than that walk? We picked CBR for the pools. Jenn loves the water and we have found the slides to be great for her. I think she has outgrown just swimming in a pool like at the values. Last years POFQ's slide was great, and she live POR's slide even more. THat is the reason we chose CBR this year. DH is just along for the ride, he keeps begging for a different vacation, I keep promising to give him his wish.. but he knows if we are happy everyone is happy! So here we come to Disney again!

I'm sorry you didn't have a good experience at the CBR. We have stayed there three years in a row and loved it each and every time. We never had any problems with transportation, guests, castmembers, cleanliness of the rooms, etc.

I wanted to post a bit of information who may now be doubting a stay at the CBR.

Once, our fridge didn't seem to be cooling well so we called maintenance. They came and brought us another fridge. But, he also told us to open up the door to the cabinet holding the fridge. Once the air started circulating around the fridge, it started cooling perfectly. We ended up with two refrigerators which was nice because we drive and had brought colas, juice , milk, iced tea and bottled water.

If you have dirty room, call mousekeeping immediately and ask them to clean. When we first arrived in our room, we had only three towels and wash clothes. I called mousekeeping and they were there within five minutes.

If you have a lengthy wait for a bus (leaving the resort for a park), pick up the phone in the bus stop and complain. I've read others state they did this and a bus came fairly quickly. I've never done it myself as they always ran efficiently.

I agree with other posters about rude guests. There's not too much that Disney castmembers can do about them. But, if they had gotten really rowdy or bad, I would call the front desk on my room phone and complain.

Unfortunately, everywhere you go in WDW, you're going to encounter castmembers who aren't educated on the dining plan. While everybody at the CBR was pretty well versed in what was included, we ran into lots of CMs in the parks who couldn't tell us what was included and what was not.

The CBR is a large resort but we don't mind it at all. I actually timed my walk from the pirate room buildings and it took us just 6 1/2 minutes to get to Old Port Royale. Other posters have also timed their walk and it took them about the same amount of time. Let me help those who are wondering about the size of the resort....... The promenade around the entire resort (villages are situated along the promenade) is 1.4 miles long. Old Port Royale is located just about in the middle of the promenade. So, even if your building is at the furthest point, you're walk won't be more than approximately half of 1.4 miles.

As Safetymom said, ratings on the various resorts seem to come in waves.

This year, we are staying in a value resort only because we may have family traveling with us who need to stay in a value (otherwise we'd be back at the CBR). I did a whole lot of research and posted a lot of questions here on the boards trying to decide where to stay (even at other resorts in case the family members didn't come with us).

For every good report I read on the CSR, I read a bad report. For every good report I read on Port Orleans, I read a bad one. For every good report I read on Pop, I read a bad one. For every good report I read on WL, I read a bad one. Etc. Etc. Etc.

You're going to read lots and lots of posts saying they absolutely adore XXX resort and then you're going to read lots and lots of reports saying they absolutely hate XXX resort.

Not everyone is going to like a resort's theme or size. Thank goodness Disney offers many different resorts to choose from.

Again, I am sorry that the original poster didn't like the CBR but there are lots of us that really do.

 

[Todd&Copper]

I guess I am just used to walking a lot in my daily life b/c I didn't think there was sooooooo much walking at CBR. I think I walked just about as much at Pop as I did at CBR.

We didn't have a problem with the buses, either. The longest we waited was about 10 or 15 mintues one morning for a DHS bus, but I think we had *just* missed one.

Back in January, the place was amazingly quiet. I know other people were staying there, but we saw very few, except at the main pool (which we only wen to twice, I think).

 

[jillymom8]

I have stayed at CBR several times before and had no issues. This time We had lots of issues. I agree with Cheerleading, Softball, Volleyball and Grad night perhaps they should close a resort and put all of them in one place.

They weren't only rude, loud and disrepectful the pools were very jammed. I also and issues with the buses. It took 45 minutes for DTD bus 2x. The drivers also didn't help the foot was on both brake and gas and buses we were on keep lurching.

The room was Nemo themed and cute we had a broken hair dryer that we had to call on twicw then they finally brought a new one in a box. When leaving I was checking around for things and looked under the bed and found they didn't vaccum. there were pretzels, nuts and goldfish under there none of wich we had.

My biggest issue Baggage. We landed at 9:20 am arrived at CBR 11:15-11:30 had lunch by the pool and did early check in, room conviently not ready till 3:02pm and luggage didn't arrive till 5:45pm. CM told us when we called they have 3 hrs have the plane lands to get here. Then we said well then they better look because we landed at 9:20.

I will not do it again and have advised others as well.

 

[Tricialiv]

We loved CBR, stayed 12/07 and are again this Dec. Being from Ohio we really enjoy the tropical feel. The Poly is my fav but wasn't disapointed by CBR at all. We disliked BC, our room was forever away (down obscure hallways). I would much rather be walking in a beautiful outdoor setting.

People should remember everyone is looking for different things. I recommend looking at the different resorts pics, maps etc while making your choice and don't panic by someone else hating the resort you chose.

 

[momtoBrandon&Jacob]

You get what you pay for. The walmart of motels

LOL - this statement says a lot about your intelligence. Not sure if you're slamming walmart or not, but did you know that Walmart is a huge, billion dollar business and is the hugest retailer of its kind in this country?? Honestly, do some research and then if you have anything constructive to add to the discussion then please do so at that time.

 

[jojo0612]

Hey everyone,

Well let me just say that we had a wonderful stay at CBR in one of the Pirate-Themed rooms from April 8th - 13th . Personally. we thought the room was wonderful. It was very clean and smelled great. We had three towel animals during our stay (all Easter themed) and they seemed extra generous with the soaps and shampoo. The fridge didn't seem super cold when you opened it now that you mention it but we had it stuffed full with milk, beer yogurt, etc. and the food was always cold so no worries there.

We loved everything about this resort and for my family (me, DH, DS 11 and DS 6 ) it was the perfect choice! The pool was great and we thought the food at the food court was excellent. Lots of choices and healthy options as well.

I thought the staff was just fine...I mean, I was pleasant and friendly to everyone and everyone was pleasant and friendly right back!! Sometimes I think people expect the Disney "cast members" to be on some sort of hyperactive happy juice! They're just regular people folks -I'm sure they get tired of the complaining, rude and grumpy people (I know we saw LOTS of those!!!) and maybe they're just not feeling very "magical" all the time!

We had about a 15-minute walk from our room to Old Port Royale/pool area. We enjoyed the walk as it was so beautiful and tropical but I can see how some people would find that a bigger deal than we did. We rented a bike which was a hoot and were in the pool a lot. We even wandered around Parrot Cay Island (I think that's what it's called?) which was a lovely nature walk with a picnic area in the middle. My boys loved the beach area and my husband fell asleep in the hammock one afternoon!

To be honest, we were a bit worried about the buses but again we had a VERY positive experience. We never waited more than 10 minutes (maybe they had extra buses on since it was Easter?) but we also avoided MK until after Easter and only actually went to Epcot and HS while we were at CBR as we knew it would be busy.

We really took full advantage of the DDP this trip and had some wonderful meals at Boma, Biergarten, Spoodles, Shutters (at CBR) and Mama Melrose. All in all, it was a wonderful trip and I was not one bit disappointed with CBR and the boys LOVED the pirate room details.

Just wanted to voice a positive opinion since this thread seemed quite negative...CBR was great!!

So glad to hear a positive reveiw! I'm one of "those" who start to get worried whether or not we made the right choice. After staying POR 2 years in a row, I figured Disney offers too many choices not to try something new!

 

[Missytara]

I have to agree, the first year I stayed at CBR and I was very disappointed. Mostly that it was too spread out and such a long walk back to your room from the buses after a long day at the park. I had to wear my shoes in the room, because the floors were so dirty. I was in Aruba, so the food court was about a mile away.

I have since stayed at POR and love it, but I feel your pain about the cheerleaders. In 2006, I took some friends with me and went a week later than usual. Turned out it was the week of the Pop Warner Football League championships, with the cheerleading championships. They have apparently booked a ten-year contract with Pop Warner to book the majority of the families at POR the second week in December.

Every morning on the way to the food court, a whole group of girls would be standing right at the intersection of the walkway from Oak Manor to the main walkway to get over to the food court. Gosh, there must have been 35 of them and three chaporones, listening to a lecture about their itinerary for the day - blocking the entire intersection. I said excuse me and they must have all looked at each for five minutes trying to decide who was going to have to move. I didn't dare push anyone out of the way, but I was close to it a couple of mornings.

At night, they filled up the hot tub, trying to see who could stay under longer - and their parents mostly seemed like people who decided they were going to pretend they were single for the week, and let the chaperones carry most of the load. They got drunk every night at the lounge, and security had to be called at all hours of the night.

The last straw was a small group of girls on the bus to one of the parks one day decided to do cheers on the bus in the aisleway, WHILE IT WAS MOVING, and almost knocked a baby out of a mother's arms. She was so upset, the bus driver stopped and gave the girls a good talking to - and they looked at him like he was an alien.

When I returned home, I sent a registered letter to their organization and followed it up with a phone call. They said they would look into and call me back, but never did.

 

[Praying Colonel]

You get what you pay for. The walmart of motels

Not especially constructive....

 

[mjones73]

My biggest issue Baggage. We landed at 9:20 am arrived at CBR 11:15-11:30 had lunch by the pool and did early check in, room conviently not ready till 3:02pm and luggage didn't arrive till 5:45pm. CM told us when we called they have 3 hrs have the plane lands to get here. Then we said well then they better look because we landed at 9:20.

Probably not really the resort's fault your luggage took so long, probably why you always see recommendations to bring essentials with you on a carry on plastered around this forum. There's no guarantee a room will be ready for you when you arrive either.

Directly from the wdwinfo ME page.

Things you can expect with Magical Express:

* Luggage arriving very late

http://www.wdwinfo.com/Transportation/magical-express.htm

Basically this can happen at any resort...

 

[Dianatlol]

Not sure if anyone mentioned this but as far as the fridge, you need to leave the door that opens to the fridge open a bit while it cools when you first use it. Once it is cooled you can close it and wallla!

I am sorry you had a bad experience, we will be staying there next week and nothing could be as bad as All-Stars we were at last year with the kids fighting, cussing and how packed it was!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I must say you have made me feel better about my choice this year. I'm going to CBR this August, and the long walks and bad bus service has me nervous. My DD10 is autistic and long waits for the busses makes it very difficult. We do drive down from NY, so if it becomes a regular problem, we'll just take the car.

I have alot of problems with walking, but pace myself. Loved POFQ last year and even found the walk to Riverside very pleasant. Is CBR bigger than that walk? We picked CBR for the pools. Jenn loves the water and we have found the slides to be great for her. I think she has outgrown just swimming in a pool like at the values. Last years POFQ's slide was great, and she live POR's slide even more. THat is the reason we chose CBR this year. DH is just along for the ride, he keeps begging for a different vacation, I keep promising to give him his wish.. but he knows if we are happy everyone is happy! So here we come to Disney again!

I'm glad that my post was helpful to you. I do have a very detailed review of the CBR that I'll be glad to send to you. If you want a copy, just let me know.

 

[mickeystoontown]

I guess I am just used to walking a lot in my daily life b/c I didn't think there was sooooooo much walking at CBR. I think I walked just about as much at Pop as I did at CBR.

We didn't have a problem with the buses, either. The longest we waited was about 10 or 15 mintues one morning for a DHS bus, but I think we had *just* missed one.

Back in January, the place was amazingly quiet. I know other people were staying there, but we saw very few, except at the main pool (which we only wen to twice, I think).

I have to agree with you. While we were at the CBR in August, 2008, we decided to drive over to Pop to check it out since we knew we would probably be staying there in 2009 (have family who may be coming along and they need a value resort). We walked around the entire resort and I have to say that the walking there was just about the same as it was at the CBR. We also went to the Wilderness Lodge to have a look around. We walked all around that resort too (both the grounds and the resort building). I think the walk wasn't as long as it was at the CBR but I also think that your mind tricks you into thinking this way because you are walking within a building, not outside to the various buildings.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Not sure if anyone mentioned this but as far as the fridge, you need to leave the door that opens to the fridge open a bit while it cools when you first use it. Once it is cooled you can close it and wallla!

I am sorry you had a bad experience, we will be staying there next week and nothing could be as bad as All-Stars we were at last year with the kids fighting, cussing and how packed it was!

That's exactly what we did to our fridge after maintenance shared the secret. By the way, they also gave us another fridge.

Not especially constructive....

As most everyone on here knows, I am not a fan of the CBR simply because the theme/colors do not appeal to me. But what you just said was totally uncalled for.

I personally take this as an insult!!!! My mother always said that if you have nothing nice to say, then say nothing. If you have to say something, then make it constructive!!! What you said was not constructive. You don't have to like any resort that Disney has, but you certainly do not get the right to insult or slam any resort. I think you should take your marbles and go play somewhere else!!!

LOL - this statement says a lot about your intelligence. Not sure if you're slamming walmart or not, but did you know that Walmart is a huge, billion dollar business and is the hugest retailer of its kind in this country?? Honestly, do some research and then if you have anything constructive to add to the discussion then please do so at that time.

I totally agree!

 

[AmberHeartsDisney]

I would of went RIGHT to the front desk and complained. As much as it cost everyone has a right to a good vacation!

 

[Dianatlol]

we are going next week and I am sure we will run into the cheerleader thing, which I do not care for, but as long as they do not cuss, fight like they did last year at All stars I don't mind! I am hoping for a great experience!

 

[FanaticadeDisney]

Thanks disadventurer and Amy&Dan. I asked because I have stayed at Disney Resorts for my birthday at least 6 times and I have always received a photo of the characters and balloons. I even received it last year when I stayed at POP Century. Since this hotel is more expensive that the Pop and the All Stars hotels, I thought I was going to receive one too.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Thanks disadventurer and Amy&Dan. I asked because I have stayed at Disney Resorts for my birthday at least 6 times and I have always received a photo of the characters and balloons. I even received it last year when I stayed at POP Century. Since this hotel is more expensive that the Pop and the All Stars hotels, I thought I was going to receive one too.

I wish Disney would be more consistent with all of this birthday stuff! In my case, my dd got all this cool stuff in September, then a month later we were there for ds' birthday and he got nothing. It was hard for him to understand why his sister got the royal treatment and he didn't. They should just do the same thing for everyone, or nothing at all!