Staying at the Caribbean Beach, but...

[QTMichele]

I made reservations to stay at the Caribbean Beach during the free dining promotion, but we could only book a standard room. Upon our arrival, do you think we can upgrade to a better category? Should we (what does "standard" mean anyway?!)? We're going Labor Day week so I have no idea how the crowds will be or how booked this resort will be. I have no experience with the moderate resorts and don't know what to expect. I'm not sure that the "standard" view will be all that bad, but, again, I have no idea. Your advice, tips and general comments about the "standard" rooms and the resort in general are greatly appreciated!

Michele

 

[Sandi]

For CBR, I believe the "upgrade" rooms put you in a village that is a bit closer to the main building. To us, it isn't worth the extra cost just to be closer to the food court and main pool. But, a lot of people feel it is worth the extra money. It's not like you would have a balcony or anything for a "view." We never spend enough time in the resort room to worry about views -- we enjoy the resorts, but are really there to go to the parks.

You can always ask when you get there, but you should be prepared to pay for the upgrade.

 

[catbertdave99]

Congratulations on staying at CBR -- it's our favorite!

The preferred locations are Martinique 24, 25, and 26, and Trinidad North 31, 32, and 33. Old Port Royale (OPR) is located between those two sets of buildings and is where the food court, gift shops, Shutters Restaurant, and main pool are located.

There are 4 other villages, or sets of buildings, in addition to the preferred locations. Jamaica and Aruba are directly across the lake from OPR and there is a bridge across the lake (and island) to OPR so it's not a long walk. The island is pretty neat to walk through, actually.

The only village that is a long distance from OPR is Trinidad South. It's still not a bad walk in my opinion, but I like to walk and I've never stayed there, so I'm not really one to talk.

There are also water view rooms, but those are just as likely to overlook a quiet pool in your village as they are to overlook the lake -- not worth the extra cost. You can call and add a request to your reservation for a particular village or location, but there is no guarantee you'll get it. Regardless, I think you'll love CBR! There is a beach at every village, a playground at a couple, and a quiet pool in every village as well. Bus stop at each village and at OPR, etc.

Have fun!

 

[QTMichele]

Sandi, Thanks for the upgrade info. We won't be in our room much either as we will seeing the sights and visiting my brother-in-law. The "view" doesn't really matter to us, but it would be nice to stay centrally located.

catbertdave99, Thank you too for the info. Why is CBR your favorite? Details, please! We chose it because of it's theme - DH wants a beachy type experience (me too!).

I've been reading a little more on the CBR and see that many posters say the pool is on the small side and can get quite crowded. We'll be there the first week of September... Any thoughts on crowds during this time?

 

[bsbcgirl]

I have stayed at CBR twice, most recently this June. The first time was quite a distance from the food court, which I found to be extremely inconvenient. This past trip we were much closer (Jamaica #44) and it made our experience much better. By the way, I found the food (especially breakfast and lunch) at the CBR Port Royal food venue to pretty good and reasonable in price. Hope this helps

 

[BamaFan121s]

CBR is one resort where I definately WOULD pay for preferred, which are closer rooms. If you end up in Barbados or Trinidad South, that is a very looooong walk to the food court/main pool area.

 

[catbertdave99]

catbertdave99, Thank you too for the info. Why is CBR your favorite? Details, please! We chose it because of it's theme - DH wants a beachy type experience (me too!).

Same here... we love the white sand beaches, the hammocks and beach chairs, the boat rentals on the resort's own 45-acre lake, the 1.4-mile Promenade walkway around the entire lake, the bridge and walkway across/through the island, the food court, gift shops, game room, and the Caribbean steel drum music overhead at OPR!

We also love the resort because no rooms are too far from a bus stop, a quiet pool (we prefer them to the main pool and almost always have them all to ourselves!) and the resort is QUIET! We would come back from a day at the park, go to our room, and hardly see anyone at our building, even though the resort was full -- it was spring break both times!

It just feels like we're getting a vacation from the crowds (in the parks) when we return to CBR during the day or at night. While the food court can get crowded, and the main pool too, it really never bothers us because it's so quiet by our room! This spring, we had a courtyard right outside our door -- that was so awesome!

You will LOVE the resort!

 

[IluvKingLouis]

We stayed there last Jan. and although we did not request an upgrade we were placed in the building next to the complex closeset to the food court.

I actually think a non upgrade room means less walking, as you will probably overlook a parking lot (vs. lake) and that means you can be by the bus stop in 30 seconds. The rooms with the view have pathways that twist and weave among lovely landscaping....but it means a lot more walking!

The food court at CBR is crazy busy, after trying out breakfast for two days we opted to do breakfast at the parks. On the other hand, breakfast at the value resorst was a lot less crazy.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

CBR feels like a vacation within a vacation! Beautiful and quiet, but still so close to everything - esp EPCOT and MGM.

We have always stayed in Martinque - when it first opened we were in buliding 25 and have been in that building every time since! Now it is preferred and so we do ask for that when making a reservation.

We request a lake view corner room due to a medical condition which is helped by a lot of natural light - a corner room provides that. So far they have always been able to accommodate our requests.

If there are not preferred rooms available many people like Jamaica (46) or Aruba (51),or check on the map which buildings are near the bridge that would work for you and add that to your room request on the reservation and ask again at check-in.

Even tho the main pool is a bit small and does get crowded, every village has it's own pool and those do not tend to be as crowded - many times we've had it to ourselves!

Hope you love it too!

 

[Cool-Beans]

I think the non-lake rooms are pretty enough. And many (if not most) of the rooms do not overlook the parking lot. Trinidad South is my favorite part of CBR (I think it is more peaceful), but I don't ride the bus and I wouldn't mind walking anyway.

The rooms are cute. Leafy carpet, fish on the wallpaper border. It sounds really ugly, but is carried off well. I see more lizards at CBR than anywhere else - but I'm always half on the lookout for them. We don't have them here and I think they are just too damn cute.

Can't you catch a bus to the main building? If you don't have a car and don't want to walk, I mean. Or is that not possible?

 

[Rustysmom]

The last time we stayed at CBR, we were in a regular room in Barbados and I didn't find the walk to be too bad. I don't think I would pay extra for a preferred room. The resort is so beautiful that I like to walk through it.

 

[QTMichele]

The first time was quite a distance from the food court, which I found to be extremely inconvenient. This past trip we were much closer (Jamaica #44) and it made our experience much better. By the way, I found the food (especially breakfast and lunch) at the CBR Port Royal food venue to pretty good and reasonable in price. Hope this helps

We don't plan on using the food court too often - maybe for a quick snack or two so I suppose distance isn't too important here, but it is something to think about. We have a 7 year old and a 3 year old who don't mind walking around our neighborhood, but I can only imagine how tired they will be during a Disney vacation!

CBR is one resort where I definately WOULD pay for preferred, which are closer rooms. If you end up in Barbados or Trinidad South, that is a very looooong walk to the food court/main pool area.

THANKS so much for your thoughts!

Same here... we love the white sand beaches, the hammocks and beach chairs, the boat rentals on the resort's own 45-acre lake, the 1.4-mile Promenade walkway around the entire lake, the bridge and walkway across/through the island, the food court, gift shops, game room, and the Caribbean steel drum music overhead at OPR!...

Your description was great! I'm starting to get very excited about our vacation and to experience the CBR. Can't wait!! It's nice to know that the bus stops are numerous. Did you have to wait long? We'll be there during the slower season and I'm hoping this won't be a big issue.

I actually think a non upgrade room means less walking, as you will probably overlook a parking lot (vs. lake) and that means you can be by the bus stop in 30 seconds. The rooms with the view have pathways that twist and weave among lovely landscaping....but it means a lot more walking!

The food court at CBR is crazy busy, after trying out breakfast for two days we opted to do breakfast at the parks.

Thanks for the tips! It sounds like there are pros (and cons?) regardless of where you stay. I'm not sure what we'll do about breakfast yet (small in room snack before we hit the parks? maybe the food court? With the dining program, I cannot imagine needing to eat all that food everyday!)

Even tho the main pool is a bit small and does get crowded, every village has it's own pool and those do not tend to be as crowded - many times we've had it to ourselves!

Hope you love it too!

Very nice to know! Our girls LOVE to swim and I'm sure we'll have plenty of pool time. I'm sure we'll LOVE it too!! Thanks so much for your comments.

Can't you catch a bus to the main building? If you don't have a car and don't want to walk, I mean. Or is that not possible?

We don't mind walking at all, but I do have to think about my girls (ages 7 & 3). First morning walks won't be a problem, but will certainly be an issue after a long Disney day. I'm sure we'll work it out and will try to to get too exhausted. We will have a car and plan to use it instead of Disney tranportation on some days - I'm sure that will help a bunch too, but I guess we'll see how it works once we're there. THANKS for your comments and room description!

The last time we stayed at CBR, we were in a regular room in Barbados and I didn't find the walk to be too bad. I don't think I would pay extra for a preferred room. The resort is so beautiful that I like to walk through it.

Great point about getting the chance to enjoy the scenery if we have a "long" walk. I think we'll just smile at the CM while checking in and hope for the best!

THANKS again to everyone for all the great replies. Any other tips, suggestions, comments, etc. are welcome and appreciated.

Michele

 

[safetymom]

I am another fan of CBR. If you take a look at the CBR FAQ thread listed below you can see why many people decide to stay at CBR.

I have lots of photos up on my website of CBR also.

 

[catbertdave99]

Definitely make sure you check out Safetymom's photos, and the FAQ thread in her signature -- lots of great info!

We never wait long for a bus at CBR. They are always coming. A couple times we've waited a while at a park for a bus to return, but you'll have that anywhere. I'm always amazed how efficiently WDW moves people around on the buses... it's really amazing if you think about it -- but to answer your question about bus waits, none of ours were long.

 

[QTMichele]

I am another fan of CBR. If you take a look at the CBR FAQ thread listed below you can see why many people decide to stay at CBR.

I have lots of photos up on my website of CBR also.

I recently found your link and have been reading through it... LOTS of pages, but I'm getting through them one post at a time. Thanks for all the work you've done with your links!

We never wait long for a bus at CBR. They are always coming. A couple times we've waited a while at a park for a bus to return, but you'll have that anywhere. I'm always amazed how efficiently WDW moves people around on the buses... it's really amazing if you think about it -- but to answer your question about bus waits, none of ours were long.

This is good to know. I haven't figured out all the logistics yet, but I would like to use Disney transportation when it works the best for us. I think I mentioned that we'll be visiting my brother-in-law while we're at Disney... I'm assuming it will be more efficient for us to drive to the parks on those days so we can leave directly from the park to his house. We'll figure it all out and have fun doing it!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Not sure if this was mentioned yet, but there is an internal bus to take guests to OPR and the Custom House.

All this talk of CBR makes me want to go back soon!

 

[CleveRocks]

I made reservations to stay at the Caribbean Beach during the free dining promotion, but we could only book a standard room. Upon our arrival, do you think we can upgrade to a better category? Should we (what does "standard" mean anyway?!)? We're going Labor Day week so I have no idea how the crowds will be or how booked this resort will be. I have no experience with the moderate resorts and don't know what to expect. I'm not sure that the "standard" view will be all that bad, but, again, I have no idea. Your advice, tips and general comments about the "standard" rooms and the resort in general are greatly appreciated!

Michele

CBR has 4 "reservable" room categories: standard, preferred location, water view and king-size bed.

Except for the king-size bed, all rooms are identical on the interior ... same furnishings, same size, same amenities, etc. The only differences are in location (except of course the king-szie bed rooms have 1 king-size bed instead of 2 double beds).

As mentioned earlier, preferred location guarantees you are in one of the 6 buildings closest to Old Port Royale (which means less walking). Water view guarantees you a view of a quiet pool or Barefoot Bay, and there's no way to guarantee one or the other. And of course, there's the king-szie bed rooms. Each of these room upgrades costs $15-$26 extra per night, depending on season. The strange thing is, Doisney won't let you pay for and reserve more than one upgrade per room. In other words, you can't pay $30-$52 extra per night to guarantee yourself a king-size bed in a water view room. If you want more than one of these, you reserve one and you request the other(s).

For the OP, if you were only able to book a standard room, that must mean that all of the other categories are sold out. If Disney is getting extra money from all those other people, they obviously won't dispalce one of them, to whom they've guaranteed that type of room, in order to give it to you for free. So I'd say your only chance is other people cancelling their reservations. If one of those upgrades is important to you, you should call Disney on a daily basis and ask if there are any openings ... that worked for me last time! But again, since Disney charges for those other types of rooms, hoping to get one for free at time of check-in is a very slim hope indeed.

Personally, I wouldn't pay for a certain view at any of the Moderate resorts, because of the exterior corridors. Your door and window open onto these public walkways, so if you have your curtains wide open to enjoy your view, then everyone walking by has a great view of YOU!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Personally, I wouldn't pay for a certain view at any of the Moderate resorts, because of the exterior corridors. Your door and window open onto these public walkways, so if you have your curtains wide open to enjoy your view, then everyone walking by has a great view of YOU!

Since CBR opened we always leave our drapes & blinds open! The only guests walking by are those going to nearby rooms and in the 3 or so seconds it takes to walk by they would not see much if they are even looking...very, very few guests even look. Most are busy getting to where theya re going or returning exhausted from a long day

In all the years and many times at a variety of WDW resorts just once did someone stop to have a look into the room. It was a very senior gentleman and my guess is he was wondering if a corner room was the same as the other rooms. I waved, but he was gone before I think he noticed.

Honesly, I would not worry much about guests peering into a room - truly, they would have to slow down to crawl to really see inside.

 

[QTMichele]

CleveRocks, Thanks for the info! We booked our room during the free dining promotion and were told there were limited rooms available. I'm wondering if we can't get a preferred room/building because of this rather than the rooms being sold out? Either way, I think I'll stop overthinking the situation and take what we are assigned. I'll ask them upon check in for a closer building, but won't sweat it if we're the furthest away. After all, we will be at Disney! OH... and thanks for the info about the "views" - I never thought about the window/s & door looking onto the corridor instead of a direct view. Thanks again!

 

[CleveRocks]

Since CBR opened we always leave our drapes & blinds open! The only guests walking by are those going to nearby rooms and in the 3 or so seconds it takes to walk by they would not see much if they are even looking...very, very few guests even look. Most are busy getting to where theya re going or returning exhausted from a long day

In all the years and many times at a variety of WDW resorts just once did someone stop to have a look into the room. It was a very senior gentleman and my guess is he was wondering if a corner room was the same as the other rooms. I waved, but he was gone before I think he noticed.

Honesly, I would not worry much about guests peering into a room - truly, they would have to slow down to crawl to really see inside.

Maybe I should clarify ...

I'm not talking about people being creepy or anything, I'm just talking about having basic privacy. Most of the time, no matter where I am, if I am in private I want BE in private. Maybe it's just me and I'm an odd duck.

But I didn't want to give the impression that people are apt to stop and stare.