The New Caribbean Beach FAQ Part VII

[wdw4rfam]

I'm just replying so I can subscribe. We're planning on December 22 to 30th and this is the first time we'll be staying onsite. I have a ADR for Christmas morning in Cinderella's Castle so I'm pretty excited for that. I had to get up at 4:45 on a Saturday morning to get that so I hope my girls have fun. I think that will be a pretty cool Christmas morning for my 10 and 7 year old daughters.

We've actually decided to drive 17 hours instead of flying so we can upgrade to a moderate and stay another couple days. I think the trade off will be worth it.

We drive every year 16-17 hours for us too. We enjoy it. Especially coming back, after 11 days at Disney, I need a gradual trip back to reality it's kind of relaxing to unwind, talking about all of our adventures on the way home.
I also can't think of a better Christmas than eating in the castle and going to MK. JUST A WARNING, once you stay on site, you will be hooked

 

[Princess_Nikki]

Add us the the list! Decided to take a quick trip to experience the Special Frozen happenings at DHS! The joys of being an annual passholder!! 7/31-8/5

I was so tempted!!!! We are just so busy with our business during the summer, DH would throw a fit if I tried to sneak in a quick trip to Disney to see the Frozen special. Lol. We are only 6 hours away. We are going after Labor Day week.

Please tell us how it is!!!!

 

[AmyKat]

First I did not care for the check in at Custom House.

What was different about this location versus checking in at the main lobby of another resort?

After my flight, ME adventure I just wanted to get to my room. We were in the Aruba section. We were prepared to walk to the room and were told it was much too far to walk with luggage. We had to wait for a van and bell service.

Why didn't you just walk and have them drop off your luggage later? Isn't that what ME normally does?

 

[mellamom2]

How long will it take from the airport to CBR on the Magic Express? We are staying Dec 13-18; our second Disney trip but our first time at CBR. We stayed at the Cabins 3 years ago. Looks like lots of changes since we were last there. Looking forward to it!

 

[PhoenixStrength]

How long will it take from the airport to CBR on the Magic Express? We are staying Dec 13-18; our second Disney trip but our first time at CBR. We stayed at the Cabins 3 years ago. Looks like lots of changes since we were last there. Looking forward to it!

I believe the actual bus ride is about 25 minutes, but I usually plan on it taking about 90 minutes to get to CBR from the moment I get off the plane. Takes time to get down to DME counters, if you elect to get your luggage yourself then that takes time too, then waiting in the line for a bus can take a while too.

 

[mom2taylorandemily]

How long will it take from the airport to CBR on the Magic Express? We are staying Dec 13-18; our second Disney trip but our first time at CBR. We stayed at the Cabins 3 years ago. Looks like lots of changes since we were last there. Looking forward to it!

You should always give 1 1/2 hours just in case. Our experience is that CBR is one of the first drop offs and we've gotten there in an hour, but I always +/- 1/2 hour just in case.

We are landing at approx. 9:00am so I am planning on us getting to a park about noon. That gives us time to get to CBR, I've already done on-line check in, but still have to get keys. We'll hopefully have our room ready so we'll drop off our carryons and then catch a bus to the park, and I'm guessing about noon.

As a plus, we don't wait on our bags to get there by DME, it ususally takes those about 3 hours, so we head out!

 

[dis_guy]

DME seems to change things up pretty often, too. For a long time CBR shared a cue with POP and AoA but the last time we went, in April, CBR had its own line. Of course this doesn't mean you won't be combined on a run with other resorts. It all depends who's there and how many people are waiting. In April it was very busy and everyone on our bus went directly to CBR. On our last few trips our bus for the return to the airport was empty when it arrived and filled up at CBR. We didn't make any other stops. You just can't predict, other than use the 90 min rule from landing to the resort.

 

[AmyKat]

I've already done on-line check in, but still have to get keys.

Your magic band is your key so you won't have to get keys. Just a room assignment.

 

[TheGreatGafsby]

Going Sep 26-Oct 3; family of 4 for the second time at CBR... and DW for that matter. Five other family members tagging along as well, also staying at CBR; three others on the fence...

 

[DBDiz]

DME seems to change things up pretty often, too. For a long time CBR shared a cue with POP and AoA but the last time we went, in April, CBR had its own line. Of course this doesn't mean you won't be combined on a run with other resorts. It all depends who's there and how many people are waiting. In April it was very busy and everyone on our bus went directly to CBR. On our last few trips our bus for the return to the airport was empty when it arrived and filled up at CBR. We didn't make any other stops. You just can't predict, other than use the 90 min rule from landing to the resort.

We have a party of 15 heading to CBR, I imagine we'll be 1/3 - 1/2 of bus capacity.

 

[tleager]

I complete my cancer treatment on Aug. 14 and we board the plane on the 16th.

 

[ninamouse]

I complete my cancer treatment on Aug. 14 and we board the plane on the 16th.

All the best with your treatment. Sounds like you deserve a fab vacation

 

[gordon8219]

Hi all, I've been lurking for a while now. We booked CBR over a year ago!! We are staying at CBR from 26th of September until the the 7th of October...two weeks. We have gone all out as it will be me, my wife and two girls aged 8 and 4 and have the Dining Plan. It is the first time we have been with the girls and the first time back to Florida since we got married in 2003. We are pretty much all set and this thread is great for info on the resort and what rooms to go for. The news of the Queen size beds is great as we are a tall family I'm 6'6"!!. Only 88 days to go!!!!

 

[houstonmama]

Just left CBR after a three day stay . Although I have no major complaints I would not stay there again. First I did not care for the check in at Custom House. After my flight, ME adventure I just wanted to get to my room. We were in the Aruba section. We were prepared to walk to the room and were told it was much too far to walk with luggage. We had to wait for a van and bell service. Our room was on the second floor and it was quite clean but a bit dated as others have stated. The walk to the main building was about 10 minutes but a pleasant one . The main pool was nice but very crowded. Movies by the pool were offered as well. Food court offered same Disney fare no complaints and the gift shop was also nice. Thankfully they also have concierge right there if you need anything. We utilized the quiet pool near our room which was quite a bit larger than other resorts . Only downfall was that they do not supply towels there and many folks were looking for them. All in all it was an okay stay for 3 days but it would not be my first resort choice. But everyone has their favorites this just wouldn't be mine. Refurbishing is going on and a CM said it was on schedule. I wasn't able to see any of the new rooms etc.

Thanks for the review!

 

[themommy]

I complete my cancer treatment on Aug. 14 and we board the plane on the 16th.

Congrats! I hope all keeps going well and that you have a wonderful time!

 

[themommy]

Hi all, I've been lurking for a while now. We booked CBR over a year ago!! We are staying at CBR from 26th of September until the the 7th of October...two weeks. We have gone all out as it will be me, my wife and two girls aged 8 and 4 and have the Dining Plan. It is the first time we have been with the girls and the first time back to Florida since we got married in 2003. We are pretty much all set and this thread is great for info on the resort and what rooms to go for. The news of the Queen size beds is great as we are a tall family I'm 6'6"!!. Only 88 days to go!!!!

2 Weeks....You are living my dream! Have a great time!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I complete my cancer treatment on Aug. 14 and we board the plane on the 16th.

An early congratulation on completing your treatments! Hope that things continue to progress well for you.

Hi all, I've been lurking for a while now. We booked CBR over a year ago!! We are staying at CBR from 26th of September until the the 7th of October...two weeks. We have gone all out as it will be me, my wife and two girls aged 8 and 4 and have the Dining Plan. It is the first time we have been with the girls and the first time back to Florida since we got married in 2003. We are pretty much all set and this thread is great for info on the resort and what rooms to go for. The news of the Queen size beds is great as we are a tall family I'm 6'6"!!. Only 88 days to go!!!!

We spent two weeks at the CBR in May/June of this year and it was absolutely wonderful! We got to spent more relaxing time and it wasn't all go-go-go.

 

[dansdad]

How long will it take from the airport to CBR on the Magic Express? We are staying Dec 13-18; our second Disney trip but our first time at CBR. We stayed at the Cabins 3 years ago. Looks like lots of changes since we were last there. Looking forward to it!

Welcome! I've added your dates.

Going Sep 26-Oct 3; family of 4 for the second time at CBR... and DW for that matter. Five other family members tagging along as well, also staying at CBR; three others on the fence...

Welcome! You've been added.

I complete my cancer treatment on Aug. 14 and we board the plane on the 16th.

Nice! A well deserved break!

 

[dansdad]

Hi all, I've been lurking for a while now. We booked CBR over a year ago!! We are staying at CBR from 26th of September until the the 7th of October...two weeks. We have gone all out as it will be me, my wife and two girls aged 8 and 4 and have the Dining Plan. It is the first time we have been with the girls and the first time back to Florida since we got married in 2003. We are pretty much all set and this thread is great for info on the resort and what rooms to go for. The news of the Queen size beds is great as we are a tall family I'm 6'6"!!. Only 88 days to go!!!!

Excellent. I hope you have a magical trip!

 

[Mikeyr71]

An early congratulation on completing your treatments! Hope that things continue to progress well for you.



We spent two weeks at the CBR in May/June of this year and it was absolutely wonderful! We got to spent more relaxing time and it wasn't all go-go-go.

Great to hear....wishing you the best!!!