What would you do? CBR or WL

[jaysmom4285]

I second RSMAEA508's post. We stayed in building 45 in Jamaica, directly across from the footbridge over the lagoon. It was a very short and pleasant walk to Old Port Royale and the main pool. There is a quiet pool in each village, and a bus stop at each one, so both facilities are close, no matter what village you stay in. There is also an internal bus that just makes continuous loops around the resort, so you don't have to walk if you don't want to. We have found the bus service to be very efficient and hardly ever waited more than ten minutes for a bus to anywhere we wanted to do. I haven't stayed at WL, but we really enjoyed the tropical theming at CBR - it really felt as if you were there. I think it's an excellent deal for the money.

 

[kbkids]

I second RSMAEA508's post. We stayed in building 45 in Jamaica, directly across from the footbridge over the lagoon. It was a very short and pleasant walk to Old Port Royale and the main pool. There is a quiet pool in each village, and a bus stop at each one, so both facilities are close, no matter what village you stay in. There is also an internal bus that just makes continuous loops around the resort, so you don't have to walk if you don't want to. We have found the bus service to be very efficient and hardly ever waited more than ten minutes for a bus to anywhere we wanted to do. I haven't stayed at WL, but we really enjoyed the tropical theming at CBR - it really felt as if you were there. I think it's an excellent deal for the money.

Here's another vote for Jamaica - I think we were in Bldg 45 also. It's not a far walk at all to Old Port Royale and the pool. The pool in our village was closed when we were there, but the kids would have wanted to go to the main pool anyway. The bus service was great. The bus stop, again, very short walking distance. And yes, even though we never used it, there is an internal bus between villages.

I, personally, prefer WL - but I did enjoy CBR. If money is a factor, absolutely, go with CBR and be able to enjoy your trip more without worrying about what you're spending.

 

[Dchef]

We just returned from the WL and It was our first time too. I wanted the first trip to be special because I wasn't sure when we could return. I loved it there because it was warm and inviting. I like the comfort and warmth of the WL and the feeling of being home almost. I have toured the other resorts while we were there and we were so very happy with our choice to stay at the WL. The kids loved it and everything was right there where we needed it and we didn't have to go to far. Your money will be well spent I think!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

I have stayed at both resorts, I would choose the Wilderness Lodge the CBR was just to spread out for me.

Have a great trip whichever Resort you choose.

 

[SuBeat]

We have stayed at both resorts, and while we enjoyed our stay at CBR I think it had a lot to do with it being our very first trip. Now that we have stayed at WL I think it would be hard to go back.

I thought the grounds at CBR were lovely, but it is quite a trek to get to the food court and bus stop..especially after a full day of walking. We were in Martinique 21 and DH would drive to the food court every evening to fill our mugs. The rooms were nice, newly refurbished for our visit. We found the themed pool to be VERY crowded, to the point of being uncomfortable.

I love the theming of the WL and really appreciate the compact size at the end of the day. There isn't a long walk to anything...food, bus, pool, or lobby. My kids (now 7 &11) have a blast in the pool, which we have never found to be overly crowded. While it may be smaller than the main pool at CBR, don't forget the number of rooms at each resort. We have also been spoiled by the ease of transportation here, boatrides to MK and CR are so convenient.

Bottom line, if the money saved is a big issue I think you could be perfectly happy at CBR if all the walking doesn't bother you. If the extra $ spent won't take away from your fun, go with WL.

 

[DAWGPOUNDAJ]

I absolutely LOVE the CBR, though I've never stayed at the WL. The CBR has a food court that is second to none, and when it comes to kids (at least when I was a kid and from what I've noticed with my little cousins) I've noticed that they tend to prefer food courts. Kids don't get as excited about "dining out" unless characters are involved, and food courts give them an easily viewable selection that lets you guys eat quick and get to the parks to do the reallllllly fun stuff! That being said I'm not a restaurant type of person, but no matter where we stay we always wind up back at the CBR's food court b/c its such a nice atmosphere and quick.

The CBR's pools are great too. Their main one is a bit busy but they always have the smaller ones that are spread out around the resort, and those (whenver I've gone in peak seasons) are hardly every busy. Thats just something I've noticed and it wouldn't be guaranteed it would happen on your tip though.

Other pluses to CBR, the boat rentals and bicycle rentals! How fun is that!? I don't know if the WL has those, they might, but the CBR is spread out enough to make a bicycle ride great! The views are simply fabulous!

Theres always the $ issue as well. You'll save a lot more than $400 at the CBR. The reason is that the food court there is cheaper to eat at than the dine in restaurants at the WL. I've noticed that even though I abhor restaurants, whenever we stay at a deluxe we eat in their restaurants more, and that costs more.

One word to sum up CBR is FUN! What kid wouldn't want to chase little lizards around the paths outside or crash in one of the hammocks by the beach?

And as for the resort being spread out, it's not that bad. Of course I come from a rather active family, but my 81 year old grandmother came with us to the All Stars 3 years back and we stayed in the back building and she didn't mind the walk at all, and when she was in her late 60s we were at the CBR as FAR away as you could get from the food court, and the walk wasn't bad at all for her. I think Disney purposely does not spread their resorts out too much knowing that not everyone wants to walk too far.


However, every trip we've gone on that I've been on since I've had my drivers lisence, we've ALWAYS had a car, and 90% of the time at the CBR we have chosen to walk (even when the farthest from the food court) rather than drive around the resort simply b/c of the fantastic scenery! But if your kids are little (I apologize I forgot their ages already) then by staying at the CBR you could have that extra $400 for a rental car, and would not be subject to Disney transportation. (I'm not a big fan of their bus services but have done it. I just liek the freedom to go whenever I want wherever I want without having to think about if I'm at the right stop.) So those are some other things to take into consideration.

Basically it's a matter of what you decide is best. Those are just some of the pros of the CBR. The WL sounds equally as lovely however so best of luck with your decision! We had a hard time deciding for our honeymoon b/w CBR and the AKL, and my husband finally chose the AKL b/c hes an animal nut. Of course the next trip we go on will find us at the CBR.

Good luck! And if you have any questions about the CBR, like detailed ones, general ones, etc. Feel free to PM me on here and ask away, I've been to the CBR quite a bit so have a lot of it memorized by now. lol

 

[Nolcrest]

I've been to both and I would choose WL over CBR if money wasn't a factor.

I would have strongly recommended WL however knowing you live in a log home you may want something different.

The themes are totally different obviously, so I would really choose based on the theme that interests you.

The CBR does have the beach and the hammocks however keep in mind that you can't swim in the water at the beach area.

The nice thing about WL is the easy access to Fort Wilderness where your boys might enjoy the evening campfire or the petting zoo (if it's still there).

Now, with all that said - have you looked into the Port Orlean resorts? Another nice option to consider with boat transportation to Downtown Disney. POFQ is a compact resort with a nice kid friendly pool with whimsical icons. POR offers mansions and bayou rooms and a fun theme pool in addition to quiet pools. There is also catch and release fishing and a family fun lounge.

I haven't had a problem with transportation at any of the resorts so I don't really focus on that when I choose a resort.

Check out the resort faq thread at the top of the page.

So many resorts - so many decisions. Have fun deciding!!

 

[Mis4Mouse]

We have visited WL though not stayed there....did stay at CBR with my two little girls.

Wilderness Lodge is a beautiful place, and the kids liked Whispering Canyons when we went for lunch...however my choice between the two would be the CBR - which was great for families with young kids. Reasons?

1) FOOD COURT!!!! The two kids could easily split a chicken finger plate for six bucks and be perfectly happy with their dinner. Breakfast choice were great, fruit, yogurt, cereal, muffins big enough to split...etc.

2) Colorful and cheery - the kids loved the big beds (seemed bigger than the ones we slept in at YC (our fav resort so far)

3) Roomy - I never felt like the kids were underfoot and we spread out nicely. The rooms at WL felt just a bit more crowded to me.

4)Pool... the fun pool at CBR was laid out nicely and very near the food court and had a little bar for the grownups. It was right behind a little beach that the kids could dig around in.

The quiet pools were very nice, and perfect for my little girls who aren't all that rambunctious in the pool.

5) Transportation. We seemed to get around very quickly on the CBR buses.... it took a fraction of the time it took when we used the buses for Fort Wilderness or Swan, (I think the CBR has it's own busses, while some other resorts share....you may want to confirm that with someone else who can tell you for sure)



I don't think you can go wrong at any Disney resort, we've enjoyed all the places we've stayed. But my two little girls still ask when we can go back to the CBR.

Hope this helps!

Susan

 

[Mis4Mouse]

Wanted to add that we stayed in Jamaica 42 or 43 at CBR and it was a short, fun walk to the Food Court and an even shorter walk to the Bus stop.

It was quiet, but close enough to the fun stuff.


Happy planning
Susan