Where to stay in March? CBR questions

[snomofinn]

It's that time of year again to start planning our annual Disney trip. We usually go every March and have been staying at the CBR for the past 14 years, although we did stay at WL twice. We just love the CBR and I was wondering if anyone has been there lately and can tell me about the construction? I was wondering if it's really bothersome or if it's no big deal. I know from our trip last year that the main pool is under construction for most of this year. How crowded is the other pools within the "villages"? Iam going back and forth on where to stay this year, I know there's someone out there with some information. Thanks!

 

[Devil_Dog99]

Just got back (see my post regarding construction photos). They were doing the preconstruction set up of putting up a new boardwalk to replace the sidewalk. I was there a couple of times during the day when construction was underway and basically heard regular hammer banging, saw cutting, etc. Nothing that drove you crazy or distracted in any way.

That being said, I have no idea how much noise there will or won't be when they actually start demolition of old pool and construction of new pool. But I cannot think it will be too distracting unless you are staying in Trinidad North. Most of the other guest areas are far enough away the noise should be filtered some and unless you are trying to take a nap middle of the day and are a light napper, should not be a problem. I would say Aruba, Barbados and Martinique would be good bets for minimal during the day noise and your chances go up with Jamaica, Trinidad North and Trinidad South.

As for the village pools, they will be more crowded during this time for obvious reasons. Since everyone will probably staying to their own village, I would think it should not be that bad.

 

[Atchley]

We are going in July and are planning on staying at CBR again. Kiddos love it. I know that the construction is scheduled to go on until September, but I would think that most of the major construction would be done by then. Originally the pool was supposed to open back up in July but then they pushed it back to Sept. Does anyone else have an opinion on if the major pool work should be done by then?

 

[snomofinn]

Is the outside Banana Cabana bar still there? I checked out the pictures, it doesnt look bad.

 

[safetymom]

I have been posting pictures of the construction at CBR since it started. You can find the links in the first post of the CBR FAQ thread. Link is listed below.

Banana Cabana is still open but not sure if it will be while they are working on the pool. When they close the pool I will be over taking pictures so be sure to check back for updates in that first post.

 

[safetymom]

I doubt you could hear the noise in Trinidad South. The bad thing is the sidewalk is closed off requiring a detour through the parking lot to reach the food court.

We stayed there when they were pounding in the poles. The noise wasn't bad at all. We were in Martinique and could barely hear it.

 

[snomofinn]

I have been posting pictures of the construction at CBR since it started. You can find the links in the first post of the CBR FAQ thread. Link is listed below.

Banana Cabana is still open but not sure if it will be while they are working on the pool. When they close the pool I will be over taking pictures so be sure to check back for updates in that first post.

Thanks! I bookmarked your page, I'll keep checking, it doesnt look bad. So you could still sit outside and eat? It look like theres a walkway around the pool right? They didnt take the pool out yet?

 

[glass slipper girl]

We just booked yesterday at CBR for Thanksgiving week next year. I haven't done a whole lot of research on it just yet. We stopped there on the DME bus on our way to POR on 12/18. When we made our decision when to plan for for 2008 the kids said they wanted to try CBR based on hearing other kids on the bus (who had obviously been to CBR before) talk about it.

This may be answered somewhere else (and if so, please point me there!) but am I understanding correctly that they are totally redoing the pool area? Any idea what type of pool they are putting in? Just curious! The pool and waterslide are a big deal to my kids!

Thanks!

 

[safetymom]

No one has confirmed what the new pool will be like. It does appear it will be much larger.

Since they started the latest phase of construction you have to walk through the pool area to get to the bridge. I don't know how that will be once they start working on the pool.

The outside area is still open to eat and enjoy the weather. How much of that will remain open I don't know. I will be sure to post pictures once the pool closes.