Caribbean Beach Review

[laguna]

I've written about CBR in the past and can not say enough how much we always enjoy our stays there. I've stayed in all of the All Stars as well as all of the moderates and just think there is something special about the place. I think the island feel makes the experience relaxing, and sets the mood that you are away from your everyday life. To be able to swing in a hammock in the sand while our kids play in a playground is reason enough. We always request the villages of Jamaica or Aruba. They are across the lake from the main pool and Port Royale (the restaurants and market) so it is a little quieter, and the walk across to get there wanders through an island of gardens as opposed to just walking down a sidewalk. Like all of the moderates the rooms are upgraded enough so you have everything you need without making that big financial leap to the Deluxe resorts. We also liked the option of having quick service as well as Shutters for meals. Get the dining plan! We did it for the first time and will never go without it again. So, I will always recommend CBR and continue to stay there... unless I am suddenly left a fortune from a long lost uncle, at which time I am moving into the Polynesian resort.

[Fantasmic]

Nicely said, laguana! I've stayed at CBR twice in the past, and though it wouldn't be my first choice again (thanks to a spectacular stay at CSR), I'm sure I'll end up at CBR some time in the future. Jamaica was a nice stay; Trinidad South not so much (felt away from everything and wasn't the greatest experience).

I'm sure Crystal would like it there, and again I wouldn't hesitate to stay there if she wanted to try something other than CSR. Shutters is great! I had an enjoyable meal there, and will likely review it some time in the near future on the Disney Dining Experience on an upcoming CB Podcast. :)

Great review!

[moseymouse101]

WOW very nice! I have stayed there once in the past and really enjoyed it. It is my favorite...much better than the value resorts! It is much more relaxing than the Pop Century.

[Nebsky]

Agreed. We stayed in CBR Jamaica and loved it.
Have stayed at All Star Sports and Pop Century, plus all the other Moderates. This has the best atmosphere.

[maxlass]

Thanks for the review. I have just booked my stay there in May.

[laguna]

Congratulations, enjoy your stay there. I still think Jamaica is the place to stay, and if you booked a standard room ask to see if they will upgrade you free when you check in. It gives a nice view of the beach and water... and they do sometimes do it without a problem. Heck, all they can say is no.

[Disney Dreamin']

Congratulations again max! :StitchBounce:

I agree with laguna. Ask to stay in Jamaica. When we stayed at CBR in 2000, we truly enjoyed our experience there. Also, I have heard to stay away from Trinidad. It can be quite a hike to the food court, and main pool from there. :Mickeywalk:

[mickeyspal]

I've stayed at the Caribbean Beach Resort 7 times now and I hope to stay there again some day. It is a true vacation paradise. With it's 45 acre lake and white sand beaches, I think of it as a Polynesian Resort for those of us with more meager finances! It has beautiful landscaping, tropical flower gardens and wildlife, along with a wonderful 'Town Center' and recreational area.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q265/mickeyspal/100_0136.jpg
You could actually spend a week at this resort without leaving it and have a very nice little vacation.
The resort is spread out over 200 beautiful acres. The first building to greet you is the 'Customs House' which houses the Guest check in and check out (Unless you choose express check out) as well as the hotel's luggage storage. The heart of the resort, however, are six brightly colored villages that are nestled around the lake. Each village, named for a Caribbean Island, has its own 'quiet pool' (from 3' to 6' deep with NO lifeguard), a laundry room, ice and vending machines in each building group and a stretch of white sand beach. There are hammocks, palm trees, volleyball nets, and some playground equipment scattered around the beaches, with a macadem promanade circling the lake that is perfect for walking, jogging, and biking. Note: No Swimming is permitted in the lake, except for these baby ducklings and their Mama.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q265/mickeyspal/100_0137.jpg
The centerpiece of everything is Old Port Royale (OPR). First, I should explain that the lake is long and rather narrow as opposed to round. There is an island in the center with connecting bridges so that the village guests on the West side of the lake can easily cross over to the East side, where OPR is located. OPR is the hub of all activities. This building houses the Food Court, which is decorated in a cheerful island theme, Schutters, the hotel's full service restaurant, the Calypso Straw Market, a shop that sells Trading Pins (TP's), island and tropical themed items and gifts, including POTC merchandice, a Character Shop with all things Disney plus personal items, an arcade, a Grab 'N' Go Food Shop, and Guest Services.
Outside OPR is the recreation area. To the left is the Barefoot Bay Marina with its beautiful lighthouse.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q265/mickeyspal/100_0134.jpg
This is where guests can rent sail and pedal boats, Sea Raycers and bicycles. You can also pick up volleyballs here. To the right is the brand new pool area and it is fantastic. I had only heard that that the themed pool was getting a zero entry area. Actually they did a great deal more than that.
First, the island in the center of the lake used to be a playground, but that is now gone. While the CBR is still a wonderful place for Families with kids of all ages, I think the changes they made have made it more adult and couple friendly. The island now has a sandy area surrounded with shrubs, that has several picnic tables.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q265/mickeyspal/100_0129.jpg
There is also a tree and shrub secluded area with hammocks (one single and one double) and a partially enclosed little island type shack - all perfect for couples...especially Disneymooners! :love:
Now to the pool! It does have a zero entry area; it's not very big, but more than big enough for little ones to enjoy and for the disabled to have easy entry and exit from the pool. The original pirate fortress with its waterslide and the hot tub in front of it are unchanged.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q265/mickeyspal/100_0132.jpg

Opposite that, however, there is now another almost, life size pirate fortress with a second waterslide.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q265/mickeyspal/100_0130.jpg

Behind this new second fortress, is an additional new hot tub and its entire setting is far more secluded than the original, as it's separated from the main pool by the new fortress building. Again, something nice for groups of adults and couples.
What was the kiddie pool, which was nothing more than a shallow wading pool, is now almost like a mini waterpark!

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q265/mickeyspal/100_0133.jpg
They really made the litttle kids a very nice play area. The center of it is a big 'cartoonish' style pirate ship with play events like a rope ladder leading to platforms taking them to waterslides, a big crawl tube that leads to two 'speed' style slides, and other fun activities.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q265/mickeyspal/100_0128.jpg

On the very top is an oversized crow's nest that gathers water and then dumps it on everyone below it. Finally, there is a new decking area on the lake side of the pool complex that leads down to the Trinidad Villages; there are benches and resting areas along the deck and entrances to the island as well.
In between the Marina and pool complex is the OPR plaza, which hasn't changed.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q265/mickeyspal/100_0135.jpg
It still has the beautiful multitiered fountain, tropical flowers, bright umbrella covered tables and poolside bar and snack spot. Add to this all of the inside and outside entertainment, activities, and music, and you have a great Disney Resort.
I would recommend the CBR to anyone who wants an exciting hotel with a tropical island feel. It's right between EPCOT and the Studios and close to Typhoon Lagoon and DTD. The bus service can seem long after a long tiring day, but the buses run pretty frequently and they even have an internal shuttle bus that just services the villages and OPR. I definitely give the CBR five out of five :mickey::mickey::mickey::mickey::mickey:! :yes: - MP:Mickeywalk: :Mickeyear:

[Disney Dreamin']

Thanks for that review with the pictures MP. It's really nice to see all of the new updates. :Mickeyear:

[disneyhope]

MP ~ Thanks for this wonderful review of the CBR and the photos. We have just made reservations for a December trip to WDW to celebrate our 15th anniversary and we will be staying at the CBR for the first time.

Now I am even more excited after reading your report and seeing your photos. The kids will absolutely love the pool area!! And hubby and I will too! LOL!

Also, I've read all the previous posts and everyone recommends the Jamaica building. Coincidentally, that's the building I requested. I thought it looked to be secluded but yet easily accessible to the Old Port Royale by the bridge across the water. Also, it looks to be fairly near the pools and a bus stop. So now more than ever, I hope we do get a room in the Jamaica building!!!

Thanks again, everyone!!! :)