Help!!

[mouselover321]

So my family and I had our reservations made to go to All Star Movies Resort, and today we were calling Disney to see if our free dining pin code was available yet (it has been all booked up so we were calling to see if there were any cancellations), and it wasn't. So we planned to pay for it. But then the lady suggested to move up to a moderate resort and get the dinning plan for free and it would be about the same price, maybe more. So we priced it up, and it came out $500 dollars less in Caribbean Beach than All Star Movies! We picked CB because both POs and CS were all booked up. The other thing was that everything was booked but the Pirate Rooms. We are going to try to change them to a preferred room if any become available.

For those who have stayed at CB, how was it? Do you have any tips? Should we stay in a different moderate resort? If so, which one? I know that it's a big resort and we will have to walk a lot because of the location of our rooms. AND I also want to add that we have never stayed in anything but a value resort before so we don't have much to compare this too. We are really excited that it is a step up from the values.

 

[disney4life2008]

CB is a beautiful resort. However, the spacial density is a theme park in its own right. Depending on location - you would be walking forever. I tend to stray away from resorts that offer interior bus service because I do not like additional walking and waiting. With that said - CR is a beautiful resort. I would rather stay there than POR or CS.

 

[TheMouseFan]

So my family and I had our reservations made to go to All Star Movies Resort, and today we were calling Disney to see if our free dining pin code was available yet (it has been all booked up so we were calling to see if there were any cancellations), and it wasn't. So we planned to pay for it. But then the lady suggested to move up to a moderate resort and get the dinning plan for free and it would be about the same price, maybe more. So we priced it up, and it came out $500 dollars less in Caribbean Beach than All Star Movies! We picked CB because both POs and CS were all booked up. The other thing was that everything was booked but the Pirate Rooms. We are going to try to change them to a preferred room if any become available.

For those who have stayed at CB, how was it? Do you have any tips? Should we stay in a different moderate resort? If so, which one? I know that it's a big resort and we will have to walk a lot because of the location of our rooms. AND I also want to add that we have never stayed in anything but a value resort before so we don't have much to compare this too. We are really excited that it is a step up from the values.

We stayed at CBR in a pirate room in December and loved it! (I have lots of pics of the pool and the room in my Dec. 2012 TR) It really is not that far to walk to the food court and the pool. It is, however, a long haul to the Custom House. Bell Services will give you a ride to your room the day you check in though, and they will pick your luggage up from your room the day you are leaving.

 

[EOD K9]

I haven't stayed at CB since 2004 but I enjoyed it. Unless they changed building numbers, number 25 was the closest to Old Port Royale (food court). I think the building section itself was Martinique. Ask for that at check in if possible. Hope that helps.

 

[ShookieJones]

I'm probably becoming notorious as CBR basher, but the truth is I tried it and I am NOT a big fan.

We stayed there this past September because we'd always stayed at POFQ and PORS and just wanted to try something new. The kids were totally against it, but obviously the wife and I trumped their vote...
You know what sux? When you're wrong and your two teenagers are right...tough pill to swallow indeed .

The rooms had a cheap motel feel, and the layout of the resort is awful, I'm not a fan of having the front desk\check in in a separate building from the food, swimming, etc.

The CS food offerings where sub par at best.

The pool was nice and the grounds themselves were in decent shape, but I can tell you that we would not stay at this resort ever again.

POFQ and CS not available --- I would tell you to switch to PORS in a heartbeat.

I will end my rant with this ----I said I would never stay there again, HOWEVER if it was all that was available it would be a no brainer..I would sleep in a refrigerator box if it means going to WDW.

 

[mouselover321]

CB is a beautiful resort. However, the spacial density is a theme park in its own right. Depending on location - you would be walking forever. I tend to stray away from resorts that offer interior bus service because I do not like additional walking and waiting. With that said - CR is a beautiful resort. I would rather stay there than POR or CS.

We stayed at CBR in a pirate room in December and loved it! (I have lots of pics of the pool and the room in my Dec. 2012 TR) It really is not that far to walk to the food court and the pool. It is, however, a long haul to the Custom House. Bell Services will give you a ride to your room the day you check in though, and they will pick your luggage up from your room the day you are leaving.

I haven't stayed at CB since 2004 but I enjoyed it. Unless they changed building numbers, number 25 was the closest to Old Port Royale (food court). I think the building section itself was Martinique. Ask for that at check in if possible. Hope that helps.

Thanks for the feedback! I'm glad you guys liked it. We are trying to get into the Martinique, or to any other section for that matter.

I'm probably becoming notorious as CBR basher, but the truth is I tried it and I am NOT a big fan.

We stayed there this past September because we'd always stayed at POFQ and PORS and just wanted to try something new. The kids were totally against it, but obviously the wife and I trumped their vote...
You know what sux? When you're wrong and your two teenagers are right...tough pill to swallow indeed .

The rooms had a cheap motel feel, and the layout of the resort is awful, I'm not a fan of having the front desk\check in in a separate building from the food, swimming, etc.

The CS food offerings where sub par at best.

The pool was nice and the grounds themselves were in decent shape, but I can tell you that we would not stay at this resort ever again.

POFQ and CS not available --- I would tell you to switch to PORS in a heartbeat.

I will end my rant with this ----I said I would never stay there again, HOWEVER if it was all that was available it would be a no brainer..I would sleep in a refrigerator box if it means going to WDW.

Oh no I have read reviews that have said the same things as you, regarding the food. What section did you stay in? And how were the busses? I've heard some bad things about them. Well I just called back in and there is no other mod resort with availability. I will keep checking in, but if any of the PORs open up, I'm for sure switching! Thanks for being honest and for the feedback!

 

[ShookieJones]

Oh no I have read reviews that have said the same things as you, regarding the food. What section did you stay in? And how were the busses? I've heard some bad things about them. Well I just called back in and there is no other mod resort with availability. I will keep checking in, but if any of the PORs open up, I'm for sure switching! Thanks for being honest and for the feedback!

We stayed in Aruba section and we had a car, but it always felt like it took us about 20 minutes to get out of there. Of course I'm exaggerating, that's what I do , but it really always seemed like a hassle to get around even having our own rent a car.

Listen - I gave you honest advice, but also I don't want to be a debby downer.
We're of course talking about first world problems here. Our opinions on these resorts is the equivalent of
talking about where in the front row your seat is at your favorite concert or sports event.

If we're talking about our upcoming vacations at WDW with family and friends, we're already WAY ahead of the game. Where we end up staying is just icing on the cake we're lucky to be eating!

So don't fret, it may or may not be the ideal place to stay, but either way you're going to end up happy!

 

[mouselover321]

We stayed in Aruba section and we had a car, but it always felt like it took us about 20 minutes to get out of there. Of course I'm exaggerating, that's what I do , but it really always seemed like a hassle to get around even having our own rent a car.

Listen - I gave you honest advice, but also I don't want to be a debby downer.
We're of course talking about first world problems here. Our opinions on these resorts is the equivalent of
talking about where in the front row your seat is at your favorite concert or sports event.

If we're talking about our upcoming vacations at WDW with family and friends, we're already WAY ahead of the game. Where we end up staying is just icing on the cake we're lucky to be eating!

So don't fret, it may or may not be the ideal place to stay, but either way you're going to end up happy!

Your right, my family is really excited about staying there! Plus we are in WDW, so either way we are going to have tons of fun Thanks for the advice!

 

[real mad hatter]

I'm probably becoming notorious as CBR basher, but the truth is I tried it and I am NOT a big fan.

We stayed there this past September because we'd always stayed at POFQ and PORS and just wanted to try something new. The kids were totally against it, but obviously the wife and I trumped their vote...
You know what sux? When you're wrong and your two teenagers are right...tough pill to swallow indeed .

The rooms had a cheap motel feel, and the layout of the resort is awful, I'm not a fan of having the front desk\check in in a separate building from the food, swimming, etc.

The CS food offerings where sub par at best.

The pool was nice and the grounds themselves were in decent shape, but I can tell you that we would not stay at this resort ever again.

POFQ and CS not available --- I would tell you to switch to PORS in a heartbeat.

I will end my rant with this ----I said I would never stay there again, HOWEVER if it was all that was available it would be a no brainer..I would sleep in a refrigerator box if it means going to WDW.

Hey Dude..Move over the bed and pass me the ice...

 

[sgtmgd]

We stayed in Aruba section and we had a car, but it always felt like it took us about 20 minutes to get out of there. Of course I'm exaggerating, that's what I do , but it really always seemed like a hassle to get around even having our own rent a car.

Listen - I gave you honest advice, but also I don't want to be a debby downer.
We're of course talking about first world problems here. Our opinions on these resorts is the equivalent of
talking about where in the front row your seat is at your favorite concert or sports event.

If we're talking about our upcoming vacations at WDW with family and friends, we're already WAY ahead of the game. Where we end up staying is just icing on the cake we're lucky to be eating!

So don't fret, it may or may not be the ideal place to stay, but either way you're going to end up happy!

Well said..

Honesty always appreciated..

Coronado is another well themed Resort with a fantastic pool if that factors in the equation..like CBR it is spread out somewhat..its been 7 years since we stayed there...We tried POFQ last September and it was ok..room was nice..view of the river was very nice..still a bit of walk from room to lobby..

 

[HollyAD]

I am a CBR fan. Yes it is really spread out but it just didn't bother us. We loved the theme and enjoyed the tropical atmosphere. It has been a really long time since I have stayed at CSR but it just wasn't my favorite. So don't worry if you can't change your reservation. CBR will be fine if you enjoy the atmosphere. Yes you may walk a little more but all the mods seem to be pretty spread out! I do remember the food at CBR just being OK but you don't HAVE to eat there. There are so many other choices on property. I only ate there once or twice the entire stay. I did not like anything I had at Coronado Springs. Check out the menu at their counter service. It could have just been an off day but I only ate there once or twice as well! We mostly head to DTD or the parks for food anyway. Overall CBR is BEAUTIFULLY themed, you will enjoy just taking a walk around and taking in the lush landscape. We certainly did. And you get free dinning! How much better could it get

 

[steviej]

I've stayed at cbr. The only drawback to it as previously mentioned is, it is HUGE. Hope you're renting a car, because after walking in the parks all day, you're in for a heckuva walk after the bus.

Friends of mine stayed there 2 years ago, and we'd go hang out with them, no joke, it was about a 10 minute walk from their room to the hot tub. Now that don't sound like a lot, but again, after a day in the parks, that's a tall order.

I like the resort, but I recommend renting a car

 

[mouselover321]

I am a CBR fan. Yes it is really spread out but it just didn't bother us. We loved the theme and enjoyed the tropical atmosphere. It has been a really long time since I have stayed at CSR but it just wasn't my favorite. So don't worry if you can't change your reservation. CBR will be fine if you enjoy the atmosphere. Yes you may walk a little more but all the mods seem to be pretty spread out! I do remember the food at CBR just being OK but you don't HAVE to eat there. There are so many other choices on property. I only ate there once or twice the entire stay. I did not like anything I had at Coronado Springs. Check out the menu at their counter service. It could have just been an off day but I only ate there once or twice as well! We mostly head to DTD or the parks for food anyway. Overall CBR is BEAUTIFULLY themed, you will enjoy just taking a walk around and taking in the lush landscape. We certainly did. And you get free dinning! How much better could it get

I'm glad your a fan. I don't mind walking, but a few people in the fam might. Yeah, I heard the food want that good, so e have already decided to go to the parks to eat breakfast or order groceries. Thanks!

I've stayed at cbr. The only drawback to it as previously mentioned is, it is HUGE. Hope you're renting a car, because after walking in the parks all day, you're in for a heckuva walk after the bus.

Friends of mine stayed there 2 years ago, and we'd go hang out with them, no joke, it was about a 10 minute walk from their room to the hot tub. Now that don't sound like a lot, but again, after a day in the parks, that's a tall order.

I like the resort, but I recommend renting a car

Well as of now, we aren't renting a car. I might consider it though! Thanks!

 

[tare]

Love the cbr. The theming is great and it's beautiful there. Bad things is bus transportation. I think it is the worst!!!! The value resorts have better bus service.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Caribbean and Coronado are my favorite moderates, I've never had any bus issues there. POR was the only resort I've been at where the buses were really slow in coming to the resorts and being picked up from the parks.

 

[75disney]

We stayed at CBR in 2009 and loved it. We were in a preferred room though which put us right next to the food court, main pool, and a bus stop. We never had any problems with the bus service, although I was on the bus a few times when it filled up before making all of the stops and just left without doing so. We only ate in the food court twice. Food was average. What I liked best about the resort was the theming. It was so relaxing to lay in a hammock by the lake listening to steel drum music. I loved the colors of the buildings. The tropical marketplace feel of Port Royale. The kids thought the pool was awesome. We could sit on the beach near the Martinique section and listen to the Illuminations music and see some of the higher fireworks. We were there at Christmas as well so the decorations were adorable as well.

If you are far away from Port Royale or the Customs building (place for Check-in, check-out, and ME pick-up, there is an internal bus which runs around the resort. We used it after check-in, but didn't need it again. It is an option if you don't want to walk. But I would recommend the walk, the grounds are beautiful.