Just switched from POP, to Caribbean Beach..good idea,, or not?

[mitchk]

Hey, hey, I just switched from Pop to CBR, I have never been there before, but I know it's one of the largest resorts on property. I have a 4 yo, and I requested a room in the Trinidad South building. How long of a walk is it to the main building? I have looked over the map, but I wanted some of my WDWMAGIC fam info.. Thank you all in advance

 

[EmmieSue]

We stayed at Caribbean Beach last May. I didn't really like it. We weren't terribly far from the check-in building, but the distance to the food/shop/big pool was a bit much after a long day at the parks. You can take the bus around the resort, but that takes a bit too. It did get a bit annoying having to stop at all the sections to and from the parks, but it wasn't terrible unless it was a giant group getting on at each stop.

I didn't really like the theme of the resort. I was expecting more of a Disney feel and it just wasn't. I think All Star Movies, POP, and AOA have the best Disney feels to them so I prefer those three to all the others.

The one thing I really did like about Caribbean beach though was that it was more quiet because there was more space to spread everyone out. The little private smaller pools in each section were super nice. We had it to ourselves quite a few times. It isn't a bad place by any means, but I think POP might be your better option.

 

[mitchk]

We stayed at Caribbean Beach last May. I didn't really like it. We weren't terribly far from the check-in building, but the distance to the food/shop/big pool was a bit much after a long day at the parks. You can take the bus around the resort, but that takes a bit too. It did get a bit annoying having to stop at all the sections to and from the parks, but it wasn't terrible unless it was a giant group getting on at each stop.

I didn't really like the theme of the resort. I was expecting more of a Disney feel and it just wasn't. I think All Star Movies, POP, and AOA have the best Disney feels to them so I prefer those three to all the others.

The one thing I really did like about Caribbean beach though was that it was more quiet because there was more space to spread everyone out. The little private smaller pools in each section were super nice. We had it to ourselves quite a few times. It isn't a bad place by any means, but I think POP might be your better option.

Thank you, like I said I stayed at Pop last year in the 60s and really enjoyed it... I may have to switch...I'm waiting for my wife to get home before I do anything, but damn..I thought moving to a moderate would be nice, but I'm not sure now..I also enjoy the values because they are nice and small....

 

[Tom 55]

Thank you, like I said I stayed at Pop last year in the 60s and really enjoyed it... I may have to switch...I'm waiting for my wife to get home before I do anything, but damn..I thought moving to a moderate would be nice, but I'm not sure now..I also enjoy the values because they are nice and small....

When we stay at a moderate we go to POFQ. It only has one bus stop were Riverside has 4. The main building is right in the center so it is not that far to walk from any of the buildings. The pool is right behind main building again centrally located. Our first time staying here was in 2009. We had our 4 year old grandson with us and had to stay here because of the "dragon" slide. It has a boat to DD. We have stayed here 4 times. When we go to value we stay at POP. Best building is # 5 or 6. To the left of the pool closer to bus stop.

 

[mitchk]

When we stay at a moderate we go to POFQ. It only has one bus stop were Riverside has 4. The main building is right in the center so it is not that far to walk from any of the buildings. The pool is right behind main building again centrally located. Our first time staying here was in 2009. We had our 4 year old grandson with us and had to stay here because of the "dragon" slide. It has a boat to DD. We have stayed here 4 times. When we go to value we stay at POP. Best building is # 5 or 6. To the left of the pool closer to bus stop.

Thank you I'm gonna change to PO I think....sounds great

 

[cbettua]

Oh geez, Caribbean was great! One of our favorite stays was Caribbean. Don't change because a few didn't like it. Everyone has an opinion really, it comes down to what you want and what works for your family. The boys really loved the splash pad and the beach.
1535399_10201825909901680_2038448755_n by cbettua, on Flickr

 

[mitchk]

Man...so torn...

 

[EmmieSue]

Man...so torn...

Time to make a pros and cons list? You know about the bus service. You know about the distance issue. You also know about the pools. Maybe try looking up video tours on youtube of the two moderate resorts as a family and decide from there? Maybe that will help out a bit. Disney seems to be full of so many tough decisions. xD

 

[cbettua]

Pop is my last resort option, for the values I enjoy AOA the most. If I can't get AOA then I choose POP.

 

[MissingDisney]

The pool at CBR blows away the pools at POP or the PO resorts, especially if you're a kid.

 

[Tinkerkelle]

The pool at CBR blows away the pools at POP or the PO resorts, especially if you're a kid.

Definitely. The pool is brilliant for children and has a great wet playground too. Also a hot tub for us big kids.
We really wanted to try POFQ this trip to try a different resort and we liked the idea of something a bit more compact but got a good deal for contemporary. We were really happy with our choice of CBR, though, and our boys loved it.

 

[TXDisney]

Just looked over the menus there, they seem ok.... Man, I don't know what to do...stay at CBR, or switch to PO... Gonna look over the price difference. I don't like hearing about all these busses and long walks. Not a problem for me, but wife and 4yo... Looks like PO my be a little less $. I don't know going a lil crazy here..

It depends on what room you get. We never had a problem with our room location but we're active, so walking doesn't bug us.

 

[ToTBellHop]

We love CBR and avoid the values like the plague nowadays. I love the tropical theme, food court, and pool area. Plus the island in the middle of Barefoot Bay is really nice with a wonderful playground for your 4yo. Your 4yo would also love the splash pad pictured above. No other mods or values have splash pads yet. I would not make a decision to change resorts at WDW based upon a few Internet comments.

 

[Andrew C]

Thank you everyone. I just got off the phone, switched to Jamaica, she even put in the request for building 45, I hope I get it, thank you all so much for the info, it helped a lot. My other question is why is the check in so far from the main building? I'm guessing you check in, then get on a bus to your room

I stayed in building 45 last fall. You will enjoy it as the rooms are newly renovated. It is also right next to the bridge that gets you to the main building.

People always seem to freak out about the buses. Exaggerated in my opinion.

 

[MissingDisney]

The kids pool play area alone would keep me at CBR for a 4 y/o. There is nothing like that at POFQ or POP. The playground is wonderful, the pool is great, scenery is beautiful, rooms are brand new.....yes, POFQ wins hands down as far as it is small, has one bus stop but what are you basing your decision on. We have chosen our resorts around our kids. Values when they were in awe of a giant Buzz Lightyear, moved to CBR when they wanted an awesome kiddie pool area and neat slides, then on to POFQ when we wanted a more laid back and relaxed setting and pool slides were no longer a priority. Personal choice but I wouldn't make a knee jerk reaction change based on one or two things. Something drew you to CBR...go with it! There's always next time to try something else.

 

[mitchk]

The kids pool play area alone would keep me at CBR for a 4 y/o. There is nothing like that at POFQ or POP. The playground is wonderful, the pool is great, scenery is beautiful, rooms are brand new.....yes, POFQ wins hands down as far as it is small, has one bus stop but what are you basing your decision on. We have chosen our resorts around our kids. Values when they were in awe of a giant Buzz Lightyear, moved to CBR when they wanted an awesome kiddie pool area and neat slides, then on to POFQ when we wanted a more laid back and relaxed setting and pool slides were no longer a priority. Personal choice but I wouldn't make a knee jerk reaction change based on one or two things. Something drew you to CBR...go with it! There's always next time to try something else.

I'm gonna stick with CBR. Thank you everyone for all the great info!

 

[iluvMainStMagic]

Something that I didn't notice being mentioned is that CBR's rooms are a little bigger than the other Moderates. It was the first Moderate resort built, and the room size was decreased a little when they built the other Mods. Also, CBR has had the most recent room refurb of the Moderates (I think), which is nice, too. We have stayed in Jamaica several times, and love that location! Good choice
I agree with the comment about CBR bus transfer times being similar to POR, makes sense since both are similar sized resorts (aprox 2000 rooms). POFQ is half the # of room as CBR & POR, and has one bus stop - however, they may still share buses with POR for part of the day. I'm not sure if this has changed, but they used to share buses until 4pm, then after 4:00 there were separate buses.
It is personal preference of course, but I think POR has the best food court of these 3. But, CBR has such a relaxed, Caribbean vibe and a great pool, I still love it, and would not hesitate to stay there again.

Hope you have a wonderful time!

 

[stevehousse]

We are staying at CBR for the first time this May (20 days to go!!!) and we are very excited to stay there. The pool is the nicest out of all the moderate resorts, and I like the fact that I don't have to leave Disney to hang out at the beach, as all the villages have beaches! I too was weary about some of the comments I have read, but the rooms are completely brand new! Who can pass up a brand new room! I will be writing a trip report when we return and will definitely include info about the resort! Keep an eye out!

 

[mitchk]

Something that I didn't notice being mentioned is that CBR's rooms are a little bigger than the other Moderates. It was the first Moderate resort built, and the room size was decreased a little when they built the other Mods. Also, CBR has had the most recent room refurb of the Moderates (I think), which is nice, too. We have stayed in Jamaica several times, and love that location! Good choice
I agree with the comment about CBR bus transfer times being similar to POR, makes sense since both are similar sized resorts (aprox 2000 rooms). POFQ is half the # of room as CBR & POR, and has one bus stop - however, they may still share buses with POR for part of the day. I'm not sure if this has changed, but they used to share buses until 4pm, then after 4:00 there were separate buses.
It is personal preference of course, but I think POR has the best food court of these 3. But, CBR has such a relaxed, Caribbean vibe and a great pool, I still love it, and would not hesitate to stay there again.

Hope you have a wonderful time!

Thank you, and yes looking over the food court offerings at all 3 POFQ was by far the best... I want a cheese steak when I'm on vacation..

 

[mitchk]

We are staying at CBR for the first time this May (20 days to go!!!) and we are very excited to stay there. The pool is the nicest out of all the moderate resorts, and I like the fact that I don't have to leave Disney to hang out at the beach, as all the villages have beaches! I too was weary about some of the comments I have read, but the rooms are completely brand new! Who can pass up a brand new room! I will be writing a trip report when we return and will definitely include info about the resort! Keep an eye out!

I look forward to reading your report. Have a magical trip!

 

[JasonDeyoung]

Stayed at all of them and I'd go with either POR or POFQ if it's an option. That or I'd switch back to PoP. I just didn't love CBR and that's just my opinion. Best of luck and have a great trip!