Where we are staying--Possible Changes
About This Page: This is a discussion on Where we are staying--Possible Changes within the Staying in Style: The Resorts/Hotels at Walt Disney World, part of the PassPorter Community - Boards & Forums on Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel; So, for those of you who don't know.... my little family and I are traveling for the first time to ...

WhiteSnow · 07-07-2008, 09:29 PM

So, for those of you who don't know....

my little family and I are traveling for the first time to WDW in November 2008. The first part of our trip (roughly 3 days) will be on our own and the latter days will be with our dance troupe

.

Currently, we are booked at All Star Movies for the whole trip. However, today I spoke with a Disney agent to ask a few questions and I was tickled pink to learn that if we upgrade our part of the trip to a Moderate (or any) hotel (my choice is the Caribbean) then Bell Services will do a complimentary luggage transfer for us to ASM for the latter part of the trip. How wonderful, right?

Ok, so now I have to decide if we can swing the extra bucks to upgrade--it's not much, but it's still more money. So, here are my thoughts/concerns:

I'm thinking we should upgrade to Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort (to indulge my island-type dreams). If we were to do this and spend one day at the resort (no parks for that one day), is there enough to do for me, the hubby and three young children? Will we/they get bored?

I figured we could check out the Caribbean and all it has to offer that day as well as Downtown Disney and even Disney's Boardwalk. Feel free to tell me if I'm being unrealistic here.

I'd love anyone's thoughts, especially from those of you who've stayed at the CBR before.

I won't be offended if you anyone wants to recommend against this. After all, the trip is for the kids.

Mommy just really wants to enjoy a tiny bit for herself and the CBR is so appealing to me.

TIA!

Mickey28 · 07-08-2008, 07:44 AM

We have stayed at the CBR twice. We loved it both times. We stayed preferred in Martinique. It was close to the food court, the theme pool and yet far enough away that the noise wasn't bad. They have the little water boats you can rent, they have the 4 seated bike you can rent to pedal around the island (we saw alot of families doing this) They have an arcade, they have a pirate cruise for kids. There really is alot to do there and it is so peaceful to just relax. Good luck on what ever you decide.

**mcc0313** · 07-08-2008, 08:07 AM

We have not stayed at CBR but I am sure that you could definitely fill up a day enjoying the pool, maybe letting the kids have some arcade time - heading over for a dinner at DTD or the Boardwalk.

We just came back from the ASMo and while check in was a bit rocky (we did not get in until close to 3 am) the rest of our stay there was wonderful.

TheMadonna3 · 07-08-2008, 08:13 AM

There is no possible way to be bored at Disney!!

There is plenty to do at CBR. There is a hair braiding kiosk, face painting, tattoos, Old Port Royal (which has a swimming pool, food court, gift shop, and arcade) and they also have water activities, bike riding, and beach playgrounds. It's great that you would take a day to explore what the resort has to offer. I think everyone should do that.

coasties · 07-08-2008, 08:19 AM

We stayed at CB in 2004 and LOVED it! We were in Aruba and while it is across the water from the food court etc...our the DD's LOVED crossing the bridge to the island each morning to begin our adventure; on our way to the pool/food court etc...The island in the middle is a mini tropical paradise with little secluded coves that have hammocks. WONDERFUL little escape area and BEAUTIFUL. After you come through this area there is a place to feed the ducks ( another morning ritual for us). They are re-doing the pool there ( may be finished by now) but it was great before the renovation so anything better is a bonus! We liked Aruba and its quiet pool ( in addition the to the main pool at the resort each island has its own smaller "quiet" version), was a great place to chill and relax while we did a load or two of laundry. We rented a boat one afternoon and cruised the lake. Another day we rented a surrey bike and then played on the playground. I think there is PLENTY to do for a day. You can also see the EPCOT fireworks ( not a great view) from Aruba. The food court was good, the mousekeeping was wonderful and the bus service was great. ENJOY!!

Principessa_di_Fata · 07-08-2008, 08:33 AM

While I can't speak to CBR personally, I can say that I think at any Disney resort there's more than enough to do to fill a full day. I stayed at POR (another moderate) and DD and I spent a day just wandering around, relaxing by the pool, checking out the sights, having a snack at the food court, watched the surrey bikes and carriage rides go by, took a mid-day cat nap... it was wonderful!

**Colexis Mom** · 07-08-2008, 08:34 AM

I think your plan sounds great

B.M. · 07-08-2008, 08:59 AM

I've never stayed at CBR so I have no thoughts on that, but I think your kids would have a great time spending a day at the resort! You will have the pool(s), arcade, and more. It will NOT be boring! Have a great trip!

tio marco · 07-08-2008, 11:58 AM

You'll love CBR. Sounds like a great plan!!!

Nova · 07-08-2008, 12:23 PM

We have stayed there 6 times, really nice I loved just walking all the way around the lake beautiful, especially first thing in the morning. Lots to do there, have a wonderful time.

Joanne929 · 07-08-2008, 12:26 PM

We haven't stayed at CBR, but I am sure you can fill a day doing other things than at a park! Swimming, eating, checking out DTD and all it has to offer, maybe do a round of mini-golf? Have fun!

WhiteSnow · 07-08-2008, 02:41 PM

Thanks for all your responses. I picked up the Passporter 2008 and read more about CBR too and I'm really, really interested.

Thanks again!

Sue M. · 07-08-2008, 09:37 PM

We spent 10 days at CBR last August & loved it. We stayed in Jamacia, just a short walk across the bridge to the restaurant/food court & main pool. It was close enough without having to pay preferred price. And we were next to the Jamacia pool & very close to the bus stop. I loved coming back for our afternoon breaks for a dip in the pool & lazing on a hammock on the beach!! It's a beautiful resort. And having a lake view room was a bonus.

**WDW_Fan** · 07-10-2008, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhiteSnow

Currently, we are booked at All Star Movies for the whole trip. However, today I spoke with a Disney agent to ask a few questions and I was tickled pink to learn that if we upgrade our part of the trip to a Moderate (or any) hotel (my choice is the Caribbean) then Bell Services will do a complimentary luggage transfer for us to ASM for the latter part of the trip. How wonderful, right?

Ok, so now I have to decide if we can swing the extra bucks to upgrade--it's not much, but it's still more money. So, here are my thoughts/concerns:

I'm thinking we should upgrade to Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort (to indulge my island-type dreams). If we were to do this and spend one day at the resort (no parks for that one day), is there enough to do for me, the hubby and three young children? Will we/they get bored?

I figured we could check out the Caribbean and all it has to offer that day as well as Downtown Disney and even Disney's Boardwalk. Feel free to tell me if I'm being unrealistic here.

I'd love anyone's thoughts, especially from those of you who've stayed at the CBR before.

I won't be offended if you anyone wants to recommend against this. After all, the trip is for the kids.

Mommy just really wants to enjoy a tiny bit for herself and the CBR is so appealing to me.

TIA!

First of all, ALL Disney owned resorts will transfer your luggage FREE from one Disney owned resort to another. This is not limited to just Moderate or Deluxe resorts.

Second, if you do upgrade to a moderate, I would recommend staying at Port Orleans French Quarter. This is a great moderate resort!! It's small & compact, so it's easy to get everywhere here. Also, there is a boat launch from this resort to DTD, so no buses needed.

Have stayed at CBR once and won't go back. Awful service, way too spread out for my taste & having to walk across a dimly lit parking lot at night to get from the bus to my room made me very nervous.

WhiteSnow · 07-10-2008, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WDW_Fan

First of all, ALL Disney owned resorts will transfer your luggage FREE from one Disney owned resort to another. This is not limited to just Moderate or Deluxe resorts.

Second, if you do upgrade to a moderate, I would recommend staying at Port Orleans French Quarter. This is a great moderate resort!! It's small & compact, so it's easy to get everywhere here. Also, there is a boat launch from this resort to DTD, so no buses needed.

Have stayed at CBR once and won't go back. Awful service, way too spread out for my taste & having to walk across a dimly lit parking lot at night to get from the bus to my room made me very nervous.

Thanks for your input. I just saw your post about CBR on another thread and was wondering if you were going to post here too. I must admit your response makes me really second guess my thought to upgrade now. I had looked at the POFQ originally and it looked really nice, but I thought my kids wouldn't get a kick out of it. It looked a tad more grown-up to me. Thoughts?

I really do appreciate your posting. I like the good, the bad and the ugly when I'm trying to make a decision.