"Stranded" on a Caribbean Beach - First time? Free dining? Join us!

[Scrappygrrl]

HI all -
I think there are a lot of us staying at CBR for the first time because of free dining. Whether you are excited to learn about a new resort or leery because of perceptions about resort (bed size? transpo?), I think this could be a great support group!

Anyone interested???

About our group -
Staying the infamous "Jersey Week" - 11/1 - 11/7. Just booked a standard room. Think my kids would love pirate but I think the locations are not great? Worth extra cost?
Anyone want to chime in?

Also a little leery of bed size - I think it will be one parent + one kid in each bed to make the best of it, so that is my "work around".

Worried about bus transpo times/crowds - wonder which is best building to request??

 

[dansdad]

Come join us over on the CBR FAQ Thread. We're a very knowledgeable and friendly bunch. Some of us have even become CBR fans because it was our only option for FD. So we know what you're going through. I know I was nervous before our first stay and now CBR is our favorite moderate by far.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3032047

 

[twocee]

first timer at CBR too...doing my research now for a room request and got my reservation this morning with free dining...we are there 11/11-11/21

 

[Scrappygrrl]

first timer at CBR too...doing my research now for a room request and got my reservation this morning with free dining...we are there 11/11-11/21

The amount of info to cull through is kind of overwhelming, right?

 

[luvmylatte]

2nd time at CBR but this time is for the FD. Hoping to be in Martinique the week on 9/23-9/30. WHOOP WHOOP, counting the days!!!

 

[Scrappygrrl]

Come join us over on the CBR FAQ Thread. We're a very knowledgeable and friendly bunch. Some of us have even become CBR fans because it was our only option for FD. So we know what you're going through. I know I was nervous before our first stay and now CBR is our favorite moderate by far.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3032047

Thanks! I started looking but it is so overwhelming! I kind of thought this would be more of a support group for the refugees, lol! If there is no interest, I guess it will just go by the wayside...no harm, no foul.

 

[dansdad]

Think my kids would love pirate but I think the locations are not great? Worth extra cost?
Anyone want to chime in?

They are the furthest from OPR and the Main Pool, about 7-10 minute stroll depending on which building.

Also a little leery of bed size - I think it will be one parent + one kid in each bed to make the best of it, so that is my "work around".

I am 6'3" and my wife is 5'11" and we don't have any issues sharing a bed there. But your workaround is a popular one.

Worried about bus transpo times/crowds - wonder which is best building to request??

All 4 of our CBR stays have been during FD and when the resort is at capacity. We've never had any major issues the buses. No more issues than we have had at other resorts. We like that every village has its own bus stop and quiet pool so you are never far from one. Jamaica 45 is our favorite location. A short 4-5 minute stroll across the bridge to OPR and the main pool. Aruba 51 is about the same, but we prefer Jamaica for the bright yellow buildings.

 

[Scrappygrrl]

All 4 of our CBR stays have been during FD and when the resort is at capacity. We've never had any major issues the buses. No more issues than we have had at other resorts. We like that every village has its own bus stop and quiet pool so you are never far from one. Jamaica 45 is our favorite location. A short 4-5 minute stroll across the bridge to OPR and the main pool. Aruba 51 is about the same, but we prefer Jamaica for the bright yellow buildings.

Thanks so much for the very specific recommendations - I will jot those down!

 

[dansdad]

Thanks! I started looking but it is so overwhelming! I kind of thought this would be more of a support group for the refugees, lol! If there is no interest, I guess it will just go by the wayside...no harm, no foul.

After you look at the first page for details, I would start at the last page as people are starting to post who have booked for the first time.

 

[Disneylvr]

OP although we can't join in on the free dining we did just get from a week long stay at CBR. LOVE LOVE LOVE CBR! We have just one child but I paired up with her in one bed and DH had his own. Worked just fine with full size and being used to king size at home. Enjoy your planning!!!

 

[kkcmom]

This is our first time at CBR also. I was a little worried about the beds but I figure that is the least of my concerns at Disney. I love any kind of support so I am up for a thread on it!

 

[Scrappygrrl]

OP although we can't join in on the free dining we did just get from a week long stay at CBR. LOVE LOVE LOVE CBR! We have just one child but I paired up with her in one bed and DH had his own. Worked just fine with full size and being used to king size at home. Enjoy your planning!!!

That's wonderful news...starting to feel a bit better....

 

[Scrappygrrl]

This is our first time at CBR also. I was a little worried about the beds but I figure that is the least of my concerns at Disney. I love any kind of support so I am up for a thread on it!

Welcome! And I agree, beds are least of my concerns. I'm worried about size of resort and transportation. I'm wondering if OPR the only place to get the refillable mugs filled? We really don't use the food courts for food, so only really worried about easy access for mug refills.

 

[dansdad]

I'm wondering if OPR the only place to get the refillable mugs filled?

Yes it is.

 

[ShannonMB]

CBR was our first choice well before free dining was announced, if that gives you any idea how we feel about it!! DD especially LOVES this resort. We have stayed there already, but I will say I had some of the same concerns before we went.

We do like a preferred room, they are SO convenient to the food court/main pool, etc - and we care about that. Honestly, though, with bus stops in each of the different worlds, how far the stops are is no issue. I was worried I would be HIGHLY annoyed at how many times the bus would have to stop for all those lands, but it really wasn't near the big deal I thought it would be. The resort itself is gorgeous, and we are very happy there!

Only you can know if the double bed situation is a problem - we have not found it to be. Me and DD sleep in a double fine, but we aren't kickers/jerkers either. As far as the pirate rooms, it's not worth it to me, but that's pretty subjective as well.

Enjoy!!!

 

[yayashelly26]

I usually stay at Port Orleans Riverside, but because of free dining I had to switch to CBR. I think it looks nice, but the reviews I have found seem to be mixed. Any info, good or bad would be great!
It's a girls trip September 29th-October 3rd.

 

[20yBWDW]

We will be there for our first time at that resort, and the same week. I am concerned about the walking. We debated whether to do preferred rooms, but I know my kids would love the yellow of Jamaica. That seems like such a silly reason to not choose preferred, so I am second-guessing myself. If we can request Jamaica, close to the bridge, and get Jamaica, close to the bridge, then I will have no regrets. If we do not pay for preferred, request Jamaica, close to the bridge, and get Aruba by the parking lot, then I will kick myself.

Anyone know the chances of getting the village request, if not the building request? Also, how much further is, say, building 42 vs. building 45. I was thinking if I request building 42, my chances may be better of getting what I want.

 

[diskids2]

I've stayed at CBR resort before. We actually love it. My only recommendation would be to get a preferred room. The resort is large and we prefer being near the food court and main pool.

As far as the bus service.... I rarely waited for a second bus...I didn't mind going from stop to stop, but it is true you do go from stop to stop depending on the cycle and where you catch it. To be honest, I found the bus transportation worse at the Beach Club, especially the trip to DTD.

 

[diskids2]

We will be there for our first time at that resort, and the same week. I am concerned about the walking. We debated whether to do preferred rooms, but I know my kids would love the yellow of Jamaica. That seems like such a silly reason to not choose preferred, so I am second-guessing myself. If we can request Jamaica, close to the bridge, and get Jamaica, close to the bridge, then I will have no regrets. If we do not pay for preferred, request Jamaica, close to the bridge, and get Aruba by the parking lot, then I will kick myself.

Anyone know the chances of getting the village request, if not the building request? Also, how much further is, say, building 42 vs. building 45. I was thinking if I request building 42, my chances may be better of getting what I want.

I think the chances of getting what you want are the same as getting what you want at any other resort. I would note what you want on your reservation in order of preference and I wouldn't request specific room numbers or more than three requests. Jamaica is very popular and is the village that everyone wants (after preferred or pirate themed rooms).

 

[tanyali26]

I really wanted CSR, I was on the line early. I got through within 20 minutes(maybe because it was a new reservation). Anyway ended up with CBR for 10/26-11/2...my only worries were the busses and beds. I was considering Pop but my DD would most likely love the pool at CBR along with the theme. I am excited though! This willbe our 3rd visit, and 1st time at a resort!!!!!