Stay in the heart of the magic (Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort)

Member Name: Daisy

Product:	Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
Date:	18/10/01 (604 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: location, fabulous theming

Disadvantages: costly

There are obviously hundreds of hotels and resorts in the Orlando area catering for the huge number of tourists that arrive daily. However for me staying “on-site” at one of the Walt Disney properties makes the visit even more special. There are approximately 16 Disney hotels, which are spread around the 47 square miles that make up Walt Disney World. They are divided into 3 groups, deluxe, moderate and value -obviously the deluxe being the most expensive. We have twice stayed at the Caribbean Beach Resort, which falls into the moderate category.

The Caribbean beach resort (CBR fir short) has 2,112 rooms in 33 colorful 2-storey buildings on the shores of a lake. The buildings are grouped in 6 villages: Barbados, Martinique, Aruba, Jamaica, Trinidad North, and Trinidad South. Each village has 6 buildings, its own pool, white sand beach with hammocks and playground, laundry facilities, bus stop, and parking area.

The centerpiece of CBR is its45-acre lake, surrounded by a 1.4-mile walkway which connects to winding paths leading to all guestrooms and common areas. The promenade is superb for strolling, jogging, and bicycling. In the center of the lake is Parrot Cay, an island with tropical birds and a large well thought out adventure playground. Parrot Cay is connected to the promenade on each side by a footbridge. The lake, island, lush vegetation, colorful buildings, and attractive landscaping combine to make a bright colourful setting. Each of the buildings feature pastel walls, white railings and a vividly painted roof. Throughout the complex décor, furnishings and staff uniform reflect the Caribbean theme.

Old Port Royale, a complex located at the center of the property continues the Caribbean theme by evoking images of an island market place. Here you will find a restaurant, extensive food court, lounge, games room and two shops. From Old Port Royale you step out onto the main communal pool area. This is themed like a Spani
sh fort complete with canons billowing out smoke, water slides, kiddies’ pool and whirlpool area. I particularly liked this area, there were plenty of towels available, an outdoor bar, and at night-time it was a lovely place to sit and view the fireworks from Epcot which were easily visible.

Each room has either two double or one king sized bed, plus the usual TV, table, coffee maker, bathroom area etc. Although the rooms are not huge they are fine for up to 2 adults and 2 children. Although all the rooms are identical inside the price structure varies slightly based on the view (i.e. parking lot, pool or beach view).

Staying at a Disney hotel is never cheap but there are many advantages to consider, such as:

1. Early entry to the theme parks on selected days.
2. Free transportation within all of Walt Disney World – perfect for anyone who doesn’t feel comfortable driving.
3. Any purchases you make within WDW property is delivered to your room free of charge.
4. Priority given when making reservations for Disney restaurants shows sports etc.
5. This one I know sounds a bit corny, but “being part of the magic”!


Overall I would highly recommend a stay at any Disney property, but then again as you’ll see from my description I love ‘all things Disney’ so maybe I’m a little biased!

Currently rooms cost from $130 per night (this is for the room only for up to 4 with no food or other extras included)

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