Reviews of Caribbean Beach Resort (Moderate Resort)
Reviewed by LWhite Review Date: 08/24/2022
Rating: (1) Not Recommended
This was literally the worst Disney experience we have EVER had. We paid for two Waterview rooms, and ended up getting Standard View rooms (basically all we could see was the other buildings). It was an upcharge of about $172 per room for the length of our stay, so around $344 total. To top it off, none of the plugs or USB plus in either room worked, and the AC in one of the rooms broke and then leaked water, at least 2 inches deep, into one room and stretching into the second room. Overall, the staff was unhelpful to say the least. It took us 4 trips to the front desk, over 3 or 4 days to even get anyone over there to fix it and get the water up. The smell was horrendous by the time they did. The only thing they did was comp part of the parking for one of the rooms. Our other issues, they just said they would take note and that was it. I tried contacted Guest Service after returning home and at first their response was, well we were overbooked. We booked over a year in advance. Them overbooking shouldn't have been our fault... and... if they overbooked, the least they could do was reimburse us so that we were only paying for the Standard View that we had. Between the view, the inability to charge anything because no plugs, the smell, and the standing water... I will NEVER stay at the Caribbean Beach again. A number of people I talked to while there had similar experiences during that trip. If I could give it Zero stars I would. After dealing with Guest Services, I'm not even sure I will ever stay at ANY Disney Resort. We clearly didn't get what we paid for, and their customer service has taken a HUGE drop in caring about customer satisfaction. 🙁
Pros:
Close to Skyliner and has slides at the poolCons:
Waterview rooms don't all actually have a waterview. The AC broke, flooded the room, and took about 4 days for them to finally send someone out to fix it. None of the plugs and USB outlets worked in the room (plugs would just fall out).Reviewed by Anonymous Review Date: 06/19/2021
Rating: (1) Not Recommended
Lack of Consideration
Pros:
Large resortCons:
Lack of consideration over a 2 inch difference in height, cause the family to sequester. I don’t recommend with this resort at all.Reviewed by Chrissy Review Date: 09/08/2020
Rating: (1) Not Recommended
This resort was a major disappointment for my husband and I. We stayed in the Aruba section, which was an okay walk from the skyliner but the room was awful. It resembled a motel 6. The furniture was dated and scratched up, the shower didn't have hot water at all and the shampoo pump was broken. Someone must have seen it since it was cleaned due to covid, but no one repaired it. The bathrooms are beyond tiny. I'm usually fine at Pop Century but I felt claustrophobic in these bathrooms. There's no where to hang one's towel and the shower looks to be straight out of the 80s. Everything was mostly clean but nothing was maintained. This is the worst resort on property. The value resorts are nicer than this one. No Disney touches at all and definitely not worth the $279 a night.
Pros:
The skyliner is a great way to travel. The pools are busy but looked nice as well.Cons:
Dated rooms, no hot water, broken shampoo pump, scratched up furniture. It's like a motel 6 and the Poly combined. No Disney touches. Tiny bathrooms. Small giftshop.Reviewed by SMReichert Review Date: 08/22/2014
Rating: (1) Not Recommended
I can only speak for my experience this week at CBR. This is my 12th time in WDW. First time in CBR. I usually stay in Deluxe, but have stayed in French Quarter and was very happy there. I stayed this week in CBR. (We are still here). When I checked in on Tuesday, the registration wasn't too busy, but I still waited a bit to check in. The person who finally checked me in, came over to me in the line with an ipad and started the process as I stood there in the line. When she asked me for my credit card info, I asked if we could go somewhere that I could put my stuff down, and give her the info in a less public area. (I think she was new).
When I saw that our room was at the far end of Trinidad south (Furthest from the center hub of the resort), I asked if we could be closer to the pool and the restaurants. It was just my son and I, and I don't like to have to walk far in the dark by ourselves. They told me I couldn't move from the "pirate room" because it was a "premium" room and moving me to a different room would mess up my "package" (Whatever that meant). But they did move me "closer" in Trinidad South, which ended up being farther from the bus stop and actually further walking distance to the restaurant. They seemed very bothered by the fact I asked to be closer. It definitely was not worth the extra money for a pirate room!!!
Since we were at the end of the resort, the buses were always late and full. Since it was extremely hot, people were not respectful of the people who were already waiting and butted in front of the people who were waiting. So we had to wait for a second bus to get to a few of the resorts this week.
I want to add that we met a nice family while waiting for the bus back to CBR from MK. They were complaining about the same problems I was having.
I wasn't given anything about the resort like I have received from other resorts like what restaurants they had, hours of operation, etc. I did receive the dining plan brochure, a list of activities at the pool and a map of the resort.
The first night, we were hungry and in our room. There wasn't any info in our room on private dining or pizza delivery. We called the front desk. They said there were places that delivered here, but we would have to go to the front of the resort to get it! Definitely not walking distance especially at 10 pm! So they recommended in room dining. I was transferred to another person. I asked what they offered and they said it was in a brown folder on the table. There was no folder. They asked what room I was in and they said someone would get it out to me. After 40 minutes, we called back. They said they didn't offer in room dining (What??) but they offered pizza delivery. (They think I was transferred to someone who was unaware I was calling from CBR.). We got the pizza (disappointing, but something)
The food at the food court isn't that good. The grab & go doesn't have prices on anything. We have the refillable mugs, but a waste since we are so far away that we aren't there to fill them. Or we would have to carry them with us to the parks all day.
Our room wasn't cleaned today. Not sure why. We didn't have washcloths in our room when we checked in, but them came right away with them along with extra towels.
I have NEVER complained about WDW ever! Not sure if its the weather, but even the bus drivers are grumpy! The hotel employees are not happy or pleasant. The DVC rep was happy & Disney like, but no one else. I am very disappointed. My 11 year old has noticed it too. We are having fun though. It is WDW! But CBR is a total disappointment. Maybe if we were closer, we wouldn't have rated it so poorly, but being so far from everything, waiting so long for a bus to go to the resorts, and the food, I can't give it a good rating. Sorry. Back to Deluxe next year.
Pros:
CleanCons:
Too far from everything; slow bus/full buses; not thrilled with food choicesReviewed by allears2014 Review Date: 04/19/2014
Rating: (1) Not Recommended
My son really wanted to stay in a pirate themed room, which are available at the Caribbean Beach Resort. In the past we have stayed in Disney's Deluxe and Value Resorts, but have never stayed in a moderate. I was very pleased with the Value Resort, so since the Caribbean is supposed to be a step up from that, I expected a step better than the Value Resorts. We were very disappointed.
Before I address our issues, I will say the exterior of this Resort is nicely landscaped and well maintained. The bus stop for our section was always clean.
At check in, I was notified that all of the pirate rooms are located at the far end of this "resort". There is only one food court for the entire property (this property is HUGE). I asked how we would get from the room to the food court and was told it is "an easy 5 minute walk from your room". This was just not true. My son and I walked a steady pace and it took nearly 20 minutes. There is also an internal resort shuttle, which I did try; however, the wait at the bus stop was 20 minutes and then it circles and makes all the other stops in between- - I believe there are like 8 internal bus stops. Walking is faster, but still an unreasonable distance for a cup of coffee or soda (oh, and if like us you have your shopping sent to the hotel, well you'll need to make the LONG trek to the gift shop, also located next to the food court.).
The other thing you should know, which I didn't until we got there was the large, zero entry cool looking pool advertised as "the pool" on their webpage is at the food court. So, if you're in a pirate room and want a quick dip in the pool- - - forget about it. It's too far away from the pirate section-- if you have a car you could drive to it- - otherwise, it's walking approx 40 mins round trip with your pool accessories or waiting at a bus stop. Our "pirate section" did have it's own pool, but it was more akin to what you'd find in a friend's backyard- - a good pool, but nothing special.
When we entered the room in Building 36, the odor was overpowering. We could not catch our breath; it smelled of mold, mildew and soured gym socks. Called the front desk and they said they'd send someone down to freshen it up. We were leaving as the man from housekeeping came in to "freshen" it. When we returned late that evening, it smelled of air freshener, mold, mildew and soured gym socks.
The room was too hot as well and when we tried to turn down the air, it would not go lower than 68 degrees on the thermostat. It felt like 78 degrees in the room. We asked about this, too, but were told 68 degrees is as low as it will go. Also, the windows do not open and there was no balcony to allow for fresh air.
Then we noticed there was hair everywhere, my son dropped one of his toys on the floor and when he picked it up it was covered in hair, the bathroom floor had hair everywhere. The light switch was black (although originally white). The pirate ship bed had a large piece broken off of it. The entire room felt filthy, old and worn out.
This time I traveled the long distance back to the front desk to speak with someone in person, explained we have stayed at Disney many times and never experienced anything like this. . . I told the man at the front desk "our room is really filthy". He offered to do a thorough cleaning the next day, but did not offer a different room. For the first two days, there was a large bag of dirty linens that just sat outside our door.
Being too far away from the food court for a quick drink, I left to buy a soda from the machine at the bus stop one evening. It was not working. I then found the laundry room, but that machine was out of order also.
Overall, we were extremely disappointed with the room. It was a shame since my son was so looking forward to a "cool pirate room". The fact that I paid extra (pirate rooms cost more) for a dirty room too far away from the food court to enjoy the "unlimited refills" was disappointing. I would not recommend this resort and will not stay here again. It is in major need of updating.
Pros:
Lake and grounds were nicely landscapedCons:
Everything elseReviewed by Anonymous Review Date: 11/17/2020
Rating: (2) Not Recommended
Never. Again. Time is money and it takes sooo much extra time to get anywhere in the resort and getting to the parks due to the multiple sections. It should honestly be split in half and be 2 resorts with their own lobby’s, food courts and bus stops. The skyliner isn’t even enough incentive for me to stay there again when I can stay at Art of Animation/POP Century for less and still get the skyliner
Pros:
It’s pretty and the vibe is coolCons:
Everything elseReviewed by Anonymous Review Date: 12/27/2019
Rating: (2) Not Recommended
They have ruined this resort with the rehab. The food at the food court is served cold, and is very uninspired. Seating area in food court is much smaller than it was and way more crowded. I loved the feel of the old Olde Port Royale. It was homey and comfortable. Now it is stiff and trying to imitate a much higher scale facility. There was a lovely view out the back of OPR to the waterfront. Now you get the back of the bistro. And the theme and visual of escaping to a Caribbean hideaway is gone with that monstrosity that is the Riviera resort. Stayed there for 13 years in a row up until the construction in 2017. Went back in 2018. Never again. 🙁
Pros:
Banana Cabana upgrade is nice. I suppose access to Skyliner.Cons:
Anything associated with the 2017 rehab.Reviewed by Jenn C Review Date: 01/21/2015
Rating: (2) Not Recommended
Stayed at CB from Dec 12 to Dec 21 2014 In Martinique. We paid for a preferred room and requested building 25 in Martinique with a water view. We were assigned a room in building 24 in Martinique with a view of the parking lot. When we requested a room in building 25, the check in cast member started sighing and rolling his eyes. He made it VERY clear that requests are not guaranteed. We told him we were aware of that and politely asked if he could check if a room with even one of our requests might be available. After much coaxing from my husband and explaining that it was our anniversary, and a lot of attitude from the cast member, he called and we were assigned a room in Martinique building 25 with a beautiful view of the Bay. We were disappointed at the cast members behavior but thrilled with the location of the room. That is until we opened the door!
The room was filthy!!! I had to wipe the dust off of the shelves under the vanity area in order to put personal items there. The fire sprinkler was caked in dust as were the little pineapples on the top of the bed posts. There were cobwebs running from on top of the pictures on the walls up to the ceiling fan. When we turned the ceiling fan on it blew dust all over the room. The full length mirror had a big lipstick lip mark where someone had kissed it that wasn't cleaned properly. The room smelled musty and the heat and AC could not be controlled by the thermostat on the wall. We had to manually turn the heating and AC on and off ourselves via the actual window unit. It was a challenge keeping the room one constant comfortable temperature. We had one day where Mousekeeping missed our room entirely and one day where popcorn we spilled on the floor the night before was still there after Mousekeeping had cleaned the room the next day. When we first arrived in the room there was a pen and note pad for use, we lost the pen and note pad and when we requested new ones, we were told you only get one of each when you first arrive in the room!
We reported all of the issues to the Mousekeeping manager who actually came to our room to see the issues and speak to us. She laughed most of the issues off and excused the uncleanliness in the room by stating our Mousekeeper was new and that the room was scheduled for refurbishment in the near future. We were made to feel like we were complaining about nothing. The mirror was eventually cleaned, the room was vacuumed properly and the shelves were dusted, but the dust and cobwebs caked on the sprinkler, pineapples, pictures and fan remained there for our entire stay, even after a calling everyday requesting the dust be cleaned. The heating and AC issue was not resolved during our stay either. We were continuously told someone would eventually fix the issues and that they were on the "list" to be dealt with. We were given a $50 credit but never an apology for the issues. We would have preferred that the room get a proper cleaning rather than the credit.
This was our first time staying at a moderate resort and we were completely disappointed by the room and cast members. We have stayed at Pop Century and all of the All Star Resorts on numerous occasions and the rooms and cast members have been wonderful there. Time to go back to the Value Resorts where Disney feels and looks like Disney!
Pros:
Quiet roomCons:
MousekeeoingReviewed by NY10543 Review Date: 08/29/2014
Rating: (2) Not Recommended
I agree 100% with the previous reviewer. I had the exact same experience the week of 8/16-8/23. This resort is way too large. It took us 10 minutes to walk to the main building (Port Royale) After a day in the parks in the August heat, the last thing you want to do to is to have to walk more! The food at the food court was marginal at best, the choices were poor. I have been to WDW 10 times, 8 staying inside Disney and have never complained. I prefer some of the value resorts over Caribbean Beach. It was not worth the extra money.
Pros:
Decor, landscaping, ease of check-in/outCons:
Size of resort, food in food court, bus serviceReviewed by rose Review Date: 02/27/2013
Rating: (2) Not Recommended
We booked our reservation for February 2013 way back in Septtember 2012. We usually stay at a value resort, but decided to splurge because my grandson loves pirates. We chose this resort b/c of the pirate rooms and were told we would have one.
When we arrived Feb. 9th, we were told we had been moved. The manager admitted to overbooking and we were stuck with a regular room. Extremely disappointing to a six year old!. He said MAYBE we could move in a couple of days IF a pirate room became available. Who wants to unpack and repack (we were staying for a week.)
The next day my daughter went to iron some clothes. The iron poured water all over the clothes. We called for a new iron. A hair dryer was delivered. Turned out we needed a new one of those too - so my son-in-law said he would install it himself.
We called for the iron. Housekeeping was rude and said they already delivered it. We said no, it was a hair dryer. Thirty minutes later, still no dryer. Called again. We finally received an iron.
The bus service is not great and we had to wait over an hour for a bus to Downtown Disney one evening where we had dinner reservations. Barely made it in time!
When checking out, had to deal once more with a rather rude employee!
We will return to Disney b/c we love the parks, but will stay in a Value Resort instead -- we have found the employees at the Value Resorts to be much more friendly and helpful.
Our room itself was pretty clean, but, again, the service left a great deal to be desired.
