I think that it is quite fitting that my first post as a Magical DIStractions team member is one about my family’s favorite Walt Disney World Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.
Many years ago, while researching which Disney resort to choose for our first onsite stay, I came upon pictures of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Even though we aren’t what we’d consider “beach people”, the looks of the resort really spoke to me. After showing the pictures to my family, it was decided that we would book a stay there. Boy, were we happy that we did! We instantly fell in love with the resort and have been back time and time again with the number of nights spent there adding up to 100+. Yeah, I’d say that we like the resort.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (CBR) is one of Disney’s moderate resorts. With it’s lush foliage, well manicured grounds and brightly painted buildings, it’s truly a tropical paradise/getaway in the middle of “the world”. Let’s face it, no matter how much we enjoy the parks, it’s nice to go back to your resort and unwind after the hustle and bustle of a busy park day.
The Rooms at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
The rooms at Disney’s Caribbean Beach are 340 square feet which make them a bit larger than the other moderates and we all know that even a little bit of extra room is great if you are an overpacker like myself. The resort is currently undergoing a complete room refurb in all of the villages with the exception of the pirate rooms which are located in the village of Trinidad South. From what I’ve been told, the refurb is moving right along and should be completed before we arrive in May, 2015. With the room refurbishment comes new wall color, new queen size beds, new furniture and, what many will be happy to hear, the ability for a family of five to book a stay there now that some rooms have a pull down bed built into the dressers.
I do not have a picture of the “new” rooms but do have a picture of our room when we were there in May & June, 2014, which gives you an idea of the size of the room itself:
The Resort Landscaping
So what really makes the CBR feel like a tropical paradise/getaway in the middle of “the world”? Well, there’s the obvious…the beautiful white sand beaches and the abundance of beautiful flowers and well maintained landscaping.
(one of the village beaches)
(landscaping in the village of Aruba)
I mentioned earlier that the buildings are painted bright colors giving the resort a cheerful feel. Each village is a different color.
(Jamaica)
If you are looking for a peaceful place to read a book or simply sit and enjoy your surroundings, there are courtyards nestled between the village buildings. Keep in mind though, that some of the courtyards are designated smoking areas.
The island in the middle of the resort lake has a playground, hammocks and even small sitting areas:
(one of the benches/sitting areas on the island)
The Main Pool, Kids’ Water Play Area & Hot Tubs
The main pool at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is huge, zero entry and has two, count ‘em two, slides. If you want to ease the soreness from your muscles in a hot tub, you’ll find two located near the main pool. The kids’ play area, also near the main pool, is designed for the younger kids. It is a great place to let them work off some of their excess energy/excitement.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Hot Tub-Photo Credit Lisa McBride
(one of the two resort hot tubs)
(kids’ play area)
Old Port Royale
Located just outside of Old Port Royale, also known as Centertown, is a beautiful open courtyard complete with a fountain, umbrella tables and picnic tables:
(Old Port Royale/Centertown courtyard)
The adults in the group will find plenty of adult beverage choices at Banana Cabana, the CBR’s pool bar:
Additional Recreation
If you are looking for an activity that all family members can take part in? The marina rents both surrey bikes and the standard two wheel bicycles. It’s nice to take a bike ride around the resort promenade. It is the perfect way to see the other parts of the resort.
Quiet Pools
For those who would like things a bit more “quiet” when swimming, each resort village has their own quiet pool. Usually, these pools aren’t as crowded than the main pool. You might even find them completely empty depending on the time of the day that you get to the pool.
As you can see, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort truly is a tropical paradise/getaway in the middle of “the world”. I hope that I was able to give you a little big of insight as to why it’s my family’s go-to choice when we visit Walt Disney World.
For more information on the resort, please visit the Magical DIStractions’ Caribbean Beach Resort facts and pictures page: http://magicaldistractions.com/resorts/moderate/caribbean-beach/
Great article. We stayed at cbr many years ago but plan to stay there on our next trip mainly because of all Lisa has to say about it.
I am so excited to hear that families of five, such as ours, will have more choices now at the Moderates! We have traditionally stayed at Port Orleans Riverside, and love it; but the beaches and TWO great water slides at CBR sure do sound inviting. Thanks for a great article.
I have never stayed at CBR and reading this article has me thinking of scheduling our next trip here!! Thanks Lisa!
Great article Lisa!! We have stayed at CBR on one of our trips and loved the resort. We had a corner room, which had double windows, and it was so nice to open the blinds and look out over the beautiful grounds. The quiet pool was nice and the walk to Old Port Royale was always a pleasure.
Great article! I’ve never stayed at CBR, thought about it many times but have yet to enjoy this clearly beautiful resort. After reading I’ll have to give it some serious thought for our next trip. Thank you Lisa for informing us about this amazing resort.
I can’t wait for the refurb to be done and for CBR to finally have two queen beds! I’ve only stayed once during a split stay, and the bed size has been keeping me from returning. I look forward to checking it out again!
Love it1` My family and I love CBR and reading this makes me believe I could be there right now! Gorgeous resort.
Awesome article, Lisa! I enjoyed reading all about CBR. The pictures are gorgeous and make me wish I were there right now!!
Great article! I am a huge Caribbean Beach lover myself! It is just an absolutely beautiful resort! Can’t wait to stay there again!
Thanks for the tour of the Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. We have never stayed there, but I know I would love the tropical vibe of the resort. The pool looks like a lot of fun.
Great article! This was the resort we stayed at for my daughter’s very first trip to Disney when she was 4. Love the theme!
This is a fantastic article! Makes me want to book a trip NOW! Great to know families of 5 getting more options!
Great job Lisa!
Wow! We have never stayed there, but I feel like we NEED to :). This article makes me wanna go really bad!
Thanks for all the great information. I have always wanted to stay at the Caribbean Beach Resort. We have decided that this will be the resort we stay at on our next trip to Disney.
Great article Lisa thanks 🙂
Great article! We have been considering a stay at CBR this fall; it’s nice to hear from someone who has been so many times.
Great informative article Lisa! I have never stayed at the CBR, but your article makes me want to check it out! It sounds like a great moderate option. Instead of spending more money at a deluxe, spending less at the CBR and staying longer is very appealing. Thank you for sharing your love of the CBR with us!
I think we will stay at CBR on our next visit. We’ve stayed at a couple other moderates. I’m looking forward to discovering a new favorite!
I have read your trip on the DIS… and love your writing style (and your families style 😉 ) We have always stayed POR but we switched to CBR because of you!!!!! We’re from Kentucky we love the laid back southern thang!!!!!