I will be the first to admit, there was a period of time when I avoided Caribbean Beach Resort not only for my own vacations, but for clients as well. Much needed refurbishments to the guest rooms brought me back to try it out again and I found many things about the resort that I always loved—I just needed a reminder. Here are 7 things I think you will love about your stay at Caribbean Beach Resort:
7. Location
I forgot how close Caribbean Beach Resort is to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Traveling to these two parks is a very quick bus ride from the resort. Epcot is so close that you can see some of the higher Illuminations fireworks from the beach over by Old Port Royale. The ride to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom isn’t bad either, but you will be surprised at how quickly you can get to Epcot and Hollywood Studios once you leave the resort.
6. Pirate Cruises
One of the activities my boys enjoyed the most when they were younger was going out on a pirate adventure cruise. These are offered at several resorts, including this one, but if you are staying at Caribbean Beach that already has a pirate “vibe” this is a great add-on to your trip. The cruise is for kids only and they will embark on the waters with cast members for guides in search of treasure (reading between the lines this means free time for adults too). The cruise at Caribbean Beach resort is known as the “Islands of the Caribbean Pirate Cruise” and it departs from the Barefoot Bay Bike Works. While onboard young swashbucklers learn the lore of Old Port Royale and its local pirates. Cruises don’t sail every day, so check the Disneyworld.com website before making plans. There is a charge and advance reservations are required (call 407-939-7529. Cruises are open to children ages 4-12 who are potty trained.
5. Old Port Royale/Centertowne
Within the walls of Old Port Royale/Centertowne, the main building, you will find a quick service food court, a full service restaurant (Shutters), a concierge desk, and a resort shop. Once you enter the building you will feel like you are back outside again. The theming is like an open market in the Caribbean and they’ve done a really nice job with the look of the area—especially in the food court area. The menu offerings in the food court are also a plus to staying at Caribbean Beach Resort. You’ll find standard food court fair, along with dishes that have a Caribbean flair like Caribbean Salads, Caribbean flavored fish with slaw and jerk seasoned chicken. You will definitely enjoy the dining experience at the food court whether you decide to eat inside or right outside in the courtyard. And over in the shop you can find some fun Caribbean and tropical inspired souvenirs alongside the Disney staples. How about mailing a coconut to a loved one back home?
4. Pirate Rooms!
Caribbean Beach Resort is one of the two moderate resorts that have immersive themed rooms. Like Port Orleans Riverside’s Royal Guest Rooms the Caribbean Beach Resort has Pirate themed rooms. These look like you have stepped into the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. The beds look like Pirate ships and barrels & crates make up the furniture. These rooms are perfect for your little scalawags (& fun for adults too). Can you imagine a pirate themed birthday trip with a visit to the Pirates League at Magic Kingdom, a Pirate Cruise and staying in one of these special rooms?
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3. Rooms for 5
Thanks to a recent refurbishment of Caribbean Beach Resort there are now some rooms at the resort that can accommodate families of 5. This is a great option for families as the savings of staying at a moderate over a deluxe to fit everyone in the same room is pretty substantial. All of the rooms have a Caribbean feel that is clean and sleek, the rooms for families of 5 (located throughout the resort except for the Pirate Rooms) have a fold down bed that is suitable for a child (or a small adult—at 5’ 1” I was comfortable on it). The best part—when you fold down the bed you see a mural of Mickey & Pluto relaxing on a Caribbean Beach in a hammock on the back of the bed. So cute!
2. Tropical Atmosphere
I think my favorite part of the Caribbean Beach Resort is the landscaping. It is so lush and tropical. I love to walk around the meandering grounds just taking in the atmosphere—if I didn’t know better I would think I was on a tropical island like the real Barbados or Martinique instead of at a Walt Disney World Resort. The best part is the little island, “Caribbean Cay” connecting the two sides of the resort near Old Port Royale. The Disney horticulture staff did an outstanding job here with conveying the theme through the landscape design.
1. Fuentes del Morro Pool
This is the calling card for Caribbean Beach Resort—the amazing themed pool, “Fuentes del Morro.” It may be the best moderate pool on property. You feel as though you’ve entered a Spanish fortress in the Caribbean during Colonial times as you come into the pool—there are so many areas to explore. There are 2 waterslides, water cannons—so much fun to be had. If you are staying at Caribbean Beach Resort you must schedule a day just to enjoy the pool. Adjacent to the pool is a splash pad play area that is themed like a pirate shipwreck for little ones to enjoy. If you are looking to relax there are 2 hot tubs and also the Banana Cabana pool bar—a little something for everyone! Each village also has its own “leisure” pool if you are looking for less adventurous swimming . . .but you have to check out that feature pool at least once.
Do you love staying at Caribbean Beach Resort? Please share your favorite part in the comments!