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Disney Shuts Down Popular Area of Caribbean Beach Resort, Frustrating Guests

Disney recently announced that the Fuentes del Morro Feature Pool and Aquatic Play Area at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort would undergo routine maintenance starting January 13 and is slated to remain closed until the end of the month. The announcement was communicated to Disney guests via email, which explained the reasons behind the closure and provided assurances that other pool options at the resort would still be available during this time.

However, the timing of the announcement has left many guests feeling unprepared for their visits, especially those who specifically chose the Caribbean Beach Resort for its celebrated aquatic feature. Many guests are now expressing frustration over the short notice.

Related: Disney Pulls the Plug on Pirates of the Caribbean Spot Reopening, Removes Hours from Website

Colorful gondolas of a skyliner system glide over a scenic resort with pastel-colored buildings, lush palm trees, and pathways. The sky is blue with a few clouds, and the view below includes a pool and a waterway crossing through the resort.
Credit: Disney

Affected Amenities and Alternatives

While the Fuentes del Morro pool is a centerpiece of the resort, known for its slides, water cannons, and pirate-themed layout designed for children, Disney has highlighted other leisure pools that guests can still enjoy. These include the Aruba Village Pool, Barbados Village Pool, Jamaica Village Pool, Martinique Village Pool, and Trinidad Village Pool. Despite these alternatives, the sudden closure has raised concerns about the overall experience Disney guests will have, especially considering that many were anticipating spending days at the main pool area.

The abrupt decision regarding the feature pool’s closure has significantly affected guest expectations. Many families plan their stays around specific resort amenities, particularly pools that are family-friendly and engaging.

As such, the late notice has caused frustration, with some guests expressing that they may have selected a different resort had they known about the pending closure. The reliance on the feature pool to enhance the vacation experience showcases the importance of these amenities to Disney guests, emphasizing their desire for an enjoyable and relaxing environment during their stay. One guest shared a message, saying:

We have a trip to CBR at the end of the month and I just got this email:

To ensure our facilities continue to meet our high standards, we will be refurbishing the Fuentes del Morro Feature Pool and Aquatic Play Area during your stay. You will have access to additional pool options at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. You are welcome to enjoy the following leisure pools:• Aruba Village Pool• Barbados Village Pool• Jamaica Village Pool• Martinique Village Pool• Trinidad Village Pool

Seeing as how this is being announced with less than 3 weeks notice, I’m kind of pissed. I may have chosen a different resort if I had known, as we’ll have multiple days that we were planning to hang out at the pool. I know the other “normal” pools will still be open, but the big feature pool is part of why you choose a resort like this. Is it typical for Disney to close things for refurbishment at the last minute like this? I don’t see this closure listed anywhere else.

Caribbean Beach Resort feature pool closed
byu/sectachrome inWaltDisneyWorld

Alternative Resort Selection Considerations

In light of the unexpected closure, some guests began reevaluating their choice of the Caribbean Beach Resort for future visits. The significance of amenities like the Fuentes del Morro pool played a key role in the decision-making process for families traveling to Disney resorts, particularly for those with children eager to enjoy water activities. Concerns about access to amenities could very well shape future guest choices, prompting some to consider alternative resorts that might better align with their expectations and desires.

A serene lakeside scene at sunset with pink and purple hues in the sky. The water reflects the colorful sky and buildings on the far shore. A wooden pedestrian bridge with a cannon and lush greenery are in the foreground, with trees lining the water's edge.
Credit: Disney Parks

Routine maintenance is a necessary component of running a successful resort, even at Disney properties. Pool refurbishments are common, especially during the cooler winter months when utilization decreases. However, the timing of this specific closure reveals a delicate balance that Disney must maintain between providing a wonderful experience for guests and ensuring that its facilities adhere to high standards.

Eva Miller

Eva was born and raised in the beautiful state of Oregon but has since relocated and lives in New York City. Since she was young, Eva has loved to perform in musicals, especially Disney ones! Through performing, Disney’s music became the soundtrack of her childhood. Today, Eva loves to write about all the exciting happenings for the Walt Disney Company. In her free time, Eva loves to travel, spend time in nature, and go to Broadway shows. Her favorite Disney movie is 'Lilo and Stitch,' and her favorite Park is Disney's Animal Kingdom.

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