The shine may be wearing off the Skyliner. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, once considered one of the most budget-friendly ways to stay immersed in the magic while enjoying convenient access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, is facing heat from some recent guests who say the value just isn’t there anymore.
A post that recently gained traction on Reddit tells the story of a frustrated guest who spent over $300 per night to stay at Caribbean Beach and wound up canceling the entire reservation after a series of disappointments, including dirty rooms, broken A/C, and what they described as a complete failure in customer service.
“We were two hours past our guaranteed check-in time before we finally got a room, and when we walked in? It was dirty. The AC didn’t work. The whole place felt run-down and neglected. This is supposed to be a moderate resort, and it cost over $300 a night. For what? I’ve seen sleazy motels in better shape,” the guest shared in a now-viral thread.
Unfortunately, things didn’t improve after raising concerns to the front desk. The guest claims a series of Cast Members and leaders offered only limited help, suggesting a move to a lower-tier Value resort—but with an upcharge. According to the original post, they were also told that every Disney resort was fully booked, something many fans in the comments questioned as unlikely.
The guest ultimately chose to walk away from the reservation and booked a room at a Marriott nearby instead.
“It was half the price, 10x nicer, bigger, cleaner, and just more comfortable,” they said. “We’re not even bothering with the parks this trip. It’s just not worth it.”
Is Disney Losing the Value Game?
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort holds a unique place in the Walt Disney World resort lineup. It’s a Moderate Resort, positioned between Value Resorts like Pop Century and Deluxe offerings like the Grand Floridian or Yacht Club. With recent refurbishments including upgraded rooms and its status as a Skyliner hub, Caribbean Beach was once a go-to for guests who wanted more space than a Value resort without the Deluxe price tag.
But over the last few years, prices have climbed steeply across all Disney hotels. Nightly rates at Caribbean Beach now often hover between $300–$400, depending on the season—even before adding park tickets, Lightning Lane Multi Pass, or food.
And guests are starting to question whether that price tag still makes sense. One commenter chimed in:
“We stayed at Port Orleans two years ago for $200 a night… We looked to rebook a holiday next year with our kids and the prices have gone up so dramatically. It was almost $500 a night. That’s a luxury hotel price… even the budget hotels were over $200.”
Another added:
“CBR is dipping into $400/night territory. Which is just so mind boggling.”
It’s not just Caribbean Beach facing scrutiny. Even Disney’s flagship Deluxe resorts aren’t immune to criticism. One commenter on the thread said:
“I just did a theme park view room at the Contemporary on an AP discount for $450. That room goes for $800-1k a night. Loved the room and location but it is absolutely not worth the price it usually is. No standard room is worth that.”
Broken AC and Missed Expectations
For a hotel at this price point, guests expect more than just a bed close to the parks—they expect that everything works, the rooms are clean, and customer service is ready to help. But according to multiple commenters, that’s not what they got.
One person who had stayed at Caribbean Beach before said:
“Our room was also dirty, the AC was also broken… even when it was ‘fixed’ it was still extremely loud and not effective. The manager… was very rude and dismissive… I wouldn’t recommend CB to anyone.”
And while Disney’s Magical Express is gone, so are some other perks guests once relied on—like free MagicBands, Extra Magic Hours for all guests, and complimentary luggage delivery. Add that to recent Genie+ price surges, and many visitors are asking: Where’s the magic?
The Skyliner Can’t Save Everything
Caribbean Beach should have one huge advantage going for it: the Skyliner. As the central hub connecting to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it’s a massive draw for families hoping to avoid buses and monorail crowds. But even that isn’t enough to win over every guest.
One person wrote that after staying off-site for half the price and using Uber or free shuttles:
“It’s incomprehensible when you consider many value hotels off-site also offer a free breakfast that’s all you can eat that Disney would probably charge $35 a person for.”
The implication is clear: even with Skyliner access, guests are struggling to justify the rates—especially when service or room quality slips.
Is It Time to Rethink Moderate Resorts?
Moderate Resorts used to be a sweet spot: more immersive than a Value resort, without the high-end price tag of Deluxe. Resorts like Caribbean Beach, Port Orleans, and Coronado Springs have long been fan favorites for families looking to stretch their dollar. But as Disney prices climb and competition from nearby hotels gets more appealing, even loyal Disney hotel fans are considering alternatives.
Some fans now openly recommend staying off-property—a sentiment that would’ve been rare a few years ago.
As one person summed it up:
“This isn’t about expecting perfection. It’s about paying premium prices and getting nickel-and-dimed while the experience gets worse… Disney used to feel special. Now it feels like a corporate machine that’s lost touch with what made people fall in love with it in the first place.”
For now, Disney has not responded to this particular guest complaint, and Caribbean Beach Resort continues to operate at full capacity. But with more stories like this surfacing—and guests increasingly sharing detailed reviews and photos online—Disney may soon find itself needing to re-earn trust, especially in the Moderate category.
If you’re planning your next Disney trip, it may be worth comparing everything—resort perks, dining access, transportation, and the quality of guest experience—not just location or nostalgia.
Because in today’s market, the “Disney bubble” may cost more than ever—without always delivering the same pixie dust.
