Caribbean Beach Resort

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (often abbreviated CBR) is one of Walt Disney World’s original resorts and falls into the “Moderate” category. It is the largest resort on Disney property by room count and is sprawling, themed to feel like a vibrant, relaxing paradise inspired by the islands of the Caribbean. A major highlight is that it is the central hub for the Disney Skyliner gondola system, providing direct, convenient access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

Key Features & Highlights

• Theming & Atmosphere: The resort is divided into six “islands” or villages (Aruba, Jamaica, Martinique, Barbados, Trinidad, and Old Port Royale) each with its own pool, laundry, and bus stop. The theme is colorful, fun, and immersive with pastel buildings, white-sand beaches, and hammocks scattered around the lake.

• The Disney Skyliner: This is the resort’s biggest advantage. The Skyliner station is located at the main hub (Old Port Royale). This provides:

  • Direct access to EPCOT (via a transfer at the Caribbean Beach station).

  • Direct access to Hollywood Studios (via a transfer at the Caribbean Beach station).

  • Access to Disney’s Riviera Resort, Pop Century, and Art of Animation.

• Rooms: The rooms have been recently refurbished with a sleek, modern look inspired by The Pirates of the Caribbean. They feature:

  • A small Murphy bed that folds down from the wall, transforming the room from a sitting area with a table to a sleeping area. This is perfect for families.

  • A mini-fridge, coffee maker, and under-the-bed storage.

  • Many rooms feature a 5th sleeper (a small pull-down bed).

• Dining:

  • Centertown Market: The main quick-service restaurant offering mobile order breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

  • Sebastian’s Bistro: A table-service restaurant serving Caribbean-inspired cuisine in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. It’s known for its signature bread service and rooftop.

  • Banana Cabana: A highly-rated poolside bar serving tropical cocktails and light snacks.

  • Spyglass Grill: A second quick-service location in the Trinidad section, offering a unique menu with breakfast tacos and grilled specialties.

• Pools & Recreation:

  • Fuentes del Morro Pool: The main “feature pool” is a massive, Spanish-style fort-themed pool with two water slides, water cannons, and a splash area for kids. It’s one of the best pools in the Moderate category.

  • Five Additional Quiet Pools: One in each village.

  • Ol’ Man Island: The main recreational area with the pool, play area, and fishing.

  • Biking, Jogging Trails, and Beach Volleyball are also available.

• Transportation: In addition to the Skyliner, the resort uses Disney buses to service Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and the water parks.

Pros vs. Cons

Who Is This Resort Best For?

• Families who will appreciate the fun pools, Skyliner novelty, and room layout with the Murphy bed.

• Couples or Groups who plan to spend significant time at EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

• Budget-Conscious Travelers who want more amenities than a Value resort (like a sit-down restaurant, better pools) without the Deluxe price tag.

• “Park Commandos” who will use the resort primarily for sleeping and appreciate the efficient Skyliner for park-hopping.

Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?

• Travelers with Mobility Issues: The lack of elevators and immense size can be a significant challenge.

• Those Seeking a Quiet, Romantic Getaway: The resort is very large, bustling, and family-focused. For a quieter trip, consider a Deluxe resort or Port Orleans French Quarter.

• Guests Who Prefer Convenience: If you dislike long walks to your room or food court, the compactness of Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter might be a better Moderate choice.

• Travelers Who Don’t Plan to Use the Skyliner: If your trip is focused on Magic Kingdom, the bus service from CBR can be less efficient than staying at a monorail or Magic Kingdom-area resort.

Comparison to Other Disney Resorts

• vs. Value Resorts (e.g., Pop Century): CBR offers larger rooms (with a 5th sleeper), table-service dining, a more immersive theme, and recreational activities like biking. However, it is more expensive. Pop Century has comparable Skyliner access.

• vs. Port Orleans Resorts: The Port Orleans resorts (Riverside and French Quarter) are smaller, more intimate, and have the boat to Disney Springs. However, they do not have Skyliner access and rely solely on buses.

• vs. Deluxe Resorts: Deluxe resorts are closer to the parks, have more luxurious amenities, and typically feature better transportation (monorail, walking paths). CBR offers a great value, but can’t match the convenience or luxury of a Deluxe.

Final Verdict

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is a top-tier choice in the Moderate category, primarily due to its access to the Disney Skyliner. Its fun theme, great pools, and variety of dining make it an excellent value for families. However, its massive size is its biggest drawback, and guests should be prepared for a lot of walking or relying on the internal shuttle bus system.

Tip: When booking, you can request a specific village. Requesting Martinique or Barbados will put you closest to the main lobby (Old Port Royale), the feature pool, and the Skyliner station, greatly enhancing your convenience. Aruba is also a good choice as it’s near the Skyliner and has its own quiet pool.