Considering a stay at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort? We’re sharing the major reasons you should consider the Disney World moderate resort — along with the major drawbacks.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is a guest favorite representing five islands: Jamaica, Barbados, Martinique, Aruba, and Trinidad. Guests will experience that Caribbean vibe with brightly colored buildings & florals, sandy beach fronts, and relaxing hammocks scattered throughout the resort grounds.
Caribbean Beach Resort is a moderate resort, meaning you can expect higher pricing and more amenities than a value resort but less than a deluxe resort on the property. The resort is home to rooms subtly themed to The Little Mermaid, with Caribbean theming throughout the resort in its restaurants, pools, and buildings. When it comes to picking where you’ll stay at Disney World, we’ll be sharing some of the best aspects of Caribbean Beach — along with those that may make you want to avoid it.
Pros of Staying at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney Skyliner
The Skyliner hub is found right here at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort! The Disney Skyliner connects the Caribbean Beach Resort to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, along with Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. With the hub location, you’ll easily be able to get on a gondola to whisk you away to either EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios in a matter of minutes.
This popular transportation option makes Caribbean Beach an excellent choice for those looking for quicker access to the parks. One thing you will want to note is that certain buildings in the resort aremuchcloser to the Skyliner than others. Speciailly, the Jamaica buildings are closest to the gondola system, so try and request a spot in buildings 41, 42, or 43 if you’re looking for quicker access.
Pool Options
The Caribbean Beach Resort’s main aquatic attraction, The Fuentes del Morro Pool, is often bustling with activity! With two pool slides, water cannons, a shipwreck play area, and poolside activities– it’s often the life of the resort.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as most kids seem to love it. But if you’re looking for a much quieter poolside atmosphere, definitely check out one of the five leisure pools located within each island of the resort.
Dining Options
As a moderate resort, you’ll find both quick-service and table service dining options at this hotel. Centertown Market has a variety of quick service meals, with the option of Centertown Market Grab & Go for when you just need a quick snack, coffee, or beverage on the go. And don’t sleep on Banana Cabana, which offers poolside drinks and meals that are genuinely delicious!
Spyglass Grill is another walk-up option, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a patio overlooking Barefoot Bay. The spot is a hidden gem with Caribbean tacos and a chopped jerk chicken salad. Sebastian’s Bistro is the table service option that serves dinner with Caribbean flavors. The meal is family-style, which means everyone can try a bit of everything (and makes it a perfect pick for picky eaters).
Cons of Staying at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Bus Transportation
While the Disney Skyliner is available for EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the bus is your only option for Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. With that in mind, you’ll want to pack in some extra time for the internal bus loops. The bus will circle the entire resort and stop in each section, so a pickup or drop off isn’t justoccurring at your location.
If your room location is close to Disney’s Riviera Resort, consider utilizing their bus stop for faster service.
Prepare to Walk
Speaking of the big resort, depending on where exactly your room is located, you may want to plan for some walking. Most of where you’ll need to go is Old Port Royale, where the quick service options are located, or to the Skyliner hub or bus stops. Depending on where your room is located, you may need to plan for a farther walk than others.
No Elevators and Outdoor Entry
As with most of the moderate and value resort hotels, the entry to your room at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is outside. Each of the buildings also have two floors, with no elevator. So, if you are traveling with someone that has special mobility needs, or with a stroller, you may want to put in a request for a first floor room.
Should You Stay at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort?
With its fun Caribbean theme, ease of Skyliner transportation, moderate pricing, and location right next door to Disney’s Riviera Resort (extra food options!), Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is an excellent choice for just about anyone!
If you’ve got more in the budget to spend, Disney’s Beach Club Resort would also be an excellent alternative– putting you right in between Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT.
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