Deciding to stay at a Disney World Resort hotel is so very exciting! If you’ve done your research and are thinking that Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will be one of the best choices for your stay, there are some things you should know first.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
We’ve had many members of our team stay at Caribbean Beach throughout the years, and while all agree it’s a gorgeous resort, there are some very important reasons that it likely won’t be a great fit for many guests. Before you book your stay, make sure you keep these things in mind!
It’s MASSIVE
This moderate resort is one of the absolute largest on property — just take a look at the map! It’s wildly expansive and isn’t going to be a great fit for someone who wants to stay at a smaller resort.
©Disney
Despite the size of the resort, there are only a few dining locations on property and many of them are in the same location. If you’re far from them, and instead are closer to Riviera Resort, right nearby, we’ve got good news — you can go to Riviera’s restaurants instead! In fact, you can head to any of their eating establishments whenever you’d like, which certainly beats walking for forever to get to the dining at the Caribbean!
The Bus Loop May Be Your Downfall
While it’s fantastic there isn’t just one bus stop here, which would mean everyone has to walk to the ONE location no matter how far they are, that means there’s a bus loop instead. With these multiple different bus stops around the resort, it means that there’s a big possibility that when your bus arrives…it’s already full.
Caribbean Beach
This is especially common early in the morning when everyone is trying to make it to the different parks for rope drop. Therefore we suggest preparing for this ahead of time and allowing even MORE time than the usual hour we suggest. Instead, potentially allow for an hour and 15 minutes or an hour and a half if you’re attempting to get to a park at the very beginning of the day.
There are TWO Skyliner Stations Nearby
Just like the dining locations, if you find yourself far away from Caribbean Beach’s Skyliner station and closer to the Riviera’s, you are more than welcome to use that one!
Caribbean Beach Resort Skyliner Station
We know it may seem a little wild, to use a completely different hotels transportation option, but it’ll save your feet, and when you’re already doing so much walking, your feet will thank you.
Mobility Issues Could Be A Concern
Not only is the resort’s size a potential issue for those with mobility issues, especially those who will NOT be using a mobility aid to get around, but Caribbean Beach’s accommodations are two stories tall. No matter what building you’re in, there are no elevators, meaning that those with mobility issues and mobility aids won’t be able to make it up to the second floor.
Caribbean Beach Resort
Now, guests can request a first floor room due to mobility issues when they make their reservation, and if any issues arise, can visit the front desk to discuss. While this is great if you know ahead of time, many people aren’t aware of this ahead of booking, and it can cause many issues on vacations.
Caribbean Beach Resort
If you’re planning to stay at Caribbean Beach Resort, get ready to do a lot of walking, prepare for bus schedules, and know about other dining and transportation options nearby! We’re always here to make sure you have the best vacation, so stay tuned to DFB!
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I experienced the bus issue while staying at the Polynesian. They share a buses and boats with the GF. Unfortunately the GF gets the stops first (bith leaving for and coming back from the parks)- so when the bus stops at the Poly, it may already be full of GF guests. You also have to wait longer coming back from the park for GF guests to get off first. You could even experience this issue on the monorail.
Please stop hating on the Caribbean Beach!
Yes, the resort is big, but it’s manageable! Old Key West is massive. Saratoga springs is massive. ( while i understand those are deluxe resorts, when put in perspective, I would not consider the Caribbean Beach massive.)
I feel like Port orleans riverside has just as few dining options as Caribbean Beach. Maybe that’s a moderate resort issue in general, not specifically a Caribbean Beach issue?
The Caribbean Beach is not the only moderate resort with an internal bus loop! The busses at any moderate resort with an internal bus loop may be full by the time it gets to your stop, as was our case at port orleans riverside.
While your points are not invalid, they are literally applicable to any resort, moderate or not. Because they are applicable to most moderate resorts, one could argue any moderate resort may not be a good fit for all the reasons mentioned above . With exclusion to the lack of elevators at the Caribbean Beach. That’s important to note as it could be a deal breaker for some.
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