Review - Caribbean Beach Resort - Walt Disney World

This review covers a water view room at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort at Walt Disney World.   It includes room photos, a look at the amenities, pros and cons of staying at the hotel and thoughts about staying at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort during your Disney World Vacation.

Location and Transportation

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is a moderate level resort located on Disney property at Walt Disney World.  Caribbean Beach Resort is located closest to Epcot and is now connected to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios by the Skyliner gondola system. The resort is connected to other parks by bus.

There are 5 separate areas, named after Caribbean Islands, within the resort.  They are connected to each other and Old Port Royale (the main building and pool complex) by walking paths and an internal bus system. Caribbean Beach Resort is large and spread out.  After check in a shuttle bus will take you and your luggage to your room. 

Theming and atmosphere 

The theming is clearly going for that colorful Caribbean vibe. The bright pastel buildings are spread out over a large area and interspersed with palm trees and other tropical vegetation.  Several beautiful white sand beaches border the lake that is the center of the resort (note that the lakes are not for swimming and there is safety fencing at the edge of the beach).  Although you can't access the lake, kids will have fun on the sand and there are hammocks available to spend some time lazing in the sun.

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The lobby at Old Port Royale has comfortable seating, as well as access to all the amenities - the main pool, gift shop, quick service food options and transportation.

The Rooms

Bedroom Area with two queen beds

Each section of the resort is made up of several two-level buildings.  Rooms are priced differently based on the view.  There are standard view (which usually means parking lot view), garden view, river view and pool view.   The maximum number of people a regular room can sleep is 5. The layout being two queen sized beds and a fold out twin sized  murphy bed. The rooms are basically identical other than location in the resort. The beds are very comfortable and the bedding is fairly standard for this level of hotel. The coverlet is lightweight and there is extra bedding available in the closet area if needed -- our visit was in a chilly and damp February and we still had no need of it.

Storage and pull out twin bed.

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The fold out murphy bed is a small twin and best suited for a child or very small adult.

Coffee Station

There is a large set of drawers across from the beds that has a flat screen TV, a coffeemaker and drinks station (glasses and ice bucket).  Also in this unit is a small bar-sized refrigerator (with no freezer section). ​

Bathroom Area with double Vanity

The bathroom area contains a toilet and a tub with shower in a separate room with a door, while the double-sink vanity and closet are in an alcove off the bedroom.  This area can be separated off from the bedroom for privacy or to allow you to get ready in the morning without waking the people you are with.  A hairdryer is provided  under the vanity.

Bathroom Area with toilet and bathtub/shower

There are very subtle Disney details throughout the room with a subtle elegance but with no obvious Disney theming.  Rooms also include a small table with 2 chairs.   In the closet area rooms include a safe that is easily big enough to hold a laptop. 
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The Amenities

Fuentes del Morro Pool - main pool area near Old Port Royale

The main pool complex is Fuentes del Morro Pool ​located near Old Port Royale. It is themed after a Spanish fortress and includes 2 waterslides.  There is also a large hot tub in this area.  Each village has it's own smaller and quieter pool  as well.

As you would expect at a Disney moderate resort, there are a host of other recreation opportunities available. Honestly our priority was time in the parks so we didn't take advantage of any of these other options.  If you would like to see what is available, you can click the the link to the recreation page.

Dining 

Caribbean Beach Resort has both a table service restaurant, Sebastian's Bistro, and a quick service food court, Centertown Market.  Additionally there is a grab and go section of the Centertown Market.  Located in the Trinidad section of the resort is the Spyglass Grill, an additional quick service restaurant.  For  drinks there is also the Banana Cabana Pool ​ Bar located next to the main pool area. 

Seating at Centertown Market

Banana Cabana Pool Bar

This is also where you can purchase and refill your Resort Refillable Mugs.

Insider tip: for those staying in the far end of Aruba may find it quicker to access the restaurants at the new Riviera resort. 

Pros and Cons

​Pros

• Ability to make fastpass selections 60 days in advance.

• Close to Epcot.
• Connected to Epcot and Hollywood Studios via Skyliner
• Good main pool

Cons

• ​Internal bus 
• Can be far from main pool and Old Port Royale restaurants and amenities depending on room location
• Longer travel times to Magic Kingdom 

Our Final Thoughts

Caribbean Beach Resort is a lot more popular now that it is connected by the Skyliner to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios. It is a solid choice for those looking for a moderate resort at Disney World.  Highlights are  the main pool and the food options.  It is easy to see how this resort would appeal to families and adult only groups alike.

If you enjoyed this post, you may be interested in some of our other Disney World posts.

Photos by Jennifer Stuart and DisneyLifeDuo

Comments? Questions?  We would love to hear from you.