Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is one of Walt Disney World’s largest Moderate Resorts, offering guests a vibrant, tropical setting inspired by the islands of the Caribbean. This resort is known for its beautifully themed villages, each representing a different Caribbean island, and for its convenient access to the Disney Skyliner, which connects guests to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Recently renovated, with a central dining hub called Old Port Royale and a Skyliner station, Caribbean Beach is a solid choice for families, couples, and groups looking for a fun, mid-priced stay.
Key Highlights of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
1. Themed Villages and Beautiful Grounds
Caribbean Beach Resort is divided into five different villages: Barbados, Jamaica, Aruba, Martinique, and Trinidad, each designed to reflect the vibrant colours and lush beauty of their respective Caribbean islands. The resort is built around the 44-acre Barefoot Bay, providing picturesque water views and plenty of pathways for leisurely strolls.
- Colourful Atmosphere: The theming is bright and tropical, with pastel-coloured buildings, palm trees, and hammocks dotted along the beach. It’s a cheerful setting that really immerses you in the island vibe, helping you to feel like you’ve escaped to the Caribbean even while staying on Disney property.
- Waterfront Location: Being built around a large lake means many rooms have views of the water, and the resort feels spread out, offering a more relaxed atmosphere than some of the more compact resorts.
Key Tip: If you’re looking for easier access to the dining and transportation options, consider requesting a room in Jamaica or Aruba, which are closer to the Skyliner and main dining hub at Old Port Royale.
2. Skyliner Access
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Caribbean Beach Resort is its direct access to the Disney Skyliner, a gondola system that offers quick and convenient transportation to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. The Skyliner has become a huge draw for guests staying at Caribbean Beach, as it provides a scenic and relaxing way to travel between the parks.
- Central Skyliner Hub: Caribbean Beach Resort serves as the main Skyliner hub, making it a key location for guests using this system. From here, you can take a direct gondola ride to EPCOT, or transfer to another line for Hollywood Studios.
Key Tip: The Skyliner is much faster and more scenic than buses, so be sure to take advantage of it for park transportation. However, the system may close during bad weather, so always check ahead.
3. Dining Options at Old Port Royale
Caribbean Beach Resort’s dining has improved significantly since the renovation of Old Port Royale, the resort’s central hub. With a selection of quick-service and table-service restaurants, along with bars and snack options, guests have plenty of dining choices without needing to leave the resort.
- Sebastian’s Bistro: This is the resort’s main table-service restaurant, offering a Caribbean-inspired menu with seafood, grilled meats, and tropical flavours. The restaurant has a relaxed, beachy atmosphere, making it perfect for a casual yet delicious meal.
- Centertown Market: The quick-service option, Centertown Market, offers a variety of dishes, from breakfast staples to Latin and Caribbean-inspired meals. It’s a convenient stop for guests looking for a fast and satisfying meal.
- Banana Cabana: This poolside bar and grill offers light snacks and a selection of cocktails. It’s a great place to grab a drink and relax after a long day at the parks.
Key Tip: Sebastian’s Bistro is often overlooked but offers a great dining experience at a reasonable price. Be sure to make a reservation in advance if you want to try it.
4. Fuentes del Morro Pool
The Fuentes del Morro Pool is one of the highlights of Caribbean Beach Resort. This pirate-themed pool features a large fort complete with water slides, waterfalls, and cannons spraying water. It’s an absolute hit with kids and adds an extra layer of fun to your stay.
- Zero-Entry Pool: The main pool has a zero-entry section, making it accessible for little ones and a relaxing option for adults who want to lounge in the water.
- Children’s Water Play Area: There is also a separate play area for smaller children, with smaller slides and water jets, making it a perfect spot for younger guests to cool off.
Key Tip: The pool area can get busy, especially in the afternoons, so consider visiting in the morning or early evening for a more relaxed experience.
5. Sprawling Resort Layout
Caribbean Beach Resort is one of the largest Disney resorts in terms of size, which can be both a pro and a con. The resort’s vast layout allows for plenty of space and a peaceful atmosphere, but it can also mean a lot of walking between your room and the main areas like Old Port Royale or the Skyliner station.
- Internal Resort Bus: Due to the resort’s size, there is an internal bus service that can help guests get around, but it’s still important to be prepared for some walking, especially if your room is located in one of the farther villages like Trinidad.
Key Tip: Request a room in Jamaica or Aruba for the best balance between proximity to the Skyliner and the dining options at Old Port Royale.
Downsides of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
1. Bus-Only Transportation (Aside from Skyliner)
While the Skyliner is a fantastic option for EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, guests will still need to rely on buses for transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs. Buses can sometimes be crowded and require longer wait times, especially during peak hours.
Key Tip: Build in extra time for bus transportation if you’re heading to the parks that are not serviced by the Skyliner. Early mornings or late nights can often result in bus delays, so plan accordingly.
2. Theming is Fun but Not Immersive
While Caribbean Beach Resort offers a lively and cheerful atmosphere, some guests may find that the theming doesn’t feel as immersive as other Moderate Resorts, like Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter. The resort’s focus is on a broad Caribbean theme rather than a deeply immersive story.
Key Tip: If you prefer strong theming that fully transports you to a new world, you might want to explore other Disney resorts, though the bright, tropical feel of Caribbean Beach still offers plenty of charm.
3. Size and Walking Distance
As mentioned earlier, Caribbean Beach’s size is both a benefit and a drawback. While the spacious grounds are beautiful and spread out, they can also make it difficult to navigate, especially if your room is located far from the main dining or transportation areas.
Key Tip: Request a room near Old Port Royale or the Skyliner if walking distances are a concern. Alternatively, make use of the internal bus service to get around the resort more easily.
Final Thoughts: Is Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Worth It?
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is a great option for guests who want a tropical atmosphere, Skyliner access, and plenty of dining options without paying the higher rates of a Deluxe Resort. While the resort’s size and reliance on bus transportation for some parks may be drawbacks, the benefits of beautiful grounds, a fun pool, and proximity to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios make it a top choice in the Moderate Resort category.
For families looking for a mix of convenience, value, and island-inspired charm, Caribbean Beach Resort is definitely worth considering for your next Disney World holiday. With the addition of the Skyliner enhancing transportation options, it’s a resort that continues to appeal to both first-time visitors and seasoned Disney travellers.
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