If you’re looking for a taste of the islands during your next Disney vacation, check out the Caribbean Beach Resort. It’s inspired by 5 islands: Trinidad, Barbados, Martinique, Aruba and Jamaica awash with hammocks, sand beaches, markets and a fort-inspired main pool. The resort is centered around the newly renovated Old Port Royale, the ‘hub’ of the resort, where you’ll find check-in, concierge, and most amenities. This resort will be the main exchange on the anticipated Skyliner, a gondola system that runs between select Disney properties as well as Epcot and Hollywood Studios theme parks.
Accommodations
The resort has undergone extensive renovation for the better part of two years, so if it’s been a while since you’ve visited, it’s worth checking out. The resort is separated into blocks named for the 5 distinct islands it is inspired by. Rooms are standard or pirate-themed depending on your preference. Standard rooms vary from a King size bed to 2 double beds and some rooms have a pull down 5th sleeper. The pirate rooms, located in Trinidad, are themed-out with pirate decor galore. The coolest centerpiece is the pirate boat designed beds, perfect for your pirate obsessed kiddo. It bears mentioning the beds are full beds not queens and Trinidad is farthest from the main complex (10-15 min walk), which may be a deterrent for some. Preferred rooms are those located nearest to Fuentes del Morro pool and restaurants in the Martinique and Barbados complexes (buildings 24, 25, 26 and 31, 32, 33) which you can request at the time of booking.
Amenities
The main pool area is known as Fuentes del Morro which is inspired by a Spanish fort and boasts two waterslides. There is an adjacent pirate splash pad for kiddos under 48’ with 3 small slides so there’s plenty of places to cool off during your stay. If you want a quieter pool experience, each accommodation complex has its own pool as well as sandy beach and hammock area.
For your kids who love all things pirate, there are two pirate themed boat excursions they can partake in. The Pirate Cruise Adventure is for children ages 4-12 where kids follow clues to find a hidden treasure. There’s also the Unsolved Mysteries of Barefoot Bay aimed at kids 10-16 setting sail in the evening where they collect clues and solve puzzles.
There’s also a small (shaded!) playground located on the connecting island Caribbean Cay which is also where they have walking paths and is the location for their night outdoor movie (weather depending) where you can catch up on your favorite Disney film.
Bike rentals, guided fishing, Volleyball, jogging trails and an evening campfire round of the list of activities you can do when at Caribbean Beach Resort.
Dining
There’s a lot of variety in terms of options for food onsite including a newly renovated sit-down restaurant, cafeteria style and grab and go. All include standard fare (like Mickey waffles) as well as signature dishes featuring a Caribbean twist.
Centertown Market– order at the counter and then grab your food from one of the surrounding stations when it’s ready. Serving up Latin and Caribbean inspired breakfast, lunch and dinner cafeteria style (as well as standard fare).
Centertown Market Grab and Go– adjacent to the main dining area there’s also this market for quick salads, sandwiches, pizza, bakery items, coffee and smoothies.
Sebastian’s Bistro– the sit down restaurant on property, this newly imagined space is serving up delicious meals with a tropical vibe. The rolls were particularly amazing!
Spyglass Grill– located inside of the Trinidad complex adjacent to the pool you can grab their Caribbean taco trio or a Mickey cupcake (they even nicely made an off-menu grilled cheese for our picky toddlers).
Banana Cabana– next to the Fuentes del Morro pool this newly redesigned bar area is serving up cold beverages and tropical drinks and is a great retreat from the (often) oppressive Florida sun.
Getting Around
Transportation to the theme parks and water parks is via their complimentary bus system. The main bus pick up stop is at Old Port Royale but all accommodation locations also have stops. September 29, 2019 the new Skyliner Gondola system will open and will be a new way to catch a bird’s eye view to Hollywood Studios and Epcot (I image rooms at this resort will get more competitive once Stars Wars and the Skyliner open).
There’s also the Minnie Vans operated through Lyft if you prefer a private transfer to the parks or airport.
Staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort you’ll have access to the free Magical Express that will transfer your family to and from the airport (reservations required).
If you’re looking for a resort with a Caribbean vibe check it out!
