Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Review | Disney World Resorts for Families

If you’re looking for a tropical escape in the heart of Walt Disney World, look no further than Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. This sprawling resort features colorful, island-inspired buildings and lush landscaping, it feels like you’re in the middle of a Caribbean paradise!

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Our family has stayed at this moderate resort a number of times, and every time we visit it has been a great trip that the whole family has enjoyed. Our kids love the pool and with the addition of the easy Disney Skyliner access, the location has a lot of perks

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort also offers several dining options, including two quick-service restaurants, a table-service restaurant, and a poolside bar. And with six leisure pools, a white-sand beach, and a variety of recreational activities, you’ll never run out of things to do here! 

Accommodations

When it comes to accommodations, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort rooms are perfect for families of five or under. 

Room Types and Amenities

The resort has two main room types: standard and preferred. Standard rooms offer either a king bed or two queen beds, while preferred rooms are located closer to the main amenities. All rooms come equipped with a mini-fridge, coffee maker, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

The rooms were recently redone and have a modern beach theme. Many of the rooms offer a fifth pull down sleeper bed. Our kids love the fifth pull down sleeper and all of the rooms at the resort now include the fifth sleeper which make it great for families of five.

On a recent Disney gals trip, we stayed in a standard room in the Jamaica section that only had the two queen beds. So make sure to request the 5th pull down sleeper if it is important to your party.

Do note that none of the buildings at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort have elevators, so depending on whether your family is traveling with strollers or a large amount of luggage, you may want to request a lower level room for convenience. 

Room Selection Tips

When booking your room, consider your priorities. If you value convenience and proximity to the resort’s amenities, a preferred room may be the best option for you.

If you’re on a budget, a standard room may be a better choice. Additionally, if you have any specific room requests, such as a room with a specific view, being close to the Disney Skyliner, or being located on a certain floor, you can note those when you are checking in to your trip.

Guests needing rooms on the first level should make sure to note that when you make the reservation.

Resort Dining Options

When it comes to dining options, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort has a variety of dining choices across the resort. Also, if you love getting a refillable mug, this is a great resort option!

This is one of the few Disney Resorts with two Freestyle machines at Centertown Market, giving you a number of additional drink options! There are also refillable drink machines at the pool and Spy Glass Grill in the Trindad section. Making the refillable mugs a convenient option at this resort.

It’s not just the drink selection that is stellar here. There’s also a great selection of food! From quick bites to table service restaurants, the dining options here are excellent!

Centertown Market

Centertown Market is the main quick service dining area of the resort, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. The restaurant features a variety of stations, including the grill, bakery, and pizza oven. 

You can choose from a selection of dishes such as Roasted Half-Chicken, a Bacon Cheeseburger, Fish Tacos, or a Hot Cuban Sandwich. The Chicken Bowl is also excellent!

The restaurant also offers grab-and-go options for those on the move. We loved the special drinks and desserts offered at this location as well. 

Sebastian’s Bistro

If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience, Sebastian’s Bistro is the perfect choice. This table service restaurant is great for families! You may need a reservation for this one, so make sure to look on the app for available times.

This table service restaurant offers Caribbean-inspired cuisine with a focus on seafood.

The meal is served family style, making this a unique location for families. You can enjoy dishes such as Caribbean Pull-Apart Rolls, Taste of the Caribbean Entree, and Coconut-Pineapple Bread Pudding.

Banana Cabana Pool Bar

If you’re looking for a place to grab a drink, Banana Cabana Pool Bar is the perfect spot. The bar offers a selection of cocktails, beer, and wine. You can also enjoy light bites such as Jerk Chicken Wings and Conch Fritters.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort offers a variety of dining options to suit your taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or an upscale dining experience, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.

Spyglass Grill

Spyglass Grill is a quick-service restaurant located near the pool area in the Trindad section. Making this a great location if you don’t want to head all the way over to the main building.

The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, including dishes such as Chorizo Burger, Jerk Chicken Salad, and Plant-based Tacos. You can also enjoy a selection of cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages here.

Pools and Recreation at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort has one of our favorite main pools at Walt Disney World! It’s a fun pool for all ages and we love the vibe here.

Feature Pool: Fuentes del Morro

The resort’s main pool, Fuentes del Morro, is a sprawling oasis that features two water slides, a water play area, and a large hot tub. The pool is themed after a Spanish fortress, complete with watchtowers and cannons. 

The water slides are a hit with kids and adults alike, and the water play area is perfect for younger children. The pool area also features a bar, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink while you soak up the sun.

There’s also a splash pad play area for younger children that is themed after a pirate ship.

We love heading to the pool in the evenings to enjoy being able to watch fireworks from both directions. That’s right, you can see both EPCOT fireworks and Magic Kingdom fireworks in the distance from the main pool area!

Leisure Pools

In addition to the feature pool, the resort has five quiet leisure pools scattered throughout the property. These smaller pools are perfect for those who prefer a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. 

These is a leisure village located in each respective village, so there is always a quiet pool near your room. These pools are a great option if you want to cool off without the crowds.

Recreational Activities

If you’re looking for something to do besides swimming, there are plenty of recreational activities to keep you busy. The resort has a playground, Caribbean Cay, which is located near the feature pool. The playground features a variety of slides, climbing structures, and interactive water features.

Additionally, the resort offers bike rentals, fishing excursions, and boat rentals on Barefoot Bay, the resort’s large lake. There are also several jogging trails throughout the property if you want to get some exercise in.

Found in photo: Aloha Minnie Top / Coral Skirt

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort has something for everyone when it comes to pools and recreation. Whether you want to splash around in the feature pool, relax in a leisure pool, or try out some of the recreational activities, you’re sure to have a great time.

Transportation at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

When it comes to getting around Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, there are a few different options to choose from. Here’s what you need to know about transportation and accessibility at this resort.

Disney Skyliner

One of the most exciting transportation options at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is the Disney Skyliner. This gondola system connects the resort to both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, making it a great way to get around if you plan on visiting those parks.

The Skyliner stations are located near the Jamaica section of the resort, which is especially convenient for guests staying in this area of the resort.

The gondolas themselves are spacious and comfortable, and offer some great views of the resort and the surrounding area.

Bus Transportation

If you’re headed to a park that’s not accessible via the Skyliner, you’ll need to take a bus. Fortunately, the bus stops at Caribbean Beach are well-placed and easy to find. There are multiple stops throughout the resort, so you shouldn’t have to walk far to catch a bus.

Buses run frequently and are generally reliable, although they can get crowded during peak times. If you’re traveling with a stroller or mobility device, be aware that you may need to fold it up before boarding the bus.

Proximity to Parks

One of the great things about staying at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is its proximity to the parks. The resort is closest to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which is just a short Skyliner ride away. EPCOTis also easily accessible via the Skyliner, while Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom require a bus ride.

The transportation options at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort are convenient and efficient. Whether you’re taking the Skyliner or a bus, you should be able to get where you need to go without too much waiting, which is always a nice bonus!

Resort Amenities

If you’re looking for a relaxing and fun-filled vacation, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort has plenty of amenities to offer. 

Old Port Royale

Old Port Royale is the heart of the resort and offers a great meeting spot with a spacious lobby and multiple seating areas.

Just steps away from the Fuentes del Morro Pool and connected to Centertown Market, this hub helps you feel connected to the resort and that it is easy to get around to all of the amenities.

Shopping and Merchandise

If you’re looking for some souvenirs or need to pick up some essentials, the resort has an excellent shopping option.

The Calypso Trading Post is the main merchandise location and offers a variety of Disney-themed items, including apparel, toys, and collectibles. 

Resort Activities

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort offers a variety of activities for guests of all ages. There is a nice playground on the Carribean Cay island, and that’s also where Movies Under the Stars can be found.

In the evenings, you can enjoy movies under the stars or gather around a campfire for s’mores.

Keep an eye out for signs around the resort that will feature the different times and locations of all of the activities happening at the resort.

As you can see, there is a lot happening at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort!

Pricing and Value

When it comes to pricing, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort falls under the category of moderate resorts, which means it offers more amenities and services than value resorts but at a lower price point than deluxe resorts.

The cost of a room at the resort varies based on the time of year, room type, and length of stay. On our most recent trip, I booked a room with my Annual Passholder discount at a special rate of $220 per night. Frequently you can find rooms here in the $220-$280 per night range.

Make sure to always check out the Special Offers page on the Walt Disney World website prior to booking! There is typically always a special offer out for all guests to be able to save a percentage off their room booking price! And I often find this to be the best deal, purchasing tickets for those in our party that need them and room separately.

Budget-Friendly Tips

If you’re looking for ways to save money during your stay at the Caribbean Beach Resort, here are a few budget-friendly tips:

• Consider visiting during the off-season or booking a room during weekdays instead of weekends to take advantage of lower rates.
• Check for deals in the summer, we often find the best room rates when temperatures are at their peak! (Make sure you can stand the heat though!)
• Take advantage of the complimentary transportation to Disney World parks and avoid renting a car.
• Opt for quick-service dining options or bring your own snacks to save money on food.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort offers a great value for its price point and is a great option for those looking for a more immersive and relaxing experience than value resorts but at a lower price point than deluxe resorts.

Staying at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

If you’re planning a trip to Disney World, staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort is a great option for families. Here are some things to consider before booking your stay.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort:

Pros

• Beautiful theming that immerses you in the Caribbean atmosphere
• Multiple pools and recreational activities for families to enjoy
• Convenient location near the theme parks
• Spacious rooms that can accommodate families of various sizes

Cons

• Resort can be quite large and spread out, which may be a concern for some guests
• Limited dining options available at the resort
• Some rooms may be far from the main areas of the resort, which could be a concern for those with mobility issues or young children

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is a great option for families looking for a fun and convenient place to stay during their Disney World vacation.

With its beautiful theming, multiple pools and recreational activities, and convenient location, it’s easy to see why so many guests have enjoyed their stay at this resort.

Nearby Dining and Entertainment

There are plenty of dining and entertainment options near Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.

Topolino’s Terrace at the Riviera Resort is a must-visit for delicious Italian cuisine, while Primo Piatto offers quick and tasty bites.

Riviera Resort is just one short Disney Skyliner ride away from Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, making it an excellent dining experience option that is easy to get to. With Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT just a short Skyliner ride away also, this is a great resort to be close to a number of different entertainment options.

Would I Stay at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Again?

Yes! Absolutely, our family will return to this resort! Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort at Walt Disney World is a great option for those looking for a tropical getaway during their vacation. The resort offers a variety of amenities, including multiple pools, restaurants, and activities for guests of all ages.

This is one resort that our family has returned to multiple times and it’s one we like returning to frequently.

Our kids love the main pool with its multiple water slides, the rooms are comfortable, and the location is convenient. When we are looking in the moderate price range, this is always one of our top choices. Check our ranking of the Moderate Resorts here.

The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with a Caribbean theme that adds to the overall ambiance of the resort. The location is also ideal, as it is situated in the heart of Walt Disney World and provides easy access to all of the parks and attractions.

If you are looking for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation at Walt Disney World, the Caribbean Beach Resort is definitely worth considering. With its beautiful setting, comfortable accommodations, and convenient location, it is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.