Caribbean Beach Resort at Walt Disney World

Updated November 14, 2023

Staying at a Disney Resort is a fun part of a Walt Disney World vacation.

I have several favorites, but have narrowed down my preferred properties to one in each category….Deluxe, Moderate, and Value.

Caribbean Beach wins for Moderate!

Let’s see why.

Basic Scoop

Disney properties include 3 tiers:

  • Deluxe
  • Moderate
  • Value

Caribbean Beach is a Moderate Resort.

Resort Details

The resort is comprised of Old Port Royale (the lobby/dining/shopping/main pool area) and 5 “islands”, which all have attractive qualities.

Aruba is my favorite island. It’s close to one of the Skyliner stations, which makes getting around easy. It’s also a quick walk to the main part of the resort, Old Port Royale, where you will find the lobby, food court, Sebastian’s restaurant, the big pool with slides, pool bar, gift shop and recreation.

From Aruba, I walked out my door, down a short path, and then crossed the bridge to pass through Caribbean Cay which is a small island that holds a playground and other cool stuff for kids. It’s also where they show movies each night. Old Port Royale is just beyond the island.

The 5 islands include:

  • Aruba – on the Skyliner side; close to Old Port Royale and a Skyliner station
  • Jamaica – same side as Aruba; closer to the main Skyliner station
  • Martinique – close to Old Port Royale and the fire pit for s’mores
  • Barbados – close to Old Port Royale
  • Trinidad – furthest from Old Port Royale, but close to the main Skyliner station; has a quick service restaurant called the Spyglass Grill

Each island has its own pool. It’s a smaller one compared to the busy pool with slides in Port Royale, but it’s a nice option if you want something quiet.

Each island also has its own bus stop.

Room Details

All rooms were recently refurbished (2018) and include lovely upgrades. I’ve stayed at several Deluxe Resorts and with the exception of a few details, the rooms at Caribbean Beach feel just as nice as those I stay in at the Deluxe options. The major difference between this property and what you’ll find at a Deluxe is that Caribbean Beach’s rooms open to the outside, while Deluxe open to an interior hallway.

There are several room styles available. I always stay in a standard view room. And, it sleeps 5! It has two queen beds and the most adorable pull down twin bed (shared in a photo, below).

Pools

This resort includes a large pool in Old Port Royale, the main hub of the property. Disney shares:

“Hold the fort at this old Spanish citadel with a zero-entry pool, 2 slides and water cannons. Climb a spiral staircase to the top of a turret for an 82-foot trip down the larger slide, which penetrates the fortress wall! A relaxing spa with the capacity for 12 allows for sweet surrender. Kids under 48 inches tall will love being marooned at the nearby shipwreck play area, where a barrel periodically dumps a deluge and 3 small slides delight little scallywags.”

Each “island” has its own pool, too. It’s smaller and doesn’t include the fun details like the main pool, but it’s nice if you want some quiet time.

Transportation

Caribbean Beach is a quick Skyliner ride to both Epcot and Disney Hollywood Studios. I recommend using the Skyliner as often as possible during your stay.

To get to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, use the bus system. Each “island” has its own bus stop, for a total of 6 if you include the main lobby stop.

This link shares all about the Skyliner and why I now choose resorts based on if they’re on the Skyliner route! I love it that much.

Photos

And, this one shares all about my bike riding adventure around the resort.

Why Caribbean Beach is a Great Moderate Resort option

So many reasons!

  • All rooms have been recently remodeled and are beautifully designed.
  • The Disney Skyliner is my favorite way to travel while at WDW, and it runs above two of the ‘islands’ at this resort. (Note: I have stayed directly below the Skyliner route and didn’t notice any noise from it during my stay.)
  • This resort has so much to do. I encourage you to take a break from the parks for a full day to enjoy all it has to offer. Swim, bike, play in Caribbean Cay, dine, roast s’mores, watch the movie shown on the island, etc, etc.
  • One of my favorite ways to explore a big resort like this is on bike. Not all resorts have them, but Caribbean Beach does! This link shares all you need to know about this inexpensive perk of staying here.
  • I really think your location at this resort is important. It’s BIG. I always choose Aruba for its close proximity to both the Skyliner station and because a quick walk across the main bridge takes you to the main lobby where you can find dining and shopping, etc.
  • Questions? Leave me a comment. Happy to help you!

Related Resources

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9 thoughts on “Caribbean Beach Resort at Walt Disney World

  1. How comfortable would you say the bed was? We’ve stayed here many many times over years but not since the reno. Last time was not a good experience and my husband didn’t want to go back. The beds were horribly uncomfortable. Also, I’ve read the food court lost a lot of its charm from the old days with the reno. Is it typically Disney’s fast food in the parks? We were going to try DVC next time around but I found it interesting you had said with the reno, this was just as nice. Perhaps we might give it another try?

    1. Hi, Nicole.

      Someone else asked me about beds, as they had the same concern. I didn’t stay here prior to the renovation, so I can’t compare. But, I thought the beds were comfortable. Similar to what I’ve found at other moderate and deluxe resorts. I’ve stayed three times and haven’t had any issues.

      The food court is really cute, actually. They have more of an “island fare” for food as compared to other quick service options. I love the Cuban Sandwich and get it every trip!

      I would give it a try. Stay in “Aruba” and really take advantage of the close proximity to the Disney Skyliner. I love it! More on that here:

      https://disneylanddaily.com/disney-skyliner/

      Let me know if you have other questions.

    1. Hi, Maggie.

      I’ve eaten at every option. Banana Cabana (pool bar) has good bar food. Love their queso.

      The quick service at Old Port Royale (the main lobby/dining/shopping area) is standard for Disney Resorts. I ate the Cuban sandwich last trip and plan to again while I’m here now. Loved it.

      Sebastian’s is the table service restaurant on site. I wasn’t super interested in dining there. But, now? I can’t wait to go again once it reopens. It’s really good.

      There are a few photos of Sebastian’s and the food we enjoyed here:

      https://www.facebook.com/475776189186696/posts/2383176108446685/?d=n

  2. Do all the standard rooms have a 5th sleeper? That is an upcharge category currently, but would rather save $20 a night if all of them really have it.

    1. Hey, Brent.

      They don’t all include the 5th sleeper. I always choose the most inexpensive room when I book and have never had a room without the 5th sleeper. So, you might get it without the upcharge.

  3. Casey,
    We’re suppose to be staying at Caribbean Beach Resort in April. I use an ECV. Do the sky liners accommodate them and what type of transportation is available to Disney Springs?
    This is our first stay there, we usually stay at French Quarter so kind of excited to try this one.
    Thanks for any advice you can give on getting around at CBR.

    1. Hi, Kathy.

      Yes! The Disney Skyliner accommodates guests in ECVs. There’s a separate line for parties that include an ECV, wheelchair, etc. You’ll likely board before you would in another line. (Yay!)

      To get to Disney Springs, from any theme park or Caribbean Beach, you may take a bus. They, too, accommodate guests with ECVs.

      I checked with the Disney site and they note to tell them when you’re visiting so they can be prepared. Here’s where I found that:

      https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/guests-with-disabilities/wheelchair-buses/

      Let me know if I can help with anything else.

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