7 Reasons to Stay at Caribbean Beach Resort

We stayed at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort for the first time during the holiday season. We were there for just over a week and loved it so much we booked for the next holiday season! Here are a few of the reasons you should consider booking Caribbean Beach for your next Disney vacation.

If you are planning on staying at any Disney Resort, be sure to avoid these common mistakes!

1. Skyliner

I cannot state enough how much we loved the Skyliner. We timed ourselves leaving Hollywood Studios after the fireworks one night. It took us only 10 minutes to get from the gates of Hollywood Studios back on property at Caribbean Beach. Normally, it would take us just 10 minutes to get to the bus stop and wait in line.

The Skyliner gave us back so much time on our trip. We were able to get to the Boardwalk for breakfast at Trattoria al Forno without walking through all of Epcot or taking an Uber. The Skyliner drops at the International Gateway entrance. Instead of turning left to head into Epcot, simply make a right!

Now, obviously the much like all good things, there are downsides. One of the major downsides of the Skyliner is its inconsistency at points. There are still technical issues that occasionally cause the Skyliner to go down. There also doesn’t seem to be a way to alert people the Skyliner is down until they walk to a station to find out it isn’t running, or of course, if you are in view of the lines itself.

Not to mention you could be stuck on it, which isn’t an ideal situation for anybody. If you are already afraid of heights this can be a large fear for some people.

2. Riviera Resort

Two resorts for the price of one! Disney’s Riviera Resort is finally open and guys, its stunning. It might not look like much on the outside to some (I think those people are crazy, I think it looks beautiful). However, the interior is amazing.

Topolino’s Terrace’s views are incredible for not just fireworks, but throughout the day. There is bar (find out name) at the top as well, if you can’t snag a reservation at the restaurant. The new character breakfast there quickly became the #1 character meal in Disney World for a lot of people, including myself.

If you are staying at Disney for an extended period of time it is nice to be able to explore more than one resort. You’ll be able to try different lounges, shops, restaurants, and more!

Plus as an added bonus, if you wanted to see what a Disney Vacation Club property looked like, it is incredibly convenient to set up a tour!

3. Sebastian’s Bistro

Since Disney’s Caribbean Beach reopened and included Sebastian’s Bistro, I heard nothing but praise about this restaurant. Naturally my expectations were very high by the time I got to try it out almost a year later. I was not disappointed.

The pull apart rolls live up to the hype, as did the entire menu. Much like restaurant, there are items on the menu that are more popular than others. However, the difference with Sebastian’s Bistro is that everything on the menu could easily be a favorite of someone’s, it is all that good.

You’ll find items on the menu to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters, as well as items for those with a more adventurous palate. The restaurant itself is on the smaller side, so while it isn’t one of the most sought after restaurants for advanced dining reservations, it can fill up quickly during certain nights. This doesn’t happen frequently, but just check My Disney Experience for reservations before you head over.

4. Beaches and Overall Theme

Throughout the resort you will find beaches with lounge chairs. While you cannot swim in the water, the beaches provide a nice quiet area to relax outside the parks. We frequently saw parents reading while their kids got their much needed afternoon nap outside.

The beaches themselves also just add something to the themeing of the resort. You’ll truly feel like you are in the Caribbean. As I said earlier, we were there during the holiday season. Throughout the resort you could classic holiday music being played, but in a Caribbean island style. It is those little touches that help Disney resorts stand out among properties.

5. Fifth Person Sleeper and Pirate Rooms

Caribbean Beach Resort has two types of unique rooms that are more than just standard or preferred.

The fifth person sleeper room is a great news for five person families. There are a handful of resorts that you can stay at if you need a fifth bed. One of the most popular places to stay for larger groups is Art of Animation.

Personally, unless you have small children, I’m not a huge fan of Art of Animation. I think the price you pay for the suites is excessive. I understand you get more space and some extra amenities, but you can get more bang for your buck renting Disney Vacation Club points.

If you aren’t going to need the extra amenities the suites would provide, Caribbean Beach’s fifth person sleeper room is a great option.

The Pirate rooms are located in the Trinidad section of the resort. They have their own pool and Spyglass Grill is nearby as well. The themeing of the rooms is awesome for anyone who has a little pirate in their group.

However, the pirate rooms are a bit far from everything, which can be a positive for some and a negative for others. They are also more expensive and the beds are double beds vs the other rooms having at least queen size beds.

If you are doing a quick trip or a special treat for a kid, I do think the pirate rooms are pretty memorable. They aren’t a room I would suggest for every visit though.

6. Recreation

Every Disney resort has various types of activities to keep families and guests entertained. Caribbean Beach is no different.

You’ll find the movie under the stars and a campfire on the beach, which are both common throughout Disney property resorts. You’ll also find a jogging trail, bike rentals, fishing, and and a playground. Some of the more unique activities include a volleyball court in the Martinique area of the resort.

The two very unique activities Caribbean Beach Resort offers are a Pirate Adventure Cruise for kids ages 4-12 and Unsolved Mysteries of Barefoot Bay for ages 10-16.

Both activities cost extra, around $39, and need to be booked ahead of time. However, if you have a little pirate on your hands and are looking for something outside of the parks, these are both great options!

7. Fuentes del Morro Pool and more!

There is a pool in each village of Caribbean Beach Resort. Fuentes del Morro Pool is the main pool located at the center of the resort. Old Port Royale is home to this colonial Spanish fortress.

This zero-entry pool includes two waterslides, one of which is 102 feet long! The kiddy pool is a shipwreck play area that has a crow’s nest and mini slides.

Want something a bit more relaxing? Funetes del Morro also has a 12 person spa pool. You’ll also find Banana Cabana located right next door if you want a drink while your kids splash around.

The rest of the pools are conveniently located in each village and provide a quieter experience for those just looking for a relaxing dip to cool off.