Let me tell you about our absolute gem of a Disney resort – Caribbean Beach Resort! When we were planning our family vacation for five, finding the right place felt like solving a puzzle. Spoiler alert: we hit the jackpot with this place!
Our Home Away from Home: Barbados Building
We stayed in the Barbados building, which I know some folks online complain about for walking. But honestly? No big deal! The location was perfect – almost equidistant from the pool and the Sky Liner. Bonus? The bus stop was super close to our room. Now, I’ll be real – at night, we did have to be patient as the bus made a few stops before reaching ours, but that’s just part of the Disney resort experience.
Rooms: A Family of Five’s Dream
If you’re traveling with more than four people, you know the struggle is real. Caribbean Beach Resort’s fifth sleeper option was an absolute game-changer for us! Just to be clear, if you’ve stayed at a Disney resort with a fifth sleeper before then you know the bed isn’t ideal for a grown adult as it is on the smaller side when it comes to length. However, for kids or anyone under 5ft tall, its perfect. The room wasn’t massive, but it had everything we needed. After long park days, we had plenty of space to spread out, kick off our shoes, and relax. Trust me, when you’ve been walking Disney miles all day, that comfort matters!
Pools: Kid Paradise, Parent Sanity Saver
Can we talk about those pools? Caribbean Beach has arguably one of the best pool areas in all of Disney World. Two water slides that kept my kids entertained for hours! The splash pad was perfect for the younger ones, and I appreciated the abundance of seating. I could keep an eye on the kiddos while enjoying a moment of peace – a rare luxury at Disney!
Food: A Culinary Caribbean Escape
The food court was a delightful surprise. So. Much. Variety. My personal favorite? The jerk chicken. Absolutely delicious! The Banana Cabana pool bar was another hidden gem, offering to die for wings and an abundance of tropical concoctions. They also served sandwiches and burgers along with a couple kid options. Bottom line- the resort provided options for everyone in the family, which is crucial if you’ve got kids as picky as mine.
The Resort: A Tropical Paradise
Let me tell you, this place is BEAUTIFUL. The gardens? Stunning. The “beaches”? Picturesque. The colorful buildings look like they’ve been plucked straight from the Caribbean. Every corner feels like a postcard, and the tropical vibes are real.
If you happen to be hanging around the resort when Epcot is doing its end of the night fireworks show you can catch a view of the higher fireworks around barefoot bay and some of the beaches throughout the resort. We found the top viewing spots to be the beaches near Jamaica and Aruba and the bridge that leads to the Fuentes del Morro Pool.
Budget-Friendly Magic
Here’s the best part for all you budget-conscious Disney moms –we have found this resort to be one of the most affordable options for a family of five. We’re definitely making this our go-to Disney home base for future trips.
Pro Mom Tips:
- Book a preferred building if you can
- Plan a rest day to enjoy the amazing pool area
- Try the jerk chicken (trust me!)
- Take time to explore the resort’s beautiful grounds
Would we stay here again? In a heartbeat! Caribbean Beach Resort isn’t just a place to sleep – it’s part of the magical Disney experience.
This was really helpful. I’ve been seeing Caribbean Beach at a lower price and was wondering if it would be a good pick. Great information