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We choose to stay at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort out of longing. We were supposed to be in the actual Caribbean. Spending a week in a treehouse, on a chocolate farm, on an island, in Panama. Unfortunately, there are some property issues, and rescheduling our stay doesn’t work. The decision is made to relocate my birthday trip, and since I’ve never done Disney for my birthday, the planning begins. Wanting to stay at a resort we’ve yet to stay at, we pick Caribbean Beach Resort because, at least we’ll still get a taste of the Caribbean.
The Resort
Stepping onto Caribbean Beach Resort’s property, creates an instant feeling of relaxation. The large, bright, breezy, lobby, whispers, chill.
Every Disney trip, we wax poetically about leaving an extra day just to enjoy the resort. Every trip, so far, we fail. We never step foot in Caribbean Beach’s pool, or take part in any of the resort activities.
We do take a few strolls around the resort to admire its beauty.
One evening we watch the Fantasmic fireworks from the resort’s main deck.
Both activities are greatly enjoyed.
Our room is clean and cheerful (to be honest we don’t see it that much with our eyes open).
It has enough space for two. The beds are cozy for a good night’s sleep, before hitting the parks the next day.
Eating at Caribbean Beach Resort
Instead of going hard as soon as our plane lands, we try a different tactic, and mellow out on our first night. After dropping our bags off in our room, we head straight for the resort’s Banana Cabana pool bar.
A fruity, tropical, drink, made by our excellent bartender, Alex, is a brilliant way to kick off our trip. Chilling out on night one is one of the best Disney decisions we’ve made.
Things get even better when our loaded sweet potato fries and jerk chicken wings arrive.
The pulled pork covered fries are tasty, but the wings are extra special. The chicken is juicy. The jerk seasoning has a kick, but it isn’t overwhelming. They are my number two favorite travel wings so far, just after the buffalo guava ones we had in the Bahamas.
Even if you aren’t staying at Caribbean Beach Resort, if you need a break from the theme park craziness, sip on a drink, and munch on some wings, at the Banana Cabana.
Although it isn’t in our original plans, we are able to snag a last minute reservation at Sebastian’s Bistro.
The pull-apart roll appetizer,
and our Caribbean inspired entrees are delicious,
but the stand out is our gigantic key lime pie dessert.
It’s smooth and creamy, and not overly sweet or tart. If you are a key lime fan, save room for the pie. I also find the music at Sebastian’s amusing. The Bob Marley songs, sung by the famous, Little Mermaid crab, make me giggle.
We kind of also stayed at the Riviera Resort
The Caribbean Beach Resort is all about location. Though most guests beg for a spot close to the main building and pool, we appreciate our room in the infamous Aruba section.
Aruba is a long walk from the resort’s main building (for the record, we have no aversion to walking, we like walking), but a shorter walk to the Riviera Resort.
Aruba is also steps away from the Skyliner station, which we adore.
After a boat, the Skyliner is my next favorite way to get around Disney World.
When not utilizing the Skyliner, we walk over to use the Riviera’s less crowded buses.
A couple of mornings, we visit The Riviera’s, Le Petite Cafe.
It’s feels good to change things up, grabbing a fancy coffee drink, at a non-Starbucks location. Our almond cold brew, and cinnamon cold brew, are divine. The madelines are fluffy delights.
In the evenings, Le Petite Cafe transforms into a lounge, serving swanky drinks, and artisanal cheese plates. I’ve added it to my visit list for a future “Lounging Around Disney,” post.
After getting up at 4am, arriving to Hollywood Studios by 6am, then spending all day gleeful in Galaxy’s Edge, we are falling asleep on the Skyliner. Since dinner is still required, a quick stop at the Riviera’s, Primo Piatto, seems a logical choice.
This quick service hybrid is exactly what we need after an eventful day.
The bright, minimalist decor, combined with meals brought to you by actual servers, elevates the quick service experience. It feels more grown-up than your burgers-chicken fingers-kids-running-around-everywhere quick service.
The cuisine includes comforting options, like Shannon’s Croque Mosiuer,
and healthy options, like my salmon kebab.
If you need a quick, quiet, meal, Primo Piatto, is an excellent choice.
So far on-property we’ve stayed at, Pop Century and the French Quarter. Off-property we’ve stayed at The Point. I wouldn’t hesitate to stay at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort again. With it’s calming, beachy, vibes, scenic property, option to take the Skyliner, and proximity to the Riviera Resort, it’s the perfect place to stay during a Disney trip.
***A huge thank you to Julieanne from A Dream is A Wish Tourist Center, for booking our Disney trip. When we looked up Caribbean Beach ourselves, it said no rooms were available, but Julieanne was able to get us a room. She was especially patient and accommodating as we planned this trip at the last minute. Her skills and services are invaluable. If you’re thinking of planning a Disney trip, check out A Dream is a Wish on Facebook, it’s no extra cost to you, and it will relieve a lot of planning stress.
