Let’s take a trip to the Caribbean Islands! The Caribbean Beach Resort at Walt Disney World opened on October 1, 1988 and was the first resort in the Moderate category. The resort has 5 different sections, or islands, Barbados, Jamaica, Martinique, Trinidad and Aruba surrounding a 42-acre lake, Barefoot Bay. Each section is colorfully decorated and has a pool, white sand beach with hammocks, playgrounds, laundry, bus stop and parking area. Do keep in mind that none of the two-story buildings have elevators so you would need to request the ground floor if you are unable to do stairs.
Recreation abounds at this resort. Besides the 5 island pools there is also a main pool. The Fuentes del Morro (Morro Fountains for those of us who don't speak Spanish) Pool is themed after a Spanish Fortress with zero-entry, two water slides, spray cannons and a child’s splash pad.
There are also bike rentals, a volleyball court, movies under the stars, campfires, a jogging trail and playgrounds. Note: not all activities are currently available due to COVID restrictions.
Old Port Royale is the main building at the resort where you will find check-in, concierge, bell services, Calypso Trading Post (the resort store), restaurants and the main bus stop.
Let your inner pirate out with a stay in the resorts pirate themed rooms! The center piece are pirate ship shaped beds. There are only a few of these rooms so be sure to request one as soon as possible if you have a would-be pirate in your group.
For kids ages 4 to 12 there are two pirate adventure cruises, the Islands of the Caribbean Pirate Cruise and the Albatross Treasure Cruise (at the Yacht and Beach Club). During the 2-hour cruise young scallywags will hear pirate tales and search for a treasure. Note: these cruises have been temporarily unavailable due to COVID restrictions.
The Caribbean Beach Resort also hosts the main hub for the Disney Skyliner transportation. The Skyliner connects to Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and a few resorts. There is bus transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs. This is a large resort with many buildings so there is an internal shuttle that will stop at each island and Old Port Royal. From Old Port Royal you can pick up park buses. This may mean adding more time to get places, especially during busy times.
Next time the urge to visit the Caribbean, look for treasure or be a pirate starts, definitely consider staying at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort!
Photos by: Amanda Simko, Deana Kelley, Anna Scalise, Theresa Perry and Lynette Brown.