Disney skyliner above Beach Resort

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Review

Last updated:
4.2

Ahoy, me hearties! The Disney Caribbean Beach Resort is the grandaddy of Disney World moderate resorts and a unique resort that really hits the sweet spot between family-friendly and honeymoon-worthy. Plus, as a moderate resort, it’s as easy on the wallet as it is on the eyes and a can’t-miss choice if you’re looking for the tropical allure of Disney’s Polynesian Village at a more affordable rate. 

So, how does Caribbean Beach stack up to other Disney World resorts? Who should stay there? Read on for our guide on everything you should know about this charming Disney resort. (Updated August 17, 2023)

Disney Skyliner at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort in Walt Disney World Resort

Staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort in Disney World

Opened in October 1988, the Caribbean Beach Resort is Disney World’s oldest moderate hotel. Although it doesn’t directly neighbor a Walt Disney World theme park, it does still boast a relatively convenient location right next door to Disney’s Riviera Resort in the Epcot and Hollywood Studios Resort Area. It’s also just a Skyliner ride away from Disney’s Art of Animation and Pop Century resorts. This charming Disney resort hotel is made up of six different “villages”, with each named after a different Caribbean island (Jamaica, Aruba, Barbados, Martinique, and Trinidad North and South). A stay here truly feels like you’ve been transported to the tropics, with each village dotted by pastel-hued buildings, white sand beaches overlooking the centerpiece Barefoot Bay, and hammocks made for relaxing in the balmy breeze. 

Standard and Preferred Rooms

Standard and preferred guest rooms at Caribbean Beach are warm and welcoming with a tropical twist. Dark woods, textured accents, pops of orange and green, and fun details like colorful shower curtains and art of island seascapes make these rooms a restful escape. 

One important thing to note is the all-new Little Mermaid rooms located in the Trinidad part of the resort near Disney’s Skyliner. These replaced the Caribbean Beach’s infamous pirate rooms. Although the pirate-themed rooms seemed like a good idea and certainly fit with the overall concept of the resort, they were dark, dingy and outfitted with mattresses that were downright uncomfortable. Fortunately, that sad situation is no more.

Now, instead of a pirate room, guests can explore the Seven Seas with Ariel instead. Unlike the pirate-themed rooms, the Little Mermaid rooms are bright, airy and come with a pull-down 5th sleeper to boot. And while the theming isn’t quite as intense as some might want (unlike a pirate room, with its pirate-ship bed and a barrel for a mini-fridge), the design is undeniably tasteful, featuring artwork inspired by life under the sea. (Those looking for even more Little Mermaid-inspired theming should stay at the neighboring Art of Animation Resort, where the design inside the room isn’t just as immersive as the larger-than-life icons outside.) Like the pirate rooms, the only downside is that they’re located on an island, far from Old Port Royale and all of the restaurants located there. On the bright side, however, they are close to the Disney Skyliner station, making it easy to get to and from the nearby theme parks.

Caribbean Beach Resort across lake

In general, all standard and preferred guest rooms at Caribbean Beach come with the following amenities: a hairdryer, iron, ironing board, coffee maker, mini-refrigerator, in-room safe, telephone with voicemail, and free Wi-Fi. 

Standard View

  • Comes with 2 queen beds 
  • Sleeps up to 4 adults 
  • Views of the hotel, woodlands, or courtyard

Standard View – 5th Sleeper

  • Comes with 2 queen beds and 1 child-size pull-down bed
  • Sleeps up to 4 adults 
  • Views of the hotel, woodlands, or courtyard

Dual vanity and shower

King Bed

  • Comes with 1 king bed
  • Sleeps up to 2 adults 
  • Views of the hotel, woodlands, courtyard, pool, or lake

Water or Pool View

  • Comes with 2 queen beds 
  • Sleeps up to 4 adults 
  • Views of the pool or lake

Water or Pool View – 5th Sleeper

  • Comes with 2 queen beds and 1 child-size pull-down bed
  • Sleeps up to 4 adults 
  • Views of the pool or lake

Preferred Room

  • Available with 2 queen beds or 2 queen beds and 1 child-size pull-down bed
  • Sleeps up to 4 adults 
  • Views of the hotel, woodlands, or courtyard
  • Near Centertown and the Fuentes del Morro Pool 

Under the Sea Room – 5th Sleeper

  • Available 1 queen bed, 1 queen-size Murphy bed and 1 child-size pull-down bed
  • Sleeps up to 5 adults 
  • Lightly styled after The Little Mermaid
  • Near Centertown and the Fuentes del Morro Pool 

Beach chairs with Disney Skyliner in the background at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort in Walt Disney World Resort

Disney Caribbean Beach Rates

If you’re wondering “how much does it cost to stay at Caribbean Beach?”, we’re happy to report that while rooms here aren’t as inexpensive as what you’ll find at Disney World’s value resorts, room rates at Caribbean Beach are quite reasonable. And unlike at other Disney resort hotels, rooms here tend to be similarly priced no matter which room type you choose – even the pirate and preferred rooms. 

That being said, as with any other hotel room, rates vary depending on what time of year you visit, what size room you need, and what you’d like to see when you look out your window. So, while visiting during the low season in a room with a view of another hotel building will result in a lower price, staying over the winter holidays in a preferred room will cause your room rate to skyrocket.  

With rates starting out in the mid-to-high $200s during the low season and topping out in the mid-to-high $400s, standard rooms at Caribbean Beach are the most affordable. Meanwhile, with prices beginning in the mid-$300s and climbing to the mid-$500s in the busy season, preferred Caribbean Beach rooms are the most expensive.

Below are the price ranges, arranged by starting price, for each of the room types available at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort in 2023 (expect slightly lower rates in 2022):

  • Standard View: $258 to $479
  • Standard View – 5th Sleeper: $277 to $494
  • Water or Pool View: $296 to $514
  • King Bed – $303 to $523
  • Water or Pool View – 5th Sleeper: $313 to $529
  • Preferred: $354 to $551

Caribbean Bar with tables and stools

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Amenities

Sprawling more than 200 acres with the 45-acre Barefoot Bay at the heart, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is one of the largest Disney World hotels – with a whole lot of amenities to match. Like other moderate hotels at Disney World, Caribbean Beach touts several restaurants (including a sizeable food court), a number of pools, and a whole host of other recreational offerings, including one befitting the resort’s tropical roots and buccaneer spirit. 

Restaurants at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

With a Disney resort as large as Caribbean Beach, there’s no question that you will have an array of restaurants to choose from. So, whether you need to grab some breakfast to eat on the way to the theme park, a refreshing drink as you lounge by the pool, or a delicious sit-down dinner after a long day of walking, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastebuds and appetite any time of day.   

Banana Cabana

The island vibes are strong at Banana Cabana, the resort’s open-air pool bar next to the Fuentes del Morro Pool. With its colorful design straight out of the tropics (hello chandelier made from steel drums!) and equally vibrant, Caribbean-inspired menu, this laidback lounge is a fun spot for both hotel guests and Disney Skyliner resort-hopping visitors alike. 

Here you’ll find a tasty assortment of bar bites, light entrees, and both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. While you will find some American classics here, we suggest you go for one of Banana Cabana’s slightly more authentic dishes. Start your meal off right with an order of Jerk Chicken Wings or Caribbean Pull-Apart Rolls.

Then, dig into more island flavors with a Jerk Chicken Sandwich, Cuban Sandwich, or Sebastian’s Salad topped with grilled shrimp or (surprise!) more jerk chicken. And while you’re there, be sure to save some space for the decadent Pineapple-Coconut Bread Pudding. Finally, wash it all down with a Tropical Paradise mocktail, the Caribbean Rum Flight, one of the bar’s many beers or wines, or its boozy namesake cocktail, the Banana Cabana

Fountain at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort in Walt Disney World Resort

Centertown Market

Located at Old Port Royale, Centertown Market is the Caribbean Beach Resort’s main quick-service restaurant. This food court is open all day long, along with a Grab & Go outlet, and dishes up a mix of American favorites and island-inspired eats for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

In the morning, fuel up for the day on everything from Mickey Waffles to Avocado Toast crowned with fresh toppings like pickled onions, oranges, tomatoes, and sriracha mayonnaise. Or, if you’re stopping in for a quick bite later in the day, give the Fried Yuca Bowl, Fish Tacos, or Mixed Grill Platter mounded with citrus-marinated chicken, barbecue pork ribs, grilled andouille sausage, and more. Looking for more familiar flavors? No worries – things like cheeseburgers, chicken strips, and pizza are also available. 

Barbecue chicken with veggies and sauce

Sebastian’s Bistro

Nestled along the shores of Barefoot Bay next to Banana Cabana, Sebastian’s Bistro is the resort’s table-service restaurant. The menu here is all about lively, flavorful dishes with Caribbean and Latin flair. Keep in mind that Sebastian’s Bistro is only open for dinner. So, if you’d like to eat here during your stay, be sure to plan accordingly. 

Enjoy the flavors of the islands with the Taste of the Caribbean. This prix fixe menu is filled with bright, tropical flavors from appetizer to dessert including slow-cooked mojo pork served with mango sambal, grilled flank steak drizzled with mojito relish, and more. For all the veggie lovers out there, there’s no need to despair. The Plant-Based Taste of the Caribbean dishes up plenty of vegetarian-friendly dishes like fried jerk tofu and Impossible kabob, just to name a few. 

Spyglass Grill

Tucked away in Trinidad near the area’s leisure pool, the Spyglass Grill is the other quick-service restaurant at Caribbean Beach. With its walk-up counter and dining area looking out over Barefoot Bay, this is a convenient spot to grab some breakfast, lunch, or dinner and relax for a while. 

In contrast to Centertown Market’s mostly American offerings, here you’ll find even more dishes with a tropical twist. For breakfast, take a trip to the Caribbean with Breakfast Yuca Hash, Cream Cheese Guava-stuffed French Toast, or the Breakfast Cuban. Or, sink into island time over lunch or dinner with the Chorizo Burger, Caribbean Taco Trio, or Chili-Lime shrimp Salad. Enjoy everything with a Frozen Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri or the decidedly un-virgin Caribbean Mai Tai on the Rocks

Caribbean Beach Resort Pool

Caribbean Beach Resort Pools

Staying in one of the resort’s outer villages? Not to worry – as one of the biggest Disney hotels on property, guests of the Disney Caribbean Beach Resort have access to not one, not two, but six different pools. Designed to look like a colonial Spanish fortress that would be right at home in Pirates of the Caribbean, the Fuentes del Morro Pool is the resort’s feature pool. And oh, what a pool it is. Here swashbuckling swimmers can splash down two different water slides (with one stretching to 102 feet), cool off under the refreshing spray of water cannons, or take part in the daily Jammin’ Pool Party or Island Dance Party. 

Even pint-sized pirates can get in on the fun at the special, 48”-or-under Fuentes del Morro Water Play Area. This watery playground is set like a shipwreck and comes complete with everything from a crow’s nest to shrunken slides. Looking for a more restful escape? Leisure pools can also be found in each of the resort’s neighborhoods, so you never need to walk too far (or put up with too much noise) to enjoy a relaxing dip.  

Caribbean Beach Merchandise Locations

Located in Old Port Royale, the Calypso Trading Post is the Caribbean Beach Resort’s only onsite merchandise outpost. This breezy store is your headquarters for everything from toiletries and snacks to souvenirs and apparel. 

Resort at night with palm trees

Other Recreation at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort 

Blessed with tons of space and transportive theming, Disney World moderate resorts also tend to be stocked with plenty of recreational activities to match. Fortunately, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is no exception. With its candy-colored villages dotting the shores of Barefoot Bay’s 45 acres, there are more than enough indoor and outdoor offerings to match.  

Over in Old Port Royale, kids and kids-at-heart can roast perfectly golden (or delightfully charred, we won’t judge) marshmallows over on the Fuentes del Morrow Beach during the Caribbean Campfire. Little buccaneers staying at Caribbean Beach will love watching Pirates of the Caribbean and other Disney favorites during Movies Under the Stars at Caribbean Cay.

Caribbean Cay – reachable by bridges from both Old Port Royale and Jamaica – is also the home of walking paths, picnic tables, hammocks, play areas, and covered swings. So, even if you aren’t going to watch the movie, this secluded retreat is a great place for a stroll or a picnic. 

Adults, meanwhile, might enjoy getting in a waterfront run along the shores of Barefoot Bay or letting their competitive side show during a friendly game of volleyball near Martinique Village. Alternatively, for family-friendly ideas the whole gang can do together, get some wheels from the bicycle rental or reserve a guided, catch-and-release fishing excursion. 

Caribbean Resort with foliage

Disney Caribbean Beach FAQs

Want to know more about Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort? Read on for answers to some commonly asked questions. 

Is Disney Caribbean Beach Resort good?

In the battle for the best moderate resort at Disney World, the competition is very stiff. Nonetheless, we think Caribbean Beach is a solid entry. Depending on when you visit, the rates – starting out in the mid-$200s – are definitely affordable. The theming is charming, there are plenty of recreational offerings, restaurants with immersively themed dishes, and, as a stop along Disney’s Skyliner, the location is certainly ideal.

That being said, this Disney resort hotel is huge. In other words, there are many bus stops, and if you need to get to the front of the resort, it can take a while depending on where you are. However, if that doesn’t bother you, then this is a wonderful stay and an affordable alternative to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. 

Can you walk to Epcot (or Disney’s Hollywood Studios) from Caribbean Beach Resort? 

No, despite its desirable location near the two, you are not able to walk to either Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios from Caribbean Beach. Luckily, you have an even faster option: the Disney Skyliner. With stops at both Caribbean Beach and the nearby Disney’s Riviera Resort, this convenient – and fun – transportation option connects you to both parks and boasts an incredible bird’s-eye view as you come in for a landing. 

Disney Skyliner at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort in Walt Disney World Resort

How long is the bus ride from Caribbean Beach Resort to Magic Kingdom?

As there are several bus stops along the Caribbean Beach bus route, your actual ride will depend on where you’re staying or choose to get on. However, you can count on an approximately 15-minute ride from the time you pass the main entrance of the resort to the front of the Magic Kingdom

Can you see fireworks from Caribbean Beach Resort?

Actually yes! While you won’t be able to see the entire display or hear the music, you are able to see some of the taller fireworks from the show from some of the beaches at Caribbean Beach. 

Which village is best at Disney Caribbean Beach Resort?

Thanks to its close, convenient location near Disney’s Skyliner and Centertown Market, the Jamaica Village is one of the best room locations at Caribbean Beach. This is also the best option if you’re hoping to spend most of your time at Hollywood Studios. Another contender for the best village at Caribbean Beach is Aruba. While it is a bit of a walk from Old Port Royale, it is still close to a Skyliner stop – the one at Disney’s Riviera Resort, that is. This location is best if you plan on eating your way through Epcot

Old Port Royale Christmas decorations Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

Well mateys, that concludes our voyage around the Caribbean Beach Resort at Walt Disney World Resort. With a romantic, beachy atmosphere that feels worlds away from Central Florida, Little Mermaid rooms, budget-friendly room rates, and a treasure trove of recreational activities, it is an excellent stay for families and couples on honeymoon alike.  

Looking to make the most of your time? Hack your Disney vacation with our one-day plans for Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Wanting to make your dollar stretch farther? Don’t miss out on our discounted Walt Disney World tickets

Have you stayed at Disney’s Caribbean Beach? Which restaurant or village is your favorite? Are there any tips or tricks we need to know? Let us know in the comments!

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Review
The Final Word
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is a nice buffer between Value and Moderate Resorts. It's the largest Moderate Resort on property which has some drawbacks and at times can feel like you're at a Value Resort. Over-all, for the price, it's a good choice over any All-Star Resort.
4.2