5 SERIOUS Downsides To Staying at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Hotel

We know Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort looks like a tropical dream from the outside.

The colors are vibrant, the vibes are chill, and the Skyliner access makes it seem like a no-brainer. But the reality is that it’s not for everyone, and there are a few things you’ll definitely want to know before you book.

This Resort Is MASSIVE

Let’s start with the big one (literally). Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is huge. It’s one of the biggest resorts on property, and trust us, it feels like it. You might look at the pretty map and think, “Oh, it’s not that bad,” but walking from your room to the main lobby, pool, or even the bus stop can feel like a whole workout — and that’s before you rope drop the parks.

You can request a preferred room to be closer to the action, but even those can still feel like a trek depending on where you’re trying to go. If you’re not into walking a mile just to refill your mug or grab a snack, this might not be your vibe.

The Skyliner Stop Can Be a Nightmare in the Morning

One of the biggest perks of Caribbean Beach is the Skyliner access — but there’s a catch. This resort is the hub for the Skyliner. That means other lines feed into it, and if you’re trying to get to EPCOT or Hollywood Studios in the morning, prepare for a crowd.

We’re talking full switchbacks and long waits before you even board. It’s not uncommon for guests from other resorts like Pop Century and Art of Animation to transfer here, which just adds to the chaos. If you’re planning to rope drop a popular ride, factor in the extra time or risk getting stuck in Skyliner gridlock.

Limited Dining Options

We’re torn on this one. On the one hand, Sebastian’s Bistro is a hidden gem, and Centertown Market has a few solid picks. On the other hand, there really aren’t too many other spots to choose from.

If you like having a range of dining choices at your resort — quick service, table service, lounges, etc. — Caribbean Beach comes up a little short compared to places like Coronado Springs or the Deluxe resorts. But let’s talk about one of the bright spots: Sebastian’s Bistro.

We’ve done the Taste of the Caribbean Menu there, and it is legit one of the best dining deals on Disney property. For $39 per adult (and $21 per child), you get:

• Buttery Pull-Apart Rolls with guava butter and caramelized onion jam (fan favorite — these are addictive)

• Spice Necklace Salad (one of the best salads on property, and we mean that)

• A massive entree platter featuring:
  • Oven-roasted chicken with crispy skin and spicy tamarind BBQ
  • Slow-cooked mojo pork with mango sambal
  • Chili-rubbed beef with roasted red pepper chimichurri
  • Baked white fish with citrus butter

• Sides like cilantro rice and beans, roasted veggies, and candied plantains
• And then… the bread pudding.

Let’s pause. Because this Coconut-Pineapple Bread Pudding is serious. It’s warm, rich, buttery, soft (no crusty edges), soaked in caramel sauce, topped with vanilla ice cream — and yeah, it’s that good. Easily one of the best desserts in all of Disney World. We think about it way more than we should.

The bottom line here is that we love the quality of the food, but just know that you don’t have many options. If you’re someone who wants variety without leaving the resort, this might not be the best fit.

For our latest food review at Caribbean Beach — Click Here

The Bus Stops Never End

Remember how we said this resort is massive? That also means there are multiple bus stops scattered across the property. Like… a lot of them.

While this sounds convenient in theory — yay, a bus stop near your room! — In practice, it can be a drag. Depending on where you’re staying, you might be the first stop (great for getting a seat, but expect a long ride) or the last (meaning you could wait for multiple buses that are already full).

And if you’re leaving the parks at night when everyone’s tired and cranky? You’ll feel every single stop on the way back. It’s not exactly the relaxing ride home you hoped for after 20,000 steps.

So, is Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort the worst resort on property? Absolutely not. But is it the right fit for everyone? Maybe not. If you’re big on convenience, want tons of dining options, or don’t feel like navigating a small city to find your room, you may want to look elsewhere. But if you’re all about that tropical aesthetic and don’t mind some extra walking, it can be a fun and scenic spot to stay.

Check back with AllEars again soon for more.

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Have you stayed at Caribbean Beach? Let us know in the comments!

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