Originally Posted By diodog If anyone could give me their opinion about Caribe Royale Orlando that would be wonderful. I am planning a trip for 2010 and can get a 2 bedroom suite there with over 1,000 sqft at 1/2 the price of the Wilderness Lodge (which was my first pick) have 2 kiddos 7 and 5. Any insight would be helpful in my decision.
Originally Posted By Autopia Deb Never stayed there, but I've heard good things. If memory serves Fenwaygirl stayed there in June for part of her trip. You might want to check out her WDW Trip Report.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss I don't know the place, but I've certainly stayed offsite. While you don't get the perks of staying at a Disney resort hotel, the savings are considerable. In the end, for me, any trip to Disney, staying on or off, is worth doing.
Originally Posted By Ursula Is that the place that used to be the Grosvenor? If so, the location is FAB for an off-site hotel.
Originally Posted By -em >>Is that the place that used to be the Grosvenor?<< Nope thats the Regal Sun Caribe is located off 536/535 which would make it about a 10-15 min drive to the parks. I would only stay there with my own transportation because its pretty much on its own location wise on the corner of 2 major roads. Also by staying off site make sure to factor in parking rates -em
Originally Posted By seafairy1622 I haven't stayed at Caribe Royal, but my son and I stayed at Sheraton Safari. We had a suite. It was nice, very spacouis. It had a bedroom with 2 double beds and a living room with a couch. 2 tv's, a sink, dishes, coffee maker, fridge and microwave. Pool was nice, with snake slide. My son loved it. (he's 10.) The only bad thing was the shuttle system. It was fine in the morning, but comming back times are limited. It would be better if you have a car. There are 2 discount disney stores across the street. Plus Burger king, Olive Garden, Denny's and 7-11. Walgreens,mcdonalds,and cheveys were down the street. We saved money eating breakfast in our room. I would stay there again but with a car. We got a really good deal on it through southwest vacations. My son flew free and we got 3 free nights.
Originally Posted By finallygoing You might want to look into the Floridays Resort also. We have stayed there the last two years and plan on going again in Feb. because it's such a good deal. I'm a bigh believer in staying off site since you get a lot more for your money. Like you, we have two kids, and we feel the inconveience of driving to and from the park and paying for parking is worth the trade off of a large beautiful two bedroom ,two bath apartment at a reasonable price.
Originally Posted By jkayjs <<Is that the place that used to be the Grosvenor?>> As -em said it is the Regal Sun now & it is actually on site on Hotel Plaza Blvd. We have passed the Caribe Royale many times but never stayed. Wayyyy back in the day(some 20+yrs ago) we would get the Kissimee/St. Cloud visitors book with info & coupons & the Caribe was alway one that our kids thought looked like fun. We have stayed off site as many times as on. -em was spot on I would never stay off site without my own transportation. Actually there are some folks who won't be without their own transportation even on site. For us if we are only/mostly doing WDW then on site is the best even when we have our own transportation. If most/all of our time will be spent off site is our choice. I think there is enough folks on this & other web sites that have stayed @ the Caribe that you should be able to get a good/fair review.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 If money is an issue, I'd give serious thought to Priceline's 'name your own price' bidding site. Of late, folks have been getting deals like the Embassy Suites in LBV for $40 a night, the Hilton in DD for $60 a night, Homewood Suites Sea world for $35 a night, Regal Sun in DD for $38 a night etc ... some incredible deals. I'd check out biddingfortravel.com and betterbidding.com if you have any interest. You can literally cut hundreds (and comparing to Disney) thousands off a trip vs. retail. And so long as you bid smartly, you'll not wind up with a dump or an area you don't want.
Originally Posted By wahooskipper Might be late to the party here but I have stayed at the Caribe a couple of times and I would highly recommend it. I need to have extra space with the kids so I always look for "suite" hotels. I've been to Caribe for Conferences but it is good for the family. They have a terrific pool (with a waterslide), fitness room, game room, etc. They have several options for on-site dining but they are also a short drive to many other restaurants. There are three towers with suites and they have a separate section of large villas...also nice. I've been generally impressed with the service, cleanliness, staff customer service, etc. My association had conferences there two years in a row and will be going back again for another two after being at Disney's Coronado.
