Caribbean Beach Resort: Pirate Rooms

On our recent trip to Walt Disney World, my husband and I decided to stay in the pirate themed rooms at Caribbean Beach Resort. CBR is a moderate resort and is beautifully themed in a Caribbean style. It's a larger resort, and each area is named after Caribbean islands- Aruba, Jamaica, Martinique, Barbados, Trinidad North, and Trinidad South. For the price and the beachy atmosphere, this is one our favorite resorts. 

We usually stay in the preferred section of Martinique, but I have so many ask me about the pirate rooms we thought we'd check them out. They're located in Trinidad South, and are a little bit of a walk from Old Port Royale (the main area of the resort- food court, theme pool, gift shop and marina).

The rooms were really cool though! As with everything, Disney put so much into the details of these rooms. The beds are shaped like pirate ships, with the masts going up the wall as headboards! The bed was pretty comfortable, too.

The chest of drawers was made to look like a stack of old crates. The mini-fridge was disguised as a rum barrel.

The table had a large compass on it.

We were actually given an accessible room, so the bathroom is a little different. I love the lantern light fixture.

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These beds were just too cool!

Here's the smaller closet area in the accessible room. Each room does have an iron and ironing board.

Oh, and I was pleasantly surprised by these USB ports. I don't recall ever having seen them in the rooms before.

Overall we liked the rooms. The theming was awesome and fit right into the feel at Caribbean Beach Resort. The walk wasn't a bad one, but that's the only downfall to these rooms. Call us spoiled, but we just honestly prefer the preferred rooms of Martinique. It's so convenient being next to the food court for those late night/early morning runs for coffee and drinks. If you've got a pirate in your group, these are the rooms for you!

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A Toddler's Fear of Rides at Disney

Recently I was asked about taking a 2 year old on certain rides at Disney, and seeing how my little guy, Colten, was 2 on his first trip, I definitely had some insight here. I thought it might be something worth sharing via the blog as well to possibly help others as they plan their future trips with little ones.
Here's a recap of some of the rides I thought to be okay for a 2 year old at the time... and how he reacted.

Pirates of the Caribbean

Our first ride of the kids' first trip to Disney was Pirates of the Caribbean. We entered the queue and followed the scent of the water to our waiting boat. We were all able to sit together, in the first row. Colten wasn't quite sure what to think. We entered the dark tunnel and, he got a little nervous. This was a new face for us, so I had to snap the picture.

I had completely forgotten about the "little dip" at the beginning which seemed to take us all by surprise. More surprising though was that Bubby didn't seem to mind it. Once we made it through that and the ride opened up a bit, he was fine. He loves anything to do with pirates so he really got into it. There are some loud scenes, but all in all, it was a good experience. 

Haunted Mansion

Well, for whatever reason I remembered Haunted Mansion being rather amusing, like funny Ha-Ha amusing, so I thought it wouldn't be any big deal to take Colten on it. He did fine on Pirates of the Caribbean, after that darkened tunnel and little dip so why wouldn't he do okay with Haunted Mansion?

I'll tell you why... because it is nothing like what I had somehow remembered in my head. I must have come up with some alternative universe or something where the ghosts were telling jokes or something. Don't ask me how or why...

Bubby did okay as we entered. The stretching room didn't scare him like I thought it might, so I thought we were home free. It wasn't until we had gotten into our DoomBuggies and were headed through that first "hallway" with the lightning in the windows, the spooky voice, the doors and pictures that I started to question what in world I was thinking. The ghosts and skeletons were much creepier than I had remembered. (What was I picturing, cute chubby baby-like ghosts or something? I don't know.)

Not only was it dark and creepy, but it was very, very loud. Talk about over-stimulating! It was all just way too much. So, we're not a minute in and already I'm feeling like the world's worst mother. Oh, and the ride is super long, which didn't help a bit.

Yes, yes, he made it out alive, but he was skeptical of every ride after that for the rest of our trip! 

Muppet*Vision 3D

Muppet*Vision 3D is a 3D enhanced theater show at Disney's Hollywood Studios which I thought would really be a big hit with Colten. I mean, it is the Muppets, after all. He loved the waiting area, checking out the little show on the TVs and all the props. He loved getting his glasses and playing with them. He didn't even mind going into the theater. However, once the show started and the 3D antics really began, specifically when "the world's first computer-generated Muppet", Waldo C. Graphic tells you how it's funny that everyone think he's talking to them, but really he's just talking to you and his nose elongates and almost bumps right into your own nose... Bubby was ready to hit the door. So beware, the show may be just fine, but the 3D effects may be a bit too much for little one. Most may be okay to stay and watch the show without the glass, but my little guy had to leave.

The Seas with Nemo and Friends

Another ride that seemed a bit sketchy to him at first (thanks to Mama here) was The Seas with Nemo and Friends.  Those "clamobiles" were a bit too similar to the DoomBuggies and he was a bit leery of getting in. He immediately went into defense mode, seen here:

For whatever reason, he was never ll that into Nemo, so he didn't really get excited at the sight of Dory or Nemo. While those hands never came down, his features softened, and you could tell he was okay. He did say he "liked the fish" when he got off, but I'm sure he'd have enjoyed it much more without my Haunted Mansion fiasco.

Jungle Cruise

Colten loves boats and loves animals (see where I'm going with this?), so what better attraction than Jungle Cruise to appeal to him? He started to get a bit anxious waiting in line, especially overhearing the kids behind us talk about a big snake. We were the last to board a crowded boat, and Bub wasn't too sure about this...

Once we got going though and he realized there wasn't really anything to be scared of, he started to enjoy the nice, relaxing boat ride. He really liked pointing out the animals. His favorites were the elephants playing in the water. This may have even ended up being one of his favorites.

What can we learn from this post?

• Haunted Mansion is too spooky, loud, scary and over-stimulating for a two year old (or at least mine anyway)
• 3D effects, like those in Muppet*Vision 3D, may be too much for little ones
• Some children may be nervous getting on certain rides (even without previous bad experience), but it's okay to take them anyway because it may turn out that they really like it (although I wouldn't recommend pushing through for Haunted Mansion...)

For the record, my daughter Tessa thinks Haunted Mansion rocks, and she and I had to ride it several more times over the course of our trip. She was 5 at the time. To this day it's still her favorite non-thrill ride.

Were your kids frightened by any rides at Disney? Any they were scared to go on but ended up liking? Do you have a tot who liked Haunted Mansion? I'd love to hear from you.




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The Pirates League Review

Alas, my beautiful daughter feels she's outgrown the wonderful Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. She still enjoys photo ops with the princesses, however the frills of the dresses are no longer "her style". No fear though, because we found an awesome alternative- The Pirates League at Magic Kingdom. Which is wonderful because my little guy was finally big enough to want to partake in some of the fun extras as well. This suited the both of them perfectly!!

We made our reservations at 180 days, but were able to find some availability to change dates later. When making your reservation, be sure to reserve a spot for each member of your party who will be participating. This is an all ages activity! 

Finally, our trip had come! We signed in approx. 15 minutes prior to our reservation time and only had to wait about 5 minutes or so. It started with the kids getting their official pirate names from the captain's log

A few minutes later we were taken back to the Muster Stations. Each of the kids got their own veteran pirate to give them their makeovers and turn them into the adventurer of their choice

Options include The First Mate and Empress Packages (starting at $34.95 plus tax), Jake and the Never Land Pirates Package (starting at $29.95 plus tax), and The Mermaid Package (starting at $39.95 plus tax) (**Ask about The Mermaid Deluxe Package for $74.95 plus tax**)

My kids chose the First Mate (Captain Hook) and the Empress  Packages.

At the end of the makeover each new recruit is sworn in

Once they were sworn in we were taken to a secret hidden chamber where we found treasure we cannot even begin to speak of... Dead men tell no tales... This is also where a PhotoPass Photographer snapped some great shots. (They're available for purchase, but you can have them scanned to your Magic Band. This is especially great if you've pre-purchased the Memory Maker, as we all know I am a huge proponent of doing, because you'll receive whatever photos they take free for you to download at home!)

I was very fortunate to have received some Disney Magic while we were there. Someone noticed my 30th birthday shirt and asked if I'd be interested in receiving a complimentary Mermaid Makeover. Turns out they have a veteran pirate in training that I suppose they thought could get a few more makeovers under her belt. It didn't matter- the kids thought it would be awesome, and I jumped at the opportunity.

It was a lot of fun, and I certainly wasn't the only adult in the room getting a new look. I noticed this was a very cool family activity for several!! It's definitely something I'd do again, but I would probably opt for the pirate next time (it's more my style).

Though there is a parade, we didn't participate this time. We did, however, stop outside with a PhotoPass photographer for some cool photos.

And later we got this awesome magic shot in front of the castle. I love that our photographer suggested it when he saw my Little Captain Hook.

Oh, and back to the Memory Maker, you can add some pretty cool borders to your photos when you get home before downloading.

All in all, this was an awesome experience. We'll certainly do it again!

For more info, check out my previous post here.

Oh, and the kids' totally awesome pirate shirts and my festive birthday shirt were done by my friend Belinda of Time4MommyCreations. She does excellent custom work for shirts, both in embroidery and vinyl. She also does a multitude of other custom creations. If you can dream it, she can likely do it! Check her out!

This post carries a disclosure Level of 0/1. I paid for my children's makeovers and while there was offered some Disney magic for a free makeover of my own. Disney had no way of knowing I may one day blog about the experience. These opinions are my own and were in no way persuaded by the free service. I definitely recommend trying this out! Please see my disclosure page for more details.

The Pirates League at Disney's Magic Kingdom

"Avast! Captain Jack and his crew of scallywags are scouring the high seas in search of treasure—and new recruits! Sail away with The Pirates League, and transform ye self into a living, breathing swashbuckler from the days of olde.

First, be ye christened with yer Official Pirate Name from the leather-bound captain’s log. Then, make yer way o’er to the Muster Station, where the League’s veteran pirates will give you a marauder’s makeover as the adventurer of yer choosing"

Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney World

The First Mate and Empress Packages (starting at $34.95 plus tax):

• Your choice of facial effect: Cursed Pirate, Captain Hook, Captain Jack, Blackeyed Jack or shimmering makeup*
• Reversible bandana
• Earring and eye patch
• Sword and sheath
• The Pirate League bag
• Temporary tattoo
• Unique pirate coin necklace
• Personalized pirate oath
• Official pirate name
• Participation in a daily Adventureland Pirate Parade

*The Empress Package also includes vibrant makeup, lip gloss, nail polish and face gem.

Jake and the Never Land Pirates Package (starting at $29.95 plus tax):

• Jake and the Never Land Pirates bandana with faux hair
• Jake facial effect
• Sword and sheath
• The Pirates League bag
• Unique pirate coin necklace
• Participation in a daily Adventureland Pirate Parade

**Ask about The Jake and the Never Land Pirates Deluxe Package for $44.95 plus tax**

The Mermaid Package (starting at $39.95 plus tax):

• Luminous mermaid makeup and makeup palette
• Mermaid hairstyle and color-changing hair clip
• Distinctive mermaid necklace
• Nail polish
• Mermaid sash
• Participation in a daily Adventureland Pirate Parade

**Ask about The Mermaid Deluxe Package for $74.95 plus tax**

Know Before You Go

• Hours are subject to change but are likely 9:00am to 4:pm daily
• Reservations for The Pirates League can be made up to 180 days in advance and are highly recommended
• This activity is for children 3 years of age or older. Adults are also welcome!
• Children must be accompanied by an adult (18 years of age or older) for the entire experience.
• Please bring your own brush or comb unless you have a hairstyle that doesn’t accommodate one (such as braids)
• If you're having nail polish applied, arrive with clean, bare nails
• Please check in 15 minutes before your experience is scheduled to begin. The Pirates League is located between the entrance of Pirates of the Caribbean and Plaza del Sol Bazaar.
• Tickets for Magic Kingdom are required

To book your Pirate Makeover call (407) WDW-CREW (939-2739) or speak with your travel agent.

Click Here to see my review of our pirate makeovers!

This post carries a disclosure Level of 0. Please see my disclosure page for more details.

Disney's Pirate Adventure Cruise Review

Calling all Mateys and Scallywags! Have I got an adventure for you! 

Yesterday I posted about an awesome activity offered at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels- Pirate Adventure Cruises. You can check out the article and all of the pertinent info here. The following is our review of the cruise my daughter took in 2011.

We were staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort which offered the "Island of the Caribbean Pirate Cruise". While some resorts offer daily cruises, CBR offers the cruise only 3 days a week: Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday (though this is subject to change). We went on a Sunday. The cruise starts at 9:30am, but they ask that you be at the dock 20 minutes prior in order to sign release forms and go over some info. You can choose to pay however you'd like here- either use the card you held the reservation with, pay cash, or charge it back to your room.

Two cast members will be there to go over what the kids can expect (and parents, too) and let them all know what they're doing there- hunting treasure!! The story was really cute, especially since the CM (cast member) telling it was so enthusiastic. He had all the kids getting excited and laughing (again parents, too).

The CM got everyone fitted in their pirate gear (bandanas, name tags, and life vests)

They get them all loaded on their vessel, and they set off on their adventure.

Because I wanted photos for her to remember the experience by, and to be able to share with others, I maybe stalked their adventure just a little bit...

 They traveled to different ports (throughout the surrounding waters of the resort) chasing pirates and being chased. They got on and off the boat in search of their treasure until they finally found it and pulled it aboard. The kids could be heard throughout the grounds laughing and carrying on. Clearly they were having a blast!

Once the treasure was secured they made way to land to eat. Treasure hunting works up quite an appetite.

At the end of the two hour cruise they came back to sort through their treasure.

 

Tessa had an awesome time!!

As a mom, I was a little nervous at first, but clearly there was no need to be. The cast members were great at engaging the kids and getting them involved and excited. I could even see the boat for most of the time (we had lunch and ate outside). My only issue was the lack of photos, lol. I had thought about sending her with a disposable camera, but she was too busy to have taken any photos anyway!

We planned one for our trip last year since Colten was finally old enough to participate and really enjoy it. Unfortunately it was cancelled due to rain. I'll let you know though, they don't always cancel just because of rain. If it's only sprinkling, it will go on as planned. If it is not cancelled and you do not show, you will be charged.

All in all, we highly recommend checking this activity out!! You do not need to be staying at one of the resorts listed in order to do this. Simply call and book your reservation or ask your travel agent to do so. While the kids are cruising, the rest of the party can check out the resort, have brunch or an early lunch, or if you're at the Grand Floridian have a spa treatment!!

For right under $40, you can't beat this! The cruise, the pirate goodies to take home, and the smile on her face were all worth it!! For more info check out my previous post here.

Let me know if you have any questions! Have you done this? What was your experience? Will you be planning a cruise for a future WDW trip?


This post carries a disclosure Level of 0. Please see my disclosure page for more details.