The magic may be fading for some Disney guests—at least if you ask those who recently stayed at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. One visitor took to Reddit this week to share a deeply frustrating experience that sparked a broader conversation about Disney World’s rising prices and falling standards.
The guest, who had reserved a room at Caribbean Beach—a “Moderate” tier resort with rooms regularly priced over $300 a night—said their experience was anything but magical.
“We were two hours past our guaranteed check-in time before we finally got a room, and when we walked in? It was dirty. The AC didn’t work. The whole place felt run-down and neglected. This is supposed to be a moderate resort, and it cost over $300 a night. For what? I’ve seen sleazy motels in better shape.”
Attempts to resolve the issue through Disney’s customer service team were equally disheartening. According to the poster, a front desk Cast Member and multiple leaders offered a move to a lower-tier resort—but at an additional cost to the guest.
“They claimed every resort on Disney property was 100% sold out. Come on. That’s not customer service—that’s brushing off complaints with canned excuses.”
Eventually, the guest canceled the reservation and booked a Marriott offsite instead. The room was reportedly “half the price, 10x nicer, bigger, cleaner, and just more comfortable.”
And the family didn’t just leave the hotel—they skipped the Disney parks altogether.
“We’re not even bothering with the parks this trip. It’s just not worth it.”
A Broader Shift in Sentiment?
This post struck a nerve. Hundreds of commenters echoed similar frustrations—many citing skyrocketing prices for rooms and add-ons like Lightning Lane Multi Pass, individual Lightning Lanes, and limited dining options.
One user compared the price jump to luxury hotel levels:
“We stayed at Port Orleans two years ago for $200 a night… We looked to rebook a holiday next year with our kids and the prices have gone up so dramatically. It was almost $500 a night. That’s a luxury hotel price… even the budget hotels were over $200.”
Others shared how staying off-property offered far better value:
“We stayed off property for $150 and had a continental breakfast, free parking, and Ubered to the park for $3 each ride the first time we went.”
“It’s incomprehensible when you consider many value hotels off-site also offer a free breakfast that’s all you can eat that Disney would probably charge $35 a person for.”
Another former Caribbean Beach guest chimed in to say their experience mirrored the original complaint:
“Our room was also dirty, the AC was also broken… even when it was ‘fixed’ it was still extremely loud and not effective. The manager… was very rude and dismissive… I wouldn’t recommend CB to anyone.”
And even those who did opt for deluxe resorts voiced concern over pricing:
“I just did a theme park view room at the Contemporary on an AP discount for $450. That room goes for $800-1k a night. Loved the room and location but it is absolutely not worth the price it usually is. No standard room is worth that.”
“CBR is dipping into $400/night territory. Which is just so mind boggling.”
What Happened to the “Disney Difference”?
Once known for top-tier hospitality and cast member charm, some commenters believe the company has lost sight of what made Disney a beloved brand.
“This isn’t about expecting perfection. It’s about paying premium prices and getting nickel-and-dimed while the experience gets worse… Disney used to feel special. Now it feels like a corporate machine that’s lost touch with what made people fall in love with it in the first place.”
While Disney has not publicly responded to this specific complaint, this growing online backlash reflects a recurring theme in recent years: higher costs, fewer perks, and increasingly vocal dissatisfaction.
For now, many of these former guests say they’ll be enjoying Orlando—but leaving Disney out of the itinerary.
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