Hotels near Disney World

Caribe Royale Orlando Review: Suites, Villas, Fees and Shuttle

Aerial view of the Caribe Royale Orlando pool, waterslide, waterfall and pink resort towers

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Caribe Royale Orlando is an all-suite resort on World Center Drive, about 1.5 miles from the Walt Disney World entrance by the hotel’s count, built around a waterfall pool with a 75-foot waterslide. Every stay is either a one-bedroom suite with a separate living room or a two-bedroom villa with a full kitchen, which suits families who outgrow a standard hotel room.

This review covers who each suite sleeps, how the scheduled Disney shuttle works, what the resort fee and parking cost and where the resort falls short. Fees and schedules come from the resort’s website at the time of writing, so confirm them before you book.

Quick answer: Book Caribe Royale Orlando if you want a separate bedroom for parents, a sofa bed for the kids, a big pool with a slide and a short drive to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs. Think twice if you need Disney’s Early Theme Park Entry or flexible park transportation (the shuttle runs on a fixed schedule and doesn’t allow strollers), or if you’ll drive, because a $38 resort fee plus $36 self-parking add up every night.

Caribe Royale Orlando at a glance

  • Area/address: 8101 World Center Drive, Orlando, FL 32821, a 60-acre resort about 1.5 miles from the Walt Disney World entrance.
  • Distances: The hotel lists Disney Springs at 2 miles, EPCOT 3, Hollywood Studios 4.5 and Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom 6; by road, expect about 4 to 9 miles.
  • Rooms and who they sleep: King suites (up to 4), queen suites (up to 5) and two-bedroom villas with a full kitchen (up to 5, per the resort).
  • Pools: Waterfall pool with a 75-foot slide, a kiddie splash pool and a villa pool with hot tub; no lifeguards.
  • Breakfast: Not included in the resort fee; Tropicale serves breakfast daily, with a buffet on select dates.
  • Restaurants: Eight dining options, including The Venetian Chop House, Stadium Club, a pool bar, Starbucks and The Market.
  • Parking: Self-parking $36 plus tax per night; valet $49 plus tax per day.
  • Resort fee: $38 plus tax per room, per night (Wi-Fi, Disney shuttle, fitness center, bikes and more).
  • Park perks: Walt Disney Good Neighbor Hotel with Disney tickets sold on site and a scheduled shuttle; no Early Theme Park Entry.
Aerial view of the Caribe Royale Orlando pool, waterslide, waterfall and pink resort towers

Best for: families of four or five who want suite space near EPCOT, and groups who want a two-bedroom villa with a kitchen and washer-dryer without renting a vacation home.

See prices and availability at Caribe Royale Orlando

Caribe Royale Orlando photos

A closer look at the lobby, suites, villas and Stadium Club from the resort’s own photo gallery. Tap any photo to enlarge it, or see the full gallery and current rates on Booking.com.

Location and distances to Disney

The resort sits on World Center Drive (State Road 536), the same road as the Orlando World Center Marriott. It is outside Walt Disney World, but close enough that EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs are short drives on local roads. Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom take longer because they sit on the far side of Disney property. Still choosing an area? See our guide to where to stay in Orlando. Hotel figures look like straight-line distances; the drive column is our road-route estimate, roughly 10 to 20 minutes without traffic.

DestinationHotel figureApprox. driveHotel shuttle
Disney Springs2 miles3.5 to 4 milesEvenings only
EPCOT3 miles5 to 6.5 milesYes, scheduled
Hollywood Studios4.5 miles5.5 milesYes, scheduled
Magic Kingdom6 miles7.5 milesYes, scheduled
Animal Kingdom6 miles9 milesYes, scheduled

The resort shuttle doesn’t go to Universal Orlando, SeaWorld or International Drive, so plan on a car or rideshare for those days. There’s no airport shuttle either; the resort points guests to metered taxis, Uber or Lyft from Orlando International Airport.

Rooms: one-bedroom suites and two-bedroom villas

There are no standard hotel rooms. The suites and villas were recently refreshed with a tropical-inspired look, and the villas sit in their own section with a private pool.

One-bedroom suites

Each suite has a bedroom with a king bed or two queen beds and a separate living room with a queen sofa bed, each with a 55-inch TV and streaming. The living room adds a Keurig, a mini cooler, a microwave and a workspace, and the bathroom has a separate vanity. Some suites face the pool. The resort’s FAQ caps king suites at four guests and queen suites at five.

Caribe Royale Orlando suite bedroom with two queen beds and a window overlooking the pool

There is no stove, and the resort bans toasters, rice cookers, crock-pots and hot plates, so the microwave and cooler are for snacks and simple breakfasts only.

Two-bedroom villas

Villas have a king bedroom with en-suite bath, a second bedroom with two queens next to a full bathroom, a living room with a queen sofa bed and a dining table. The kitchen has a range with oven, full-size fridge, dishwasher, microwave, blender and cookware, and every villa has a washer and dryer and a furnished screened lanai.

King bedroom at Caribe Royale Orlando with a dresser, TV and sliding doors to a patio

The beds suggest room for more, but the resort’s FAQ limits villas to five occupants, so confirm the limit if your group is larger. For bigger units nearby, see our comparison of 2- and 3-bedroom suites near Disney World.

Pools, waterslide and recreation

The main pool is the heart of the resort: a large tropical pool with rock waterfalls, the 75-foot slide and private cabanas, ringed by the hotel towers. Pools are kept at 80 to 84 degrees and open 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.; the slide runs 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., weather permitting. Kids 42 inches or taller can ride alone, shorter kids ride with an adult, and only Coast Guard-approved flotation devices are allowed on the slide. There are no lifeguards on duty.

Caribe Royale Orlando main pool with rock waterfalls, cabanas, palm trees and hotel towers

Little ones get a kiddie splash pool with fountains, and villa guests have a private pool with hot tub. Cabanas cost extra and hold up to six people from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Included in the resort fee:

  • Bikes, catch-and-release fishing gear for the Boca Pier and a basketball half-court.
  • Pickleball and padel courts from 1 to 5 p.m. with a reservation (other times cost extra).
  • A 1.5-mile jogging trail and seasonal weekend Movies Under the Stars by the pool.

There is also an arcade, and a small internal shuttle loops between the Reception Building, towers, villas and convention center from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Dining and breakfast

With eight dining options you can eat on property without a car. Breakfast isn’t included unless your rate says so. Hours below were posted at the time of writing.

  • Tropicale: American breakfast plates, 7 to 11 a.m. weekdays and until noon on weekends; the buffet runs on select dates depending on occupancy.
  • Starbucks: In the Reception Building, 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., with app ordering.
  • The Market: Grab-and-go sandwiches, pizza, pastries and Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream, 11 a.m. to midnight.
  • Calypso’s Pool Bar & Grille: Latin and Caribbean bites and frozen drinks, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Stadium Club: Sports restaurant with pro-level simulators, from 4 p.m. weekdays and noon on weekends.
  • The Venetian Chop House: Steaks and Italian dishes, described by the hotel as AAA Four Diamond; dinner 5 to 10 p.m., reservations recommended.
  • Rum Bar and in-suite dining: A rum lounge from 4 p.m., plus room service.

Parking, resort fee and other charges

This is where Caribe Royale costs more than its rate suggests: the resort fee is mandatory and parking is extra. Amounts below are the hotel’s published figures at the time of writing, all plus tax and subject to change.

ChargeAmountNotes
Resort fee$38 per room, per nightMandatory
Self-parking$36 per vehicle, per nightIn/out privileges
Valet parking$49 per vehicle, per dayOptional
Premium Wi-Fi$14.95 per dayBasic plan included
Pet cleaning fee$150 per stayOne cat or dog

The resort fee covers basic Wi-Fi, the Disney shuttle, in-room coffee, digital newspapers, the fitness center, bikes, fishing gear, basketball, afternoon court time, poolside movies and local calls. Also note:

  • Check-in is 4 p.m. and check-out 11 a.m.; early check-in before 1 p.m. and late check-out until 3 p.m. cost $75 each.
  • A $100-per-night incidental hold applies at check-in; the minimum check-in age is 18.
  • Four EV charging stations sit in the lot next to the Sport Court.

Rates vary by season, availability and how far ahead you book, so compare the total with fees rather than the nightly rate alone.

Getting to the Disney parks

The Disney shuttle is included in the resort fee, but it isn’t like Disney’s own buses. It runs on a fixed timetable operated by Mears Transportation, and you reserve seats at the Concierge Desk (open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) between 24 hours and one hour before departure. Seats are limited and first come, first served, and all buses leave from the Main Reception Building stop, where you should be 10 minutes early.

At the time of writing, the posted schedule had five or six departures a day per park, starting at 7:15 a.m. for Animal Kingdom and 8:15 a.m. for Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. Disney Springs is evenings only, with departures at 4 and 6 p.m. and the last return at 11:20 p.m.; the last Magic Kingdom return was 11:35 p.m. The resort warns buses can run up to an hour late.

The rules matter for families: no strollers, luggage, food or drinks on board, and no groups of 10 or more. With a stroller, or to arrive before opening, driving is easier, though you’ll pay resort and Disney park parking.

Caribe Royale is not on Disney’s Early Theme Park Entry list. If that 30-minute head start matters, see the non-Disney hotels with Early Theme Park Entry or our list of Orlando hotels with free Disney World shuttles.

Spa, fitness, Wi-Fi and other amenities

  • Island Spa: Massage, nails and facials in Tower III; a 20% service charge is added.
  • Fitness center: 3,500 square feet on two floors, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., ages 16 and up.
  • Wi-Fi: Basic plan (up to 15 Mbps) included; Premium for streaming costs $14.95 a day.
  • Laundry: Card-operated machines on floors 3, 6 and 9 of each tower; villas have their own.
  • Families: Free Pack ‘n Play on request, a kids’ splash pool and an arcade; no kids’ club or childcare.
  • Pets: One cat or dog up to 50 pounds per suite.
Bright Caribe Royale Orlando reception lobby with a grand staircase, plants and rattan pendant lights

The resort is independently owned and part of WorldHotels Rewards. It also has the Grand Caribe Convention Center, so expect conference groups on some dates.

Who Caribe Royale Orlando suits

It works best for families of four or five who want a door between kids and parents on a Disney-focused trip heavy on EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs. The villas suit multigenerational groups or two small families who want to cook and do laundry. It’s a weaker fit for Universal-first trips and for families who want rope drop every day without driving.

Pros

  • Every unit is a suite with a separate bedroom; queen suites sleep five.
  • Two-bedroom villas with a full kitchen, washer-dryer and private pool.
  • Waterfall pool with a 75-foot slide plus a kiddie pool.
  • Short drives to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs.
  • Eight dining options, including Starbucks and a late-night market.
  • Pet-friendly, with a clear written policy.

Limitations to know

  • $38 resort fee plus $36 self-parking per night (plus tax) if you drive.
  • Scheduled, reservation-only shuttle with no strollers allowed.
  • No Early Theme Park Entry or Disney transportation.
  • No included breakfast and no stove in the suites.
  • No lifeguards and no kids’ club.
  • No shuttle to Universal, SeaWorld or the airport.

What to check before you book

  • The total price: Add the resort fee, parking and taxes before comparing hotels.
  • Occupancy: Book a queen suite for five; check the villa limit for bigger groups.
  • Shuttle times: Check the current schedule on the hotel’s shuttle page against park hours.
  • Breakfast: Ask whether the buffet runs on your dates.
  • Pets: Tell reservations when you book so you get a pet-friendly suite.
  • Cancellation: The resort’s 72-hour policy applies only to qualifying rates; third-party bookings follow their own terms.

Nearby alternatives

Check your dates for Caribe Royale Orlando on Booking.com

Frequently asked questions

Does Caribe Royale Orlando have a free shuttle to Disney?

It has a scheduled shuttle to all four Disney theme parks and an evening service to Disney Springs, paid for through the nightly resort fee rather than free. You reserve seats at the Concierge Desk at least an hour before departure, and seats are limited. Strollers, luggage, food and drinks are not allowed on board, and buses can run late in heavy traffic.

How much is the Caribe Royale resort fee?

At the time of writing, it is $38 plus tax per room, per night. It covers basic Wi-Fi, the Disney shuttle, in-room coffee, the fitness center, bikes, fishing gear, basketball, afternoon pickleball and padel, poolside movies and digital newspapers. The hotel says the amount and inclusions can change without notice, so check your confirmation.

How much is parking at Caribe Royale Orlando?

Self-parking for registered guests is $36 plus tax per vehicle, per night, with in-and-out privileges. Valet is $49 plus tax per day, and day visitors pay $39 per entry. Parking comes on top of the resort fee, so a family with one car pays about $74 a night in fees before tax at current rates.

How many people can stay in a Caribe Royale suite?

The resort’s FAQ allows four people in a king suite and five in a queen suite, which has two queen beds plus a queen sofa bed. Two-bedroom villas are listed for five occupants, even though they have a king, two queens and a sofa bed. If your group is larger, confirm the limit with the hotel before booking.

Does Caribe Royale include free breakfast?

No. Breakfast isn’t part of the resort fee, and standard rates don’t list it. Tropicale serves an American breakfast every morning, with a buffet on select dates depending on occupancy. Cheaper options are Starbucks in the lobby and the grab-and-go Market, and each suite has a microwave, mini cooler and Keurig for a simple breakfast in your room.

Is Caribe Royale Orlando pet friendly?

Yes. At the time of writing, the resort accepts one cat or dog per suite, up to 50 pounds, for a one-time $150 cleaning fee plus tax. Tell reservations when you book so you get a pet-friendly suite. Pets must be crated while housekeeping visits and are not allowed in the pools, fitness center or indoor restaurants. Service animals are exempt from these rules.

Bottom line

Caribe Royale Orlando is a strong pick for families who want suite space, a fun pool and short drives to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs, and its villas are a good middle ground between a hotel and a vacation rental. Add the resort fee and parking to the rate, and decide whether the scheduled, stroller-free shuttle works for you.

See available rooms at Caribe Royale Orlando

Sources checked in October 2026: Caribe Royale Orlando FAQ, Caribe Royale Suites and Villas, Caribe Royale Shuttle Service, Caribe Royale Dining, Walt Disney World Early Theme Park Entry.