PHOTOS - Old Port Royale now closed at Caribbean Beach Resort as preparations for demolition begin

May 11, 2017 in "Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort"

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Old Port Royale closed and temporary dining at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

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Posted: Thursday May 11, 2017 5:49am EDT by WDWMAGIC Staff

The main restaurant and shopping area at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Old Port Royale, is now closed to guests, along with Barbados and half of Martinique.

Old Port Royale closed off

Walkway to Old Port Royale

Crews are are in the process of installation chain-link fencing around the areas of the resort that will see major demolition and construction, including Port Royale, all of Barbados, and around half of Martinique.

Fence installation around Martinique

Actual demolition has not yet begun, but crews are emptying rooms in barbados of all furnishings ahead of the building removals.

Fencing around Martinique

The updated resort map now shows empty areas in the former Barbados and Martinique areas, along with an under-construction notice for Old Port Royale.

New resort map showing Barbados and most of Martinique removed

Disney has not yet released much information on the project, but we do know that Caribbean Beach Resort will be reimagined with new additions to the resort's current marketplace, Centertown, including new waterfront dining and retail shopping areas. The centralized location will offer the resort’s guests more convenient access to services, amenities and dining.

Permits have already been filed for the expansion project, with the addition of 7 new buildings that will include one large multi-level building, which appears to be home to a large number of guest rooms.

The project is expected to be completed in 2019.

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halltdOct 05, 2019

Thanks for the photos!! I think the fans look great! Are these the ones that used to be in the food court? They look like it.

danlb_2000Oct 05, 2019

Things are wrapping up... 10/4/2019 - Carribean Beach Resort - Pcl Construction Services Inc 1088 A, 1088 B, 1088 D, 1088 F, and 1090 Cayman Way - Dismantle and remove Construction Trailers

Dr.GrantSeekerOct 02, 2019

I just checked out. Thought I’d help! Edit: I guess the pictures didn’t want to upload via my phone. I’ll repost them later from my laptop Edit2: Pics

peter11435Sep 30, 2019

Sadly I was not able to get any photos

halltdSep 30, 2019

This is amazing!!!!! Any photos? @WDWtraveler :)

peter11435Sep 30, 2019

Just an update on this project. I know many had complained that the fans in the lobby seen in the original concept art were “cut” from the final project. The fans have finally been installed and are now operational.

surfsupdonDec 22, 2018

Hopefully we get the roadway to encircle the lake again, and therefore both Resorts. Busing at CBR is a pain now with the uturns and dead ends.

peter11435Dec 21, 2018

Lol In this case it’s more likely the security kiosk at the entrance to Riviera

peter11435Dec 21, 2018

These would seem to be more related to Riviera than CBR.

danlb_2000Dec 21, 2018

Couple recent permits... 12/10/2018 - Carribean Beach Resort - Pcl Construction Services Inc 1080A Sea Breeze Dr - Project 88-2 Kiosk 12/18/2018 - Carribean Beach Resort - Pcl Construction Services Inc 1114 Cayman Way - Area Development 12/19/2018 - Carribean Beach Resort - Pcl Construction Services Inc 1084 D Sea Breeze Dr - Project 88-2 Kiosk

Ben_since_1971Dec 09, 2018

Here now. Pros: Banana Cabana is very well done. I actually liked the smallness of the old one, but this new version is very nice. Cons: Everything else. The OPR makeover says nothing about the Caribbean. Bland, sterile. The former OPR, while no doubt not full-on Caribbean either, at least had a theme. You could sit in the food court and people watch from the gift shop to the concierge desk to the markets. Now? Can't see more than 20' in any direction, unless you sit right opposite the pick up windows. Food selection is terrible for people who just want 'normal' food. And what is served is cold. My wife ordered a grilled cheese. The cheese was so coagulated as to make it inedible. The old bounty platter was never piping hot, but at least it was warmer than the room temperature this morning's American Breakfast was. The Sebastian's/BC building is nice, but it totally takes away from what was a nice courtyard outside OPR. You could walk into the plaza from any direction and had great views of the architecture. Now - no view, and coming from Martinique you have the service entrance. Bland bland bland. Speaking of views, my wife captured a beautiful picture of sunset over Barefoot Bay towards Aruba. The Skyliner towers were captured beautifully in silhouette. My gawd are they hideous. Strike that, hideous for where they are positioned. TBH, I thought that they would be in the parking lot of Aruba and Jamaica and probably not too bad. Nope. There is one right where there used to be a bench bay-side outside the entrance to the Aruba pool, and another right at the bottom of the bridge in between Aruba and Jamaica. While on the subject of views, Riviera completely loses the old charm of the place, and not just because it is still under construction. The old village layout really gave you a feel like you were inside a nice resort, separate from the outside world. Now? This monstrosity of a DVC tower, and (at least for now), you can see the traffic from Victory Way. Needless to say, we are very disappointed. FWIW, will be sending the GM an email (received a welcome letter that included her email) providing the feedback. We've been staying here since 2004, except for last year when we chose POR during construction. Looks like we will be heading back to the bayou next year.