Just back, hated CSR!

[marijeff]

Just back yesterday... spent first 3 days at POR then switched to CSR. Thought from everything I read on the boards that we would love CSR. WRONG! We left after one tense night. The absolute worse thing was the room noise. I don't mean that we had loud people around us...just the normal noise associated with being in your room. We were on the ground level and could hear everything from upstairs. Whenever the guests up there opened their dresser it sounded like a giant metal rod being scraped across the ceiling. We could even hear them use the bathroom....I mean we could hear every little noise! I cannot stand that! Also, after being in the nice beautiful shady/green POR, the CSR seemed so hot and desolate. I don't mind walking in a resort that size, but give me a bit of shade. After numerous phone calls and negotiating, we were switched back to POR for our remaining 2 nights. The resort is beautiful and the dig site is great, but just too noisy and hot for us. Also, Pepper Mkt not really geared to kids/families as it appeared to be sit down oriented. My DH was annoyed that no one at Pepper Mkt could understand him or vice versa. He had a tough time getting it across that DS wanted pasta, no sauce, and the hostess could barely get it out how the mkt worked. It was a bit frustrating. We were so glad to go back to POR. LOVED it there!! Any questions just ask away!

[cottontail]

I have to be in a shaded area as well. Glad you enjoyed the POR part of your trip. Were you in mansions or alligator bayou?

Deb.

[darlene walker]

Sorry you had a bad stay at CSR, but I am glad you enjoyed POR. We are staying there in Oct.. So, POR has alot of shade? I hope so because after being in the parks all day shade sounds good. Especially since we have young children. Did the food menus offer dishes most children want like mac and cheese, fries etc...? Was the noise level in the room kept minimal? How were the pools, were they real crowed? Any info will help.
Darlene

[gumdrop]

Sorry to hear that you didn't enjoy CSR:( . My boyfriend and I will be there in August so I like to hear reviews from all viewpoints regarding the resort. But at least POR saved your trip! What section did you stay in at CSR? I assume you were in the lower floors to hear all of that noise?

--Maren:earsgirl:

[Blondie]

Sorry you were unhappy with CSR. We really enjoyed the resort when we stayed there in August of 1999. The landscaping and theming is totally different than that of POR. I think people either love it, or hate it!

The Ranchos theming of CSR is almost like that of a desert, what with the cactus and dried up river beds, etc. So, that does give off an arrid and hot atmosphere!

We prefer the Cabanas area, which is themed to a Mexican beach resort area.

[hmp2z]

Hi! What building did you stay in at CSR? We were in Casitas 4 for our April trip, on the 2nd floor with a pool view room, and didn't hear much noise at all. We could hear some people from the pool, but I think that's just normal noise for a room with this location.
We were actually pleased with CSR, b/c we got a free upgrade to a king bedroom, when we told them that we were there for a planning session for our fairytale wedding. We loved lying in the hammock on the beach, too - very relaxing and peaceful. I didn't find it too dry at all. They have that long walkway covered with trees, but I do think it depends on what part of the resort you're in. I definitely did not want to be in one of the Ranchos buildings.
I agree with you completely about the Pepper Market being a big disappointment. We got better food at the McDonald's in DD, for 1/2 the price! Way overpriced for the quality, we thought... After 1 time eating there, we learned our lesson.
Cheers!
Heather P

[Tink]

Once, I left CSR before I was even assigned a room. We had checked in and no rooms were availbale yet, so since our flight was very early in the morning, we headed over to the food court for an early lunch. I hated the food court set up! I had a pizza, fries and a coke and spent nearly $15.00. I didn't like the way servers brought the drinks and then the tip was added. I wanted a regular food court.

It also seemed very spread out to me and there were lots of conventions going on that took away from the vaction atmosphere. We were lucky and were able to check into POFQ.

I was beginning to think that I was the only one who did not like CSR.

I know people who love it. It's funny how some people have their preferences and the opinions are so different. I guess that is what I like about these boards.

[Ricola]

Glad to hear you enjoyed POR! I agree that the greenery and large beautiful trees there just make the place seem cooler after a hot day in the parks. Since I'm one who burns easily, the less time in the direct sun, the better!

It sounds like CSR just wasn't for you. Happily, WDW was able to accomodate your wishes and move you back to POR! At least you can say you tried it!

Personally, there are things I love about both resorts, and if given the choice, I too would pick POR or POFQ, but I'm sure we'll end up at CSR again in the future.

darlene walker -- Yes, there is a lot of shade at POR in general, nice tree-lined walkways, and an island with great big oaks on it. There are also plenty of open spaces with lawns, and plenty of sunshine for those who want it. As for the food court, yes, they have all the standard kids favorites; burgers, pizza, mac and cheese, PB&J, etc. The crowds at the pools can vary. There is a main pool area that probably attracts the biggest crowds, and then there are several (5 I think) "quiet pools", without slides or lifeguards, which are usually less crowded. W've never really noticed noise problems there, but then again, I've lived in apartments and townhomes for years, so I'm used to being one wall away from neighbors. I'd say the upper floors are definitely quieter. Enjoy your stay!

[JulesMom]

We were hoping to stay at CSR instead of PO-R. I guess I should be glad they had no availability at CSR!:)

[Disney-Kim]

We just stayed at the CSR for 1/2 our trip earlier this month. We hated it too. :rolleyes:
it just wasn't for us. We love the POR too........;)

[ilovdisney2]

I know what you mean! You can't go wrong with POR, you have the boat to downtown disney and love the magnolia smell. I also think the food court at POR is awesome. If you want shade POR has lots of it. Glad you were able to switch back.

[wdw4us2]

We, too, do not care for CSR. We stayed there on two different occasions and were not at all pleased - especially after all the good things I read about it on the DIS! The room was run-down (when the resort was 1 year old), we didn't like the Pepper Mkt., and it was too spread out.

We have stayed at every other Disney Resort except GF, and have always been very satisfied. That wasn't the case on either trip to CSR. My friends were there two weeks ago, and they also did not have a pleasant experience there and said they would never go back.

Lisa

[Laura's Dad]

We had a decision to make: PO for $94 a night (with code) or CS for $84 per night (postcard code). Guess which we took ???? Note: see signature

[A1A1]

I am so disappointed to read of people not enjoying their CSR trips. DD and I stayed there a year ago and loved it. I really felt that I was in the southwest. I even liked the Pepper Market. I thought it was the greatest food court, because the food was different from the other "fast food" types. I didn't mind the gratuity, because I thought the servers helped me a lot with drink refills, ketchup, etc.

I loved the theming of CSR. I would definintely stay there again. I live in the cold northeast, so that theming was very different and interesting to me.

I thought the room was okay with a nice view of the water. Never heard anybody else. We really enjoyed our evening walks around the lake.

I have never stayed at POR or POFQ. Many people love it there, it seems.

I'm wondering if the people who didn't like it at CSR had ever visit Mexico or the southwest, and if the theming is authentic. I would probably like a visit to Mexico, I think, if the theming is pretty authentic.

[Buzz2001]

marijeff, sorry to hear you didn't enjoy CSR.

I'm with you A1A1. CSR is awesome! Best food court (my nephew had no problem getting the kid's size and adult size pasta w/o sauce 2 weeks ago when we were there), best pool area, best transportation. The rooms are in great shape. We have never had a problem with noise regardless of floor or section.

[marijeff]

thanks for all your replies guys. We were in cabana 8A on the lower floor. I am sure it would have been much quieter on the second floor. I do still think CSR is a beautiful resort. We rented a surrey bike there while waiting for our room and it was very nice to bike around. The food court and shade just suited us better. I too am one of those people who after spending all that time in the sun at the parks, feels better to get back into the tall shade. How about the wildlife at POR? Ducks, squirrels, rabbits, birds of all sorts, skinks and armadillos running amok! loved it. As far as what our kids ate, the usual of hotdogs/hamburgs, chicken fingers/fries, spaghetti/pizza. Pancakes/bagels/french toast. Also good to note that the POR food court had small packages of grapes or fruit salad. We got the celery stix/carrots with a package of dip a couple times. It was only around $1.69 which was great. Pool was not crowded when we were there. When we were switched back to POR, we got a room right overlooking a quiet pool. the kids enjoyed that more than the big pool. Not many people in the pools during the day!

[marijeff]

Forgot to tell you that initially we were in Alligator Bayou lodge 14. We were very close to the food court/check in and fairly close to the main pool. When we switched back to POR, we were still in Alligator Bayou, this time lodge 24. Farther from the food court but directly overlooking a quiet pool. We all decided we preferred 24, DSs 5/8 loved to hop out and take a swim! No real noise - in room or out, if you take away a couple of screams from the pool area! One other interesting note about POR - the buses were GREAT. Never had to wait but a couple minutes. However, POR was almost always the farthest/second farthest away from the parks - longer walk at night when you are tired, but still was OK for us.

[Mom of Sleepy, Bashful and BabyDoc]

Sorry to hear you didn't like CSR. I have never stayed there, I hope we can someday. When we go again we will probably need two rooms, so it's a little easier on the budget at ASMo.

We also love POR, but I've read a lot about CSR and would like to try it sometime. Actually, I would like to try all of the resorts. :D I think they all have good points and bad points. Although I grant you, POR does have a lot of good points.

But that is why I love this board. You get so much information. If I ever do get to try CSR, I'll know to expect certain things, like; not a traditional food court that might cost a little extra (but most reports say it has really good food), and that it is a convention hotel, that it is themed after Mexico(which I have been to along with the southwest, and it is pretty dry, hot, and not very shady). These things won't be a surprise for me because of all the great info here.

And the two times we stayed at Dxl, I noticed also the buses at the parks seemed like they were the furthest out, and CSR was always up front. Must be because of it being a convention hotel, at least that is what I was thinking.

Sorry again your stay wasn't up to your expectations. I am glad though that so many people DO like CSR. Can you imagine if everyone wanted to get in to one or two of the WDW hotels??? I'd never be able to get a room!!:D It's hard enough as it is.

:)

[Buzz2001]

well said mom

[marijeff]

Too true about everyone wanting the same resort! It's nice that there is a wide variety of themes to choose from! I had some great food at pepper mkt. Great wet burrito and dh had a great caesar salad. Just wasnt the easiest with kids 5/8.

[jennymouse]

********, I was considering switching to CBR or POFQ, but now that I know you and your family will be there same time as us, we just might have to stay! Still hoping for that great code rate at AKL though!:rolleyes:

[christianweecare]

DH and I had a similar experience last December 2001. We had stayed at POR for the first part of our trip then moved to CS for the last night before returning home. The resort is lovely and the room was fine, but the resort is too spread out! We also were not pleased with the Pepper Market set up! The only thing done for us was we were seated and brought one soft drink! Please! We'll take PO or CBR any day!

[Disney-Kim]

I just want anyone who is thinking of staying at the CSR that it was a nice resort. It just wasn't for us.
We all have different tastes and the CSR was too much like being at home....all of nicer Phoenix and Scottsdale looks like the CSR.

So it was bad decision on our part.....but it was fun to stay somewhere new.

and.....we really did not like the foodcourt setup or food. :cool:

[CanBeGrumpy]

I hated the CSR too! I was afraid to post, because I knew some people on this board had reservations there!! We were in Cabanas, I think 8A, and the room was GROSS!!! The carpet was disgustingly dirty and all bunched up at the edges--needed stretching in the worst way!! The first room we were assigned had hair in the tub and toothpaste in the sink! We switched to another room a few doors down--FOOD CRUMBS on the table!!! (this can be a big deal to us because our son has a serious allergy to peanuts!) This room also had the disgusting, lumpy carpet! We were not impressed at all by the pool--actually quite boring to us. The kiddie pool did not have the cool fish that we saw in a brochure--it was just fountains shooting out of the ground! We tried the Pepper Market, and had a really nice guy give our kids their pizza--we only ordered one to split between two kids, but the guy gave us two cookies and two pieces of fruit (only supposed to have one). The only problem was--the pizza was SOGGY!! Also, I asked repeatedly at the bakery if any of the cookies were peanut butter, and they said "NO". So I got one for my Dh and I to share--it was PEANUT BUTTER!!! Like I said, peanuts can be deadly to our son, so I was MIFFED!!! The little store at the resort was selling ice cream sandwiches (NOT Mickey shaped--just your run-of-the mill, rectangle) for $2.50!!!!! I almost fainted!! Had to shell out the bucks since we promised our kids an IC Sandwich, and boy was I mad! I wouldn't have minded if it was Mickey-shaped! (still a rip-off, but at least it is something special!) I cannot even put into words how disappointed I was in this resort. I will absolutely never stay there again (well, unless it is free!) I am relieved that someone else had a bad experience there--after reading the rave reviews on this board, I was beginning to think I must have been at a totally different place! LOL!

[CM Tinkerbell]

We loved CSR when we stayed there. We thought the resort was beautiful. Our room was nice and clean. We love the theme and......believe it or not............loved the food court. I thought they had a very nice selection of food compared to many of the other food courts. Lots of different things to choose from. And everything we had at the time was nice and fresh. I also think I'm one of the only people who didn't mind the 10% gratuity. When ever we eat at a type of restuarant where you get your own food, but you have a server who gets your drinks, we always leave a 10% gratuity anyway, so it really doesn't bother us.

We are staying there a couple nights on our next trip before moving over the BWV and myself and my family are looking forward to it.

The one thing to remember is that if you think you will like a particular resort, but someone else doesn't, you really can't base your decision to stay there on someone elses report. Everyone's taste is different. Not everyone dislikes the CSR as we know becasue it has a lot of repeast visitors, as do the other resorts. You have to stay where you think you will like to, and if you don't like it, then you try something else the next time. It's fun to try all the different resorts.

[Buzz2001]

Well said CM Tinkerbell. We too love the food court. They will do what ever you ask of them. We have never had a bad stay at CSR but you have to remember what you getting before you choose to stay there.

1. A Convention Resort
2. Themed after Mexico / SW America (not much shade in the desert)
3. The Pepper Market is not a food court as you know it and yes, they charge you 10% for seating you and bringing drinks and condiments to the table.
4. Is very large

[kimmar067]

I would give CSR a "thumbs up"!!! However, we stayed at CSR during Christmas week (it was SO BEAUTIFULLY decorated for Christmas!!!) and the "heat" problem was not a factor for us. We stayed in the Ranchos section, which has an arid, desert feel to it (it even has a dried up river bed!!) We have never been to the southwest part of the U.S. so I imagine this seems to be pretty close to the "real deal"! As for the food court - well, with 2 DS's who are finicky eaters, this place satisfied even their picky tastes, so I would have to give it two stars!!

That's what is so great about all the theming of the different resorts - you have so much to choose from....!!:D

[donzac27]

I'm sorry you didn't like CSR. I stayed there last summer for 2 weeks and loved it so we are staying for 23 nights this summer. I didn't have any problems with noise at all and we loved the food court. I like the idea of the food court being more of a sit down meal rather than the cafeteria style at POR and I didn't have any problems finding meals for kids. The PM also has a bigger selection of food, I thought. Don't get me wrong though, I do like POR alot but I also like CSR. And believe it or not, POR is bigger than CSR.

[seashoreCM]

I haven't stayed at CSR (stayed at All Star instead for the lesser rate).

One night while returning to All Star I saw traffic backed up at least five long light cycles worth, trying to enter CSR. That would certainly hinder bus travel to the parks.

Soggy pizza, toothpaste and hair in sink, merits a replacement or a steep discount, maybe comping may be the thing to ask for.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

[Buzz2001]

Not really seashoreCM because the buses use a different entrance to CSR other than the main one. They usually stop at bus stop 2 first making the rounds to bus stop 1. So if the traffic, for whatever reason, was backed up entering the main entrance, that would not effect the buses.

While we are on the transportation topic, CSR has great bus service not sharing with any other resort. Rarely have I ever had to more than 10 minutes for a bus. Usually emptier because the convention folks don't go to the parks.

[rreynolds]

I stayed in both POR and CSR in Feb of this year. I would NEVER stay in POR again because it was FILTHY. The grounds, the room, the pool,and the food court. We were stuck there because we had five people. As soon as one left I paid an additional $30.00 a night to switch to CSR where we salvaged the remainder of our vacation. It was clean. The pools were cleaner, the food was better. I have vowed never to stay at another moderate again. Its CSR or better.

[TDC Nala]

I'm a big fan of CSR but I don't eat there. I use the food court as a place to refill my mug. That's generally how I treat most resort food courts because I usually eat in the parks.

If I had children, I might go with Port Orleans or CBR.

I've seen more conventioners at the Boardwalk and the Swolphin. They don't bother me at all as long as they don't clog up the buses to the parks.


CSR July 4-8

[emsamom]

Just wondering if there are coffee makers at CSR? Stayed there a couple of years ago but I can't remember. We enjoyed the resort and my DH really liked the health club!!

[Buzz2001]

Coffee makers, irons and ironing boards are standard in the rooms. They also leave packets of coffee each day.

Check out my CSR website below

[pattyT]

I am so....
:)
To hear that you loved PO
I have never been to Disney (my husband has never stayed onsite) I had NO idea what to pick and I have been second quessing my choice of PO FQ ever since I reserved for October!
:jester:

[pReTtYpRiNcEsS]

i just hope some ppl take reveiws (good and bad) w/ a grain of salt! Some of these situations concern cast members and dirty rooms. This has nothing to do with the resort itself. For all we know these housekeepers and other cast members could have been moved to POFQ or any resort for that matter... b/c don't they get moved around? Also, some of these could.. not saying do but could pertain to other resorts as well. Such as the ice cream sandwiches that one poster thought were over priced. I do, as well, think $2.50 is outrageous for an ice cream sandwhich, however; i don't believe this belongs in a critique of a specific hotel b/c don't many of the hotels serve the exact food? I am not trying to be snotty or seemly omnicesent (obviously.. since i prob. didn't even spell the word right!) just suggesting that ppl read reveiws (good and bad) w/ a open mind, and not necassarily let them change their mind or make them uneasy about previous decisions.

[pattyT]

Pretty princess -
I am not ignorant or closed minded
I do understand what you are saying!
But I have planned many vacas without knowing anything about the hotel and I have benn VERY disapppointed and misled so I was just stating that it is good to hear that I am not staying at the worst hotel!
Looking at a map of the resort and trying to pick a hotel based on its name is difficult! In our area most people stayed at cb and loved it - I was worried that I picked a hotel noone liked!

[TwinMom7]

I had to make this choice a few months ago. Part of me really wanted to try Coronado Springs - something new and different. Another part of me knew how awesome Port Orleans Riverside was, after 3 visits there. After a great deal of deliberation...we decided to go "home" to the bayou. After reading this post, I think I made the right decision!! I absolutely love the trees, the landscaping, the winding Sassagoula River and the food court. The desert of Mexico doesn't really appeal to me in the August heat!

[donzac27]

TwinMom7.........I felt the same way last summer. I had stayed at POR many, many times because it was my favorite but last summer we decided to try something new and go to CS. I was so unsure and the first 2 days of my trip I was homesick for POR but as the days passed I began to really love CS. There is still a warm and fuzzy feeling in my heart for POR but I grew a new feeling for CS as well. I am staying at CS again this summer for 23 nights which I am looking forward to. So, the moral of the story is.........try something new, you won't loose the feeling for POR at all but you might get some new wonderful feelings for something else.

[Buzz2001]

donzac27 - 23 nights at CSR. I would be in heaven. When I first read that on your previous post, I thought it was a typo. That sounds like an awesome trip. Have a great time!

[pReTtYpRiNcEsS]

patty T: I didn't mean to offend anyone or point any fingers w/ my last post! if i did, i am very sorry, and just know i did not do it on purpose! Its not just this thread --- its a lot of the threads on the disboards and i just happened to be on this one and so posted it here... again im very sorry! I hope i didn't come across too bad...

TwinMom7: 23 nights at CSR does sound like fun!!, but also that means 23 days of Disney?? thats awsome!

[SandraC]

A few things, like noise and communication at the food court and really make or break a vacation. I am sorry that you didn't like CSR. We stayed there last month and at CBR last year. Noise is a HUGE issue for me as well. We were lucky to have had quiet rooms/areas in both CBR abd CSR. My issues with CSR was the food court not being the greatest and the housekeeping was poor. I am happy you got to go back to PO. I was thinking of trying that one next trip! S

[donzac27]

********.......nope it wasn't a typo, I am going to be there for 23 nights. I think I am going to be in heaven also. The only reason I am able to stay there that long is really because of these boards....thanks everyone. Last year I went in August and bought an annual pass so it will still be good in July this year (I never even knew you could do this). The park passes are really one of the biggest expenses which I don't have to pay for this time. Also, I got the room at CSR for $94.00/night, what a steal, the regular list price for this time of year is $154.00/night......what a big differance. Anyway, without reading these boards I would have never known about all the deals you can get at WDW......I used to pay rack prices every year. Thanks again for everyones help.

[jaguar9748]

A year ago I would never have responded to this thread because my first visit to CSR was awful (poor room placement, terrible CM issue, etc.). However, I did return to CSR 2 more times because DS loves it. My 2nd stay was better. My most recent stay was very magical. Even though many folks know that POR is my favorite Disney resort to date (with the exception of the lovely, pricey WLV!) and "home", I think that CSR is a great resort. I highly recommend reading Mario's website and reviewing his list of hints. Isn't it great that Disney has a resort for each of us?!! :D

[duck_adoo]

Hi there,We stayed at CSR last August. We had adjoing (oops, I mean connecting) rooms in Cabana 8A or 8B(I think). That's the first time we went and have nothing to compare it too but here's what we found:

1. Overall we truly enjoyed our stay. We were a family of 5 (3 adults, 2 5 yr old dds).
2. Yes, it is spread out. But the grounds are so beautiful we didn't mind it at all. The location of our rooms was very convenient. We were right near a bus stop and the food court. The pool was across the bridge. A nice walk. If you do that walk...don't do it barefoot! The bridge gets extremely hot!!!
3. Food Court was about a 6 on a scale of 10. We really didn't eat there that much. Seeing as it was our first trip, we did alot of character meals). We're pretty boring in our tastes, but I didn't think the food or service was that great.
4. When our Tiffany car arrived at the resort, we were greeted very warmly. The lady baggage handler gave our girls a whole bunch of stickers. They were in heaven.
5. Check in CM wasn't very friendly,but that was her choice, and it didn't ruin our stay. Everyone can't be happy all the time, even if they are in Disney!
6. Transportation was great!!
7. Pool was awesome!

We're staying @ AKL this Aug. and are looking forward to a different experience. We'll try something new and have something to compare resorts!
Duck