Coronado Springs

[brisue]

We will be staying at Coronado Springs in August. Since we have never been there, I was wondering what everyone's opinion of it is???

[colleen costello]

We were there last summer and liked it a lot. We were just there one night before going to a DVC room, and I picked it because the rooms were "on sale" when I called for reservations. What a pleasant surprise we had. My family really enjoyed it there.

The rooms are bright and colorful, not huge but real cute. The quiet pool was just outside and the kids liked that. The grounds are gorgeous, especially at night. The lake is like a mirror and little white lights are everywhere. The main pool is huge and so much fun. There is a gentle slide, deep and shallow ends, playgrounds, a kiddie pool and a giant hot tub that was heavenly after driving. We had a nice meal at Pepper Market and had breakfast the next morning ouside by the water before checking out. The kids loved the souvenir shop. There were bikes and boats to rent.

I would stay here again in a minute.

[brando5111]

You will love it. We stayed one night before our Disney Cruise 2yrs ago. The resort is really nice for a moderate. It feels almost more like a deluxe. We stayed in the Ranchos section - very close to the Dig Site - but a hike to El Centro. I would recommend the Casitas or Cabanas if you want to be near the food court, lounge...etc. We are staying in October with the FTP and requested the Casitas near the quiet pool, yet close to El Centro...hoping for bldg. 2 - as I heard the rooms were recently renovated. Guess we'll see....

Relax, you'll really enjoy this resort and have a great time!

[safetymom]

I am here at CSR right now. I am here for a convention. We were supposed to be here for six days and I am checking out after two. We are going to stay at the local Courtyard instead.

It isn't only me but 2 others that came with me.

CSR wasn't my favorite before this trip and this visit was very lackluster. I sure didn't see any magic here.

I thought the rooms were drab.

If you depend on a cell phone forget it here. I have seen many people hanging over their balconies trying to get reception. We have 3 different carriers.

There have been several issues that I tried to get solved here but it took 4 phone calls and a day before anyone bothered.

For those that say it is a long walk at CBR I find the walk at CSR much longer. I was trying my best to really like it here but it just isn't going to happen.

So before the CSR fans start attacking me, it might be a good resort for those that don't need to be in contact and don't mind a hike. They gave me room overlooking the quiet pool and that is the noisiest quiet pool I have ever seen.

I am sure for some it is very nice but I prefer CBR.

[Virgo10]

I just had my first visit to CSR. I spent 6 nights there during my May vacation.

Here's my pro's and con's list.

Pro's:
Nicely decorated rooms which are the same size as other
moderates I've stayed at.
Ample wildlife
Great Pool area.
Wonderful themeing.
The Pepper Market.

Con's:
The bus service. Waiting 30+ minutes seemed to be the norm, at
least while I was there.
The drunks in the bar across from the Pepper Market.
It's a convention center therefore you see lots of people in suits,
people with cell phones talking business, people wheeling and
dealing. These are alll things I'd rather forget about when I'm on
vacation.
It's HUGE. Lots of pre park walking.

Would I stay there again? Probably. The sight of the lake in the early morning would bring me back. The pool area would also be something I'd like experiencing again.

Given a choice though, as far as the moderates, I'd take POFQ everytime. It has all of the pro's listed above (minus the Pepper Market, of course) and none of the con's. I, for one, can't wait until it reopens.

Roberta

[Mady/Sophiemom]

We were at CSR two years ago, and really loved it. We were in the Cabana section. A 1 minute walk to the big pool, and only 2 minutes to the bus stop #4.

My daughter (5 at the time) loved the slide. The quiet pools were very quiet, and nice to relax by.

We never waited more than 10-15 minutes for a bus, and they were never crouded, even though we were the last stop. We only waited once at the parks for a new bus, because Illuminations had just let out.

I did not however like the food court, but we had alot of snacks in the room. We were there in May, and the pool closed a bit early for us to get use of our Mugs. We got our $$ worth, but could have done a bit better, if we were closer to the food court.

Have fun. We are returning to Disney in October, and booked the CBR just so we could try different a different resort. I hope it measures up to our CSR experience.

[safetymom]

I am in building 4 right now overlooking the "quiet pool." It is very noisy until midnight. I was surprised. I like the view but not the noise. I also think you hear more through the walls here.

[susy]

CSR is my favorite resort!!!

There are three themed areas to choose from- Casitas,which are more formal looking, Ranchos (my favorite), and Cabanas (a beach theme). The rooms are decorated in a southwestern decor (very colorful) and have 2 double beds, a nightstand, table and chairs, armoire, sink outside the bathroom. The rooms come with coffee maker/coffee, real MUGS, iron and board, hairdryer, safe. Each area has a quiet pool (you take your room towel to these) , laundry room, vending/ice. There are four bus stops around the resort.

El Centro has check-in, a very large gift shop, arcade, The Pepper Market and Maya Grill. The Pepper Market is really nice. You are seated, your drink order is taken and you walk around the pods ,making your selections. There is actual real silverware and cloth napkins at the table. You pay after the meal, as you exit. There is also a grab and go section and bakery window. We had the breakfast buffet at the Maya Grill and it was great!

The Marina has bikes, surrey bikes and different types of boats to rent.

The main pool is amazing. The slide was better than at AKL! The kiddie pool, playground, sand play area, volleyball area, arcade, huge hot tub, were right there. The pool bar also served lunch items. See the menus at wdwig.com There are towels at the main pool.

When we were there we did not see any suits. There were two conventions going on- international poet society and a women's health conference.


Transportation times to the parks were recently recorded with CSR coming in first and AKL second.

[RickinNYC]

My partner absolutely loved CSR, I simply liked it. It really does a great job with theming but still has that "convention" feel to it. Interestingly enough, I just now realized that perhaps my partner loved it so much because he's never been to a convention in his life, while I have been to more than I can count! Hmmmm....

In any case, my overall impression was that it was a nice place. Perhaps in a few years, much like Port Orleans Riverside/French Quarter, after the vegetation has had an opportunity to really grow and take over, it will be great!

I should mention something that we really thought was completely and totally awful. That's the Pepper Market. It seems that a number of folks disagree, which comes as a bit of a surprise. The cost to eat at PM was so great in our estimation, that we decided to not ever bother the remainder of our trip. Rather, we ate in the resort restaurant, which had FAR better food, great service, nicer atmosphere, and we didn't pay much more. We realized that for $5-10 more, we had a real restaurant, not a food court that pretends to be classy. Just my humble opinion.

[Virgo10]

I'm shocked that CSR had such a positive rating for their buses. The problem wasn't so much with returning but getting out of there to visit the parks. It wasn't just me it was happening to either. I spoke with probably a dozen people and all of them had the same complaint.

You were really lucky to avoid the suits. Apparently nearly all of them have had cell phone implants. I rarely saw any of the business types without a cell phone glued to their ear. One morning I went over to the PM really early just to get coffee. When I entered that area, there must have been 30 suits milling around. Most were waiting for the Maya Grill to open. Boy were they a loud group!

My main complaint was the drunks at the bar. :mad: I'd rather be placed in a room of over stressed 3 year olds having tantrums then listen to one obnoxious drunk. It got to the point that I would order food and take it back to my room. The last day I was there I decided to have a sit down breakfast. I kept hearing this voice that would shatter glass. Across the way, in the bar, they were videotaping this person and several others. When I went to pay the bill I said to the cashier, I don't know what they're trying to sell over there (thinking they were filming a commercial) but I'll never buy it because of that voice. The cashier informed me that it was a radio personality and they were doing a live feed.

None of this is enough for me to say I'd never stay there again. Now that I'm aware of the problems, I'll make adjustments in my visit. Still, what went on at CSR seemed pretty unDisney in comparison to the experiences I've had at other resorts.

Roberta

[Buzz2001]

So before the CSR fans start attacking me, it might be a good resort for those that don't need to be in contact and don't mind a hike. They gave me room overlooking the quiet pool and that is the noisiest quiet pool I have ever seen. Not a surprising review since you stated before you left that you weren't looking forward to your stay at CSR. No attack, CSR won't please everyone but that's whats great about WDW, many different resorts to choose from.

[patsal]

We stayed here for three nights over Memorial Day weekend. We were in the Casitas 4 near the quiet pool. We found it to be very quiet, and we have cellular service from verizon and had no trouble getting or keeping a connection. Casitas 4 is kind of in the middle of the resort ten minutes one way to the dig site and ten minutes the other to El Centro. Everything was clean, colorful and CM's were very pleasant. I intend to enjoy this resort on weekends in the future to conserve points (DVC). I like the "deluxe" amenities at a moderate cost. Hairdryers, irons, coffee pots already in the room. Excellent bus transportation, sandy beaches with hammocks to laze around on and a marina with rentals. We liked it very much and will return.:D

[crzy4dsny]

I didn't realize you actually had to be quiet at the "quiet pool". The next time I go I'll be sure to keep it to a whisper at all times. ;)

[caitycaity]

we stayed at csr last may and it is currently our favorite moderate (we are trying cbr for the first time in august; we've stayed at the other two).

we didn't find the walk that prohibitive from the cabanas section where we stayed. we thought it was a similar distance from the times we have stayed at po-rs. we also had no problem with cell phone reception (sprint and nextel).

we didn't think it felt to "convention-y" but then again we are 2 20-somethings without kids, so who knows.

[Wolfelaw]

my son (then six years old) and I stayed at CSR for a week a few years ago. We were very close to the dig site pool, which was fantastic -- really something for a moderate. We spent a lot of time there, and the water was never very crowded (although there were a lot of thirty-somethings lounging around the pool). I think if you have kids in the six to twelve range, who like to swim, this resort is a great value. Not good for little kids, because no real shallow water.

Transportation was O.K. -- no complaints. The food court was over priced, but provided a lot of variety for my son. Our room was very dark and small -- but it was cheap, which is good.

[epcotfan]

I quite enjoy the resort. I couldn't get my cell phone to work at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and the majority of the theme parks this past May so cell problems are not limited to CSR.

I've also seen plenty of rowdy people at the bars of other resorts.

[diathoney]

We've stayed at CSR twice, once in the Casitas (great view of the lake, close to Pepper Market, LONNGGG walk to the Dig Site) and once in the Ranchos (close to Dig Site). We enjoyed both stays.

My kids LOVE the pool. The pool bar is very convient for refilling mugs and ordering lunch-type food (burgers, etc) to take back to the room. At the Ranchos, parking wasn't too bad.

I didn't like the Pepper Market. I found the servers a little disagreeable and the food expensive. I liked the variety and the quality.

We would go back - we almost did this trip but we were able to get a standard room at CBR, so the price was better. I also like having 2 sinks!;)

[MonorailDude]

When I stayed at the Coranado Springs it was great. The entire hotel all together is huge. Make sure you follow all the room number signs indicating where to go. The rooms are comfy and colorful. The Pepper Market is a very good place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

[married2grumpy]

I have never stayed at Coronado Springs but will possibly try it next April. I think you will have a great time as long as you are open minded about it. I just recently stayed at CBR for the first time and was a little disappointed...at first. I was comparing it to my favorite resort, the Polynesian. After a few days the resort grew on me and I stopped the comparisons. It turns out I now love CBR and found things there that the Polynesian lacked(the Poly is still my favorite by far though!). Each Disney resort is wonderful in it's own way. You can let every little thing that is not perfect about your stay bother you and have a horrible time or you can find the good points of the resort and have a great time. If you are looking for a quiet room, I suggest you request a room away from any pool. I know that we used the "quiet" pool at CBR our last trip and it was crowded and noisy all hours of the day. It was by no means quiet nor would I expect it to be. As for cell phone reception, I had problems with mine at CBR and could only use it in certain areas of the resort. If I had to make a call I had to go out of my room and down one of the pathways. Not too convenient but not a big deal either. Have a great trip and let us know your opinion when you get back!

[DisneyFan79]

Just returned a week ago from CSR. We loved the place. The place is beautiful. We didn't have any trouble in any area of the resort. The food court was great. The buses were great. Sometimes there were only a handful of people on them. We never waited over 10 minutes for a bus. Our room was great. We were in Ranchos 7B. We had bunnies ducks outside our room everyday. We were a 2 minute walk to the Dig Site main pool and right by a quiet pool. We requested this location specifically. We knew we wouldn't need the food court that much so the walk didn't bother us. In fact I thought the walk was the best part. You were able to just leisurely stroll along and take everything in and enjoy the beautiful grounds. I will definitely stay here again. Disney does have different types and themes of hotels. This one is one that suits me. :)

[Always Grumpy]

We just returned from a 7 night stay at CSR. I must admit I was quite surprised by this resort. First, the CM's were very helpful in processing us at check in, We requested a marina view but was given a room facing the back of the resort, called and was quickly changed to the Cabanas 9B ( very nice room). We celebrated our DD's b-day while we were there and the resort sent to our room a special gift for her, my DW and I were really impressed by this jesture. Overall we plan on returning to this resort in October, the beauty of this resort is great and the CM's for us went beyon expectations.
Enjoy your stay.

Always Grumpy

[addicted_to_WDW]

We just got back on Monday after a 4 day trip.

I thought the resort was very pretty. I enjoyed getting up early in the morning and watching the lake while sipping my coffee. I loved the courtyards and the fountains. We were in Casitas 3. The walk to El Centro was about a minute at most.

Bus service was excellent. I waited no longer than 10 minutes for any bus, coming or going. I've stayed at POR, POFQ, CBR, and ASSp, and I have to say that the bus service at Coronado Springs was the best I've experienced. The buses weren't crowded...I saw not one person have to stand.

I HATED the Pepper Market, and for that reason I will never stay at Coronado Springs again. As mentioned, it's pricier than any other food court. I can live with that. What I found annoying was having to wait in line to be seated and being charged 10% so someone could get my drink for me. I can do that for myself, thank you very much. The food counters were too closely spaced and there was no obvious flow to the lines. Having a simple meal shouldn't be so difficult.

Like others mentioned, the conventioners created an atmosphere that was very un-vacationlike at times. I think Medtronic (or something like that) was the main convention while we were there.

[CAJUNWDWFAN]

My family and I stayed in Cabanas 9b in late April / Early May 2003 for 8 days 7 nights.

We had no problems. We were close to Bus Stop #1, El Centro, and The Dig Site. We never waited more that 10-15 minutes for a bus. Usual times (5 minute wait).

I do agree that food was a little expensive in the Pepper Market but you do get a good portion. One tip, get the food to go and eat in your room. They don't charge you the 10% gratuity if you get it to go. (YOU DO HAVE TO CONSIDER THAT GENERALLY FOOD AT DISNEY WORLD IS EXPENSIVE)

I would definitely stay there again!
The room was reasonable priced for the ammenities and for four adults the room was not too crowded.

[Buzz2001]

The Pepper Market is definitely a "love it" or "hate it" area food court. But you have to remember it is not your average food court. Disney tried to do something different by creating a interactive food court...by having you seated, giving you real flatware, a server to get you soda's, refills and condiments. The meals are not what you would usually find at a food court...steak, fajatas, roasted chicken. The 10% doesn't bother me.

The PM compares to a Ruby Tuesdays/Chili's/TGIF sytle place compared to a regular food court being like a Burger King/McDonalds.

For guests that go to Chinese buffets at home, do you normally leave a tip on the table for the server that brings your drinks and refills, it is similar to that.

[safetymom]

The reason I found cell reception upsetting is it is geared to convention goers. Most are business people that depend on being able to be reached. It seems to me Disney should do something about it at least at that hotel.

I said to a cast member at CSR today, could you make the hotel any bigger and he said by 2005 it will be. There was another cast member standing there that confirmed it.

When I am on my vacation cell reception doesn't bother me.

[Piglet203]

I LOVED Coronado Springs!!!! :D I stayed there last May for 11 or 12 days and enjoyed every minute of it. Let's just say that pictures of the resort do no justice. The resort is absolutely beautiful. I have stayed at three other disney resorts and have visited many of the others and have to say that the theming here is one of the best. THe overall atmosphere is awesome. The Digsite is a great pool to spend time in and believe me I spent MANY hours in that pool and on the slide :) The lake is very nice and offers boat rentals.

Out of the three sections of CS, I think that The Cabanas is probably the nicest. I stayed in the Ranchos and loved it, but there was something about the Cabanas that was very romantic and tropical. There were many hammocks on the beach. You really can't go wrong with either of the sections.

My only problem that I had with the resort was teh food court system. I couldn't believe that they charged gratuity for a food court. Not to mention the food was WAY over priced. That was my one and only complaint. Everything else about CS was awesome!!!!! I would and probably will stay there again. It is truly a romantic resort with a lot to offer :D

[gumdrop]

CSR is my absolute favorite! I can't say enough good things about it. If you have time, please check out my review of CSR from this past August--it will tell you everything about the resort. Hope you find it helpful:

CSR review: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=256071