Coronado Springs Resort - New Unofficial FAQ Thread - November 2011

[heidia]

Is there a list somewhere of where you can fill your resort mugs and what CSR offers for choices?

 

[patssoxfan]

I just noticed the 2012 National American Spirit Pageants got moved from April to 5/31-6/3 while I am there.

Anyone have any insight as to how this may be felt in the resort? Is it a huge group? Do they take over? They haven't posted their 2012 schedule of events yet. I see Mario Lopez hosted last year's events but can't find any info on where it was held or what went on.

I'm growing concerned I made a wrong choice - today being the last day of the room only package deal, I'm a little freaked out!

Anyone have any insight?

I'm a little worried about this too. We arrive on June 2nd, so they will be gone the next day, but I'm concerned about rooms only being available in the ranchos, which is my last choice. I'd prefer the cabana's or casita's.

 

[Abharmagic]

Can someone give me the low down on Pepper Market- I am confused by it. We are doing DxDDP and will probably plan to eat there most mornings. On the Dining plan and eating either breakfast or lunch at Pepper Market- do we have to tip? It's a QS credit- correct (I know that doesn't matter on DxDDp- just clarifying). Now, how about dinner at Pepper Market (I doubt we will ever eat there for dinner, but just for sake of clarification) it's also a QS credit but do we have to tip or not on DDP? I have read conflicting reports and I am just confused about the OOP cost vs. the DDP cost of Pepper Market. Help! Thanks!

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

can someone PM me the best request bldg wise to make for a family of 6 staying in 2 rooms with a van? I'd really like to be close to our bus stop and the dig site vs being close to the restaurants (I think? we can drive to the restaurants right?)

Cabana 8A is very close to the Dig Site and bus stop #4 (which is the third stop picked up on the way to the parks. Since you have two rooms, I'd request connecting rooms first and close to Dig Site (or bus stop) second.

I just noticed the 2012 National American Spirit Pageants got moved from April to 5/31-6/3 while I am there.

Anyone have any insight as to how this may be felt in the resort? Is it a huge group? Do they take over? They haven't posted their 2012 schedule of events yet. I see Mario Lopez hosted last year's events but can't find any info on where it was held or what went on.

I'm growing concerned I made a wrong choice - today being the last day of the room only package deal, I'm a little freaked out!

Anyone have any insight?

I updated the first page with the new dates - thanks! I can't find much online - it looks like last year was the first year for this pageant. I don't think there were more than about 40-50 contestants for 2011 (if they are all pictured under the 2011 archives). I expect the pageant itself will be held in the convention center - there is reference to a trade show as well.

The only convention/show that takes over is Grainger, and I can't imagine this pageant will be anywhere near the scale of Grainger. It looks like it might be about 50 families or so, plus the pageant judges and officials. I'm not sure how big the trade show part is, but I feel certain CSR has handled groups much larger than this without inconveniencing guests. The only convention that gets bad press is Grainger.

Is there a list somewhere of where you can fill your resort mugs and what CSR offers for choices?

You can fill your mugs at Cafe Rix or at the Dig Site. They have Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Coke Zero (new addition), root beer, and maybe Fanta?
I think they also have Nestea or some other fountain tea.

Can someone give me the low down on Pepper Market- I am confused by it. We are doing DxDDP and will probably plan to eat there most mornings. On the Dining plan and eating either breakfast or lunch at Pepper Market- do we have to tip? It's a QS credit- correct (I know that doesn't matter on DxDDp- just clarifying). Now, how about dinner at Pepper Market (I doubt we will ever eat there for dinner, but just for sake of clarification) it's also a QS credit but do we have to tip or not on DDP? I have read conflicting reports and I am just confused about the OOP cost vs. the DDP cost of Pepper Market. Help! Thanks!

For breakfast and lunch, PM is a buffet and it is a quick service credit. You should receive the same level of service you would at Crystal Palace or Boma or another buffet. We do tip at buffets, though less than we do at TS meals where we order off the menu. A tip will not be added to your bill - it is up to you to tip what you want.

Dinner is a la carte. When paying OOP, a 10% surcharge is added to the bill at dinner for the servers. The 10% is not added if you are on the DDP. Many people on the DDP leave some money on the table for the server. We always pay OOP and are charged 10%. Sometimes we leave more on the table.

You can also get your dinner to go at PM and take it back to your room or outside to the tables by the lake. We like to eat outside if the weather is nice. If you take food to go, there is no surcharge.

 

[familyfirsttimer]

I can;t believe after 100 pages, I am still unclear on something. Maybe its because I am leaving in 9 days and reality is setting in. Anyway, small question:
Is the Pepper Market Dinner as CD or TS? I know it will have the surcharge. We are on the QSDP and trying to figure if Dinner works there or not. TIA

 

[cmhguy]

I updated the first page with the new dates - thanks! I can't find much online - it looks like last year was the first year for this pageant. I don't think there were more than about 40-50 contestants for 2011 (if they are all pictured under the 2011 archives). I expect the pageant itself will be held in the convention center - there is reference to a trade show as well.

The only convention/show that takes over is Grainger, and I can't imagine this pageant will be anywhere near the scale of Grainger. It looks like it might be about 50 families or so, plus the pageant judges and officials. I'm not sure how big the trade show part is, but I feel certain CSR has handled groups much larger than this without inconveniencing guests. The only convention that gets bad press is Grainger.

Thanks for this insight! I'm a newbie to CSR - AND VERY excited about staying here!!!!! I actually requested Ranchos because we have learned we appreciate having down time and being away from it all. I'm ok with staying back there. Distance isn't a big issue - we enjoy walking all the time anyway....

I checked room availability for the end of May/Memorial Day on....and the room choices are fewer during the MUSE conference than any other time. During the pageant, there is lots of availability, so that made me feel a little bit better.

 

[sunsetbeachgal]

Can someone give me the low down on Pepper Market- I am confused by it. We are doing DxDDP and will probably plan to eat there most mornings. On the Dining plan and eating either breakfast or lunch at Pepper Market- do we have to tip? It's a QS credit- correct (I know that doesn't matter on DxDDp- just clarifying). Now, how about dinner at Pepper Market (I doubt we will ever eat there for dinner, but just for sake of clarification) it's also a QS credit but do we have to tip or not on DDP? I have read conflicting reports and I am just confused about the OOP cost vs. the DDP cost of Pepper Market. Help! Thanks!

We ate breakfast at the PM buffet and we did leave a tip, but we did not leave 18% as it was a self service buffet...they brought your beverage and the check, the rest you did yourself...and yes, it is a counter service credit...

 

[Momto8]

Not yet. We brought our own pods because we figured the supplied coffee might not be too decent.

Will wake family up in 45 minutes and I suspect the wife will try the machine.

We are staying at CSR at the end of April and both DH and I are coffee drinkers. We are trying to plan what kind of coffee to bring as we always bring our own since we don't like what they provide. I've just recently heard about the coffee makers with the pods and am assuming they have them in all the rooms now at CSR. Do you know if that is correct or are they still switching them out?

Also where did you find the pods? I've looked at Wal-Mart but they don't have them at ours.

Thanks!

 

[macleod1979]

Thanks for this insight! I'm a newbie to CSR - AND VERY excited about staying here!!!!! I actually requested Ranchos because we have learned we appreciate having down time and being away from it all. I'm ok with staying back there. Distance isn't a big issue - we enjoy walking all the time anyway....
I checked room availability for the end of May/Memorial Day on....and the room choices are fewer during the MUSE conference than any other time. During the pageant, there is lots of availability, so that made me feel a little bit better.

You will have a blast! My grandparents took the whole family last year. Wonderful resort

 

[cheerful chickadee]

Does anyone know if CSR takes/reads any room request faxes? I know I've heard the the resorts no longer take faxes and that the rooms are assigned by computer but I was just wondering if it would hurt to send a fax anyway?

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

I can;t believe after 100 pages, I am still unclear on something. Maybe its because I am leaving in 9 days and reality is setting in. Anyway, small question:
Is the Pepper Market Dinner as CD or TS? I know it will have the surcharge. We are on the QSDP and trying to figure if Dinner works there or not. TIA

Pepper Market is quick service for all three meals. For dinner, you will pick an entree, dessert and drink. For breakfast and lunch, it is a buffet and you can take whatever you want.

Does anyone know if CSR takes/reads any room request faxes? I know I've heard the the resorts no longer take faxes and that the rooms are assigned by computer but I was just wondering if it would hurt to send a fax anyway?

CSR was one of the last resorts to look at faxes, but I have heard that they no longer consider requests by fax. I don't think it would hurt to send one, but it would be more effective to call and add your room requests if you haven't already. You can also ask for a different area at check-in - they will try to accommodate you. You might have to wait until later in the day for a room that meets your request. Sometimes they don't have anything available that meets your requests or might have a room opening the next day if you are willing to move after one night.

 

[cheerful chickadee]

CSR was one of the last resorts to look at faxes, but I have heard that they no longer consider requests by fax. I don't think it would hurt to send one, but it would be more effective to call and add your room requests if you haven't already. You can also ask for a different area at check-in - they will try to accommodate you. You might have to wait until later in the day for a room that meets your request. Sometimes they don't have anything available that meets your requests or might have a room opening the next day if you are willing to move after one night.

Thanks! I would be willing to move the next day to be able to get the area we want. We stayed in the back side of Cabana 8A on our last trip and it was perfect!

The only reason I am stressing it now is because when we initially made our ressie we asked for a room request for Cabana 8A to be noted and the CM said of course! We assumed it had been done. Then a few months later we called to make a payment and asked the CM if there were any requests noted and they have said no, no requests are listed, would you like me to add one? So we added the request again. Last time we called to pay it all off and asked again, just to be sure if any requests were listed and again were told no, nothing. Ugh, it has been frustrating to say the least. I think I will fax and if it's not granted then we will ask again at check-in.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Thanks! I would be willing to move the next day to be able to get the area we want. We stayed in the back side of Cabana 8A on our last trip and it was perfect!

The only reason I am stressing it now is because when we initially made our ressie we asked for a room request for Cabana 8A to be noted and the CM said of course! We assumed it had been done. Then a few months later we called to make a payment and asked the CM if there were any requests noted and they have said no, no requests are listed, would you like me to add one? So we added the request again. Last time we called to pay it all off and asked again, just to be sure if any requests were listed and again were told no, nothing. Ugh, it has been frustrating to say the least. I think I will fax and if it's not granted then we will ask again at check-in.

Cabana 8A is our favorite spot! Cabana 8B and Ranchos 7B are also good for proximity to the Dig Site and not too far from the bus stop.

 

[MissPrice]

Hello, I have a question regarding room location. Which area do you think is best for 2 adults, no kids, with no interest in pool at all, wanting a quiet and romantic spot? I want to make a request when I add my package on in June. TIA -Amanda

 

[disneymom06]

My boys would like to know if they can go up for seconds at the breakfast buffet like they do at CP. Is that allowed at Pepper Market?

 

[RobertLC]

We are staying at CSR at the end of April and both DH and I are coffee drinkers. We are trying to plan what kind of coffee to bring as we always bring our own since we don't like what they provide. I've just recently heard about the coffee makers with the pods and am assuming they have them in all the rooms now at CSR. Do you know if that is correct or are they still switching them out?

Also where did you find the pods? I've looked at Wal-Mart but they don't have them at ours.

Thanks!

After looking at 2 grocery stores and the closest Walmart at home, we finally found pods at another Walmart near my work.

My wife has a coworker that has a pod coffee maker. She reports the pods are getting harder to find.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Hello, I have a question regarding room location. Which area do you think is best for 2 adults, no kids, with no interest in pool at all, wanting a quiet and romantic spot? I want to make a request when I add my package on in June. TIA -Amanda

I think the casitas are the most romantic with the fountains and the courtyards, especially at night. Casitas 4 and 5 are non-preferred and are close to the first stop picked up on the way to the parks (bus stop #2), as well as the fitness center, spa and salon. There is also a quiet pool and laundry near casita 4. Casitas 1, 2 and 3 are preferred rooms. Ranchos are also very quiet and a bit more remote. Cabanas are very popular with families.

My boys would like to know if they can go up for seconds at the breakfast buffet like they do at CP. Is that allowed at Pepper Market?

Yes, as much as they want.

 

[RobertLC]

Also want to confirm that wifi is up and operating.

The Dig Site pool is nice and large. The kids love the water slide. First night we were here, the CMs started a fire in the fire pit and let the kids, and us big kids, roast marshmallows.

Also, yesterday noticed our refrigerator wasn't cooling well. Called front desk and within 5 minutes someone came to look at it.

It was then that he informed me that it wasnt a refrigerator, but a cooler/chiller. But he agreed it wasn't as cool as it should be and they replaced it. It started cooling a bit. Haven't opened it since then. Will check in a bit to see how it does.

One note, the control for it is in the very back on the left hand side in the bottom corner. But, since it's located in a cabinet, you'll have to pull it out to get to it, then by putting your arm along the right side, you can find the control.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Also want to confirm that wifi is up and operating.

The Dig Site pool is nice and large. The kids love the water slide. First night we were here, the CMs started a fire in the fire pit and let the kids, and us big kids, roast marshmallows.

Also, yesterday noticed our refrigerator wasn't cooling well. Called front desk and within 5 minutes someone came to look at it.

It was then that he informed me that it wasnt a refrigerator, but a cooler/chiller. But he agreed it wasn't as cool as it should be and they replaced it. It started cooling a bit. Haven't opened it since then. Will check in a bit to see how it does.

One note, the control for it is in the very back on the left hand side in the bottom corner. But, since it's located in a cabinet, you'll have to pull it out to get to it, then by putting your arm along the right side, you can find the control.

Not sure if the CM mentioned it to you, but it will get colder if you leave the cabinet door open.

 

[MissPrice]

Thanks for the info StichandPoohsMom, I put the request in for Casitas 4 or 5. The CM said the resort is very accommodating so hopefully we will get it. Plus its so far in advanced. Thanks again -Amanda