Coronado Springs Resort - New Unofficial FAQ Thread - November 2011

[Tinkerbellie16]

Just wondering what was acceptable to bring in terms of pool toys for the kids.I didn't want to pack some of their swimming toys if we wouldn't be able to use them. Are they allowed any inflatables?

We leave for CSR in two days!!!!!!

While I have never swam at the Dig Site, I can tell you at other Disney resort pools, they did not allow us to have snorkels at the main pool that has lifeguards. We did take balls to throw and dive sticks and even small toy boats in both the main and the non-lifeguard pools. We have never tried to take a noodle or larger inflatable in a Disney pool so I can't comment on that.

Thanks to all who are posting reviews, I like to read all the pros and cons.

Funny but I've never found housekeeping at Disney to be all that great so it doesn't put me off when a resort gets comments about it (unless it is atrocious).

As for Pepper Market, we won't be eating there at all and after the comments, I'm glad. If we were on the dining plan, I'd consider it since it sounds like a good use of a counter service credit but we aren't.

I'm glad to hear the good reviews on Cafe Rix as that will be a place we will go a couple times while we are there.

Thanks again everyone for your help in planning!

 

[Jillianv29]

Someone posted this question a few weeks ago but didnt see a response.

Can you buy cases of water or soda in the Panchitos store? We really don't have to get a lot of stuff (water, soda, Gatorade, milk and cereal) so I don't know if using Garden Grocer is really worth it for us. I don't want to order stuff I don't need just to make the min $40 order plus $14 for delivery $12 + $2 gas surcharge)

Thanks!!
__________________

I had the same question. I was also planning on shipping a box down but then read they will actually charge you because it's a convention resort even if you arent staying there for a convention. Has this actually happened to anyone?

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Someone posted this question a few weeks ago but didnt see a response.

Can you buy cases of water or soda in the Panchitos store? We really don't have to get a lot of stuff (water, soda, Gatorade, milk and cereal) so I don't know if using Garden Grocer is really worth it for us. I don't want to order stuff I don't need just to make the min $40 order plus $14 for delivery $12 + $2 gas surcharge)

Thanks!!
__________________

I had the same question. I was also planning on shipping a box down but then read they will actually charge you because it's a convention resort even if you arent staying there for a convention. Has this actually happened to anyone?

(Edited with correct info from lovethattink and Buzz:

Panchitos does sell cases of water. They are $16.)

There is a Hess station within walking distance of Boardwalk that sells cases of water, but it wouldn't be easy to get back to CSR with it using Disney transportation (I'm not sure how much a cab would cost).

I haven't shipped anything to CSR, but my understanding is that packages shipped Fedex or UPS go to the business center, and there is a charge. As far as I know, packages shipped USPS do not incur a charge. I think someone posted a long time ago that they were charged a $10 fee for a case of water.

Does anyone have a recent experience with shipping to CSR?

 

[lovethattink]

I don't think Panchito's sells water by the case. There is a Hess station within walking distance of Boardwalk that sells cases of water, but it wouldn't be easy to get back to CSR with it using Disney transportation (I'm not sure how much a cab would cost).

I haven't shipped anything to CSR, but my understanding is that packages shipped Fedex or UPS go to the business center, and there is a charge. As far as I know, packages shipped USPS do not incur a charge. I think someone posted a long time ago that they were charged a $10 fee for a case of water.

Does anyone have a recent experience with shipping to CSR?

Panchitos does sell water by the case, but it's very expensive.

Sorry, I don't have any experiences with shipping to CSR.

 

[dtstampz]

Just wanted to add my experiences regarding servers at the Pepper Market. Last fall
dh and I had a young fellow who basically ignored us after bringing our drinks, and he
got NO additional tip. Recently though, my friend and I got Mavelis for our breakfast
server, and she was very attentive and friendly. Our lunch server was Analia, and she
was an absolute delight! She took such good care of us, and wanted us to return and
ask for "the little one from Argentina". She and Mavelis got very good tips!
I'm hoping they will both still be there when I return in September.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Panchitos does sell water by the case, but it's very expensive.

Thanks to lovethattink for the correction.

And thanks to Buzz for knowing that cases of water at Panchitos are $16.

 

[MandyTG]

Which building and view should I request if I want to be in the Casitas overlooking a fountain, with a King bed room?

 

[Gibbygirl]

Question about doing on line check in...this is our 3rd trip to WDW but our first stay at CSR. I haven't done the on line check in before because we always stay somewhere different and like to get all the info at check in. Our request for room type & location is noted on our reservation. I know there are different theories as to whether doing on line check in ahead of time makes a difference or not as to meeting your requests and having the room ready upon arrival. We arrive at MCO at 3:00 so the room should be ready either way. I'm sure we could find our way around if we simply grab our packet and go but wondering if I should do the on line check in or wait. I always read the excitement in others posts when they've done the advance check in. Wondering if I should give it a try? btw--we're 11 days out!

 

[lovethattink]

Question about doing on line check in...this is our 3rd trip to WDW but our first stay at CSR. I haven't done the on line check in before because we always stay somewhere different and like to get all the info at check in. Our request for room type & location is noted on our reservation. I know there are different theories as to whether doing on line check in ahead of time makes a difference or not as to meeting your requests and having the room ready upon arrival. We arrive at MCO at 3:00 so the room should be ready either way. I'm sure we could find our way around if we simply grab our packet and go but wondering if I should do the on line check in or wait. I always read the excitement in others posts when they've done the advance check in. Wondering if I should give it a try? btw--we're 11 days out!

I am a fan of the online check in. I've been doing online check in since it started. Either way you choose, when you get your packet and room assignment they will give you a map that shows where you are at El Centro and which way to head for your room.

The tricky part comes when you get to your building. There have been some rooms we've been assigned to where we walked all around the building to get to our room because signage says to go one way when a different way would have been quicker.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Which building and view should I request if I want to be in the Casitas overlooking a fountain, with a King bed room?

Have you already booked? Most of the fountains are near the preferred buildings (casitas 1, 2 and 3), so you would book a waterview, preferred king room with a request for a fountain view.

If you booked a standard king waterview, casita 5 also has a fountain.

Waterview and king are both booking categories. Waterview can be lake, quiet pool or fountain at CSR, so you can request a fountain view, but you can't book a fountain view.

 

[aggordon2]

88 more days till we arrive!! Can't wait!!

 

[MandyTG]

Thanks for the info! No, I haven't booked yet. I should have been more clear about that. What should I book, plus what should I request.

 

[CerysG]

I just read in a guide book that it takes 30 to 40 minutes to get to the Magic Kingdom from CS, but I know I read somewhere else that it only took 20 minutes!!! Some tell me what's closer to the truth?

 

[KatMark]

I just read in a guide book that it takes 30 to 40 minutes to get to the Magic Kingdom from CS, but I know I read somewhere else that it only took 20 minutes!!! Some tell me what's closer to the truth?

We have always rented a car when we stayed at the CSR (or any Disney resort for that matter). However, when I was running this thread, I decided I needed to take the bus at least once to see how they ran, the timing, etc. We got on at Bus Stop 1 (the last one picked up) at 5 p.m. at night and we were at the Magic Kingdom in exactly ten minutes. Now, I suppose if there is traffic, it could take an extra 5 minutes, but there is no way that it is 30-40 minutes.

 

[KatMark]

Just wanted to add my experiences regarding servers at the Pepper Market. Last fall
dh and I had a young fellow who basically ignored us after bringing our drinks, and he
got NO additional tip. Recently though, my friend and I got Mavelis for our breakfast
server, and she was very attentive and friendly. Our lunch server was Analia, and she
was an absolute delight! She took such good care of us, and wanted us to return and
ask for "the little one from Argentina". She and Mavelis got very good tips!
I'm hoping they will both still be there when I return in September.

And I think it needs to be pointed out again that the Pepper Market is NOT owned by Disney but an outside vendor and they may, in fact, hire their own help. However, this is NOT an excuse for rude service.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Thanks for the info! No, I haven't booked yet. I should have been more clear about that. What should I book, plus what should I request.

You should book waterview king, either preferred or standard (your choice). The fountains are in the casitas - 1,2 and 3 are preferred, 4 and 5 are standard. You can request fountain view, but it is just a request.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

I just read in a guide book that it takes 30 to 40 minutes to get to the Magic Kingdom from CS, but I know I read somewhere else that it only took 20 minutes!!! Some tell me what's closer to the truth?

We have always rented a car when we stayed at the CSR (or any Disney resort for that matter). However, when I was running this thread, I decided I needed to take the bus at least once to see how they ran, the timing, etc. We got on at Bus Stop 1 (the last one picked up) at 5 p.m. at night and we were at the Magic Kingdom in exactly ten minutes. Now, I suppose if there is traffic, it could take an extra 5 minutes, but there is no way that it is 30-40 minutes.

Is the guidebook referencing time it would take to get to the MK using Disney transportation? The actual drive time is 10-15, depending on traffic, but if you just miss a bus, you could have an additional 20 minute wait for the next bus. That would put you in the 30-40 minute window.

 

[saskdw]

I just read in a guide book that it takes 30 to 40 minutes to get to the Magic Kingdom from CS, but I know I read somewhere else that it only took 20 minutes!!! Some tell me what's closer to the truth?

Once you are on the bus it's a 10-12 min ride. You could wait anywhere from 2-20 mins for the bus, so overall time would be somewhere between 12-32 mins.

 

[creativeamanda]

I'm on my way out the door! Mission this week: to finally get a picture of the coffee maker in the room for the thread!

 

[HiHoOffWeGo]

My DD and DGD are there in 7A Parking lot view and have a car. She said it has to be the farthest away from the QS but not to bad from Dig Site. They don't care as they are there through Sunday and plan on park hopping rope drop to close each day. She says it is beautiful and much more then she expected. Does not like one sink.

I thanked her for sending us the rain. This should be the best 8th grade grad. present anyone could ask for.

Are all family trip in 2013 will be at CBR preferred and she said no way would she stay at CSR for our all family and not stay in a better location then 7A. She still likes POR the best of the Mods but will be able to tell better when she completes all of the Mods next year.