Back from our 8th Stay at the CSR - The DIS Discussion Forums

KatMark · 09-30-2009, 10:28 PM

We checked into the CSR just a couple of minutes before midnight on Friday, September 18. Being the late hour it was, there was no one in line and we stepped up and Jason greeted us and said, "Welcome home Mr. and Mrs. Schultz." We told him it was so good to be home.

Jason informed us that we would be in Cabanas 9A, in room 9273. He gave us our packet and asked us to give him a moment while he went to get our keys. When Jason returned he was accompanied by one of the assistant managers, Paul, who greeted us, welcomed us home and gave us our keys and wished us a very pleasant stay and to call him if we had any issues whatsoever.

Mark and I went back to the car and drove over to the Cabanas section, got our luggage and headed to our room. When we arrived, we found that we had one of the coveted corner rooms with two windows and had been upgraded to a king room with a water view. Very nice way to start our stay.

Upon entering our room:

The gift basket on the bed consisted of two etched Mickey glasses, wine, chocolate candy, crackers and cheese -- a very nice surprise.

A few pictures of the room -- most of which you have seen in one fashion or another:

Notice the special something in the counter in the bathroom???

We had two separate reservations as we had added an extra night prior to our original arrival because we were able to get on the Friday night flight. We were able to stay in the same room without moving. We received turn down service every night and there were robes in the room for our use during our stay.

With only four nights there and only four days at the parks (and Tuesday not being a full day), we didn't get a chance to eat at the Pepper Market. We did go to Cafe Rix every morning for our coffee (my cappucino) and Mark's breakfast milk, etc. Everyone was as friendly as could be. Mousekeeping was fine. We hung our towels on the rack so that they didn't have to take them and leave new ones, but every night when we came back they had taken them and left us new towels anyway.

We received two towel animals while there:

We went to the main pool once and twice to the quiet pool in the Cabanas section. I did have an issue at the quiet pool. It was NOT an issue with the CSR, but with two guests of the CSR. There was a woman smoking as she was sitting on the ledge of the pool and a gentleman in the pool smoking while in the pool. As we returned to the room, we passed a woman standing in her doorway with the door open, smoking a cigarette and flicking her ashes in her paper cup. We immediately calledl the front desk and reported both incidents; they thanked us for calling and said they would send someone over immediately. Not five minutes later, I looked out the window and there was a security guard on his bike passing our building on the way to the quiet pool. Again, this is not the CSR's fault, but the ignorance of the guests (we saw a similar situation in visiting the POFQ before going to the airport to return home; there were two women sitting at a table right outside of the food court smoking cigarettes). I just don't understand why people can't follow the rules.

Anyway, had a wonderful pina colada at the pool (did not see Francisco this trip); had two wonderful pina coladas from the Laguna Bar on Saturday night for our Dis meet which, unfortunately, did not turn out too well. People got busy and didn't make it. RosieP stopped by, and LacrosseLady took a bus over and then Mark and I drove her back to the Pop Century where she was staying with her mom--both wonderful ladies and so glad they stopped by (we did meet other Diser's on the trip--MickeyNicki, JanetB and Aubriee--I'll be posting pictures in my trip report and will post the link when I get it started).

We used the bus system once (and for the very first time!). After reading conflicting reports of the buses, we thought we'd give it a try. We went to Bus Stop 1 (the last one picked up) around 5:45 p.m. on Sunday to head over to the Magic Kingdom for the Extra Magic Hour evening. A bus appeared in less than five minutes; there was plenty of room for the six of us waiting there for the bus to get on and get a seat. I timed it. From the time we left the resort to the time we got to the MK, it was exactly ten minutes. Coming back, the CSR was the first bus stop that you saw as you approached the bus area. The first bus was full and we could have squeezed on and stood, but we decided to wait for the next one. The first bus no sooner pulled out, and another one pulled in.

Everyone we ran into at the resort, be it mousekeeping, a convention guest, a family, a cast member at the store, Cafe Rix or front desk, were extremely friendly. I've read many reports lately regarding all resorts and the parks themselves that there didn't seem to be any "magic" or "less" magic...that the CM's weren't friendly, etc. Every person we ran into always had a smile on their face, a warm hello, etc. When we went to the POFQ, the guard at the gate asked for photo identification and asked why we were there; we said we wanted to see the resort, etc.; he asked, "are you spending money?" and then he laughed. Everyone was great with us.

We again had an excellent stay at the CSR and every time we are there find a little more magic. I will admit that even though we enjoyed the Cabanas section with the hammocks, the beach, etc., we definitely prefer the Casitas section. I'm not sure if it is because we go to the beach every year prior to or after our trip or the fact that we've stayed in the Casitas seven times and have just become used to the fountains and the courtyards, but the Casitas just appeal to us more. That being said, we want to try the Ranchos next year.

Here are a few more random pictures we took while there (I'll be posting more pictures in my trip report). If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

VegasMike21 · 09-30-2009, 10:54 PM

Awesome stuff Kat, sounds like you had a blast!

BTW- Where is that gift basket from? Is it from the Disney Florist? And if so what is it called? And I thought if you had wine/liquor and weren't in your room you would have to pick it up at the front desk?

TIA!

mickeystoontown · 09-30-2009, 10:56 PM

Wonderful pictures! I'm glad that you guys had a great time at your home away from home.

KatMark · 09-30-2009, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VegasMike21

Awesome stuff Kat, sounds like you had a blast!

BTW- Where is that gift basket from? Is it from the Disney Florist? And if so what is it called? And I thought if you had wine/liquor and weren't in your room you would have to pick it up at the front desk?

TIA!

I assume it was from whoever the CSR uses for gifts. It was from the CSR (Mark nor I ordered each other anything this year). The gift basket was in our room when we arrived; I assume they knew ahead of time what room we would be in as our name was on the card.

Malisa · 09-30-2009, 11:00 PM

Looks really nice. I'll be visiting CSR for the first time in December! I can't wait... only 78 more days haha

KatMark · 09-30-2009, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mickeystoontown

Wonderful pictures! I'm glad that you guys had a great time at your home away from home.

Thanks, Lisa. How is mom doing?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malisa

Looks really nice. I'll be visiting CSR for the first time in December! I can't wait... only 78 more days haha

Thank you. I hope you enjoy your first stay at the CSR. Be sure to visit the "unofficial" CSR if you have any questions about the resort.

Singinglizzie · 09-30-2009, 11:02 PM

Hi Katmark! I have been wondering about your trip and am glad that you had a great time. CSR is such a lovely resort! Thanks for all your posts, and giving us the lowdown on your trip - especially those of us that need to live vicariously through other's, well other peoples' trips that is

! I cant' wait to return myself. Again, glad you got some magic your way!!!

VegasMike21 · 09-30-2009, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KatMark

I assume it was from whoever the CSR uses for gifts. It was from the CSR (Mark nor I ordered each other anything this year). The gift basket was in our room when we arrived; I assume they knew ahead of time what room we would be in as our name was on the card.

I found this on the disney florist site and it looks pretty similar:

http://www.disneyflorist.com/product...rate-1/display

Wanted to order something for my wife and I but $125 seems kinda expensive though

FINFAN · 09-30-2009, 11:28 PM

Welcome back! Sounds wonderful, and as always pictures are great. I hope your Marco part of the trip treated you well. Happy that CSR teated you guys to a nice surprise with the upgrade and basket...and the pina coladas sound yummy. So happy you guys were able to take the trip...and you missed the 2 COOOOLD days here, I think you brought some sunshine back home with you !

KatMark · 09-30-2009, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FINFAN

Welcome back! Sounds wonderful, and as always pictures are great. I hope your Marco part of the trip treated you well. Happy that CSR teated you guys to a nice surprise with the upgrade and basket...and the pina coladas sound yummy. So happy you guys were able to take the trip...and you missed the 2 COOOOLD days here, I think you brought some sunshine back home with you !

Thank you. Marco was wonderful and I will have lots of pictures when I get going with my full trip report (I'll post a link here later).

And to answer your question, yes, I believe that a twin air matress will fit just fine in the new rooms.

jg121285 · 09-30-2009, 11:52 PM

Awesome, sounds like you had a great time in the Cabanas. Would you still recommend the Casitas over the Cabanas?

MarkinNM · 10-01-2009, 12:24 AM

Kat, great report and glad to hear you had the same with CSR & CM's everywhere we went, ALL VERY nice and helpful!! Love CSR and LOVED the Casitas section, glad you had fun while at Marco, LOVE to see those pics!

tine413 · 10-01-2009, 12:26 AM

welcome back!!
i love the pics. we will be going csr sep12-24 of 2010 i can not wait it is our 2nd stay at disney. ( we stayed at cbr our 1st stayed love it) i glad u had a great time.

that's nice · 10-01-2009, 01:42 AM

Welcome back Kathy!!!!!

I'll be looking forward to your TR... once we get back from WDW!!!

Love the pic of you on the hammock! It looks like you were enjoying yourself!!!

SaskDisNut · 10-01-2009, 01:42 AM

Excellent TR KatMark! We will be checking into CSR on Saturday, hopefully around 1PM, so seeing your TR is bringing it closer! We plan to have lunch at PM so hopefully I can report on it later.

The gift basket looks wonderful. What a nice surprise! And the hidden Mickey in the counter top is awesome!

09-30-2009, 10:28 PM	#1
KatMark DIS Veteran Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Carol Stream, IL Posts: 15,864	Back from our 8th Stay at the CSR We checked into the CSR just a couple of minutes before midnight on Friday, September 18. Being the late hour it was, there was no one in line and we stepped up and Jason greeted us and said, "Welcome home Mr. and Mrs. Schultz." We told him it was so good to be home. Jason informed us that we would be in Cabanas 9A, in room 9273. He gave us our packet and asked us to give him a moment while he went to get our keys. When Jason returned he was accompanied by one of the assistant managers, Paul, who greeted us, welcomed us home and gave us our keys and wished us a very pleasant stay and to call him if we had any issues whatsoever. Mark and I went back to the car and drove over to the Cabanas section, got our luggage and headed to our room. When we arrived, we found that we had one of the coveted corner rooms with two windows and had been upgraded to a king room with a water view. Very nice way to start our stay. Upon entering our room: The gift basket on the bed consisted of two etched Mickey glasses, wine, chocolate candy, crackers and cheese -- a very nice surprise. A few pictures of the room -- most of which you have seen in one fashion or another: Notice the special something in the counter in the bathroom??? We had two separate reservations as we had added an extra night prior to our original arrival because we were able to get on the Friday night flight. We were able to stay in the same room without moving. We received turn down service every night and there were robes in the room for our use during our stay. With only four nights there and only four days at the parks (and Tuesday not being a full day), we didn't get a chance to eat at the Pepper Market. We did go to Cafe Rix every morning for our coffee (my cappucino) and Mark's breakfast milk, etc. Everyone was as friendly as could be. Mousekeeping was fine. We hung our towels on the rack so that they didn't have to take them and leave new ones, but every night when we came back they had taken them and left us new towels anyway. We received two towel animals while there: We went to the main pool once and twice to the quiet pool in the Cabanas section. I did have an issue at the quiet pool. It was NOT an issue with the CSR, but with two guests of the CSR. There was a woman smoking as she was sitting on the ledge of the pool and a gentleman in the pool smoking while in the pool. As we returned to the room, we passed a woman standing in her doorway with the door open, smoking a cigarette and flicking her ashes in her paper cup. We immediately calledl the front desk and reported both incidents; they thanked us for calling and said they would send someone over immediately. Not five minutes later, I looked out the window and there was a security guard on his bike passing our building on the way to the quiet pool. Again, this is not the CSR's fault, but the ignorance of the guests (we saw a similar situation in visiting the POFQ before going to the airport to return home; there were two women sitting at a table right outside of the food court smoking cigarettes). I just don't understand why people can't follow the rules. Anyway, had a wonderful pina colada at the pool (did not see Francisco this trip); had two wonderful pina coladas from the Laguna Bar on Saturday night for our Dis meet which, unfortunately, did not turn out too well. People got busy and didn't make it. RosieP stopped by, and LacrosseLady took a bus over and then Mark and I drove her back to the Pop Century where she was staying with her mom--both wonderful ladies and so glad they stopped by (we did meet other Diser's on the trip--MickeyNicki, JanetB and Aubriee--I'll be posting pictures in my trip report and will post the link when I get it started). We used the bus system once (and for the very first time!). After reading conflicting reports of the buses, we thought we'd give it a try. We went to Bus Stop 1 (the last one picked up) around 5:45 p.m. on Sunday to head over to the Magic Kingdom for the Extra Magic Hour evening. A bus appeared in less than five minutes; there was plenty of room for the six of us waiting there for the bus to get on and get a seat. I timed it. From the time we left the resort to the time we got to the MK, it was exactly ten minutes. Coming back, the CSR was the first bus stop that you saw as you approached the bus area. The first bus was full and we could have squeezed on and stood, but we decided to wait for the next one. The first bus no sooner pulled out, and another one pulled in. Everyone we ran into at the resort, be it mousekeeping, a convention guest, a family, a cast member at the store, Cafe Rix or front desk, were extremely friendly. I've read many reports lately regarding all resorts and the parks themselves that there didn't seem to be any "magic" or "less" magic...that the CM's weren't friendly, etc. Every person we ran into always had a smile on their face, a warm hello, etc. When we went to the POFQ, the guard at the gate asked for photo identification and asked why we were there; we said we wanted to see the resort, etc.; he asked, "are you spending money?" and then he laughed. Everyone was great with us. We again had an excellent stay at the CSR and every time we are there find a little more magic. I will admit that even though we enjoyed the Cabanas section with the hammocks, the beach, etc., we definitely prefer the Casitas section. I'm not sure if it is because we go to the beach every year prior to or after our trip or the fact that we've stayed in the Casitas seven times and have just become used to the fountains and the courtyards, but the Casitas just appeal to us more. That being said, we want to try the Ranchos next year. Here are a few more random pictures we took while there (I'll be posting more pictures in my trip report). If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. __________________ Thanks Minnie&Nana CSR -- Home Away From Home--8 stays and counting Link to Unofficial CSR FAQ Thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2338336 Link to my 2009 trip report: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2300252; dining review: http://www.disboards.com/showthread....ight=mini+trip Last edited by KatMark; 09-30-2009 at 10:55 PM.

09-30-2009, 10:56 PM	#3
mickeystoontown DIS Veteran Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Bayou Country, La. Posts: 10,745	Wonderful pictures! I'm glad that you guys had a great time at your home away from home. __________________ 1998-2000 Offsite; 2006, 2007, 2008 & 2009 CBR Stop Making Me Laugh Or I'll Pee My Pants! Go Back! I Lost My Shoe! Trip Report: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2262690 2010 Caribbean Beach Resort Countdown thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread....6#post34778596 Over the River and Through the Woods to Mickey's House We Go! And Grandma's in Tow! Pre-Trip Report: http://www.disboards.com/showthread....1#post34969201

09-30-2009, 11:02 PM	#7
Singinglizzie DIS Veteran Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 1,387	Hi Katmark! I have been wondering about your trip and am glad that you had a great time. CSR is such a lovely resort! Thanks for all your posts, and giving us the lowdown on your trip - especially those of us that need to live vicariously through other's, well other peoples' trips that is ! I cant' wait to return myself. Again, glad you got some magic your way!!! __________________ Poly, OKW & AKL 2009

09-30-2009, 11:28 PM	#9
FINFAN Mom to Tinkbell Makes the best Apple Pie on her block! My driver's license will say "Florida Resident" one day! I blame Jaws Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: 1,000 miles N. of WDW Posts: 7,096	Welcome back! Sounds wonderful, and as always pictures are great. I hope your Marco part of the trip treated you well. Happy that CSR teated you guys to a nice surprise with the upgrade and basket...and the pina coladas sound yummy. So happy you guys were able to take the trip...and you missed the 2 COOOOLD days here, I think you brought some sunshine back home with you ! __________________ Future Floridian Jimmy Buffett makes my day Major Miami Dolphin's Fan, since '71 Dan's IN to the Hall of Fame!

09-30-2009, 11:52 PM	#11
jg121285 Mouseketeer Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 104	Awesome, sounds like you had a great time in the Cabanas. Would you still recommend the Casitas over the Cabanas? __________________ (Me) (DGF)

09-30-2009, 10:54 PM	#2
VegasMike21 I couldn't stop laughing when the car was swinging back and forth Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Posts: 1,833	Awesome stuff Kat, sounds like you had a blast! BTW- Where is that gift basket from? Is it from the Disney Florist? And if so what is it called? And I thought if you had wine/liquor and weren't in your room you would have to pick it up at the front desk? TIA!

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09-30-2009, 11:00 PM	#5
Malisa Busy med student that loves Disney! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: KY Posts: 105	Looks really nice. I'll be visiting CSR for the first time in December! I can't wait... only 78 more days haha

10-01-2009, 12:24 AM	#12
MarkinNM NO SOUP FOR YOU!!!! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Albuquerque NM Posts: 2,408	Kat, great report and glad to hear you had the same with CSR & CM's everywhere we went, ALL VERY nice and helpful!! Love CSR and LOVED the Casitas section, glad you had fun while at Marco, LOVE to see those pics! __________________

10-01-2009, 12:26 AM	#13
tine413 Earning My Ears Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 33	welcome back!! i love the pics. we will be going csr sep12-24 of 2010 i can not wait it is our 2nd stay at disney. ( we stayed at cbr our 1st stayed love it) i glad u had a great time. __________________ ME DH DD 2

10-01-2009, 01:42 AM	#14
that's nice DIS Veteran Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: CT Posts: 2,484	Welcome back Kathy!!!!! I'll be looking forward to your TR... once we get back from WDW!!! Love the pic of you on the hammock! It looks like you were enjoying yourself!!! __________________ CLICK FOR MY PTR- 2 for 1 in progress Sweating through 6 days at POP 10/3-10/8 TRIP REPORT 'I think we ate at every character meal' TRIP REPORT

10-01-2009, 01:42 AM	#15
SaskDisNut DIS Veteran Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Regina, SK Posts: 890	Excellent TR KatMark! We will be checking into CSR on Saturday, hopefully around 1PM, so seeing your TR is bringing it closer! We plan to have lunch at PM so hopefully I can report on it later. The gift basket looks wonderful. What a nice surprise! And the hidden Mickey in the counter top is awesome! __________________ Feb 1990 - Disneyland Jan 1992 - Walt Disney World - offsite Jan 1993 - Disneyland May 2007 - WDW - Pop Century Dec 2008 - WDW - Pop/CSR Jan 2009 - WDW - Beach Club - IBM Lotusphere 2009 Oct 2009 - WDW - CSR & Free Dining!! Check out my --> CSR Review 10/3/2009 - 10/11/2009

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