We returned Monday from a 4 night stay at CSR. It started out rocky, but ended well. We arrived really late Thursday night (it was actually close to 2AM on Friday morning.) I had requested top floor anywhere in the Cabanas, but the only rooms left were in the Ranchos. They had us in 7B. I begged for anything in either the Cabanas or Casitas, but there was absolutely nothing else. And to make matters worse, there was no bell staff available to take us to our room. After a half hour, they finally got one of the front desk CM's to drive us over in a van. He walked us to our room, but didn't take any of the bags. Needless to say, our first impression was not good. The fact that our next door neighbor had created their own private smoking area out on the balcony, complete with empty beer cans for ashtrays, made matters worse. The smell seeped into our room. I was not happy, but it was late and we were exhausted. The only real positive was that our room overlooked the quiet pool.
On Friday, we spent the day at AK and returned to find the situation was still an issue. Went into the room and while we got ready for dinner, 2 of our neighbors were outside continuously, smoking and chatting for almost an hour. I called to complain and was told security would be up to take care of things. When we left for dinner, there were 2 other people smoking on the same balcony on the way to the elevator. When we returned from dinner, the beer can ashtrays were still there and my kids and I'd had enough. I know smoking is a bit of a taboo subject here on the DIS, but I had to mention it - I mean how else am I going to explain our displeasure? We called again to complain and were offered an opportunity to move. They told us to start packing and as soon as the room assigner could find us something else, bell services would come move us. It was around 11PM, but I was happy to move right then and there, rather than be inconvenienced the next morning and cut into our park time.
We got moved to Casitas 1, to room 1267. It was on the 2nd floor. LONG walk to the Dig Site, but we learned to love the proximity to El Centro. And we got free wi-fi internet access (a test for building 1 only) so that was an added bonus. I very much appreciate that we were essentially upgraded to a preferred location. It made all the difference and changed our whole perception of CSR. The Casitas have a very upscale feel to them. Honestly, with the exception of the exterior corridors, it felt almost like one of the deluxe resorts. The queen beds are sooooo comfortable. The landscaping is just lovely. By comparison, the Ranchos felt more like a Motel 6 with a nice pool. I know the rooms themselves are identical, but they felt like completely different resorts to us.
We thought the bus service was good; we would catch the buses at El Centro, but use stop 2 upon returning to the resort. Seemed like the walk was about the same, and we got off the bus sooner. We only had breakfast at the Pepper Market, but my kids loved getting a "real" breakfast to start the day. Enjoyed it so much, we used 2 of our 4 CS credits there. I felt like it was a buffet where you could get exactly what you wanted but not worry about eating too much. Very nice concept and far preferable to most CS breakfast options.
We walked over to the Dig Site twice over our 4 night stay. The first time was the night we moved. We are night owls and I was eager to relax in the hot tub and wind down a little. There were only a few other people there. At one point in time, a security guard drove up and was talking to the people on the other side of the pool. My kids were being, well kids and a bit loud and I didn't want to get in trouble. The guard drove over towards us and motioned to me. Then he told me, "maam, there's no need to shush the kids; no one will hear them." I thought it was pretty funny! We also spent most of the day Sunday at the Dig Site. It wasn't crowded at all and the kids loved participating in the games. We thought the slide was great. Overall, the only pool at WDW that I think is better is SAB.
One other interesting occurrence while we stayed at CSR was that first full night when we were headed to AKL for dinner. I opted for taxis rather than buses that night - since it was our only transportation expense for the weekend I thought it was well worth it for the time it saved us. Especially since we were running VERY late for our ADR at Jiko (we got to El Centro with only 10 minutes to spare.) And wouldn't you know it, I couldn't find anyone to get us a taxi. Sure enough, a man over by the entrance mouthed "taxi" to me and I said yes. (I think it was pretty obvious that I was in a hurry to get somewhere.) Anyway, the man turned out to be a limo driver rather than a taxi driver. I was a little unnerved when we got in the car and I saw there was no meter. But I wanted to get to AKL so I just let it go. He charged us $17, which was a bit outrageous (our return trip by legitimate taxi was just about $11.) But he did get us to our ADR and on time, to boot, so I guess that was worth the extra $6. I just thought the whole situation was a little off.
When we left Monday, I stopped by the front desk and asked for a manager so I could thank them for moving us and let them know what a favorable impression we were leaving with. We are DVC members, but I booked a free dining trip. With 2 kids who are adults on the
DDP, I thought it was a great deal. We would absolutely stay here again. But I would put in a room request along the lines of "anywhere but the Ranchos." As nice as the Casitas are, I still think the Cabanas have the best overall location, being somewhere in between the Dig Site and El Centro (that's why I requested the Cabanas in the first place.) If we could forget that first night & our inconsiderate neighbors, I'd have nothing but good things to say about CSR.
As we're there during Christmas and it IS a really big resort. I am even considering putting in for Ranchos 7A or 6B, they really seem kinda close to the pools and not far from bus stop #3. 
