-
Controversial Topics
Several months ago, I added a private sub-forum to allow members to discuss these topics without fear of infractions or banning. It's opt-in, opt-out. Corey Click Here
CSR Bday Trip: Update p. 2 CSR Review p.3
- Thread starter kindra657
- Start date
kindra657
Dedicated to a Mouse
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2006
Alright, sorry I got a little behind. Today is day 4 and I'm only reporting day 2. I been pretty busy....there's a lot to do in this world!!! 
Also, I finally took the time to explore photobucket and figured out how to resize these pics.
Day 2: Tuesday. Epcot (FW), Coral Reef (L), MK, Pepper Market (D)
We made it to Epcot for Rope Drop!
Once inside the park we took flight on a hang glider before suiting up as an astronaut and going to mars.
We made it on the first flight of the day and in the highest and middle seat! The ride was amazing!! The seat location really does make a difference!
A grumpy CM (on the left)
We volunteered to be test dummies...and survived!!
Daddy teaching Ramiah about testing and engineering LOL!
Follow Ramiah, she know de way!
Daddy's Favorite!
We did see Living with the seas right before lunch but didn't get any pics!
Hmmmmmm Lunch!
Coral Reef seemed to be packed!!!
Our ADR was for 1:25. We arrived at 1:00, checked in, got a pager, and had a seat along the wall. I assumed we would be waiting for a very long time but our pager went off after a short 15 minute wait.
Our table wasn't close to the aquarium at all (compared to last year) but then I figured that we've experienced the close proximity to the aquarium before, so it's probably better if other new coral reef guests get a chance to experience it too.
Because we were farther from the aquarium, we spent more time talking to one another and enjoying our meal vs. focusing on everything that happened in the tank. It was a different experience, but was a good one as well. We could see a scuba diver cleaning the coral, a shark, and a giant turtle, so that was really cool.
New Items on the menu
I tried the short rib. It was ok but I miss the pork chop that used to be on the menu.
Due to the weather, we decided not to go back to CSR to swim so we decided to head to MK for a little while.
We pilviged and plundered, caught a ride on a doom buggy, and sang along with Disney characters until Donald Crashed into a wall.
DH is staying upbeat
we weren't supposed to be at MK until Fri...but we couldn't wait till then
Back to the resort for Pepper Market Dinner and We found Glenn!!!
Pepper Market is the best CS on property!!! They don't add 10% to the bill when using the DDP, but our service was really good so we left a tip.
I had the prime rib and DH had the chicken/shrimp fajitas
The day went very well. I did notice 2 rude CMs today and I really can't remember if I had this before because this issue wasn't in my mind on previous trips. I'm so used to cedar point and those miserable employees, that 1 or 2 not-so-happy CMs don't bother me. BUT, I did wear my birthday button today and I bet 50 CMs shouted Happy Birthday to me and I encountered amazing Disney service! ....the Disney service that brings us back time and time again.
So far, the weather has been cloudy, rainy, and a perfect temperature. I've been hearing the horror stories about how hot it was last week and I'm very happy to have the rain!!!
The rain did cease toward the later evening and we met some new friends at the pool. Their room is a few doors down from ours, they have a son around my daughter's age, and we enjoyed conversing with them in the hot tub. They planned DHS on Wed too!! (same as us!)...I think I feel some magic sharing stirring....
I will give my Birthday report soon. There's a lot to tell and you guys won't believe some of the magical, wacky, and odd things that happened!
Also, I finally took the time to explore photobucket and figured out how to resize these pics.
Day 2: Tuesday. Epcot (FW), Coral Reef (L), MK, Pepper Market (D)
We made it to Epcot for Rope Drop!
Once inside the park we took flight on a hang glider before suiting up as an astronaut and going to mars.
We made it on the first flight of the day and in the highest and middle seat! The ride was amazing!! The seat location really does make a difference!
A grumpy CM (on the left)
We volunteered to be test dummies...and survived!!
Daddy teaching Ramiah about testing and engineering LOL!
Follow Ramiah, she know de way!
Daddy's Favorite!
We did see Living with the seas right before lunch but didn't get any pics!
Hmmmmmm Lunch!
Coral Reef seemed to be packed!!!
Our ADR was for 1:25. We arrived at 1:00, checked in, got a pager, and had a seat along the wall. I assumed we would be waiting for a very long time but our pager went off after a short 15 minute wait. Our table wasn't close to the aquarium at all (compared to last year) but then I figured that we've experienced the close proximity to the aquarium before, so it's probably better if other new coral reef guests get a chance to experience it too.
Because we were farther from the aquarium, we spent more time talking to one another and enjoying our meal vs. focusing on everything that happened in the tank. It was a different experience, but was a good one as well. We could see a scuba diver cleaning the coral, a shark, and a giant turtle, so that was really cool.
New Items on the menu
I tried the short rib. It was ok but I miss the pork chop that used to be on the menu.
Due to the weather, we decided not to go back to CSR to swim so we decided to head to MK for a little while.
We pilviged and plundered, caught a ride on a doom buggy, and sang along with Disney characters until Donald Crashed into a wall.
DH is staying upbeat
we weren't supposed to be at MK until Fri...but we couldn't wait till then
Back to the resort for Pepper Market Dinner and We found Glenn!!!
Pepper Market is the best CS on property!!! They don't add 10% to the bill when using the DDP, but our service was really good so we left a tip.
I had the prime rib and DH had the chicken/shrimp fajitas
The day went very well. I did notice 2 rude CMs today and I really can't remember if I had this before because this issue wasn't in my mind on previous trips. I'm so used to cedar point and those miserable employees, that 1 or 2 not-so-happy CMs don't bother me. BUT, I did wear my birthday button today and I bet 50 CMs shouted Happy Birthday to me and I encountered amazing Disney service! ....the Disney service that brings us back time and time again.
So far, the weather has been cloudy, rainy, and a perfect temperature. I've been hearing the horror stories about how hot it was last week and I'm very happy to have the rain!!!
The rain did cease toward the later evening and we met some new friends at the pool. Their room is a few doors down from ours, they have a son around my daughter's age, and we enjoyed conversing with them in the hot tub. They planned DHS on Wed too!! (same as us!)...I think I feel some magic sharing stirring....
I will give my Birthday report soon. There's a lot to tell and you guys won't believe some of the magical, wacky, and odd things that happened!
kindra657
Dedicated to a Mouse
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2006
Thank you!! The reason why I decided to do all of this is to help other people with information and to share the magic!
HELLO fellow Clevelander!!!!Hello to a fellow Clevelander!
I'm enjoying your live trip report, and I love the bug-eyed picture by the Dung and I poster. I need to remember to take a similar picture next time I'm in AK. Also, I love your positive attitude, it makes enjoying WDW a lot more fun! Sending you more
hoping it makes your stay even more magical!
Glad you are on board and thank you for the pixiedust! Jumpin on! We are staying at CSR in September!
You SCORED on your room location! And what was that divine looking steak and rice thingy from Yak and Yeti?????
Can't wait to see more.
The Shaoxing steak and shrimp and it is YUMMY! You will LOVE CSR!! Especially in sept! (my fav time to go....so far)
We spotted him!
We are thinking about changing our AKL stay on the 24th-25th to the ranchos! Thank you!! and it's great to have you here!!
Happy Birthday Kindra!
Thanks Laurie!! btw, when we got our ADRs, they didn't ask for your first name
but she did scan the card. Hope you guys get the credit!Really enjoying your TR!
I'm glad you like CSR. We stayed there on our honeymoon and loved it. Thanks for adding the pix of the room. I'm digging the renovations.....it looks so upscale now.
Have a great time!
We love the renovations too!! .....I especially love how the room looks now....after DH got done with it!!
More on that later...I figured out how to shrink them...I'll make them big again if that's what everyone likes though.Wow! You guys had a great adventure at AK
110 Days will fly by!! Good to have you on board!!
jwsteelman
WDW veteran
- Joined
- Sep 1, 2003
Can't wait to hear your report when you come over Saturday, especially about my favorite resort CSR!!
Only 6 more days for me woohoo!! Hi Leahbeth, we are from Grafton also. It is great to find more Disers from our area!!
Only 6 more days for me woohoo!! Hi Leahbeth, we are from Grafton also. It is great to find more Disers from our area!!
kindra657
Dedicated to a Mouse
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2006
Yay!! Welcome aboard!! We love to see people on here from our area! Did you do a pre-trip report or trip report?? post the thread if you did so that we can read
yay!! I'm bout to do a full bday report...soon as i post this one
Can't wait to hear your report when you come over Saturday, especially about my favorite resort CSR!!
thanks for the 4th of July food Joe & Laurie!!! It was awesome!!
yummy yummy!! I really need to get back into the gym after this last trip and bbq at your house!
kindra657
Dedicated to a Mouse
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2006
Ok, day 3...birthday time!! 
Remember I told you about the friends we met at the dig site? Well I also told you how they were going to DHS the next day (my bday) as well. I am always trying to share the magic, so I came up with a wonderful idea!!
We were doing the FastPass option and because there were 3 of them and 3 of us, we could include them for the FPs!!
We met our new friends at bus stop #1 cause we had an awesome breakfast at Pepper market (sorry, no pics) and we rode together to DHS.
We were so excited about having these birthday fastpasses, I forgot to start snapping pics till we got to RRC!!
We got into the park, got FPs with our tix for TSM and then got immediate FPs with the bday FP. We rode TSM at this time we seperated from our friends. They really enjoy the more relaxed attractions while we enjoy the thrill rides. We said goodbye to them. They were very excited bout riding TSM 3x without a wait and I was happy to have shared some magic with them.
Ok, so DH, DD, and I headed to TOT and used the bday FP!! We grabbed a "regular" FP for TOT after we got off and then rode RRC with the birthday FP.
of course I texted Joe right before riding TOT and he responded with his original response..."THAT'S B*LLSH*T!!!"
We then headed to the Great Movie Ride!!
LOVE IT!!!
Rode TSM and TOT again and then had a light snack at Pizza Planet
Then we saw Lights, Motors, Action!! SWEEEEEET!!! DD loved it!!
to be continued....
Remember I told you about the friends we met at the dig site? Well I also told you how they were going to DHS the next day (my bday) as well. I am always trying to share the magic, so I came up with a wonderful idea!!
We were doing the FastPass option and because there were 3 of them and 3 of us, we could include them for the FPs!!
We met our new friends at bus stop #1 cause we had an awesome breakfast at Pepper market (sorry, no pics) and we rode together to DHS.
We were so excited about having these birthday fastpasses, I forgot to start snapping pics till we got to RRC!!
We got into the park, got FPs with our tix for TSM and then got immediate FPs with the bday FP. We rode TSM at this time we seperated from our friends. They really enjoy the more relaxed attractions while we enjoy the thrill rides. We said goodbye to them. They were very excited bout riding TSM 3x without a wait and I was happy to have shared some magic with them.
Ok, so DH, DD, and I headed to TOT and used the bday FP!!
We grabbed a "regular" FP for TOT after we got off and then rode RRC with the birthday FP.
of course I texted Joe right before riding TOT and he responded with his original response..."THAT'S B*LLSH*T!!!"
We then headed to the Great Movie Ride!!
LOVE IT!!!
Rode TSM and TOT again and then had a light snack at Pizza Planet
Then we saw Lights, Motors, Action!! SWEEEEEET!!! DD loved it!!
to be continued....
kindra657
Dedicated to a Mouse
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2006
Then we decided to head over the backlot tour...
yup!! That was me!!
After the BLT, we caught a glimpse of the blockparty and then used the bday FP for Star Tours. By the time we got off of ST, it was time for dinner at 50's PTC!!
DH and I both had the fried chicken!! YUM!!
my birthday margarita and dessert
And then the Showering of the Gifts began!! OMG DH sooooo went overboard!!! He also interrupted our summer budget!!! But it was still special and amazing!!!
Gift #1
Birthday cards
It was getting late. We decided to head back to the resort....with the intention of going back to one of the parks later in the evening.
I opened the room door to this:
and this....
and this....
after I got over the whole shock of all of this, DD begged to go to the pool (again)...ok, Ramiah, let's go!
and it started to rain....
Well, here I am in the rain, at the pool, and wanting to be at MK. Told DD "let's go to MK for the evening!!!" She said no
. Well, DH didn't mind staying with her at the pool, so I went to MK alone.
This is when a great day turned really weird
I went to our bus stop (#4) with the intention of going to El Centro to fill up my resort cup and make my final decision about going to MK alone (and also hoping that DD and DH would decide to go with me). It was 8p.
A MK bus pulled up (the 1st park bus that came) and I boarded it because it was SUPPOSED to stop at bus stop #1 before leaving the resort. There were 2 other people on the bus (which was surprising to me) and I asked the bus driver if MK was crowded. He said it was empty! GREAT!!!
This driver then turned left to exit the resort instead of making a right to go to bus stop #1. I brought this to his attention and he got very upset and flustered...(I found out why he acted like this a little while later)...anywhoo, the driver opened his doors and let me out at the resort entrance/exit!!!
Ummmmm.....ok......there were no sidewalks leading back to the entrance of the resort and I felt like an idiot. At first I felt like it was my fault for not telling the driver where I was going but while dodging cars because there was no safe place to walk, I realized that there were probably people at bus stop #1 waiting for a MK bus!! He is the one who skipped his bus stop!!
At this time I decided to call someone and report this. I went up to the concierge desk and the CM connected me with Disney Transportation. I reported what happened and the CM on the phone told me that a supervisor would call me back.
Well, I got over that whole situation and went on to MK cause DD and DH didn't want to go. I saw Laugh Floor, Hall of Presidents, Splash Mountain, Pirates, Haunted Mansion, and Spectromagic all in 2 short hours!!
While at MK, a manager from MK's Transportation (Chris Foster), called me on my cell. He explained to me that drivers are not supposed to miss their bus stops and that the driver would have had to report that he was going back into CSR because he missed a stop (basically he would have to tell on himself)...instead of doing that, he broke a cardinal rule, which is to never drop a guest off or pick a guest up anywhere but at the stops. He asked me to write out a statement for him because he wanted to get to the bottom of the situation. I did this the next day and submitted it...I'll let you all know what happens from this....
yup!! That was me!!
After the BLT, we caught a glimpse of the blockparty and then used the bday FP for Star Tours. By the time we got off of ST, it was time for dinner at 50's PTC!!
DH and I both had the fried chicken!! YUM!!
my birthday margarita and dessert
And then the Showering of the Gifts began!! OMG DH sooooo went overboard!!! He also interrupted our summer budget!!! But it was still special and amazing!!!
Gift #1
Birthday cards
It was getting late. We decided to head back to the resort....with the intention of going back to one of the parks later in the evening.
I opened the room door to this:
and this....
and this....
after I got over the whole shock of all of this, DD begged to go to the pool (again)...ok, Ramiah, let's go!
and it started to rain....
Well, here I am in the rain, at the pool, and wanting to be at MK. Told DD "let's go to MK for the evening!!!" She said no
. Well, DH didn't mind staying with her at the pool, so I went to MK alone. This is when a great day turned really weird
I went to our bus stop (#4) with the intention of going to El Centro to fill up my resort cup and make my final decision about going to MK alone (and also hoping that DD and DH would decide to go with me). It was 8p.
A MK bus pulled up (the 1st park bus that came) and I boarded it because it was SUPPOSED to stop at bus stop #1 before leaving the resort. There were 2 other people on the bus (which was surprising to me) and I asked the bus driver if MK was crowded. He said it was empty!
GREAT!!! This driver then turned left to exit the resort instead of making a right to go to bus stop #1. I brought this to his attention and he got very upset and flustered...(I found out why he acted like this a little while later)...anywhoo, the driver opened his doors and let me out at the resort entrance/exit!!!
Ummmmm.....ok......there were no sidewalks leading back to the entrance of the resort and I felt like an idiot. At first I felt like it was my fault for not telling the driver where I was going but while dodging cars because there was no safe place to walk, I realized that there were probably people at bus stop #1 waiting for a MK bus!! He is the one who skipped his bus stop!!
At this time I decided to call someone and report this. I went up to the concierge desk and the CM connected me with Disney Transportation. I reported what happened and the CM on the phone told me that a supervisor would call me back.
Well, I got over that whole situation and went on to MK cause DD and DH didn't want to go. I saw Laugh Floor, Hall of Presidents, Splash Mountain, Pirates, Haunted Mansion, and Spectromagic all in 2 short hours!!
While at MK, a manager from MK's Transportation (Chris Foster), called me on my cell. He explained to me that drivers are not supposed to miss their bus stops and that the driver would have had to report that he was going back into CSR because he missed a stop (basically he would have to tell on himself)...instead of doing that, he broke a cardinal rule, which is to never drop a guest off or pick a guest up anywhere but at the stops. He asked me to write out a statement for him because he wanted to get to the bottom of the situation. I did this the next day and submitted it...I'll let you all know what happens from this....
acellison
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2007
Wow! That is a crazy bus ride story I am glad you reported the driver. I am very curious about the outcome. On the brighter side, I love what your husband did for your birthday How and where did he get all those presents? I would love to do something like this for my daughter when we go in September for her birthday. Any info you can give me would be very much appreciated
I am glad you reported the driver. I am very curious about the outcome. On the brighter side, I love what your husband did for your birthday How and where did he get all those presents? I would love to do something like this for my daughter when we go in September for her birthday. Any info you can give me would be very much appreciated
kindra657
Dedicated to a Mouse
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2006
Wow! That is a crazy bus ride story
I think he contacted Disney and they did it while we were at dinner that evening. He went WAY WAY overboard with all the boxes! One box and balloons would have been plenty! I think he was trying to compete with the massive surprise 30th bday party I had for him in April (before I found out I was getting laid off). Anyway, we shipped the boxes home and haven't received them yet but I can tell you what was inside each one:
Mickey Box- Inside the box were Bday ears with my name on them and with the box came a large mickey plush, a signed photo autograph book, balloons, bday necklace that lights up (everyone asked about this!!), and a photo frame.
Minnie Box- Candy cake made all from chocolate...yum!!!
Goofy- goofy taffy and the resort phone w/a phone number for me to call...which was goofy singing happy birthday
Donald- towel, a cool bag, donald duck beak toy, lanyard w/pins
pluto- dog bowl and rice crispy treats shaped like bones
When the boxes arrive, I will take more pictures of them and the contents inside so that you have a better idea of what was in them
you can call disney and ask about special things they do for birthdays. I think that no matter which character you choose, you'll still get the photo frame, autograph book, balloons, and birthday necklace that lights up. Check out the disney world website...I know he said he did his homework for this online.
The whole time he was doing this research, I thought he was doing his final assignment for school!!!
He HAD a 4.0 in his Master's Degree...after spending so much time on planning surprises for my birthday and neglecting his final assignment in his class, he got a B in the class . I kind of felt bad about that shellywalker
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2008
Loving your report! Can't wait to read about CSR! I got so much attention while wearing my birthday pin too!
kindra657
Dedicated to a Mouse
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2006
I still have 2 days left on my trip report but I'm now going to do a quick review of CSR!!
I tried to get plenty of pictures of CSR, Pepper Market, Cafe Rix, and the Casitas and Ranchos. We stayed in the Cabanas and I didn't get a whole lot of pictures of them!!
The ranchos section are my favorite theme and location but the Cabanas come in a close second place. I'd rather not stay at the casitas, even though they are very beautiful....because of the location
Beautiful Fountains and statues in El Centro
Cafe Rix (awesome place to get a quick bite or snack and refill those resort mugs!) ....sorry, didn't get a pic of Rix Lounge (adult club) but it did look very upscale and fun!
YUMMY!!!
Pepper Market!!!
Awesome desserts and Food!!
Menus and Prices! Great CS location but I wouldn't go to Pepper Market if NOT on the DDP!!! Prices, when paying cash are pretty high. Also, 10% gratuity is NOT automatically added when using the DDP. It is optional...though we always tip!
In my opinion, Pepper Market is the best CS on property!! Where else can you get a steak for a counter service credit?? It was great! We had dinner and breakfast there and both were wonderful!
I tried to get plenty of pictures of CSR, Pepper Market, Cafe Rix, and the Casitas and Ranchos. We stayed in the Cabanas and I didn't get a whole lot of pictures of them!!
The ranchos section are my favorite theme and location but the Cabanas come in a close second place. I'd rather not stay at the casitas, even though they are very beautiful....because of the locationBeautiful Fountains and statues in El Centro
Cafe Rix (awesome place to get a quick bite or snack and refill those resort mugs!) ....sorry, didn't get a pic of Rix Lounge (adult club) but it did look very upscale and fun!
YUMMY!!!
Pepper Market!!!
Awesome desserts and Food!!
Menus and Prices! Great CS location but I wouldn't go to Pepper Market if NOT on the DDP!!! Prices, when paying cash are pretty high. Also, 10% gratuity is NOT automatically added when using the DDP. It is optional...though we always tip!
In my opinion, Pepper Market is the best CS on property!! Where else can you get a steak for a counter service credit?? It was great! We had dinner and breakfast there and both were wonderful!
kindra657
Dedicated to a Mouse
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2006
CSR review continued!
On with some pics of the resort grounds!
Casitas
Walking around the Lake
Coming up on the Ranchos!!!
always attention to detail
Ranchos Quiet Pool
Resort grounds:
Beautiful!!! Well maintained and upkept. This resort did NOT look like a moderate resort at all!! I've seen all of the mods and this one is a hidden gem!
Room:
The toilet area is kinda of small, but the room itself was very large (even with the new queen beds). The privacy doors were great when we were all trying to get ready in the morning at the same time!! The room seemed so much like a deluxe vs. a mod room!! The only difference I noticed between a deluxe and CSR is that the room door opens to the outside (where you see a gorgeous lake and resort) vs. opening into a hallway (where you see door, door, door, hidden mickey, door, door...lol).
When exiting the room, there are covered walkways throughout each building.
Bus System:
I know I sound like a broken record with all of my positive feedback, but I tell it when something is not good...with that, (EXCEPT FOR THE GUY DROPPING ME OFF AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE RESORT), the bus service at CSR was the best we've ever had on property (vs. OKW, BCV, AKV, POFQ). We never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus except for the one time we just missed the epcot bus and waited close to 20 mins...which we expected because each park bus comes 3x an hour. Our bus stop #4 was very close and it didn't seem like there is much of a long walk from any room to the nearest bus stop...except for maybe in the casitas. Walking from the room to the bus stop was about 1/4 of the distance from AKV bus stop, through the lobby, up the elevator, and down 30 rooms before getting to the room. At the end of the day, I appreciated this close walk for sure!!
Staff:
If you are the type of person who can't understand people who speak with an accent, CSR is not for you. For me, I enjoy practicing my spanish and trying to communicate in their language. Most of the CMs at CSR are of hispanic decent and there were a few tour groups from Brasil there speaking spanish as well. This doesn't bother me. I enjoy this aspect of Disney World...meeting people from different cultures, countries, and languages. If you are one of those people who get irritated with this, stay away from CSR.
I'll tell a story as to why I am mentioning this:
We were coming back from DTD (cirque du soleil) and the entire bus was filled with a brasil tour group (all teenagers) and 1 adult tour guide. The tour guide got on the driver's mic and made some announcements (en espanol) and the teenagers were being teenagers during the ride...talking loudly, laughing, etc. They were having a good time and seemed happy and excited. I enjoyed their company and DD and I tried to speak to a few of them. When the bus pulled up to bus stop #3, this woman and her 2 kids ran off the bus looking terrified! I didn't even know they were in the back with all of those teenagers!! OMG I laughed sooooo hard!! You could tell she was a "nose in the air- stuffy" person!!
so, if you are a snobby and stuffy person, you may not enjoy a bus load of spanish speaking teenagers having fun!!
My experience with CSR was amazing!! We are paying cash on July 18 and then the 24-26th (using DVC points in between at AKV)...well we were using AP rates at AKL but after this stay at CSR, I've switched our last 2 days to CSR!! Even if CSR was more expensive than AKL, I would've switched. I would much rather stay in a villa at AKV, of course, but the 2 nights I cancelled were in AKL in a regular standard view room...I'd much rather be at CSR!!! I haven't done so yet, but I will be requesting a renovated room in the ranchos. I absolutely LOVE that section!! Here's the funny part...CSR used to be one the last resorts I would have ever stayed at. Thought I wouldn't like the southwest decor. After seeing pictures, I would've picked the ranchos section last....goes to show that pictures don't always tell the whole story!!!
On with some pics of the resort grounds!
Casitas
Walking around the Lake
Coming up on the Ranchos!!!
always attention to detail
Ranchos Quiet Pool
Resort grounds:
Beautiful!!! Well maintained and upkept. This resort did NOT look like a moderate resort at all!! I've seen all of the mods and this one is a hidden gem!
Room:
The toilet area is kinda of small, but the room itself was very large (even with the new queen beds). The privacy doors were great when we were all trying to get ready in the morning at the same time!! The room seemed so much like a deluxe vs. a mod room!! The only difference I noticed between a deluxe and CSR is that the room door opens to the outside (where you see a gorgeous lake and resort) vs. opening into a hallway (where you see door, door, door, hidden mickey, door, door...lol).
When exiting the room, there are covered walkways throughout each building.
Bus System:
I know I sound like a broken record with all of my positive feedback, but I tell it when something is not good...with that, (EXCEPT FOR THE GUY DROPPING ME OFF AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE RESORT), the bus service at CSR was the best we've ever had on property (vs. OKW, BCV, AKV, POFQ). We never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus except for the one time we just missed the epcot bus and waited close to 20 mins...which we expected because each park bus comes 3x an hour. Our bus stop #4 was very close and it didn't seem like there is much of a long walk from any room to the nearest bus stop...except for maybe in the casitas. Walking from the room to the bus stop was about 1/4 of the distance from AKV bus stop, through the lobby, up the elevator, and down 30 rooms before getting to the room. At the end of the day, I appreciated this close walk for sure!!
Staff:
If you are the type of person who can't understand people who speak with an accent, CSR is not for you. For me, I enjoy practicing my spanish and trying to communicate in their language.
Most of the CMs at CSR are of hispanic decent and there were a few tour groups from Brasil there speaking spanish as well. This doesn't bother me. I enjoy this aspect of Disney World...meeting people from different cultures, countries, and languages. If you are one of those people who get irritated with this, stay away from CSR. I'll tell a story as to why I am mentioning this:
We were coming back from DTD (cirque du soleil) and the entire bus was filled with a brasil tour group (all teenagers) and 1 adult tour guide. The tour guide got on the driver's mic and made some announcements (en espanol) and the teenagers were being teenagers during the ride...talking loudly, laughing, etc. They were having a good time and seemed happy and excited. I enjoyed their company and DD and I tried to speak to a few of them. When the bus pulled up to bus stop #3, this woman and her 2 kids ran off the bus looking terrified! I didn't even know they were in the back with all of those teenagers!!
OMG I laughed sooooo hard!! You could tell she was a "nose in the air- stuffy" person!! so, if you are a snobby and stuffy person, you may not enjoy a bus load of spanish speaking teenagers having fun!!
My experience with CSR was amazing!! We are paying cash on July 18 and then the 24-26th (using DVC points in between at AKV)...well we were using AP rates at AKL but after this stay at CSR, I've switched our last 2 days to CSR!! Even if CSR was more expensive than AKL, I would've switched. I would much rather stay in a villa at AKV, of course, but the 2 nights I cancelled were in AKL in a regular standard view room...I'd much rather be at CSR!!! I haven't done so yet, but I will be requesting a renovated room in the ranchos. I absolutely LOVE that section!! Here's the funny part...CSR used to be one the last resorts I would have ever stayed at. Thought I wouldn't like the southwest decor. After seeing pictures, I would've picked the ranchos section last....goes to show that pictures don't always tell the whole story!!!
NWOhioAngela
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 16, 2005
Thanks for all your great pictures and your review. I have been nervous about our choice here, and you really helped.
Did you happen to notice what was available at the PM as a snack on the dining plan? We like to use snack credits for breakfast items, but the lists I have seen seem a little thin.
Anybody?
Did you happen to notice what was available at the PM as a snack on the dining plan? We like to use snack credits for breakfast items, but the lists I have seen seem a little thin.
Anybody?
kindra657
Dedicated to a Mouse
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2006
ya know, we didn't go to PM for snack in the morn but we did go to cafe rix every morning for our snacks...we usually use the snack credits for breakfast as well. They had different items for snacks, but we always got muffins. I can't remember what all they had though. Maybe KatMark will know the answer to this one better. There is a cafe area in Pepper Market and there were pastries and coffee there...those can be used as snack credits I'm sure.
In the Pepper Market, there aren't any DDP symbols on the menus but rule of thumb is this: if it's under $4 and on property where the DDP is accepted, it's probably used as a snack credit.
kindra657
Dedicated to a Mouse
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2006
Oh, after seeing your pictures, I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO missing "home." Thank you for sharing. And I am so thrilled that you fell in love with CSR and saw what we have seen during our seven stays.
I didn't mean to make you miss home
. I hope you get to go soon KatMark!!!Share this page
-
It's Almost Time for the New Storybook Land Additions Reveal at Disneyland Paris
-
New Artist Impressions of Disneyland Released for AAPI Month
-
Disney Reveals Tons of New Merch for Star Wars Day
-
Fast&Furious: Hollywood Drift Coming to Universal Studios
-
New Disney Beast Loungefly Mini Backpack & Wallet
GET A DISNEY VACATION QUOTE
Dreams Unlimited Travel is committed to providing you with the very best vacation planning experience possible. Our Vacation Planners are experts and will share their honest advice to help you have a magical vacation.
Let us help you with your next Disney Vacation!
Dreams Unlimited Travel is committed to providing you with the very best vacation planning experience possible. Our Vacation Planners are experts and will share their honest advice to help you have a magical vacation.
Let us help you with your next Disney Vacation!
