A Summer Wedding and a Disney Trip CANCELLED, HELP DECIDE WHEN WE'LL GO IN 2011

[3princesses+aprince]

Coronado Springs seems like a nice place to stay! We've visited there when we ate at the Maya Grill, which was YUMMY! I've also read some good things about the Pepper Market food court.

I was up pretty late last night looking through resort pictures and reading reviews, I also heard good things about Maya Grill and pepper market.

I also heard good things about the busses never being crowded! There are 4 bus stops at CSR so you don't have to walk to the main entrance. I heard that after the park closes and there are a ton of people in lines for their buses, that the CSR bus line is never a scary looking line.

I'm super excited!!!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Pam, your Christmas pictures are adorable. I can't wait to see the Disney PJ pictures.

I've never stayed at the CSR but it does look like a pretty cool resort. I've only heard a few bad things about the resort. One is it's a convention resort and some people don't like the fact that there are people in suits and briefcases. They feel like it lessens the "Disney" mood. And, two, the food court. You have to wait to be seated and there is an automatic tip added to your bill. The only way to get around it is to order your food to go each time. Other than that, it sounds like a great place to stay.

I just can't make myself want to stay anywhere other than the Caribbean Beach Resort. It's like having a nice tropical vacation and a Disney vacation rolled into one.

Looking forward to more pictures!

 

[3princesses+aprince]

Ok, so I found out where the suites that sleep 6 are located. There are a total of 30 of them. There are 28 in the Casitas building and 2 in the Cabanas. Both of those buildings are close to the main building and the food court! Of course I want the Cabanas, but It will depend on if one of the two are available. I'll probably book in february, so I guess I have a chance, if not, it's ok, the Casitas look amazing too. I'm not setting my heart on the Cabanas just in case. They more or less look the same but the Cabanas have more of a beachy feel, which I of course love!!!

The pictures that i've seen at night are breath taking!!! A lot of reviews say that this is one of the prettiest resorts at night!!!

And the fact that i've heard so many people write about how awesome the buses are just delights me!!! See Manny is not much of a crowd person, that's why September is calling us, and he wasn't crazy about having to stand up on a bus with people standing right on top of us. Ewww, I guess I didn't like it either, but I have a lot more tolerance and patience than he does.

So this resort seems to be the perfect resort for us!!! I think at this point i'm going to have to make sure we have the extra money to stay here because I think i'd be a little disappointed if we don't!!!!! It's going to cost us about $1100 more!! Those suites are pricey!!! But considering everything, I think it will be worth it.

Oh and when the kids see that slide and pool , oh my god!!!!!!!!!!!

I also believe i'm going to keep this a surprise until we get on the Magical Express bus to go there!!!! Even when we do, they will have no idea what Coronado Springs is. When we pull up they will be amazed!!!

I don't even know what the junior suites look like yet, i'm still searching for pictures, if anyone knows where to find any pics, please let me know. Thank you!!!!

Ok, off to look through some more pics!!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I meant to post earlier that you need to send a message to KatMark. She knows everything about the CSR. If you have any questions, she can answer them for you.

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

It is $1100 more than where? There are 6 of us as well and we are getting a suite at ASMU, but these sound Sooooooooooo tempting!

 

[3princesses+aprince]

Pam, your Christmas pictures are adorable. I can't wait to see the Disney PJ pictures.

I've never stayed at the CSR but it does look like a pretty cool resort. I've only heard a few bad things about the resort. One is it's a convention resort and some people don't like the fact that there are people in suits and briefcases. They feel like it lessens the "Disney" mood. And, two, the food court. You have to wait to be seated and there is an automatic tip added to your bill. The only way to get around it is to order your food to go each time. Other than that, it sounds like a great place to stay.

I just can't make myself want to stay anywhere other than the Caribbean Beach Resort. It's like having a nice tropical vacation and a Disney vacation rolled into one.

Looking forward to more pictures!

The Caribbean beach resort does look amazing!!! I did price two rooms there (for the 6 of us) and it only came out to a little bit more than CSR but, do they have connecting rooms? That would be my only concern.
And I wouldn't mind the fact that it is a convention resort, that is why the buses aren't crowded there!! The hotel is full, but all of these business people are not going to the parks.
And I did here good and bad things about pepper market. But , what do you mean you have to tip? We'll be on the dining plan and I don't want to be tipping at CSs.

I meant to post earlier that you need to send a message to KatMark. She knows everything about the CSR. If you have any questions, she can answer them for you.

Thanks, i'll do that!!

It is $1100 more than where? There are 6 of us as well and we are getting a suite at ASMU, but these sound Sooooooooooo tempting!

It comes out to around $1100 more than the ASMU. That is where we planned on staying until I priced CSR out. I believe the junior suites are around $350 a night.
I priced both out for 7 nights without adding dining. (because I'm hoping that's free of course) I put in our park tickets (base for now, not sure if i'm going to add waterpark)
ASMU came out around $3000.00 and CSR comes out to $4191.00, so actually $1200.00 more. But when I took everything into consideration, like, this will have more of a honeymoon feel if we stay somewhere like this, the buses, the amazing pool and waterslide, and the fact that it's just so pretty, I couldn't resist!!!!

Some people say that they aren't at the hotel enough to care about the resort, but I feel like we spent enough time at the hotel to enjoy this one to the fullest!!!! Oh, I day dream about CSR all the time now!!!

 

[3princesses+aprince]

Ok, so thanks to mickeystoontown, I just had to go and price out the caribbean beach resort again Oh, boy!!!!! I just don't know now. Let's just say, after looking at these resorts there's no way i'll be able to stay at All Star Music. See We stayed at the Movies in May and loved it. I'm not bashing the values, because we were so amazed by everything at the hotel, but I was smart enough before that trip not to look into the moderates. Now, i'm sure next time i'll be foolish enough to look at the deluxes, but not this year. If it comes down to it and money will be too tight for the CSR or CBR, ASMU it will be. I do need to pay for a wedding this year too

But, as long as connecting rooms can be guaranteed, they did guarantee them for us at the Movies because we were a mother, father and kids, I think i'd be going for CBR instead.

When I priced it just now it came out to the same exact price, with the difference of $7 as the CSR junior suites, not sure why I though CBR would be more for us, but i'm very excited and have some thinking to do. And I can't discuss it with Manny and the kids because this is going to definitely be a surprise for them!!! Ok, off to look at the CBR pictures

 

[mickeystoontown]

Ok, so thanks to mickeystoontown, I just had to go and price out the caribbean beach resort again Oh, boy!!!!! I just don't know now. Let's just say, after looking at these resorts there's no way i'll be able to stay at All Star Music. See We stayed at the Movies in May and loved it. I'm not bashing the values, because we were so amazed by everything at the hotel, but I was smart enough before that trip not to look into the moderates. Now, i'm sure next time i'll be foolish enough to look at the deluxes, but not this year. If it comes down to it and money will be too tight for the CSR or CBR, ASMU it will be. I do need to pay for a wedding this year too

But, as long as connecting rooms can be guaranteed, they did guarantee them for us at the Movies because we were a mother, father and kids, I think i'd be going for CBR instead.

When I priced it just now it came out to the same exact price, with the difference of $7 as the CSR junior suites, not sure why I though CBR would be more for us, but i'm very excited and have some thinking to do. And I can't discuss it with Manny and the kids because this is going to definitely be a surprise for them!!! Ok, off to look at the CBR pictures

I certainly didn't mean to cause more confusion on where to stay. I gotta tell you though that we absolutely love the CBR. We've stayed there four years in a row and I have our 5th stay booked for next May. I have tons of pictures in my trip report. Come on over and check it out, the link is in my signature.

We absolutely love the CBR. It's so nice and quiet. Yes, it's a big resort but it sure keeps the crowded feeling at bay. The rooms were refurbished about a year or so ago. Some have a slight Nemo theme and some have a full blown pirate theme. (the pirate themed rooms cost a little more) We like to take a day to stay at the resort and laze around. There are beaches, complete with hammocks and beach chairs. Some of the beaches have small playgrounds on them too. The island in the middle of the resort is a neat place to go and have a picnic. We usually try to rent a surrey bike or some kind of watercraft from the marina. The prices weren't too bad either. (I have a picture of the price sign in my report.)

I also have a super detailed information post that I put together and have posted for others. They say that it helps them out a lot. If you want me to post it for you, just let me know.

Lisa

 

[mickeystoontown]

Oh, I forgot, they do have connecting rooms at the CBR.

 

[3princesses+aprince]

Thanks so much!!! And don't worry about it. I haven't booked yet, don't plan on it until february so I have plenty of time to think about it. It's actually a lot of fun checking into all of the resorts. And it's exciting that I may be staying somewhere completely different too. I'm so glad you said something. And I know i've read most of your report, but didn't really focus on the resort pics cause I wasn't thinking about that, but i'm gonna go back and look through it.

I did ask on the resort boards about connecting rooms too, that's exciting!!! I'm thinking now that this is where we'll end up instead of CSR. Maybe we'll try CSR next time. See with CSR I was gonna try to get the Cabana building for the beachy feel, so CBR seems to be right up our alley.
I saw the hammocks and beaches and oh, my god I also read about the island in the middle. I was actually just thinking that I should add an 8th night just to be able to really spend time at the resort and enjoy it. I also saw a video of illuminations that can be seen very nicely from CBR!!!

So can you rent surrey bikes at CBR, because that is on our to do list. We almost did it at the boardwalk in May, but we were SO hot, we just had to get to the pool, and never got the chance to rent them. Renting them right at the resort would be awesome!!!

How were the buses? And does CBR share with another resort?

Sorry for so many questions, i'm gonna go look through your TR but i'm super excited right now!!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Yes, you can rent surrey bikes at the CBR. If I am remembering correctly, you could rent them for 30 minutes or an hour. We rented one for 30 minutes and were able to go around the resort promenade twice in that time frame. We had so much fun......it actually inspired my trip report title.

They also have several types of watercraft...canoes, watermice and pontoon boats available at the marina. For the kids, there's a pirate cruise that leaves from the marina.

We have never had a problem with the buses at the CBR. Each village has their own bus stop and once you get on, you'll make your way around the resort to the other stops and then you're off. No sharing with other resorts. I actually timed our ride to Hollywood Studios and, from the time we sat down, made our way around the resort and pulled into the bus stop at Hollywood Studios, it took a grand total of 11 minutes. Not too shabby. The ride to Epcot was about the same. Of course, getting to Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom took a little longer but they were short rides too.

The only time we waited (for a kind of sorta lengthy period) on a bus was the morning we were going to Typhoon Lagoon. I think we waited about 25 minutes (I could be wrong. It's in my trip report.) before a bus came. There were two ladies waiting to go to TL too and one of them picked up the phone in the bus stop and called Guest Services. A bus was there in no time.

Feel free to ask any questions you want. I'll be more than happy to answer them.

 

[3princesses+aprince]

Thanks so much for all of your info. I have to take a shower now and get ready for work, but i'm gonna make time tomorrow to read your TR, I can't wait!!!

We rented pontoon boats in May at DTD, we had so much, we're definitely doing that again, maybe we'll do that at CBR too. So much to do there. We'll definitely need an extra day for one whole day at the resort!!! The kids won't want to leave, neither will me and manny!

That's good news about the buses too, sounds good!!!

 

[3princesses+aprince]

But, it's the one that goes up to June!! I was so excited when I opened my email. It was in my email, but had Manny's name on it! I was on the edge of my chair, and was very bummed when it stopped in June. 35% off a moderate resort!! That is all I need!!! Ugh

 

[mickeystoontown]

But, it's the one that goes up to June!! I was so excited when I opened my email. It was in my email, but had Manny's name on it! I was on the edge of my chair, and was very bummed when it stopped in June. 35% off a moderate resort!! That is all I need!!! Ugh

Man oh man! I would love to have that email. We are supposed to be at the CBR 5/27 to 6/5.

Maybe just maybe you'll get another pin for your travel dates.

 

[3princesses+aprince]

Oh, man!!! Wish I could give it to you!!!

I am now on pg 59 of your trip report!! It's amazing. I thought I started to read yours before, but I don't think so. You have a beautiful family, they are always doing something funny!!

You have wonderful pictures of the CBR! I am more in love now than i was this morning. I have looked through tons of pics, but you had so many things i've never seen before. I only stopped just now, cause I have to go pick up Sam at school. But i'll come back for some more later!

I saw the sign with the prices of the pontoon boats and surrey bikes. I jotted that down, we're definitely doing that! We did do the pontoon boat in May at DTD and it was a blast.

I cannot wait to sit on those beaches and just stare out into the pretty lake

 

[3princesses+aprince]

I also may be changing where i'm doing the wedding!!! Yeah, my friend, who is helping me coordinate this whole thing still likes me, but wants to hurt me right now. It's just not what I wanted. We picked the summer cause we wanted an outside wedding. Well that's not what we have, so i'm going to look into a few more places Brittany and I thought of last night at work. The ceremony and reception would be outside (covered of course) and that is what I want. I feel happier already just knowing we're going to check them out.

I'll give you any updates as I find things out!!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Oh, man!!! Wish I could give it to you!!!

I am now on pg 59 of your trip report!! It's amazing. I thought I started to read yours before, but I don't think so. You have a beautiful family, they are always doing something funny!!

You have wonderful pictures of the CBR! I am more in love now than i was this morning. I have looked through tons of pics, but you had so many things i've never seen before. I only stopped just now, cause I have to go pick up Sam at school. But i'll come back for some more later!

I saw the sign with the prices of the pontoon boats and surrey bikes. I jotted that down, we're definitely doing that! We did do the pontoon boat in May at DTD and it was a blast.

I cannot wait to sit on those beaches and just stare out into the pretty lake

I am keeping my fingers, arms, legs and even my eyes crossed that Disney will extend their buy 4/get 3 free promo. I was able to take advantage of it last year and it reduced the cost of our vacation by several hundred dollars.

I'm glad that you are enjoying the trip report. I love taking pictures and the CBR is a great place to take tons of pics.

I remember reading about ya'll taking the pontoon boat out on your trip. The lake at the CBR isn't huge but it's a nice way to spend time together. The cost isn't that bad either.

The beaches are my favorite part of the CBR. It's so nice to just laze around in a hammock and stare out at the water. Relaxing!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I also may be changing where i'm doing the wedding!!! Yeah, my friend, who is helping me coordinate this whole thing still likes me, but wants to hurt me right now. It's just not what I wanted. We picked the summer cause we wanted an outside wedding. Well that's not what we have, so i'm going to look into a few more places Brittany and I thought of last night at work. The ceremony and reception would be outside (covered of course) and that is what I want. I feel happier already just knowing we're going to check them out.

I'll give you any updates as I find things out!!!

Oh goodness! But, it's going to work out. I just know it will. Keep us updated!

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Hello! Pam I really thought I had made a comment about how great the Santa pictures came out!!! So, CSR....hmmmmm that is one of our choices (we still have not decided where we are staying..it really will depend on who is going with us )....

an outdoor wedding sounds nice (it would be too hot here at that time of year)...
good luck on your venue searching....
hope your holiday season has been a merry one so far!!
Connie

 

[3princesses+aprince]

No news on the wedding yet!! I was out christmas shopping this morning. I wanted to come on and post the pics of Sam's little christmas performance the other day.

Here she is before we left the house.

The Group

This is Sam's teacher. She was the narrator, and Mrs Claus, she looked so cute in that rocker.

It was so cute. Mrs Claus was reading "Twas the night before Christmas" and the kids would say their parts of the story and then every few sentences she would stop and they would sing a song. Their songs were so sweet and they all looked so adorable in their PJs. Of course there has always got to be a Mom or two in the group who forgets about something like this, does not send her kids to school in their PJs and then their kids are looking around for them. There were twin boys in the front that I just felt so bad for, they kept looking around for their mom. I figured she wouldn't be there seeing how they weren't in Pjs, she must have forgot all about it.

But I got some more Christmas shopping done today. Today was Bakugan shopping for my nephew!!! I LOVE TO SHOP!!!!

Now, after I go pick up Sam i'm going to get back to Mickeystoontown's TR and check out some more pics!!!


longing2batdisney, thanks, I do love how the Santa pic came out this year, and that was the one I took on my camera, the one that was taken at the mall came out even better!!!!

Have a nice day!!!!