Anyone just really NOT like CSR?? Why?

[jazz0007]

We have not been able to get POR for our trip this year and it's ALWAYS where we stay! We are currently at CSR and I'm just not excited about it. The pictures online do nothing for me. I've heard good things here about it but still.....I'm not excited. I can't decide WHY I'm so against it. It's the only moderate we haven't stayed at.

So....tell me some reasons why you DON'T like it. Curiosity......

 

[sweetnjmom]

I stayed there with my mom once and the only thing I didn't like about it was the size--our rooms weren't close and my mom had Parkinson's (this was one of her last trips before she was wheelchair bound) so it wasn't easy for her and we couldn't switch to a closer room.

That being said, the rooms were roomy and I thought well-designed. It isn't very "Disney" so that's probably why you aren't so excited. It's more regular resort/conference center design. But it was comfortable and the shops were nice, the pools were nice and we liked the food court (though I know Pepper Market has changed since my trip).

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

The only reason I don't like it is the Pepper Market. I didn't like that at all. The Pepper Market has changed since that trip so it might be better now.

I was also glad we had a car - it's a big resort and we were back in Ranchos.

The pool is great at CSR, the rooms are large and I like that it's an actual sliding door between the room and the sinks.

 

[writersblock42]

We stayed there and it was a nice resort but not Disney themed at all. In fact, the theming is fairly weak in my opinion. They do have one of the best pools though. The slide is a lot of fun and they have great pool activities. The lake is pretty neat too-we saw huge turtles in it and once while we were there they had to call animal control because an alligator got in the lake.
The rooms are fairly spacious and the beds are queen sized. The food court is a bit of a disaster so I would make eating arrangements else where. The bus was fairly good except to Epcot. I didn't really think anything was a long walk. I know a lot of people complain about that but compared to all the walking in the park, the resort walking is not too bad. The crowd tends to be a lot of business people so the pools are less crowded during the day. The hot tub can get a little busy at night but not bad.

 

[LJSquishy]

I didnt like CSR other than the beautiful grounds. I thought the rooms were ugly (I loved the clean modern look of the white duvet covers) and the southwest theme made it unappealing to me. 90% of the workers there barely spoke English (during my trip anyway) which really bothered me and made it seem unmagical. I wouldn't call that a "Moderate" level resort at all...but I've never stayed anywhere else and I hear it's nicer than the other mods, so maybe I just expected too much. I think I need a Deluxe to feel comfortable.

The theming is subtle as far as Disney goes, and no, you don't get a Disney World vibe from it unless you're at the gift shop area. I appreciated it looking more like a normal hotel but others may not. Pepper Market is terrible in my opinion...I hate the way it's set up/run. The food is mediocre at best. When we went (Feb 2012) breakfast was converted into a buffet which we actually enjoyed, but I believe they reconverted it back into the way it used to be.

We were in Casitas 4 which we loved for the close proximity to the best bus stop, but it was a pretty long walk to the lobby area to fill our mugs or grab breakfast. If we stayed there again, we would book Preferred level so we would be closer to the lobby. Overall the resort was fine, but since we have the option to book a DVC room at AKL for a similar price, we will probably never stay Moderate again. Mods just aren't the quality I expected I guess...a little too run down for my comfort level (even though CSR was rehabbed). I should say that POR wouldn't appeal to me at all, so if you like the comfort of POR rooms or other Mods you may be happy here.

 

[mum2four]

Interesting thread. We are considering booking a mod instead of a deluxe for our upcoming trip due to unforeseen financial obligations. I've been looking at pictures online and we will probably go with POR if we choose a mod. I've really tried to like CSR through looking at all the pictures online, but honestly, it really doesn't do anything for me either. Maybe I just need to see it in person?

 

[Babsy]

Not everyone likes the same themes. I love the Poly, my Mom loves the CR. I see advantages to both, but theme wise, I have to say I do not understand how anyone would like the "theme" of the CR over that of the Poly.

Again, I love deluxe resorts, my sister (with small children) feels that the All Stars are much more 'Disney". Huh?

My Mom loves the All Star but hates Pop. Why? It's just that we all have different taste in what theme works for us. If giant dalmations screams Disney to you, than the All Star could be your fav resort too. If immersion in Victorian elegance is your thing, then the magic of Disney is the ability of the resort to help you live that experience while visiting a theme park.

Visiting a resort can b different from looking at pictures, but if the theme that you see in the pics leaves you cold, another resort might suit you better. Where you want to stay and which resort is best, is a personal choice.

I LOVE Coronado Springs Resort. For a long time it was my favourite moderate. (Sorry, but I think the resort and the rooms are beautiful, btw) Now, I'm not so sure if it's my fav, but just because I have trouble deciding. I love them all!

 

[wdwjeffc37]

There are people who love CSR and people who can't stand it. We happen to love it. The complaint about Disney theming doesn't bother us, we get plenty of Disney at the parks. CSR is beautiful. The views around the lake are great, especially at night. We love to walk around it. The pool is great as are the quiet pools. The food situation is what it is. We have had it both ways, good and not so good. The rooms are nice. The beds are super comfy and the sliding door between the bedroom and the dressing area is a nice feature. We have always had good bus transportation to all of the parks. Not so good to DTD. None of the downs are deal breakers. Go with an open mind and see what you think. You will be at Disney. It can't be that bad. We used to stay at POFQ all the time, but switched to CSR when the discounts for FQ became almost nonexistent. We haven't regretted it at all. Whatever you choose have a great trip.

 

[DebbieB]

I stayed there once about 10 years ago and didn't like the theme or the food court.

 

[rosiep]

I've stayed at CSR 3 times, have also stayed at POFQ, CBR, and several deluxes as well as staying at POP. My only complaint regarding CSR is it's size. Although the grounds are beautiful, if you are far from the main building it can be a drag. This resort has a more adult feel than the other mods- something I liked about it since I travel without kids; but that can make it feel a bit unDisney.

I know that there are one or two resorts that hold no interest for me, but a Disney trip is a Disney trip and now you'll have first hand knowledge of CSR.

Who knows? Maybe you will actually like it. I wasn't excited about POFQ and now it's my favorite Mod; and I never thought I'd like POP but found that it's perfectly fine to use for a cheap* trip now and again.

*cheap-
no such thing for a Disney trip!

 

[LJSquishy]

Okay, I realize now my post was all negative. lol And, our trip staying at CSR was NOT a negative experience...so I guess I should share what I did like about CSR:

-Soothing theme at the end of a park day. It was really nice to be submurged in Disney all day, but then be able to unwind at CSR without a noisy theme in your face. CSR gives you a very relaxed feel. The biggest theme of CSR is the natural beauty (the lagoon, trees, fountains, etc). The buildings are not heavily themed other than reminding me of Arizona or somewhere.

-Size of the resort. This is a positive and negative. With it being a huge resort, guests are scattered throughout and you don't see a ton of people at any given time (other than in the main building with the restaurants). If you like to walk around your resort, CSR is a great place to do that. We took a few walks and really enjoyed it.

-Convention resort. Again, another positive and negative. We went during a convention which meant less kids which was nice for us. If seeing men/women in suits or business casual attire bothers you and might take away from your Disney experience, it may not be the resort for you. But, during a convention they are cooped up inside all day and other than during meal times, it will seem like hardly anyone is staying at the resort. Buses are less crowded also.

-Busses. We loved the CSR buses...they were constantly coming/going, and it didn't take long to get to any of the parks in my opinion. It's closest to AK which was one of our favorite parks (for the beauty of it), but honestly all of the parks seemed quick to get to. There are I think 4 bus stops at CSR so no one has to walk too far to get to one, but if you are at the last stop for pickup, you may occasionally have to stand.

-Toiletries. This wasn't a big deal to us since we don't really use hotel toiletries, but CSR has upgraded toiletries and has soap, individual shampoo & conditioner (not combined), and also shower gel.

 

[jperrot1]

I love that CSR has a fitness center. It's the only moderate with one.

 

[GovieMom]

We had first stayed at All-Stars, then POR (Dixie Landings), then Coronado Springs. We did not care for CSR at all! Didn't help that the day we checked in, there were at least a thousand conventioneers checking in also. Most of our cabanas building was filled with them. Not only is CSR the least Disney-themed moderate resort, it seemed even less so with all the business people walking around everywhere. That aside, we had the worst bus service, having to wait long stretches of time before a bus would pull up to our stop (#4). Back then the Pepper Market had great food, though the place would be jam-packed when the conventioneers were in there. We ate there again a couple years ago, but unfortunately their food has gone (way) downhill from what it used to be. Pros to CSR: lovely landscaping and nice giftshop.

 

[OurBigTrip]

We've stayed there once (2002), and there were things we loved and things we didn't love...

Pool - best at any mod, IMO, and we've stayed at CBR, CSR, POFQ and swam at the POR pool.

Food court - Really liked the food, but we weren't crazy about the way you got the food...it just seemed weird for a food court

Theming - loved it - next to POFQ, best there is a mod, IMO

Size of resort - this was the minus for us. We were in Casitas, so we were somewhat close to El Centro, but nowhere near the pool. Our kids were 8 & 6 at the time, and we ended up just driving to the pool when we wanted to go.

The size was really the downside for us, although we loved the resort overall. On the next trip, we stayed at POFQ, and that immediately became our very favorite mod.

 

[Sparkly]

I wasn't particularly excited about CBR when we first booked it, but after looking at pictures and watching videos, I warmed up to it a lot more.

PopSong1 on Youtube has some great resort walkthroughs, including one at CSR. They're great for getting a feel for the resort.

I have to say though, we decided against CSR because of the food too. It also looks a LOT bigger then CBR.

 

[chocovrdmicears]

We stayed once. disclaimer:It was before the rooms were redone.
We didn't love the resort because:

1. The size of the resort for convenience. We went when our kids were little and the amount of walking to and from the main building and pool area was a pain in the tail.
2. The size of the resort for transportation. We spent more time on buses here than any other resort.
3. The food court. The food was fine..the system was not. I do not think our family ate 1 meal together during our stay because of the ordering system.

The positive: Absolutely loved the pool area.

 

[Mike Mouse]

I LOVE CSR!!
It all comes down to personal taste but the theme is so gorgeous (and i'm not a fan of southwest style). At night with all the lights on, its feels very tranquil. So many amenities and the pool is amazing! I love how big it is. Its a bit of a walk around the property but lets face it....If your going to Disney World, you should be expecting and prepared to do some walking anyways. I hate how people complain about the walk to and from room but they have no problem walking 10 miles in the parks. BTW, there's 4 bus stops on property anyways and the last stop is the main building so if its that much of a hassle, then take the bus to the main building. Besides, POR is just as big if not bigger.

We chose CSR for our wedding room block next summer and couldnt be happier with our decision.

Go on youtube and search "dis unlugged 7in7 and watch the video review they did on CSR. A lot has changed since many of the people posting on here has visited.

Trust me, you won't be disapointed!

 

[maxiesmom]

I wasn't particularly excited about CBR when we first booked it, but after looking at pictures and watching videos, I warmed up to it a lot more.

PopSong1 on Youtube has some great resort walkthroughs, including one at CSR. They're great for getting a feel for the resort.

I have to say though, we decided against CSR because of the food too. It also looks a LOT bigger then CBR.

Actually CBR is bigger than CSR. And when you stay at CSR it feels much smaller than CBR does. In part because CSR has only 4 bus stops, compared to the 7 at CSR. If large size is a turn off, then CBR is the resort you need to stay away from, not CSR.

I'm always shocked by how many people dislike the food at CSR. My family found it to be very good! I think the set up puts some people off, but it is not much different than any other food court. You walk around to different stations, and order what you like. The only difference is that you are sat at a table, your drinks are brought to you, and you pay when you leave. I kind of like not having to juggle my drink along with my tray of food.

 

[SA mom]

We loved it!

The grounds are beautiful and the rooms are so comfortable. My kids loved finding all the hidden Mickey's in the room and around the resort.

We also loved the Pepper Market.

The pool is awesome.

This is one of our favorite resorts.

 

[120304]

I had to change my Septmber trip at WL to a Nov one at CSR. Was a little hesitant as I had never really considered CSR before, like the OP, the theme is not one I normally like. I am very excited now after reading this thread. The size of the resort isn't a concern and people in business attire will not affect my trip at all. Great to hear so many positives! Now if only I could get my original Sept ADRS to Ohàna, BOG and CM, it would be perfect