BUZZ 2001 & Other CSR fans

[FairyDust2008]

Buzz, can you tell me why you think the CSR is a great resort for a family with kids ages 9 and 11-THANKS! Is the CSR the nicest of the moderates? How about conventions that go on? Will I be bothered by this as I've read some reviews about alot of drinking type atmosphere, loudness by convention people, etc. I want a nice relaxing environment for our 1st WDW family vacation. Do you have input on where the BEST rooms are at CSR too? Any NEW RECENT PHOTOS would be great too in our planning. THANKS A BUNCH

 

[rie'smom]

I think after staying at CSR that the Dig Site pool would make it very popular with kids that age. The Pepper Market has a huge variety of food, so somethiing for everyone.
My daughter was 10 the first time we stayed at CSR and she and her friend loved it. We've never ever experienced any drinking problems nor have we experienced loud conventioneers. In fact, we've only seen a few conventioneers period.
It's been totally relaxing. We love grabbing a hammock. My hard drive crashed and my pictures are gone .
To me, it is the nicest of all the moderates and I've stayed at all of them.

 

[Buzz2001]

Buzz, can you tell me why you think the CSR is a great resort for a family with kids ages 9 and 11-THANKS! Is the CSR the nicest of the moderates? How about conventions that go on? Will I be bothered by this as I've read some reviews about alot of drinking type atmosphere, loudness by convention people, etc. I want a nice relaxing environment for our 1st WDW family vacation. Do you have input on where the BEST rooms are at CSR too? Any NEW RECENT PHOTOS would be great too in our planning. THANKS A BUNCH

My CSR website is full of pics and info. I'll be there in 28 days so I'll be updating them after that. Here is a link of 185 reviews of CSR. I've never had any bad situations with any guest including conventioneers.

Your kids will love the main pool/slide.

No share transportation is a big plus.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=14636077&postcount=392

Depending on what you want to be close to, here are some good building choices.

Cabana 9b is close to bus stop 1 and the main building with a short walk to the Dig Site (main pool) over the wooden bridge (most convenient location and most preferred).

Cabana 8a is close to the Dig Site (and playground) and bus stop 4 with a short walk to the main building (closest to the pool).

Cabana 8b and 9a are in between the 2 above. 9a has a quiet pool (and is the old smoking optional building).

Ranchos 7b has a quiet pool, is close to the Dig Site and bus stop 4 with a bit longer walk to the main building. 7b is behind cabana 8a.

Casita 1 is attached to the main building and is very close to the restaurants.

Casita 3 has great courtyard and fountain views but you will have to walk or ride the internal shuttle to get to the pool.

Casita 5 has some nice fountain and lake views and is close to the Dig Site but farther from the main building. Close to bus stop #2.

Make your room request as soon as you make your reservation. It’s never too early.
http://allearsnet.com/acc/cro1.htm

 

[KatMark]

Our boys, now 22 and 19, loved the Dig Site, the arcade, the volleyball court and the sand. We have never had any problems with the convention people...most times you don't even know they are there. I see them in the morning when I go for coffee as they are walking to their meetings and they greet me as they walk by with a hello or have a nice day. This past September there was a convention and they had some type of affair at the bar outside. We heard them when we returned from one of the parks at 10:00, but by 11:00 we didn't hear them at all...they were very quiet. I can't comment on the rooms because we have not stayed at any of the other moderates--but we have no desire to...we love the CSR and will be staying there for the 7th time this year.

 

[Lilolvr]

Your kids would love the main pool at CSR! Arcade, great slide and awesome pool.

 

[luvmyboys]

I was there last year when my DS's were 8 and 2, and the 8 year old had a blast on the pool slide. The arcade was a huge hit too. He really loved the Pepper Market, and all of the fountains too. (We stayed in Casitas 3, which I thought was really pretty, and not a far walk from the main building). It was a bit of a walk to the Dig Site & pool, but honestly the grounds are so pretty that it was very enjoyable. The boys had fun "alligator hunting" on our way over the bridge. Thank goodness for my sanity that they were unsuccessful!

Overall, I was very impressed, and though there were a couple of conventions going on, it really didn't impact us at all. I did feel sorry for the people in business attire on their way to an 8 am meeting when we were on our way to the Magic Kingdom!

The only drinking I saw was contained to the bar area, as it should be, and that doesn't interfere with any family activities.

 

[Disney_Canuck]

Old smoking rooms?
I am going to WDW for the first time for Christmas '08! From the moment I saw CSR I knew it was the resort for us. I have one concern... the old smoking rooms. Is there "residue" of smoke left in them? I ask because my husband and father are ex-smokers and staying in rooms where you can still "smell something" will drive them insane.
I am particularly concerned about the Cabanas since that is what we requested.

Thanks to anyone who can help!

 

[Buzz2001]

Old smoking rooms?
I am going to WDW for the first time for Christmas '08! From the moment I saw CSR I knew it was the resort for us. I have one concern... the old smoking rooms. Is there "residue" of smoke left in them? I ask because my husband and father are ex-smokers and staying in rooms where you can still "smell something" will drive them insane.
I am particularly concerned about the Cabanas since that is what we requested.

Thanks to anyone who can help!

I haven't read anything about guests complaining about the rooms. It's been over six months since the rule change.

 

[Buzz2001]

I was there last year when my DS's were 8 and 2, and the 8 year old had a blast on the pool slide. The arcade was a huge hit too. He really loved the Pepper Market, and all of the fountains too. (We stayed in Casitas 3, which I thought was really pretty, and not a far walk from the main building). It was a bit of a walk to the Dig Site & pool, but honestly the grounds are so pretty that it was very enjoyable. The boys had fun "alligator hunting" on our way over the bridge. Thank goodness for my sanity that they were unsuccessful!

Overall, I was very impressed, and though there were a couple of conventions going on, it really didn't impact us at all. I did feel sorry for the people in business attire on their way to an 8 am meeting when we were on our way to the Magic Kingdom!

The only drinking I saw was contained to the bar area, as it should be, and that doesn't interfere with any family activities.

I've had the same experience as you.

 

[Buzz'sBetterHalf]

To me, it is the nicest of all the moderates and I've stayed at all of them.

I couldn't agree more!

 

[luna99]

CSR sounds like the best moderate out there for many reasons (the spa, gym, all the extras) and I'm considering it for our next trip... but I have one question.. how does pepper market or the food court work? I think I recall hearing complaints about the food court system. Is it complicated? Is it crowded? Is there a good flow for the people to walk through or is it all conjested?

Thanks everyone! (btw, I have stayed at CSR before but it's been a while so I forget how it all works!)

 

[disnut1149]

Hi
My DH and I were at CSR in December and ate at the Pepper Market. It's so easy to use. When you walk in, the CM will give you a ticket. You find what you want to eat, order it, and when they hand you your food, they stamp your ticket. Then pay for it when you're on the way out. We really liked the Pepper Market. The food was really hot, and good, since they make it fresh for you. We didn't find it confusing at all. Have a great time!

 

[luna99]

When you walk in, the CM will give you a ticket. You find what you want to eat, order it, and when they hand you your food, they stamp your ticket. Then pay for it when you're on the way out.

if you could see me right now I'd be laughing because see .. my DH has this thing about "steps"..and I can hear him already..

"why do we have to get a ticket first? Then get it stamped at each area where we get food (I'm assuming that's how it is right? If you get a burger then a brownie, that would be 2 stamps?) .. why can't we just order what we want, then pay for it? Why do they have to add in extra STEPS?!"

lol.... I must really love this man if I find all his little quirks like this cute and funny. lol.

thanks again though.. we're still considering everything but I really think we'll end up at one of the moderates!

 

[sarose]

I just got back yesterday from CSR. I can give you some tips. You cant go wrong staying there first of all. It is a very nice place. The room fit us just fine. There are 3 of us, DH, me and DS 7yrs.
My only complaint was getting stuck in the Ranchos. OMGosh! The walk! It is beautiful and a super walk. BUT, getting back from the parks with sore feet and wanting to fill your mug or needing a snack!!!! So, in saying that, try to get to into the Cabanas. I requested the Cabanas, but the CM I talked to wasnt friendly or helpful at all! I think she probibly put us as far back as possible.
The carts are useless. Not one stopped to offer us a ride. You can take the Downtown Disney bus around, which we didnt do.
The pool/hottub is great. DS and I went one evening. We did the arcade too. DS did the slide and made a friend and they went several times and had fun.
Pepper Market is great. DH is the money worrier in the family, and had a hard time with the prices. But in my opinion, the portions are huge so split a plate if you are not huge eater. I figured it out as the days went by. DS and I split a plate. One night, DS got the kids pizza (huge!) and I got the chef salade (delicious!) and we had left overs. Next morning, he got the kids mickey waffles and I got the kids eggs, etc and we shared. There are ways to cut your cost.
We bought mugs. It was great for DH because he was a conventionear and was up at the front all the time. For me and DS, not so beneficial. Especially being in the Ranchos. We would take our mugs to Bfast and want to take them back to the room so we wouldnt carry them to the park. Again, the walk! DH lost his mug! Ouch!
DH was a conventionear and we saw plenty of the participants, but it was a Childrens Pastors Conference, so there was not drinking, etc. Everyone was friendly. No problems.
Buses worked great. No problems there. Just go to your stop and wait and the buses come around.

The Delux resorts are closer to MK, but you will pay for being close like that.

 

[Buzz2001]

You're correct that if you need a drink or snack, the walk to the ranchos after the parks can be long, it's long anytime. But to those going, there are bus stops in each section which get you closer to your room if you are not stopping in the front to refill a mug. Mugs can be filled at Siestas (pool side) during their hours of operation. I always thought they should open that earlier in the morning to help folks get coffee from the ranchos. As you mentioned, you can use the DtD buses to get to the front of the resort too. Signs are posted in each bus stop.

There are two types of carts, bell services and the courtesy coach. The courtesy coach will offer rides and the other won't.

Courtesy Coach

Bell services or maintenance

 

[Buzz2001]

if you could see me right now I'd be laughing because see .. my DH has this thing about "steps"..and I can hear him already..

"why do we have to get a ticket first? Then get it stamped at each area where we get food (I'm assuming that's how it is right? If you get a burger then a brownie, that would be 2 stamps?) .. why can't we just order what we want, then pay for it? Why do they have to add in extra STEPS?!"

lol.... I must really love this man if I find all his little quirks like this cute and funny. lol.

thanks again though.. we're still considering everything but I really think we'll end up at one of the moderates!

 

[Mickey23]

Buzz, can you tell me why you think the CSR is a great resort for a family with kids ages 9 and 11-THANKS! Is the CSR the nicest of the moderates? How about conventions that go on? Will I be bothered by this as I've read some reviews about alot of drinking type atmosphere, loudness by convention people, etc. I want a nice relaxing environment for our 1st WDW family vacation. Do you have input on where the BEST rooms are at CSR too? Any NEW RECENT PHOTOS would be great too in our planning. THANKS A BUNCH

The pool, the transportation and the food are all reasons it works well for any family.

 

[luna99]

thank you buzz!!! CSR should pay you for giving them such good press!