Coronado Springs or CBR

[akl2004]

I am planning an Oct 2013 trip for myself DW, DS13 &ds6 It will be ds6's first trip to WDW. Can't decide between CSR and CBR. DW and myself stayed at CBR in 1998 but never at CSR. CBR was nice, not spectacular so we are leaning toward Coronado Springs. I have seen some reviews saying Coronado Springs is more adult themed and am afraid ds6 will not get full effect of Disney if we stay here. So I am looking for feedback from anyone who has taken kids to CSR. Any info or opinions would be a major help to make our decision.

 

[PrincessMommy75]

We have stayed at POR, POFQ, and CSR. My children loved the pool at CSR and unanimously begged to stay there again is year. They also really like the playground, arcade, and special activities by the pool. They are currently 6,8, and 10 and our last trip was 1 1/2 years ago. I think your child will love it! Plus the sliding doors closing off the bathroom area were really nice when getting ready I the morning while trying to let them sleep a little longer.

 

[OurBigTrip]

We've stayed at both, and my kids (8 & 6 at the time) LOVED CSR. Next to POFQ, it's our favorite mod.

 

[DisneyDiana]

CSR has been my son's favorite resort since he was 3 years old. The pool and playground area are awesome.

 

[Gibbygirl]

We were at CBR (2 yrs ago) when kids were DS12/DD7 then CSR last year (DS13/DD8.) Both times we were "spoiled" with perfect (to us) room locations (Martinique & Cabanas) so that's a wash. The food court at CSR was a little different at first. I think we enjoyed the options at CBR a little more though. CSR had a more "adult" feel to us but the kids certainly loved it as much as we did. Both have a tropical feel which is what we look for in a vacation. The pool at CSR seemed bigger and provided more room to actually swim. Both kids liked the slide. BUT--when we were talking about going this year, they both requested CBR. They liked the theme of the pool & the ability to rent a boat to cruise around the lake and they just liked the feel of it better. Either way though, I think you'll love your choice--we sure did!

 

[Tink0812]

My family and I stayed at CBR several years ago and were not all that impressed with it. We had horrible luck with buses and our room was far from clean on arrival. Like I said, it was several years ago so that may have changed since then. My husband and I are trying CSR this October for the first time and I am very excited.

 

[WisconsinDad]

CSR without a doubt. Took my family (DW, DD7, and DS10) in 2011 and we all loved it. The queen size beds made it a much better option for us (CBR is the only mod without queen size beds now). It also has a wooden partition between the bathroom area and the bedroom area (I believe other mods have curtains only). This made it much quieter in the bedroom area.

It also has a fitness center and some other amenities that CBR (or the other mods) don't have since it is a convention resort.

Also, regarding the convention center, there was a convention of some sort going on when we were there and it didn't affect our trip at all. In fact, the fact that the convention was going on probably made the transportation to the parks much easier (most buses weren't full). The pool (which is amazing) was also not very busy while we were there.

 

[SA mom]

We loved CSR. We've never been to CBR, but it did not receive high marks from the podcast team on their last visit.

 

[Fab4@disney]

I would pick CSR, hands down and I have two kids ages 7 and 11. Just request to be close to a bus stop.

 

[mamamary]

We stayed at both and we liked both. Slight edge to CSR for the queen size beds and I personally like the food court better. I'm sure your kids would love either resort.

 

[ciera321]

We started staying at CSR in 1998 and have been back 3 times since. We've also stayed at CBR and haven't been back. We love CSR for so many reasons, but the beauty, the pool and the bus service are at the top of our list.

 

[maxiesmom]

I've stayed at all 4 moderates, and CSR is just as Disney as any of them.

I much prefer CSR over CBR. I found that CSR has very good bus service. The buses came frequently, and due to CSR being a convention resort, there was always plenty of room on the buses. The pool area is great, and my family really loves the Pepper Market.

CBR is the only moderate that has yet to be redone, and as such still has double beds, instead of the queens all the other moderates have. I also like that CSR has doors separating the sleeping area from the sink area.

CSR all the way!

 

[akl2004]

Thanks to all for your feedback. I feel much more comfortable with CSR now. Between the bus service and the queen beds, it seems to be the right choice. Also, I appreciate the info about the convention goers, that was also a concern. Thanks again to all who took the time to lend some advice.

 

[akl2004]

I would pick CSR, hands down and I have two kids ages 7 and 11. Just request to be close to a bus stop.

Thanks for the advice on the bus stop. Is there a particular building you prefer in regards to bus stops?

 

[akl2004]

We stayed at both and we liked both. Slight edge to CSR for the queen size beds and I personally like the food court better. I'm sure your kids would love either resort.

I have really seen mixed reviews on the food court, both the food and the process. We will be using the dining plan so is it really that different than, say the controlled chaos at the Values at traditional meal times? My opinion, from what I have heard and read, is this seems to be an improvement. Thanks for your input, I appreciate it.

 

[akl2004]

We started staying at CSR in 1998 and have been back 3 times since. We've also stayed at CBR and haven't been back. We love CSR for so many reasons, but the beauty, the pool and the bus service are at the top of our list.

It was interesting to see your comment on CBR. When we stayed there it was on the second leg of a split stay, starting at the Disney Institute. I wasn't sure if the so-so impression of CBR was valid or a result of going from what I considered luxury at the Institute to what I considered at the time as nice but not spectacular CBR. Thanks.

 

[ciera321]

It was interesting to see your comment on CBR. When we stayed there it was on the second leg of a split stay, starting at the Disney Institute. I wasn't sure if the so-so impression of CBR was valid or a result of going from what I considered luxury at the Institute to what I considered at the time as nice but not spectacular CBR. Thanks.

It just didn't do it for us, but Disney has a lot of options for everyone's tastes! Not sure I can put my finger on what I didn't care for...

 

[cmjohannes]

We stayed at CSR in 2010 with our two kids, then ages 8 & 10. We loved the resort! We are going back to WDW in September of this year and had booked CSR again. However, we got a great deal on FD and were able to upgrade to Wilderness Lodge instead (and are surprising the kids!).

When we stayed at CSR we requested and received a room in Casitas bldg 4. This was closest to bus stop # 2, which is the first stop to drop off and pick up. Buses stop in this order: 2,3,4,1. We did find that Casitas 4 was a long walk around to the Dig site pool, but not much of an issue for us since we were there in December and the weather was a bit cold for swimming. Also - we had the Casitas quiet pool right in front of the building.

When we planned our September trip, we booked Business class, which guaranteed us a room in Cabanas 9B - located next to El Centro and very close to the pool. If you don't want to spring for the upgrade to business class, request a room in cabanas 8B or 9A - they are close to everything, including bus stop 4.

Hope this helps! You'll love CSR - it's a beautiful resort, much more of a "deluxe" feel than any other moderate.

 

[akl2004]

Thanks for the advice. I think I will try to request Casitas bldg. 4, sounds like it is close enough to everything without being in the middle of the crowded areas. The more I hear and read about this resort, the more excited I'm getting.

Also, congrats on the upgrade to the Wilderness Lodge. I have always wanted to stay there, but this trip is being done on a budget that only allows a moderate resort. We have stayed at AKL and loved it. If this is your first time at a deluxe, you will be spoiled and find it difficult to go back to a moderate. Have a great trip.