Coronado Springs Resort -- New Unofficial FAQ Thread -- November 2009

[aubriee]

WOW---CSR sounds perfect (for us)!!!!!!! a real alligator Two (count 'em) arcades (we spent way too much time at PC last July in the arcade, oh well---wait 'til I surprise him that CSR has 2!). "New" golf cart internal resort transportation? (Um, still curious about how this works???)---- I am also still trying to figure out the Pepper Market food card dealeo and I was hopng to hear more about this process (DO we tip the wait staff who just sits us and brings drinks? How daes this card work again? Also, I like the two bldgs, but if I had to stay at the Rocky Ranchos, I think I'd be depressed! I do not want to pay more than for a std., but I wonder if I can SORT OF get a room for sure in the other bldgs??? (we're now thinkng May 27-June 2). Can I 100% avoid Ranchos w/o paying for a room upgrade? Also how long does the bus wait coming FROM the parks take? Is it the same as other resorts? :

I'm no expert on CSR, but I'll try to answer some of your questions. CSR is an absolutely gorgeous resort with lots of pluses the other mods do not have. I swear the only thing it's missing is the boat to DTD that the PO resorts have. As far as the golf carts, I've never seen them picking people up. I've seen them delivering luggage to the rooms and taking luggage and people checking out, back to the main building. As far as the Pepper Market, I don't understand why people find it confusing. You check in, get seated, a waiter takes your drink order and gives you a card showing what each of the different stations serve. While he gets your drinks and silverware, you go to whatever stations you want, give the card to the CM, order, the CM marks the card with whatever you ordered, and then you pick up your food and return the your table, where your drinks and silverware are waiting. When you finish eating, put your tip on the table and take the card to the register, where the cashier tells you how much you owe. To avoid the tip, you can simply place your order to go and take it either to the tables outside by the lake or back to your room. As far as finding a way to guarantee you won't get a room in the Ranchos, there is not really a way. Even paying for a King or waterview room wouldn't guarantee it, because King rooms are all over the resort, in all sections and a waterview room may be a view of the quiet pool in the Ranchos. I'm with you in that I really don't care for the Ranchos and would be really unhappy stuck out there. But look at it this way, the Ranchos are only 1/3 of the resort, so you have a 2/3's chance of avoiding them. Personally, I love Cabanas 8A and Cabanas 9B.

 

[happy2go2wdwmom]

Thanks again and re: your post "Personally, I love Cabanas 8A and Cabanas 9B.[/quote] I thnk PM will not be a prob for us---sounds like a more civilized way to eat than at the Values....

Man oh man, I just can not decide b/n Casitas and Cabanas---both have their merits---I need to look at some of the views from each one more of these threads---I'd be happy to get either I think---I almost like the view of the Cabanas as much as the view from the Cabanas, ya know? Those hammocks and the lake views are heavenly...but the courtyard fountains are beautiful! Oooh and I like seeing the tippy top of S&D---can you see fireworks from CSR???

 

[66Tink]

We are so excited for our first stay (however short) at CSR in May before we begin our stay at the BCV I actually requested the Ranchos section because it does look so relaxing and peaceful. Since we are only going to be at CSR overnight I figured it will not be such a big deal to be further from El Centro and we love to walk. So, I am thinking after reading much of this thread that my request to stay in Ranchos will most likely be met because the majority of the folks don't seem to want to stay there. Hey I wouldn't mind having a quiet pool all to ourselves

 

[McKelly]

We are so excited for our first stay (however short) at CSR in May before we begin our stay at the BCV I actually requested the Ranchos section because it does look so relaxing and peaceful. Since we are only going to be at CSR overnight I figured it will not be such a big deal to be further from El Centro and we love to walk. So, I am thinking after reading much of this thread that my request to stay in Ranchos will most likely be met because the majority of the folks don't seem to want to stay there. Hey I wouldn't mind having a quiet pool all to ourselves

I agree! We actually requested Ranchos 7B! It seems close to Dig Site, a quiet pool, laundry and a bus stop and the landscaping is not something we see everyday. I used to worry about being close to the food court, but the reality of it is, if we eat at our resort's food court twice in a trip, that's a lot. I requested 7B with a view of the quiet pool. We might get lucky this trip and get all of our requests!!

 

[Denise40]

KatMark,

Thanks so much. I don't mind at all that you use that photo. This is my first good sunrise that I have been able to get.

 

[kschafer]

I'm getting so excited for May!!! thanks everyone for all the wonderful, helpful info

 

[mickey2minnie1]

When was the last time the pool has been refurbished? Is there a particular time when it gets done? The pool is most important to the kids and that would be the deciding factor for me.

Anyone?? The resort looks lovely.

 

[tinacaplan]

So, my DH and I just got back from a weekend in Boston, taking our DS to the Boston Children's Hospital. Everything is OK, but it made me realize that I have NO idea how much to tip hotel workers. I always tip 20% for waiters and waitresses...but how much do you tip bellmen? what about room service? Do you tip the same amount for a buffet that you would for a sit-down meal?

We are generous tippers, but we don't want to be ridiculous, either.

Thanks.

 

[KatMark]

When was the last time the pool has been refurbished? Is there a particular time when it gets done? The pool is most important to the kids and that would be the deciding factor for me.

Anyone?? The resort looks lovely.

The CSR pool will be closed this month for some work (I don't remember exact dates--but it is something like January 11-31; I know I posted the dates a couple of pages prior to this one.

 

[Rudegrle]

So, my DH and I just got back from a weekend in Boston, taking our DS to the Boston Children's Hospital. Everything is OK, but it made me realize that I have NO idea how much to tip hotel workers. I always tip 20% for waiters and waitresses...but how much do you tip bellmen? what about room service? Do you tip the same amount for a buffet that you would for a sit-down meal?

We are generous tippers, but we don't want to be ridiculous, either.

Thanks.

Bellman $1-$2 per bag, more if luggage is heavy. Remember to tip when your luggage is delivered to your room too, as this might be a different person.

Room Service 15-20% - watch for auto-gratuity

Same for Buffet as Restaurant

Housekeeping $3-4 per person per night

Taxi 15-20% w/ more if they help w/ luggage.


Hope this helps!

 

[micheletenor]

HI KatMark - can you help me with this one? I booked the Pirate's League for my DS today and it starts at 9:10am. MK opens at 9am, they said bring the confirmation number so they'll let us into the park in time to walk back to Pirate's of the Caribbean...how early do you recommend catching a bus from CSR? I'm not even sure when they start running...thanks!

 

[tiggerfan9984]

KatMark

Major props to you! You have done an outstanding job of giving out information regarding CSR. Something worth noting....................when someone is trying to decide between CSR and a different resort, you never throw the other resort under the buss.

Keep up the good work and thank you for doing what you do, it is very much appreciated.

 

[polkadotminnie]

I am currently booked at CBR but I am thinking of switching to CSR. We stayed at CSR 5 years ago and loved it. Is the decor inside the rooms the same now in Castitas, Cabanas, and Ranchos or do they all look different inside like they used to? I know the Ranchos section has a new look inside. Do all the sections now have the white bedspreads...? Thanks!

 

[DearDaisyinDurham]

I am currently booked at CBR but I am thinking of switching to CSR. We stayed at CSR 5 years ago and loved it. Is the decor inside the rooms the same now in Castitas, Cabanas, and Ranchos or do they all look different inside like they used to? I know the Ranchos section has a new look inside. Do all the sections now have the white bedspreads...? Thanks!

Hi, yes all the rooms have been redone w/ the same decor (and white bedding) & the beds are SO comfy! HTH!

 

[DearDaisyinDurham]

HI KatMark - can you help me with this one? I booked the Pirate's League for my DS today and it starts at 9:10am. MK opens at 9am, they said bring the confirmation number so they'll let us into the park in time to walk back to Pirate's of the Caribbean...how early do you recommend catching a bus from CSR? I'm not even sure when they start running...thanks!

I'll try to help - the bus to the MK @ 8am is the one I would take to give you plenty of time to arrive, go through bag check, etc., then through the turnstiles~ you should be able to get some great castle shots as you enter the park esp w/ an empty Main St!

 

[polkadotminnie]

Hi, yes all the rooms have been redone w/ the same decor (and white bedding) & the beds are SO comfy! HTH!

thanks

 

[kmgindele]

My family is going to CSR early next month. I simply cannot decide what location at CSR would be best for us. I know the requests are just that but if I'm going to request a specific location, I want to try and make sure it's the best spot for us. We have a 3 yr and an 18 month old. Since it's February, I doubt we'll spend much time at any of the pools unless we really luck out and get some outstanding warm weather!! Any suggestions any of you could provide would be much appreciated!!! Thanks in advance!

 

[alecam]

My family is going to CSR early next month. I simply cannot decide what location at CSR would be best for us. I know the requests are just that but if I'm going to request a specific location, I want to try and make sure it's the best spot for us. We have a 3 yr and an 18 month old. Since it's February, I doubt we'll spend much time at any of the pools unless we really luck out and get some outstanding warm weather!! Any suggestions any of you could provide would be much appreciated!!! Thanks in advance!

I am in the same boat as you. I am not planning on using the Dig Site pools during our stay(it is closed anyway). I requested Casitas 4 because I wanted to be within walking distance of the restaurants and close to the first bus stop. If you look at the map http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/cspringsmap.htm it may help you determine where you would like to stay. Also, there is a wonderful Unofficial Coronado Springs website with tons of info. PM me if you need the link, as I don't think it is allowed to be mentioned on here.

Kristi

 

[Brae's Mom]

We are staying at CSR for the first time in April, and I could not be more excited. We have stayed deluxe and value, but the pictures of CSR look fabulous. This thread definitely helped me make my resort decision. Thanks everyone........You all ROCK!!!!!

 

[Pooh&OurHunny]

Thank you KatMark for your response on the best location. I actually had to cancel the February trip and rescheduling for another time. Thanks again.