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

[pixleyyy]

My husband and I are planning an adult only trip for early November. We have done many trips, but this would be our first time without our 3 kids. We have always stayed in a deluxe Epcot resort (BWI, BC, YC). We have stayed in these resorts partly because we love the location, but also because we have 5 people in the room.

Now in the process of planning the adult only trip and I am really thinking about CSR over an Epcot resort. I really love the new decor in the rooms-such a huge improvement. The fact that there are queen beds is HUGE to us. We wouldn't consider the other moderates because of the double bed thing. Also, it seems like CSR has some nice bar/lounges. The spread out thing doesn't bother us and we don't mind walking.

I have a few questions. We like the look of the Casistas and the Ranchos sections. Don't really care about being close to the main pool. Close to the health center would be nice. Also, close to a bus stop would be a plus. We probably would grab a counter service breakfast most mornings before heading to the parks. We plan to book a water view room. Which of the two sections should we request?

Also, how is the bus service at CSR? I take it there is an internal bus stop system. If anyone has also stayed at an Epcot resort can you compare the bus service between the two resorts? I know that Epcot resots don't bus people to Epcot or DHS, so I guess just comparing MK, AK, DTD. Any info would be great!

Thanks for all your help!!

We were in Casitas Bldg. 4 and the health center was right in the bottom of the building, next to the quiet pool. That might be a good spot for you.

We found bus service to be fairly good, usually waiting under 15 min. for a bus to arrive. The closest bus stop to our room was stop 2, which was fairly close and the first stop that buses hit when entering CSR. This means we always got a seat and didn't have to stand or wait for the next bus.

 

[KatMark]

My husband and I are planning an adult only trip for early November. We have done many trips, but this would be our first time without our 3 kids. We have always stayed in a deluxe Epcot resort (BWI, BC, YC). We have stayed in these resorts partly because we love the location, but also because we have 5 people in the room.

Now in the process of planning the adult only trip and I am really thinking about CSR over an Epcot resort. I really love the new decor in the rooms-such a huge improvement. The fact that there are queen beds is HUGE to us. We wouldn't consider the other moderates because of the double bed thing. Also, it seems like CSR has some nice bar/lounges. The spread out thing doesn't bother us and we don't mind walking.

I have a few questions. We like the look of the Casistas and the Ranchos sections. Don't really care about being close to the main pool. Close to the health center would be nice. Also, close to a bus stop would be a plus. We probably would grab a counter service breakfast most mornings before heading to the parks. We plan to book a water view room. Which of the two sections should we request?

Also, how is the bus service at CSR? I take it there is an internal bus stop system. If anyone has also stayed at an Epcot resort can you compare the bus service between the two resorts? I know that Epcot resots don't bus people to Epcot or DHS, so I guess just comparing MK, AK, DTD. Any info would be great!

Thanks for all your help!!

I think you would enjoy the CSR. There is a great pool bar, the Laguna Bar by the lake with seats at the bar as well as plenty of tables and chairs (very comfy too...the "booth" type ones) and the new Rix Lounge which has entertainment and they do not allow children after a certain hour.

Our favorite buildings are Casitas 4 and 5; the fitness center/spa is located by Casitas 4 (this is also where you'd find the salon) and the quiet pool; it is also just around the corner from Casitas 5. This would put you closest to Bus Stop 2 which is the FIRST stop picked up and dropped off.

And the new beds are heavenly!

 

[kmgindele]

Great news about the job!! What a mix of emotions though - new exciting job, but long postponement of Disney trip.

What about shorter trip before the job starts? we've done a few long weekends - 4/5 ngts and it's great fun - will hold you over for a longer trip -and good discounts are available right now.

Hope everything works out perfectly for you!

Great news about the job...and I'll keep my fingers crossed that it all goes well and that you still can take the vacation. But as Minnie&Nana said, what about a shortened trip for now before hand (a long weekend?) and then a trip in December?

Thanks for the kind words. We have actually talked about taking a shorter trip. We might still do it, but my husband is not totally on board with it yet. I have to convince him that even if we do a shorter trip now, we'll still do the full trip later in the year.

And we couldn't go without him. He's such a huge Disney fan. I would feel terrible being down there and him being home by himself because he changed jobs to be home more with his family.

We just keep praying that, first and foremost, he gets the job. And then, second, that we are able to take the vacation. I'm sure something will work out. Thanks again for the suggestions. I love that I can vent to my fellow DIS'ers!! Hope everyone is having a great day!

 

[LaneOT]

Hello all...
I just found this thread about CSR. My kids and I have made trips for the past 4 years, but never stayed on property. I was a little leary because I've heard both the good and bad stories about the resorts. I have to say the pictures and the reviews of CSR really have me wanting to stay on property this year! I do have a couple of questions and would really appreciate all the help I can get..
Is there parking near all the buildings (Ranchos Casitas...etc)?
Which building is close to the dig site, as well as the hammocks/beach area?
All of the double bedrooms are queen beds or full?

Thanks for all your help and helpful thread?
M

 

[KatMark]

Hello all...
I just found this thread about CSR. My kids and I have made trips for the past 4 years, but never stayed on property. I was a little leary because I've heard both the good and bad stories about the resorts. I have to say the pictures and the reviews of CSR really have me wanting to stay on property this year! I do have a couple of questions and would really appreciate all the help I can get..
Is there parking near all the buildings (Ranchos Casitas...etc)?
Which building is close to the dig site, as well as the hammocks/beach area?
All of the double bedrooms are queen beds or full?

Thanks for all your help and helpful thread?
M

M, welcome...glad you found us. Yes, there is parking around the entire resort so you are never far from your car and there is PLENTY of parking. The buildings closest to the hammocks/beach area (no swimming!) and the pool would be the Cabanas -- either 8A or 8B or 9A or 9B (9's being a tad further away). There is a hammock, but no beach, by Casitas 5.

All of the rooms have either two queen beds or one king bed (and a king bed is a separate booking category).

 

[NMW]

I think you would enjoy the CSR. There is a great pool bar, the Laguna Bar by the lake with seats at the bar as well as plenty of tables and chairs (very comfy too...the "booth" type ones) and the new Rix Lounge which has entertainment and they do not allow children after a certain hour.

Our favorite buildings are Casitas 4 and 5; the fitness center/spa is located by Casitas 4 (this is also where you'd find the salon) and the quiet pool; it is also just around the corner from Casitas 5. This would put you closest to Bus Stop 2 which is the FIRST stop picked up and dropped off.

And the new beds are heavenly!

Thanks for your help. I think I'll request Casitas 4 or 5. I know if I'm close to the health club, I'd use it. If it's all the way on the other side of the resort... not so much! The bars at CSR are very appealing to us. Stuff to do at night if we don't feel like going out.

It's nice to hear that the bus service is reliable. One of the things I disliked about staying at the Epcot resorts was that the buses to MK and AK in the morning would stop at ALL the Epcot resorts, which added quite a bit of travel time. I always told myself that the 5 minute walk into Epcot made up for it, but it was still a pain. Does CSR "share" buses with any other resort?

 

[NMW]

We were in Casitas Bldg. 4 and the health center was right in the bottom of the building, next to the quiet pool. That might be a good spot for you.

We found bus service to be fairly good, usually waiting under 15 min. for a bus to arrive. The closest bus stop to our room was stop 2, which was fairly close and the first stop that buses hit when entering CSR. This means we always got a seat and didn't have to stand or wait for the next bus.

That's nice about the buses. That sounds like a great location. Thanks!

 

[KatMark]

Thanks for your help. I think I'll request Casitas 4 or 5. I know if I'm close to the health club, I'd use it. If it's all the way on the other side of the resort... not so much! The bars at CSR are very appealing to us. Stuff to do at night if we don't feel like going out.

It's nice to hear that the bus service is reliable. One of the things I disliked about staying at the Epcot resorts was that the buses to MK and AK in the morning would stop at ALL the Epcot resorts, which added quite a bit of travel time. I always told myself that the 5 minute walk into Epcot made up for it, but it was still a pain. Does CSR "share" buses with any other resort?

No, the CSR does NOT share buses with any other resort. There are, however, four internal stops. They go in this order: Bus Stop 2, 3, 4 and then 1 to all of the parks (same on the return); when they go to DTD they go in the order of 1, 2, 3 and 4.

 

[NMW]

Thanks!

I have a question about Magical Express to CSR. We have never used the service. With 3 kids and a ton of luggage (so we don't have to do laundry ) we always found it easier to just get a limo. DH is still pushing for a town car for the two of us, but I think maybe we should try ME. What do you think of the service to CSR?

 

[Ela1972]

Hi there:

We're thinking about staying at the Coronado in June. My 3 year old daughter needs a nap in the afternoon. Is it possible to go back to the hotel for a nap then go back to the park to see the parade/fireworks, etc.?

It is very possible to do this.
Last March we went back every day so DD4 could nap (and me too). It meant we could do the early mornings and the late nights without the tantrums!

We are planning on doing this again this year as the break is appreciated by all of us. We tend to come back have a sleep, then swim and get changed to go back into the park (Hold on get changed? maybe that's why the DD's go through so many clothes)

Have a great trip.

 

[KatMark]

Thanks!

I have a question about Magical Express to CSR. We have never used the service. With 3 kids and a ton of luggage (so we don't have to do laundry ) we always found it easier to just get a limo. DH is still pushing for a town car for the two of us, but I think maybe we should try ME. What do you think of the service to CSR?

That one I can't answer because we rent a car at the airport and use it to drive to the parks, outlet malls, Starbucks (have to have my Starbucks at least a couple of times during the trip). Our oldest son stayed at the CBR in July and he had no issues with the ME; the only thing he didn't like is how early you had to be ready for the return trip to the airport.

 

[Ela1972]

Thanks!

I have a question about Magical Express to CSR. We have never used the service. With 3 kids and a ton of luggage (so we don't have to do laundry ) we always found it easier to just get a limo. DH is still pushing for a town car for the two of us, but I think maybe we should try ME. What do you think of the service to CSR?

With 2 children, 3 suitcases, 4 carry on bags and a stroller Magical express was a breeze. We collected our luggage and took it on the bus as we didn't want to wait for it to be delivered. Only stopped at 1 other hotel before CSR but this can vary.

Have a lovely trip

 

[LaneOT]

M, welcome...glad you found us. Yes, there is parking around the entire resort so you are never far from your car and there is PLENTY of parking. The buildings closest to the hammocks/beach area (no swimming!) and the pool would be the Cabanas -- either 8A or 8B or 9A or 9B (9's being a tad further away). There is a hammock, but no beach, by Casitas 5.

All of the rooms have either two queen beds or one king bed (and a king bed is a separate booking category).

Hey KatMark...by the way...thanks for the tons of info on this thread!!! It was truly your photos and fyi's that convinced me to want to book CSR!!!

I digress.. I am glad there is a good amount of parking. Like you, we rent a car at the airport because it is just more convenient and we like to explore Orlando in general. As for the Cabanas, can u request this when you reserve over the phone? What is the probability of it being honored? I realize it is not a guarantee, but just asking...

thanks again,
M

 

[micheletenor]

Hi Ela1972, I was under the impression that there isn't a lot of time for baggage claim after your flight lands and before your ME leaves...I don't know where i got that idea, but did you find it pretty easy to get your luggage and bring with? I'd rather do that too since we won't be landing until later at night. Thanks!

 

[KatMark]

Hey KatMark...by the way...thanks for the tons of info on this thread!!! It was truly your photos and fyi's that convinced me to want to book CSR!!!

I digress.. I am glad there is a good amount of parking. Like you, we rent a car at the airport because it is just more convenient and we like to explore Orlando in general. As for the Cabanas, can u request this when you reserve over the phone? What is the probability of it being honored? I realize it is not a guarantee, but just asking...

thanks again,
M

Thank you! I'm glad you've enjoyed the thread.

Yes, you can request a certain section (Cabanas, Casitas) when you make your reservations. I also fax my request in again about four days before I arrive. I know there is no guarantees, but I know they try really hard to accomodate you if they can. If you get something when you check in that seems "way away" from what you wanted, kindly ask them if there is anything closer.

 

[mamamary]

We may be planning a last minute disney trip. My DH still does not know if his job will exist in a few months (long story). Anyway, if things are still ok with work we will prob. do a summer trip. We were hoping to avoid the summer but I'll still take it. I guess my question is if I try to make csr reservations (regular room not any type of suite) maybe at the beg. of june for an end of june or july trip do you think we'd be able to get in? I don't know if CSR tends to be full in the summer or not. I really would like to try and stay here.

Thanks in advance.

 

[SaskDisNut]

Also, how is the bus service at CSR? I take it there is an internal bus stop system. If anyone has also stayed at an Epcot resort can you compare the bus service between the two resorts? I know that Epcot resots don't bus people to Epcot or DHS, so I guess just comparing MK, AK, DTD. Any info would be great!

I stayed at BC last year during a conference and yes, the buses do stop at the other resorts in that area so bus time is certainly a bit longer but I never really had a problem with the buses. Bus service at CSR is very good, I think. We've stayed there twice now and each time bus service was good to excellent and does not stop at any other resort. Travel times are minimal and for the most part have not had to stand going to a park. We have had to stand coming back from the parks on one or 2 occasions but this was at park closing.

I have a question about Magical Express to CSR. We have never used the service. With 3 kids and a ton of luggage (so we don't have to do laundry ) we always found it easier to just get a limo. DH is still pushing for a town car for the two of us, but I think maybe we should try ME. What do you think of the service to CSR?

We've done DME for every trip but only once to CSR - our trip in October. It was efficient and took about 70-80 minutes from getting off the plane to arriving at the resort. We don't claim our luggage but let DME deliver our luggage to our room. So if you do pick up your luggage it will add to your total time from plane to resort.

Hi Ela1972, I was under the impression that there isn't a lot of time for baggage claim after your flight lands and before your ME leaves...I don't know where i got that idea, but did you find it pretty easy to get your luggage and bring with? I'd rather do that too since we won't be landing until later at night. Thanks!

Just for clarification, DME is a continuous service. So the bus is not waiting for you when you get off the plane. Whenever you get to the DME check-in, you will be directed to the line for CSR (and whatever other resorts it may stop at) and wait for the next bus to leave. If your flight arrives after 10PM you have to claim your luggage before heading to the DME check-in as DME luggage service stops at 10.

 

[redheadx3]

Mamamary,
I don't know if CSR gets full during the summer but I do know that when I am there (june3-12) there is a large convention. I checked the other day and there are no standard rooms avail june 8-11. Good thing I booked early to reserve a standard room. Now I hoping for an upgrade because all the conventneers will need those standard rooms.

 

[trennr]

We may be planning a last minute disney trip. My DH still does not know if his job will exist in a few months (long story). Anyway, if things are still ok with work we will prob. do a summer trip. We were hoping to avoid the summer but I'll still take it. I guess my question is if I try to make csr reservations (regular room not any type of suite) maybe at the beg. of june for an end of june or july trip do you think we'd be able to get in? I don't know if CSR tends to be full in the summer or not. I really would like to try and stay here.

Thanks in advance.

Last year...my First CSR stay...I actually went in July...didn't make the Reservation until early June...as it was a "last minute" plan due to family circumstances...even got my room location request.

However the earliest you can do it I would.

Hope everything works out with DH's Job.

 

[mamamary]

Last year...my First CSR stay...I actually went in July...didn't make the Reservation until early June...as it was a "last minute" plan due to family circumstances...even got my room location request.

However the earliest you can do it I would.

Hope everything works out with DH's Job.

That's good to know. I thought we'd be staying value but DH wants to at least go mod and I've really been wanting to try CSR. I am such a planner so I am getting really stressed that it will be a last minute trip. Yes - hopefully his job situation will work out : )