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

[cassie58]

Hi everyone. I am just joining this thread. Here is my story...

My DH and I and 2 kids (DS11 and DD8) are supposed to be going on a Carnival Cruise in 2 weeks. Well, my DH is a Harbor Master at a Marina on the St. Croix River and major flooding is expected. Because of that my DH will not be able to go on the cruise as he is the only one there who knows what to do in a flood situation (last one happened 10 years ago). We have to know by next Wednesday in order to get 50% back on our cruise. (We are hoping the marina steps up and pays for the money we will lose out on by having to cancel).

My DH told me to go with the kids but I don't like to spend $5000 on a family vacation and the whole family does not get to go. He had been really looking forward to this.

So, anyway. We were planning to go to Disney next year for the kids spring break, which is a couple of weeks earlier than this year. (Mid March) But, now we will probably book a cruise again for then as my DH doesn't want to go on cruise in the summer. (don't want to take kids out of school).

So, if you are all still with me - I am thinking we should go during the end of August as that's when they typically have free dining and that would be awesome!! Last 2 times we went we rented DVC Points and stayed at AKL and BWV - Loved both of them. But, to get free dining can't do that and will not pay rack rates for Deluxe.

I had my mind set on staying at Caribbean Beach, but then I came across this thread and this resort looks awesome. I guess it have never even crossed my mind to stay here. I think my kids would like it also.

Do you think I should book now even though things are still up in the air? Will I get a total refund if we do end up going on the cruise? I just keep hearing about how resorts are filling up and don't want to not get a room here. If I book a room only can I change to the free dining at that time or is it better to book a package at this time?

Also, I have been reading this thread and trying to figure out what area to request. I like to be able to fill up my Disney Mug alot - so, want to be close to that - I think there are 3 places that do that? Close to The Dig would be cool but not necessary - we can walk there as we usually spend a few days at the pool. I hear bus stop 2 is the 1st off and on - so, that would be good.

I am a little overwhelmed as usually I start planning way before the park hours and dining reservations are due, so I feel behind. But, love the planning.

Sorry this is so long..... Lynn

That is a great time to go! We went end of Aug. '09, got free dining, and it is off-peak season, so paid about $1700 for 4(DS9 & DD6), 4 nt/5days, and picked CSR thanks to KatMark and this thread, and loved it! The landscaping is amazing, the pool in front of the pyramid is very cool, along w/the water slide, which my kids went down over and over. I wished we had more time to spend there, as we swam a few times, but mostly were at the parks of course.

I would recommend, as I just mentioned to andychris14, Cabanas 8a as a good location. It's very close to pool and playground, bus stop, and laundry if you need it. You are a little farther from the food court for refills, but is a nice 5 min. walk over the bridge - you will enjoy the scenery!

They usually announce free dining at the end of this month/beginning of April, so you're not far from that. You put down a $200 deposit on a package, which I believe is totally refundable up till a certain date(someone will correct me if I'm wrong). What you also want to start doing is booking dining reserv. ASAP because they will fill up quick w/free dining, and people have been able to book those already from 180 days out - we booked our trip late last yr., and at 1st couldn't get anything we wanted, but kept trying, and eventually got everything, including LeCellier and 1900 PF. HTH!

Sorry that was so long!

cassie58
11/08-ASMo & Timeshare
8/09-CSR

 

[DisneyCrafter]

That is a great time to go! We went end of Aug. '09, got free dining, and it is off-peak season, so paid about $1700 for 4(DS9 & DD6), 4 nt/5days, and picked CSR thanks to KatMark and this thread, and loved it! The landscaping is amazing, the pool in front of the pyramid is very cool, along w/the water slide, which my kids went down over and over. I wished we had more time to spend there, as we swam a few times, but mostly were at the parks of course.

I would recommend, as I just mentioned to andychris14, Cabanas 8a as a good location. It's very close to pool and playground, bus stop, and laundry if you need it. You are a little farther from the food court for refills, but is a nice 5 min. walk over the bridge - you will enjoy the scenery!

They usually announce free dining at the end of this month/beginning of April, so you're not far from that. You put down a $200 deposit on a package, which I believe is totally refundable up till a certain date(someone will correct me if I'm wrong). What you also want to start doing is booking dining reserv. ASAP because they will fill up quick w/free dining, and people have been able to book those already from 180 days out - we booked our trip late last yr., and at 1st couldn't get anything we wanted, but kept trying, and eventually got everything, including LeCellier and 1900 PF. HTH!

Sorry that was so long!

cassie58
11/08-ASMo & Timeshare
8/09-CSR

The final payment is due no later than 45 days before your trip. Hope this helps! You can cancel anytime before then with no penalty. I'm pretty sure this info is correct as I just was told this on the phone 2 weeks ago when we booked.

 

[LynnTH]

That is a great time to go! We went end of Aug. '09, got free dining, and it is off-peak season, so paid about $1700 for 4(DS9 & DD6), 4 nt/5days, and picked CSR thanks to KatMark and this thread, and loved it! The landscaping is amazing, the pool in front of the pyramid is very cool, along w/the water slide, which my kids went down over and over. I wished we had more time to spend there, as we swam a few times, but mostly were at the parks of course.

I would recommend, as I just mentioned to andychris14, Cabanas 8a as a good location. It's very close to pool and playground, bus stop, and laundry if you need it. You are a little farther from the food court for refills, but is a nice 5 min. walk over the bridge - you will enjoy the scenery!

They usually announce free dining at the end of this month/beginning of April, so you're not far from that. You put down a $200 deposit on a package, which I believe is totally refundable up till a certain date(someone will correct me if I'm wrong). What you also want to start doing is booking dining reserv. ASAP because they will fill up quick w/free dining, and people have been able to book those already from 180 days out - we booked our trip late last yr., and at 1st couldn't get anything we wanted, but kept trying, and eventually got everything, including LeCellier and 1900 PF. HTH!

Sorry that was so long!

cassie58
11/08-ASMo & Timeshare
8/09-CSR

Thanks. I wasn't sure about going the end of August. We have never been there in the summer before -usually during spring break. So, not sure what to expect for crowds. I know it will be hot but it will actually it will be kind of nice not having to pack cooler items also and knowing the kids will be able to swim. We have never been to the water parks and still have 5 days from our last non - expire tickets we bought. (Back when it was still cost effective to buy non-expiring tickets).

And since we don't have to worry about school we might go for 9 or 10 nights. I will get 8 or 9 day tickets and then we don't have to rush so much.

I did actually go online the other day and make some dining reservations just in case. I'm sure they will change a lot. Couldn't beleive that of the 9 nights I was working with I could only get O'hana's for 1 night and that is 9:00 PM. i would like to try Le Celliars - never been there but DH is a steak person. They didn't have anything available, but I didn't try the lunch times.

Just have to play the waiting game now to see if we are going and then hoping for the free dining.

 

[KatMark]

Thanks. I wasn't sure about going the end of August. We have never been there in the summer before -usually during spring break. So, not sure what to expect for crowds. I know it will be hot but it will actually it will be kind of nice not having to pack cooler items also and knowing the kids will be able to swim. We have never been to the water parks and still have 5 days from our last non - expire tickets we bought. (Back when it was still cost effective to buy non-expiring tickets).

And since we don't have to worry about school we might go for 9 or 10 nights. I will get 8 or 9 day tickets and then we don't have to rush so much.

I did actually go online the other day and make some dining reservations just in case. I'm sure they will change a lot. Couldn't beleive that of the 9 nights I was working with I could only get O'hana's for 1 night and that is 9:00 PM. i would like to try Le Celliars - never been there but DH is a steak person. They didn't have anything available, but I didn't try the lunch times.

Just have to play the waiting game now to see if we are going and then hoping for the free dining.

Welcome to the CSR thread. Three of the last four trips we've taken, we have gone from around August 28 or 29 through the 10th of September. Yes, it is hot; yes, you have to watch out for the hurricanes--it is hurricane season. But we have never had an issue with a lot of rain at that time, just the hot weather. Also, the crowds are marvelous! We never wait more than 5 or 10 minutes for a ride (the exception being the three big mountains and Soarin'). This is our favorite time of the year to go.

Definitely try the lunch time for LeCellier or off hours (like 2:40 instead of 1:30). We've done lunch and dinner numerous times and each meal has been as good as the previous one.

 

[LynnTH]

Welcome to the CSR thread. Three of the last four trips we've taken, we have gone from around August 28 or 29 through the 10th of September. Yes, it is hot; yes, you have to watch out for the hurricanes--it is hurricane season. But we have never had an issue with a lot of rain at that time, just the hot weather. Also, the crowds are marvelous! We never wait more than 5 or 10 minutes for a ride (the exception being the three big mountains and Soarin'). This is our favorite time of the year to go.

Definitely try the lunch time for LeCellier or off hours (like 2:40 instead of 1:30). We've done lunch and dinner numerous times and each meal has been as good as the previous one.

We would be going from August 18th or 19th til the 28th. Kids are starting school B4 Labor Day this year as it is so late again. Hope the crowds are that good then. It will also be nice getting 8 or 9 day tickets (since it doesn't cost much more after 5 days or so) and then going 1/2 day if we want without feeling like we are wasting the tickets. In the past we have had 5 day tickets, so we would do each park once and then usually MK again. Will be nice to have a bit more flexibilty to come and go more often.

 

[KatMark]

We would be going from August 18th or 19th til the 28th. Kids are starting school B4 Labor Day this year as it is so late again. Hope the crowds are that good then. It will also be nice getting 8 or 9 day tickets (since it doesn't cost much more after 5 days or so) and then going 1/2 day if we want without feeling like we are wasting the tickets. In the past we have had 5 day tickets, so we would do each park once and then usually MK again. Will be nice to have a bit more flexibilty to come and go more often.

I think you'll be okay at that time as well...maybe a little longer for rides. DH and I get to each park for rope drop and then leave around 1 to go back to the CSR to go lay by the pool, swim (or I get a massage) or a rest and then head back to the parks at 5:30 or 6. It works out great and we still get most everything done.

Keep us posted on your plans.

 

[cassie58]

Thanks. I wasn't sure about going the end of August. We have never been there in the summer before -usually during spring break. So, not sure what to expect for crowds. I know it will be hot but it will actually it will be kind of nice not having to pack cooler items also and knowing the kids will be able to swim. We have never been to the water parks and still have 5 days from our last non - expire tickets we bought. (Back when it was still cost effective to buy non-expiring tickets).

And since we don't have to worry about school we might go for 9 or 10 nights. I will get 8 or 9 day tickets and then we don't have to rush so much.

I did actually go online the other day and make some dining reservations just in case. I'm sure they will change a lot. Couldn't beleive that of the 9 nights I was working with I could only get O'hana's for 1 night and that is 9:00 PM. i would like to try Le Celliars - never been there but DH is a steak person. They didn't have anything available, but I didn't try the lunch times.

Just have to play the waiting game now to see if we are going and then hoping for the free dining.

We went from Aug. 24-29th, and it was hot, but we used morning EMH to get a lot done before afternoon, and there is so much to go in and out of that is shaded and AC. we also took some afternoon swim breaks - lucked out w/no hurricanes, and only 1 T-storm nt., where we missed out on doing Epcot WS. Also in case you didn't know, all CS rest. will give you free cups of ice water. The crowds were very good, as I think southern schools went back around the 22nd.

I know what you mean w/dining reserv. - last yr. it was still 90 days out to book, and I called about a week after that, and only got 1 place I wanted at a so-so time. But I kept calling, then went online when that started, and by the end we got LeCellier, 1900, Norway brft., CP, etc. There is a thread on here, probably on dining section, where people list reserv. they've just cancelled, and sometimes you can try to book them and scoop up that opening. By the way, DH & DS went to Le Cellier(DD and I did Norway that day), and they are steak lovers, and my husband said the mushroom filet was like butter - and to be able to order whatever you want w/o worrying about the price was awesome! I'm hoping to convince DH to do T-day time this yr. to see the decor., so hoping for a free dining promo or good discount for fall!

P.S. If you go onto Mousesavers.com, and sign up for their newsletter, they will have deal alerts, and let you know when things are announced, like free dining.

cassie58
11/08-ASMo & Timeshare
8/09-CSR

 

[Maine-iac]

I have so many pictures that it would take me too long to put them all here. So you can view them here
http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery...422838518&facebook=true&sourceId=984136008703

Very quiet at CSR. Parking lots only 1/4 full. Parks were slow too. The only Fast passes we really needed to use was one for Soarin and one for TSM and even those would have only been maybe 20 minute waits. The TSM FPs were out early on Sunday Feb 28th due to ESPN weekend other than that there were still some left in the late afternoon.

We stayed in Ft Myers for 3 nights after Disney and saw two Red Sox games. We really enjoyed it.
We will definitely go at this time of the year again!! And we would stay at CSR again too but still want to try some other resorts at least once.

 

[KatMark]

I have so many pictures that it would take me too long to put them all here. So you can view them here
http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery...422838518&facebook=true&sourceId=984136008703

Very quiet at CSR. Parking lots only 1/4 full. Parks were slow too. The only Fast passes we really needed to use was one for Soarin and one for TSM and even those would have only been maybe 20 minute waits. The TSM FPs were out early on Sunday Feb 28th due to ESPN weekend other than that there were still some left in the late afternoon.

We stayed in Ft Myers for 3 nights after Disney and saw two Red Sox games. We really enjoyed it.
We will definitely go at this time of the year again!! And we would stay at CSR again too but still want to try some other resorts at least once.

Lisa:

Awesome pictures! Thank you so much for sharing them. I have a favor to ask. Would you mind emailing me a couple of your favorite of the Ranchos for the next time I redo the CSR thread? We don't have a lot of the Ranchos (probably because 90% of the people never want to be in that section--but I think it is beautiful and definitely want to try it next time) and also the picture of the Coke machine so I can show what is available for drinks? I'd be most grateful.

And I'm so glad that you enjoyed your stay at the CSR.

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

I have so many pictures that it would take me too long to put them all here. So you can view them here
http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery...422838518&facebook=true&sourceId=984136008703

Very quiet at CSR. Parking lots only 1/4 full. Parks were slow too. The only Fast passes we really needed to use was one for Soarin and one for TSM and even those would have only been maybe 20 minute waits. The TSM FPs were out early on Sunday Feb 28th due to ESPN weekend other than that there were still some left in the late afternoon.

We stayed in Ft Myers for 3 nights after Disney and saw two Red Sox games. We really enjoyed it.
We will definitely go at this time of the year again!! And we would stay at CSR again too but still want to try some other resorts at least once.

I loved your photos. They are so beautiful. Can't wait for 97 days!!

 

[soontobewed07]

Well we are back now too This trip really pushed us to move to Florida. DH is looking at jobs now. We are thinking of renting something in the Tampa area.

The hotel was amazing and we just loved it, but we have decided it is not for us we liked FQ a bit better.

We were in Cabana's 8B room 8609 and I have to say after visiting all of the resort we liked the looks of the ranchos better. It was very cold during our stay so we only visited the pool one day which was amazing. Loved the pool and pool bar the kiddie pool was ds's favorite place.

Here are some pictures.

 

[soontobewed07]

Some more

The area near the kiddie pool

 

[DisneyNicole]

Yes, Conanardo Springs Resort is a truely astonishing resort.
Hotel ratings 9/10
Pool 8/10
Bus Service 2/10

 

[mouselovenfamily]

I have so many pictures that it would take me too long to put them all here. So you can view them here
http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery...422838518&facebook=true&sourceId=984136008703

Very quiet at CSR. Parking lots only 1/4 full. Parks were slow too. The only Fast passes we really needed to use was one for Soarin and one for TSM and even those would have only been maybe 20 minute waits. The TSM FPs were out early on Sunday Feb 28th due to ESPN weekend other than that there were still some left in the late afternoon.

We stayed in Ft Myers for 3 nights after Disney and saw two Red Sox games. We really enjoyed it.
We will definitely go at this time of the year again!! And we would stay at CSR again too but still want to try some other resorts at least once.

Can't see the photos

 

[mouselovenfamily]

See them now!! Great Job!!!!

 

[clarkfamily]

Bus Service 2/10

Oh no! Why the 2/10 on bus service? Would love to hear more!

 

[Maine-iac]

Well we are back now too This trip really pushed us to move to Florida. DH is looking at jobs now. We are thinking of renting something in the Tampa area.

The hotel was amazing and we just loved it, but we have decided it is not for us we liked FQ a bit better.

We were in Cabana's 8B room 8609 and I have to say after visiting all of the resort we liked the looks of the ranchos better. It was very cold during our stay so we only visited the pool one day which was amazing. Loved the pool and pool bar the kiddie pool was ds's favorite place.

Here are some pictures.

We only found it cold enough to wear sweat shirts on Tues night, Wed and Thurs. Even though it was windy during the day Tues, it was humid enough to keep it warm for us. The best weather was Sat, Sun and Mon when we were in Ft Myers.

I agree that the Ranchos is the prettiest section. Also seems like it would be quieter than Casitas because Casitas seemed to have more rooms in the same space as the other sections. We would not need to be nearer El Centro. Because we got a Garden Grocer order we had plenty of drinks in our room and never used our mugs. We usually only went from the room to the bus. We thought Pepper Market was expensive and only used it because we were on the QS dining plan.

Buses were great. We only had to wait for MK bus on EMH morning. Two buses each from the other parks came the MK one did. Other than that no problems waiting for buses.

 

[Maine-iac]

Lisa:

Awesome pictures! Thank you so much for sharing them. I have a favor to ask. Would you mind emailing me a couple of your favorite of the Ranchos for the next time I redo the CSR thread? We don't have a lot of the Ranchos (probably because 90% of the people never want to be in that section--but I think it is beautiful and definitely want to try it next time) and also the picture of the Coke machine so I can show what is available for drinks? I'd be most grateful.

And I'm so glad that you enjoyed your stay at the CSR.

My camera battery died so I will have to charge it and send them to you tomorrow.

 

[Maine-iac]

Yes, we paid for waterview, as that was all that was available at the time. The 2nd view, out the side is the entrance to the dig site. We were very close to the main pool and the bus stop. It was convenient and quiet and very pretty.

We got a corner room too. We paid for standard view but ended up having the quiet pool view from one side. We were in 7B on the third floor.

 

[arilvdc]

Yes, Conanardo Springs Resort is a truely astonishing resort.
Hotel ratings 9/10
Pool 8/10
Bus Service 2/10

Really 2/10? CSR had the absolute best bus service when we were there, especially compared to SSR.