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

[KatMark]

I am so excited! I just booked 3 nights at CSR for next weekend (Fri, Sat, Sun...) We weren't going to do a Disney hotel but we ended up being able to get a really good rate...I'm in the college program and my boyfriend is coming to visit on Friday I have only ever stayed at All Star Music before (6 times...and now I work there so it's the last hotel I want to stay in at the moment lol) I am really excited to be able to stay in a moderate hotel! I have never really been that interested in CSR, but it was the only moderate available at the CM rate for next weekend so I went for it...the pictures look beautiful! I'm glad we get to stay there because it looks way more interesting than POR/POFQ (Where I originally wanted to stay)...ahhh I am so ecstatic. Thanks for having this thread up, it is making me so excited to stay here lol

Hope that you and your BF have a wonderful time. Please let us know what you thought of the CSR...good or bad.

 

[tish9774]

Hi All!

This may have been answered before, but I am a message board idiot and have trouble sifting through. Anyway, can anyone tell me if I am missing something special by booking a standard view room? I honestly don't care what is outside the window, but location is rather important to me. I was hoping to ask for a room in Cabana 9b (isn't everyone??) or 9a. Will I need a water view room to get in these buildings? My DH is disabled (doesn't need an accessible room), and I heard that if I call and ask for a room, that they will honor it to accommodate him. Is there truth to that?

We are looking at 10/13- 10/20 if it makes a difference.

Thanks for all the advice and help. With all of your help, I have nearly convinced my DH that CSR would be a great place to stay.

Tish

 

[snowbunny]

can anyone tell me if I am missing something special by booking a standard view room?

I don't think so. Keep in mind the window looks out onto the corridor outside your room, then over the railing to whatever is the view. We don't keep the sheers open in our room very often because of the lack of privacy with people passing in the corridor, so we miss the view most of the time, anyway.

There are standard view rooms available in every building.

 

[vicb]

I don't think so. Keep in mind the window looks out onto the corridor outside your room, then over the railing to whatever is the view. We don't keep the sheers open in our room very often because of the lack of privacy with people passing in the corridor, so we miss the view most of the time, anyway.

There are standard view rooms available in every building.

I agree. We had a standard view room that was very nice. We requested to be away from elevators and had connecting rooms facing a courtyard. Beyond the courtyard was the parking lot and bus stop but honestly the shrubs blocked views of the cars (from the ground floor, I suppose you could have clearly seen them from higher floors). And we did not hear any car noises or bus noise.

There are no private balconies at this resort to sit on so I didn't think the view was as important. When I have stayed at deluxe resorts with balconies that I knew I would be sitting on it would be more of a factor.

A lot of folks at CSR go to their quiet pools to sit and relax or hang out in the nice outdoor areas around El Centro in leiu of a balcony.

 

[tinacaplan]

When we were there we had a waterview room in Casitas and I loved it. Not because I ever opened up the curtains in our room, but because when I walked out of the room I had the most beautiful view of the lake and the that entire interior section of the resort. I would not have been quite as charmed by the whole thing if my view had been of the parking lots.

Having said that, when I return with for my son's first trip (hopefully at CSR), will I pay for a water view room? No. But I'm glad I did it once.

 

[vavalynn2]

DH and I are getting very excited about our trip next month!! After reading multiple reviews and almost each page of this thread we are giving CSR a try.

We are very familiar with the area just outside of Downtown Disney- the Walgreens, Goodings, Win Dixie etc (we usually stay or POR).

Is there an area like this just south or west of Animal Kingdom? What I wonder is where is the closest access to nonDisney stores etc.? I would rather venture out that way than all of that congestion by DTD.

Also, we currently have a reservation for four nights. I called to book an additional fifth, only to find out there are no more standard rooms available. I could change to a king or waterview, but did not want to pay the extra. Do you think I will have any luck once I arrive to add an additional night and be able to stay in the same room? Thoughts?

Have a good weekend!!

 

[snowbunny]

We are very familiar with the area just outside of Downtown Disney- the Walgreens, Goodings, Win Dixie etc (we usually stay or POR).

Is there an area like this just south or west of Animal Kingdom? What I wonder is where is the closest access to nonDisney stores etc.? I would rather venture out that way than all of that congestion by DTD.

Yes there is, there is a Publix in the Orange Lakes shopping center on 192 very close to AKL. Lots of other stores and restaurants along that stretch of 192.

 

[DisneyLover75]

Hi! I just got back from Disney and CSR last night.

It was very nice. I'm not sure I'd return with kids, though. I'll tell you my thoughts:

*It was very pretty, picturesque and lush on the grounds of the resort. Absolutely lovely.

*Cafe Rix was very convenient to refill my resort mug, and for my son to grab a snack.

*Panchito's is cute and has a good variety of gifts and necessities (I totally needed a monster energy drink in the mornings! Rix had only one flavor, but Panchitos had three choices.. much better. My son liked the little table where they had some toys out for the kids to play.

*All the employees were friendly and nice to us. In fact, the first building we were in was Cabanas 9B, which initially was pleasing to me, because it was right next to El Centro but they put me on the ground floor, which was fine, but I got NO cell phone signal.
I'll explain: Since I was at Disney with just my autistic son, I was counting on being able to talk, text and use my phone to check facebook and emails, etc when we got back to the room at the end of the day. Having no phone signal was a huge disappointment.

So the next day I worked up the courage and called to ask if there was anything that could be done, or if I wouldn't get service in any of the buildings. One of the managers said that it was because I was on the ground floor, and if I could be moved up higher it'd be better for a phone signal, so they moved me to casitas 3, on the fourth floor. That worked GREAT! It was a little farther to walk to El Centro, but it worked out fine.

*The Dig Site was never visited by us, because the thought of walking all that way after having walked all over the parks all day was absolutely cause for despair. It was too cold to swim anyway, and I don't know how I'd have kept my son out of the pool if we'd gone over there.

It boils down to this: If I brought kids with me, and we weren't doing parks every day, I'd stay at CSR again, because it was fun and pretty and the Dig Site looks (from pictures, lol) like great fun for them. But if it was going to be a trip like I just took, where we have plans to be in the parks the majority of each day, I would NOT come back to CSR, because it's just too spread out.

If I did NOT have children with me, and I was taking my time coming and going as I pleased, I'd happily return.

The buses were good, mousekeeping did a great job, all the CMs were friendly.

Oh... the Pepper Market. No. That was a big con for us. It was too cold outside to take the food to go, to avoid a service charge. So we never set foot in there, other than to get our refillable mugs. It was a pity too, because I'd have been glad for a counter service meal that was nice and convenient like that.

I had my LGMH on my door, but no one stopped by. I wasn't overly worried about that anyway.. I was busy, and I knew everyone else would be too. Still, it would've been fun to run into some Dis members! But that's ok. I was really exhausted and frazzled by the end of the day and just wanted to relax! I'm sure it was the same, or similar for the others too! (And the resort is so huge, who's to say anyone even passed my door, right?)

Anyway... that's my story. Sorry I babbled on so long! LOL

 

[monkeybug]

I just switched from the Poly to CSR (I know that sounds crazy, but I'm pregnant and I decided I wanted the extra money to shop while the rest of the fam. was riding the things I can't)
I made an ADR for the maya grill on our first night there, how is it? The menu sounds yummy, and it seems like a good value on the dining plan, but I've haven't heard much about it.
We take our car (so bus isn't an issue), and water and soda (no refillable mug!), so I'm thinking I just want to be close to the main pool. That would be Ranchos or Cabanas right? Are the rooms identical in both?
We stayed at POR and loved it, but didn't love the full size beds! I'm looking forward to a bigger bed.
We also don't mind walking, even after a day of walking in the parks. Our room at POR was super close to both the food court and the main pool, but we still took a walk almost every day. It was just so pretty! Plus if I have a bit more of a walk, I can eat a few more pastries from the bakery in France. Getting weighed at the doctors once a month is not a good thing if you plan on pigging out at Disney!

 

[trennr]

so I'm thinking I just want to be close to the main pool. That would be Ranchos or Cabanas right? Are the rooms identical in both?

We also don't mind walking, even after a day of walking in the parks. Our room at POR was super close to both the food court and the main pool, but we still took a walk almost every day.

Cabanas 8A are the closest to the Main pool...8B a little further. 9A has the quiet pool.

Ranchos 7B would be the 2nd closest and has a quiet pool...with 6B the 6A...Ranchos have the most distance from El Centro.

All Rooms are identical.

I've been to the CSR once had a room in Cabanas 8B...very near 9A...was very convenient to everything I wanted at the resort...if I could request that specific room again I would.

 

[monkeybug]

Cabanas 8A are the closest to the Main pool...8B a little further. 9A has the quiet pool.

Ranchos 7B would be the 2nd closest and has a quiet pool...with 6B the 6A...Ranchos have the most distance from El Centro.

All Rooms are identical.

I've been to the CSR once had a room in Cabanas 8B...very near 9A...was very convenient to everything I wanted at the resort...if I could request that specific room again I would.

Thank you! I've never requested a room before, but I know my kids would love to be close to that awesome pool, so I think I'll have my husband fax one in this time!

 

[Pixiedust34]

The no cell signal concerns me. I've never had that problem at WDW, though in one Pop room I had to be by the door to get a signal.

What phone carrier do you have? Is this a common problem at CSR? I'll be using my cell every day, and I usually call from my room when on vacation. TIA!

 

[KatMark]

The no cell signal concerns me. I've never had that problem at WDW, though in one Pop room I had to be by the door to get a signal.

What phone carrier do you have? Is this a common problem at CSR? I'll be using my cell every day, and I usually call from my room when on vacation. TIA!

I've never had a problem in eight stays at the CSR with phone service. I have AT&T and we've stayed on every floor -- 1st, 2nd, third and fourth.

 

[DisneyLover75]

The no cell signal concerns me. I've never had that problem at WDW, though in one Pop room I had to be by the door to get a signal.

What phone carrier do you have? Is this a common problem at CSR? I'll be using my cell every day, and I usually call from my room when on vacation. TIA!

I have T-Mobile. This was the first time I've ever had a problem with a signal at WDW.

Usually I have full bars. I've stayed at all the values and WL since I've been the owner of a cell phone, and this is the first time I've had a problem. I've been on various floors too, including the ground floor, and been fine. But the CSR manager said the walls are thicker on the ground floor and some (not all) people have a problem getting a signal when they're on the ground floor.

But like I say, I was totally fine when I moved to the upper floor. (He said he'd have kept me in Cabanas 9B on an upper floor, but they only had king rooms, and I preferred two queens, so I went to Casitas 3 instead) It was only the ground floor that gave me a hard time with my signal. And as soon as I stepped outside the room, I had full bars again.

Must be the luck of the draw.

 

[KatMark]

Hi! I just got back from Disney and CSR last night.

It was very nice. I'm not sure I'd return with kids, though. I'll tell you my thoughts:

*It was very pretty, picturesque and lush on the grounds of the resort. Absolutely lovely.

*Cafe Rix was very convenient to refill my resort mug, and for my son to grab a snack.

*Panchito's is cute and has a good variety of gifts and necessities (I totally needed a monster energy drink in the mornings! Rix had only one flavor, but Panchitos had three choices.. much better. My son liked the little table where they had some toys out for the kids to play.

*All the employees were friendly and nice to us. In fact, the first building we were in was Cabanas 9B, which initially was pleasing to me, because it was right next to El Centro but they put me on the ground floor, which was fine, but I got NO cell phone signal.
I'll explain: Since I was at Disney with just my autistic son, I was counting on being able to talk, text and use my phone to check facebook and emails, etc when we got back to the room at the end of the day. Having no phone signal was a huge disappointment.

So the next day I worked up the courage and called to ask if there was anything that could be done, or if I wouldn't get service in any of the buildings. One of the managers said that it was because I was on the ground floor, and if I could be moved up higher it'd be better for a phone signal, so they moved me to casitas 3, on the fourth floor. That worked GREAT! It was a little farther to walk to El Centro, but it worked out fine.

*The Dig Site was never visited by us, because the thought of walking all that way after having walked all over the parks all day was absolutely cause for despair. It was too cold to swim anyway, and I don't know how I'd have kept my son out of the pool if we'd gone over there.

It boils down to this: If I brought kids with me, and we weren't doing parks every day, I'd stay at CSR again, because it was fun and pretty and the Dig Site looks (from pictures, lol) like great fun for them. But if it was going to be a trip like I just took, where we have plans to be in the parks the majority of each day, I would NOT come back to CSR, because it's just too spread out.

If I did NOT have children with me, and I was taking my time coming and going as I pleased, I'd happily return.

The buses were good, mousekeeping did a great job, all the CMs were friendly.

Oh... the Pepper Market. No. That was a big con for us. It was too cold outside to take the food to go, to avoid a service charge. So we never set foot in there, other than to get our refillable mugs. It was a pity too, because I'd have been glad for a counter service meal that was nice and convenient like that.

I had my LGMH on my door, but no one stopped by. I wasn't overly worried about that anyway.. I was busy, and I knew everyone else would be too. Still, it would've been fun to run into some Dis members! But that's ok. I was really exhausted and frazzled by the end of the day and just wanted to relax! I'm sure it was the same, or similar for the others too! (And the resort is so huge, who's to say anyone even passed my door, right?)

Anyway... that's my story. Sorry I babbled on so long! LOL

Thank you so much for your very detailed review...I know many people besides myself appreciate it. I'm glad that for the most part your vacation seemed to go smoothly and you and your DS had a good time.

 

[DisneyLover75]

Oh I was happy to report! I'd been thinking of what I'd say here during my whole trip! I wanted to be sure and get it all in there!

Kathy.. how is your brother doing?

 

[KatMark]

Oh I was happy to report! I'd been thinking of what I'd say here during my whole trip! I wanted to be sure and get it all in there!

Kathy.. how is your brother doing?

How sweet of you to ask. He is home; he has a long road ahead of him and is taking it a day at a time...but slowly getting his strength back. He has lost over 70 pounds already (over 50 of those while in the hospital in fluid). He goes to the doctor a week from Saturday for a follow up visit.

 

[trennr]

The no cell signal concerns me. I've never had that problem at WDW, though in one Pop room I had to be by the door to get a signal.

What phone carrier do you have? Is this a common problem at CSR? I'll be using my cell every day, and I usually call from my room when on vacation. TIA!

We didn't have any issues...we were on Ground floor in the Cabanas...we had Tracfones...pretty sure our carrier is AT&T. at least it works when e-mailing using the ###@txt.att.net

 

[sherabby]

We didn't have any issues...we were on Ground floor in the Cabanas...we had Tracfones...pretty sure our carrier is AT&T. at least it works when e-mailing using the ###@txt.att.net

Is there a location that is central to both the main pool and the food court area or is it one or the other?
As long as you can fill your mug at the pool I don't think we need to be near the food court area.

 

[DisneyLover75]

How sweet of you to ask. He is home; he has a long road ahead of him and is taking it a day at a time...but slowly getting his strength back. He has lost over 70 pounds already (over 50 of those while in the hospital in fluid). He goes to the doctor a week from Saturday for a follow up visit.

I'm so glad he's better! That's great! You must be so relieved!