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

[JoJoFromNY]

Kathy - thanks so much for all the info on CSR. I am a newbie and me and the family are headed to CSR for our 1st time in exactly 4 weeks. Can't wait!

Also, hope you don't mind but my DH want to lay in "your" hammock. Hopefully, if our requests are granted it will be outside our room in Casitas 5.

 

[KatMark]

No, thank you!!!! Without your helpful information I would not have know what to expect. It made my stay a lot nicer! I loved it there!

Also, I forgot to mention, we booked a standard room and we got a lovely room with a partial water view of the lake and courtyard. We got lucky, it was a pretty view.

Wonderful....you received a little pixie dust. Those water views are nice (especially if you don't pay for them ).

Kathy - thanks so much for all the info on CSR. I am a newbie and me and the family are headed to CSR for our 1st time in exactly 4 weeks. Can't wait!

Also, hope you don't mind but my DH want to lay in "your" hammock. Hopefully, if our requests are granted it will be outside our room in Casitas 5.

Tell your DH he can ONLY lay in my hammock if he gets an adult beverage from Franciso at Siesta's Pool Bar to sip while laying there.

Have a wonderful time.

 

[ipodluvr287]

Haha. Sorry I'm kind of new to CSR, so this may have already been asked, but what are the differences between the cabanas, casitas, and ranchos? I've tried to look up pics, but not much luck.

 

[KatMark]

Haha. Sorry I'm kind of new to CSR, so this may have already been asked, but what are the differences between the cabanas, casitas, and ranchos? I've tried to look up pics, but not much luck.

Go to the first page of this post, Post #2. The pictures show the three different sections (Casitas, Cabanas and Ranchos...in this order). The difference is the buildings and the theme outside the buildings. The rooms inside all look the same.

 

[ipodluvr287]

Go to the first page of this post, Post #2. The pictures show the three different sections (Casitas, Cabanas and Ranchos...in this order). The difference is the buildings and the theme outside the buildings. The rooms inside all look the same.

Thanks so much! I was also wondering if the rooms have balconies, or just a window? b/c I know you can pay extra for a water view and etc.

 

[KatMark]

Thanks so much! I was also wondering if the rooms have balconies, or just a window? b/c I know you can pay extra for a water view and etc.

No balconies. Values and moderates do not have balconies.

 

[ipodluvr287]

No balconies. Values and moderates do not have balconies.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Maine-iac]

I get a kick out of how the mention of "Ranchos" seems to strike fear in many of us!!

I've now stayed in all 3 sections and I've got to say, Ranchos was a pleasant surprise! I remember the "oh no!" feeling I had when we first learned our rooms were in Ranchos (right before Christmas, 2 adjoining rooms), but we actually found the area to be very pretty, quiet, and convenient to the bus stop!

DD16 and I will be there for Easter. No requests - we're going to be happy no matter where we are at CSR!

I ended up really liking Ranchos for the reasons you mentioned. Well I guess if we ask for Ranchos we will probably get it since no one else wants it.

 

[Maine-iac]

If we didn't have refillable mugs and had sodas for our room we would have loved Ranchos. Just having to get the mugs for the morning and the evening it was a pain having to get to our room then hike there instead of waiting for a bus. Next time I think we'll request Ranchos and go with Garden Grocer instead of dealing with mugs since there will be 5 of us in 2 rooms instead of just DH and I.

We used Garden Grocer for the first time and will definitely do that again and not get the mugs.

 

[cassie58]

WE are headed there in July for 3 nights. I am so excited. We usually stay at POFQ or WL but the boys really wanted to stay at CSR. We booked a standard view room - I would like to be near the pool but not so near that the noise at night will keep up the kids. Because it is a busy time I don't want full busses to pass us by for the parks in the am. I'm sure some bus stops are better than others. I know you are not guaranteed requests, but which buildings would be best for us. It is not crucial that we are near El Centro.

I would recommend Cabanas 8b as your best bet(KatMark will correct me if I'm wrong!) You're a few minutes from the pool, but close to bus stop 4. We had no problems w/buses, but weren't there at a busy time, however most folks on here have had little or no problems w/wait times. My 2nd choice would be Cabanas 8a, which we loved, but we were closer to the parking lot end - I don't know if there would be noise if you got placed at the other end, closest to the pool. It's about 5 min. walk to El Centro. Check out page 1 of this thread for the colorful map of CSR - you can see where the buildings are in relation to everything. Good luck!

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

 

[LotsaMickey]

we will be staying at this resort May 27th after our disney cruise,hope it is as great as it looks!

 

[aubriee]

I get a kick out of how the mention of "Ranchos" seems to strike fear in many of us!!

I've now stayed in all 3 sections and I've got to say, Ranchos was a pleasant surprise! I remember the "oh no!" feeling I had when we first learned our rooms were in Ranchos (right before Christmas, 2 adjoining rooms), but we actually found the area to be very pretty, quiet, and convenient to the bus stop!

DD16 and I will be there for Easter. No requests - we're going to be happy no matter where we are at CSR!

Every time I've stayed at CSR I've spent some time walking around the different sections. Sorry, but I REALLY hate the look of the Ranchos. That is just a personal preference though. I'm from Texas and just want something different when I'm on vacation. This past Dec, my husband and I spent some time over there taking pictures and he teased me, saying that area really wasn't that bad. I just gave him that look wives give their husbands when they know better. He seemed to think it was hilarious that I had such a dislike for that section. Besides not liking the looks of it, I also use the refillable mug a couple times a day, so don't like how far the Ranchos are from the main building. There is also the fact that I travel solo down there quite a bit and don't like how isolated the Ranchos feel. The Ranchos being the second bus stop would be nice, but not enough of an incentive to stay over there. One thing I love about CSR is how they have the three distinct sections, so there is something for everyone. I'll be there in May and again in Dec (and maybe in Oct, if I decide to switch my CBR reservation to CSR) and am hoping for the Cabanas each time, but know I'd be OK in the Casitas too. The Ranchos, not so much.

Some people post how they love the Ranchos, but I notice most of them are from up north, so that section would be totally different from what they are used to. Just like alot of people from up north don't like the WL, but I love the theming because it is different from what I'm used to. Alot of people from Lousiana don't like the PO resorts for the same reason--too much like home. It's funny there are only two areas I'd never want to stay in at WDW. One is the Ranchos at CSR and the other is the Contemporary resort. I think both are ugly, but at the same time know others love them.

 

[tamben01]

I love this DISboard!! It is making me even MORE excited about our vacation! We are arriving in 18 days and counting.

I was wondering about transportation to other resorts? How does that work? Do you have to take the bus to a park, and then catch a bus from there to other resorts? We are dining at Jiko one night, and Kona cafe another. We are doing a charater breakfast at CBR one morning, but will be taking a cab as suggested on here before. We do have a toddler who needs a carseat in a car...anyone have experience with toddlers and cabs at Disney?

Also, does anyone know during the busy time(that we are in Disney) how long should we allow for travel between parks, or from parks to resort if we have a reservation?

Has anyone taken the bass fishing trip offered at CSR? Might be silyl to think of bass fishing while at Disney but it might be a nice change of pace for my husband and teenage son. How about the kayaks..worth renting?

 

[DisneyCrafter]

I love this DISboard!! It is making me even MORE excited about our vacation! We are arriving in 18 days and counting.

I was wondering about transportation to other resorts? How does that work? Do you have to take the bus to a park, and then catch a bus from there to other resorts? Yes, you need to take a bus from your resort to the closest park and then catch a bus (or the monorail, or even a boat-depending on which resort you are going to). We are dining at Jiko one night, and Kona cafe another. For Jiko, I would suggest taking a cab. CSR is not that far (or so I've heard) from AK, and AKL is pretty much down the road. But, if AK is still open, take a bus to there and then hop on the AKL bus. Just make sure you get off at the stop for Jambo House, we made that mistake two trips ago and walked forever to get to it! For Kona, just take a bus from CSR to MK and hop on the monorail to the Poly. We are doing a charater breakfast at CBR one morning, but will be taking a cab as suggested on here before. We do have a toddler who needs a carseat in a car...anyone have experience with toddlers and cabs at Disney? Unfortunately, I can't help you here. I'm guessing they just expect you to buckle them up between you??? But I have no idea.

Also, does anyone know during the busy time(that we are in Disney) how long should we allow for travel between parks, or from parks to resort if we have a reservation? They usually recommend to allow for one hour for travel. Some take that long, some don't. It really depends on the buses. If you can figure out the carseat and taxi ordeal and can allot some extra case for a taxi, I would definitely suggest taking a taxi if you feel you would be pressed for time. Just a suggestion to take a stress off. DH and I are going in October and for breakfast we are definitely planning on taking a cab, that way we get 30 more minutes of precious sleep time and don't have to worry about racing to our ADR to make it time, if the need should arise!

Has anyone taken the bass fishing trip offered at CSR? Might be silyl to think of bass fishing while at Disney but it might be a nice change of pace for my husband and teenage son. How about the kayaks..worth renting? Sorry, I can't be of any help here. I would love for my DDad to come to WDW with us and go fishing, as it is his favorite!

I hope all of this information helps! I remember planning our Disneymoon and wondering the same things!

 

[aubriee]

I love this DISboard!! It is making me even MORE excited about our vacation! We are arriving in 18 days and counting.

I was wondering about transportation to other resorts? How does that work? Do you have to take the bus to a park, and then catch a bus from there to other resorts? We are dining at Jiko one night, and Kona cafe another. We are doing a charater breakfast at CBR one morning, but will be taking a cab as suggested on here before. We do have a toddler who needs a carseat in a car...anyone have experience with toddlers and cabs at Disney?

Also, does anyone know during the busy time(that we are in Disney) how long should we allow for travel between parks, or from parks to resort if we have a reservation?

Has anyone taken the bass fishing trip offered at CSR? Might be silyl to think of bass fishing while at Disney but it might be a nice change of pace for my husband and teenage son. How about the kayaks..worth renting?

WDW does not have buses that go resort to resort. You will have to transfer at either a park or DTD. To get to Jiko, just catch the bus to AK, then catch a bus to AKL. Make sure you get off at Jambo House though, not Kidani Village. Both are at AKL, but Jiko is on the bottom floor of Jambo House. To get back to CSR, you'd have to catch a bus either to the park that's having extra magic hours that night or to DTD and then catch the CSR bus from there (since AK usually closes at 5:00pm). To get to Kona, catch the bus to MK then catch either the boat or the monorail to the Polynesian. You've lost me on the character breakfast a CBR. Are you sure about that? I've never heard of any character meals at any moderate resort. Are you sure you're not talking about Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary. If you are, then again just take the bus to MK, then either monorail or walk over to the Contemporary.

Don't know anything about the bass fishing. Sorry!

 

[KatMark]

We are doing a charater breakfast at CBR one morning, but will be taking a cab as suggested on here before.

There is no character breakfast at the CBR. Do you mean Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary (CR)?

 

[sherabby]

I'm not sure if I asked this before....sorry if I did! We are looking for a place close to the main pool yet easy enough to refil our mugs. We also would have our rental car and wouldn't want to walk too far to park. Is there a good room section that we should ask for that is pretty central for all of the above. can you refil your mugs near the main pool?

 

[tlenzendorf]

I'm not sure if I asked this before....sorry if I did! We are looking for a place close to the main pool yet easy enough to refil our mugs. We also would have our rental car and wouldn't want to walk too far to park. Is there a good room section that we should ask for that is pretty central for all of the above. can you refil your mugs near the main pool?

You can get your mugs refilled at Siesta's at the pool when they are open. I think the hours when we were there was 10-6, but I'm not positive.

 

[DisneyMommy1022]

Can someone tell me if the room door's are metal here?

 

[tamben01]

There is no character breakfast at the CBR. Do you mean Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary (CR)?

Oops. I meant Beach Club Resort, at the Cape May Cafe.