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

[KatMark]

Hi KatMark, thank you so much for all of the valuable infomation and great pictures.

I have been fasinated with CSR since it was built, but I have never stayed there! Every time I see the pictures it takes my breath away! When it was pretty new (1999) we sent my parents there for a couple days as a thank you for throwing our wedding for us. We stayed in POFQ that year, about a month before they went. When they came back they raved about it!

The next time we went I think I got talked out of it by the guide books that said POR was better, so we stayed there (and we liked it). People said CSR was too spread out, too business-oriented, etc. I shouldn't have listened.

The next trip we were only staying two nights (a side trip from visiting the in-laws) and got a great price on WL, so we tried that (and liked that too).

This last trip, I had CSR booked! At the last minute I switched to OKW because I heard the rooms were big, the place was quiet, and I knew my husband liked the idea of a balcony (and we were getting a great deal over rack rates). Probably you know where this is going because it ended up being very loud where we stayed (bus route) the room was really run down, and the beds were so hard that I had a terrible time sleeping. I kicked myself for making the change especially after I found out when I got home (this was Nov 2009) that CSR had just been renovated!

I am determined to stay at CSR for our trip in April. I will let nothing derail me this time. You have helped to cement this decision for me! I have a couple questions:

Can you tell me about the beds? I probably seem obsessed with this, but for the last couple years, I get very sore on my sides (and don't have much better luck on my back) when I sleep on a bed that is really hard. At home, a memory foam pad helps a lot with this, but ever since that OKW experience, I am sort of freaked out that I will get another "brick bed." I have actually done ok with the beds at the other resorts I have mentioned.

Next, we really like quiet, out-of-the-way places. (mainly not a lot of loud people walking by our room to get to their own.) What do you think about the Ranchos for this? I don't mind extra walking a bit. And we will have a car with us too which I assume can be parked relatively close. Do you know what bus noise is like back there? That is also my second new obsession after the OKW trip - I hadn't had a problem with that or thought about it in the past. (I think that trip has ruined me for life!)

Thanks for anything you can share with me!

Welcome. Well, I definitely think is the year that you should try out CSR!!!
I have problems sleeping as well (I see a chiropractor once a month for lower back issues) and I love the new queen beds at the CSR. I can't remember the brand; I'm trying to find out from a friend and I'll post it here or send you a PM.

We've never stayed in the Ranchos but are hoping to do so when we are there in five weeks. A lot of people don't care for it because it is the longest walk to the main building but it does keep it more secluded back there. Like you, I don't mind the walk...I'm at Disney walking anyway. We've had a parking lot view once and I never heard a bus (the bus stops are on the other side of the parking lot so I doubt you'd hear much noise at all).

 

[kleigh1969]

Thanks! I think in the past, I have overthought the resorts a bit. Someone in another thread pointed out that you will always find good and bad reviews for everything and you should just pick a resort that speaks to you. I mostly picked OKW because the 2009 Unofficial guide gave it an A for being quiet (and it wasnt).

Well, if you have back issues like me and find the beds ok, I'm sure I will too. I usually "cheat" a little when I travel and take and advil or excedrin pm to help with the soreness. But no amount of pills could help that OKW bed (I'll get over it at some point and stop talking about it ).

 

[gem21]

Well a little behind on the reply, but thanks to everyone who responded to my original post...

Unfortunately I don't think CSR is in the books for us... I checked today and all they have left are Junior Suites, WAY out of our budget unfortunately. They do have King Bed rooms left, but we will be three adults, so we can not book that.
Ah perhaps another time!

 

[DaniB]

Doing laundry at WDW is easy. The laundry rooms are right near the pools, so you can swim/relax/enjoy a drink or snack while the laundry is being done. We'll be doing at least 1 load of laundry (but probably 2 loads) on our upcoming trip.

I didn't want to do laundry either, until my husband pointed out we would have that much more room in our luggage for items purchased!

Seriously, with everyone repeating how hot it will be, I can see us doing laundry mid-way through. We figured my husband & I can take turns going in to the laundry room while the other watches the kids at the Dig Site.

We are 31 days away today as well!

 

[nbs2]

The smoking areas are basically along the path around the lake at the benches that are provided. There is one that I remember being near the outdoor tables on the side nearest the Pepper Market. I've never actually "walked through Cabanas 8A" so I'm not sure just where they are located. But all of the Casitas and Cabanas 9A they were located around the perimiter of the lake at the benches.

So is sounds like all of the stopping points around the lake are the DSAs. Are they large and would I be likely to encounter smokers at each of them? I'm just curious how much of our resort time would be affected by cigarettes.

There's a nice spot near the bridge right next to the Dig Site. We did get a few nasty looks but tough noogies. It's a designated area.

So it sounds like none of the buildings are really in a DSA-free zone? Am I just better off requesting a non-ground level room away from the DSAs? I'm just trying to minimize the missus's smoke allergies without frustrating the check-in staff.

 

[slenderella]

Not me...not doing laundry on our vacation. I took an extra day off of work to get caught up when we get home.

I could not agree with you more. My hubby does the laundry. He is so OCD about it. I figure we could designate one suitecase to dirty laundry and one for souveniers and clean clothes. Works for me!

 

[slenderella]

We are trying to figure out where to stay for our trip in December 2011; although it is looking like we will be staying here. My husband and I will be taking our two kids, my mom, my brother and his girlfriend (so 7 of us total). We, my DH and I, are the only ones who have stayed at CS, and we LOVED it. Could someone give me some room ideas that would be close to the main bldg? It would be my DH, myself and 2 girls in one room, and my mom, brother and his gf in the other.We are trying to keep it as cost efficient as possible for my brother. One other question: do they have elevators to get to the upper level throughout the whole resort?
TIA,
Jonna

 

[doggydoc]

Only 25 days till our first stay at CSR!

Anyone know if Cafe Rix or the Pepper Market allows you to get the small cereal and a milk for a single snack credit. We have always done this at Pop and the All Stars when we need a quick breakfast but I've read that not every resort allows this.

Thanks

 

[deslynnpatterson]

i have a question about Rix's lounge-- my mom and I were going to go a night or two-- but the dress code says no tank tops? does this mean nothing sleeveless at aoo-- or no tube top type tank tops? I got cute sleeveless tops to wear there specifically-- let me know what everyone has worn to Rixs-- and what your experience was like there

 

[emmabelle]

Does anyone know if there is a steam room at the health club? I was thinking of staying there in January, but my husband is addicted to steam rooms while on vacation.

 

[wizzzzzard]

Tomorrow is 'Fax Room Request' day. 5 days until check in. Anything I should include besides name, and reservation #?

 

[disneymomoftwins]

I am beyond excited--we originally had reservations for CSR, when no free dining for other discounts came out for our trip (oct 13-19) we swapped over to Pop Century (love it there too). Since the new discounts came out it only cost 108.00 for to move back to CSR.

 

[KatMark]

So is sounds like all of the stopping points around the lake are the DSAs. Are they large and would I be likely to encounter smokers at each of them? I'm just curious how much of our resort time would be affected by cigarettes.



So it sounds like none of the buildings are really in a DSA-free zone? Am I just better off requesting a non-ground level room away from the DSAs? I'm just trying to minimize the missus's smoke allergies without frustrating the check-in staff.

There are no DSA's close to the building. No, not every area around the lake has a smoking section...but they are scattered around the lake. Truthfully, this does not mean that you won't encounter a smoker either in the designated area or outside of the designated area. You will find someone who breaks the rules at every resort and at every park. I reported a person who was actually smoking in the quiet pool at the CSR last year; when we visited the POFQ, there was a woman smoking at one of the tables right outside of the food court which was "not" a smoking area. I see people walking through the parks all the time with a cigarette in their hands. Unfortunately, there are always those that break a rule. I think you will be fine requesting 8A on the first floor. As I said, there is no smoking allowed near the buildings.

We are trying to figure out where to stay for our trip in December 2011; although it is looking like we will be staying here. My husband and I will be taking our two kids, my mom, my brother and his girlfriend (so 7 of us total). We, my DH and I, are the only ones who have stayed at CS, and we LOVED it. Could someone give me some room ideas that would be close to the main bldg? It would be my DH, myself and 2 girls in one room, and my mom, brother and his gf in the other.We are trying to keep it as cost efficient as possible for my brother. One other question: do they have elevators to get to the upper level throughout the whole resort?
TIA,
Jonna

Hi, Jonna. Your best bet would be Casitas 1, 2 or 3. HOWEVER, some of those more than likely will be preferred next year (they will not announce which buildings will be preferred until just before they start "preferred" rooms in January. We always try to stay in Casitas 4 or 5 and it takes me five to six minutes to walk to the main building. Yes, all buildings, with the exception of Casitas 2, have an elevator.

Only 25 days till our first stay at CSR!

Anyone know if Cafe Rix or the Pepper Market allows you to get the small cereal and a milk for a single snack credit. We have always done this at Pop and the All Stars when we need a quick breakfast but I've read that not every resort allows this.

Thanks

I know the milk is, but I don't recall the cereal being a snack credit. Muffins, banana bread, pop tarts, etc., are a snack credit (all of this is for Cafe Rix).

i have a question about Rix's lounge-- my mom and I were going to go a night or two-- but the dress code says no tank tops? does this mean nothing sleeveless at aoo-- or no tube top type tank tops? I got cute sleeveless tops to wear there specifically-- let me know what everyone has worn to Rixs-- and what your experience was like there

We only went once and we had a drink. It's a very nice place (with good drinks). I think you will be fine with a sleveless top; I am sure they mean no tube top tank tops.

Does anyone know if there is a steam room at the health club? I was thinking of staying there in January, but my husband is addicted to steam rooms while on vacation.

The health club has a 200 square foot sauna.

Tomorrow is 'Fax Room Request' day. 5 days until check in. Anything I should include besides name, and reservation #?

Include the building you want to be in. I always add a little note indicating how much we are looking forward to our stay at the CSR. Other than that, you've got it covered.

I am beyond excited--we originally had reservations for CSR, when no free dining for other discounts came out for our trip (oct 13-19) we swapped over to Pop Century (love it there too). Since the new discounts came out it only cost 108.00 for to move back to CSR.

That is great news, disneymomoftwins! Congratulations.

 

[DisneyQueen1320]

After looking at some great pics, I decided to book at CSR, but I have a question about location.

Is it worth it to book and pay for preferred location? We won't have a car and we will want to use the pool.

I was going to book at CBR, but the Queen beds, I have to stay at CSR

 

[DisneyQueen1320]

One more questions, are all the rooms redone? I love the beds

 

[KatMark]

After looking at some great pics, I decided to book at CSR, but I have a question about location.

Is it worth it to book and pay for preferred location? We won't have a car and we will want to use the pool.

I was going to book at CBR, but the Queen beds, I have to stay at CSR

One more questions, are all the rooms redone? I love the beds

There is a bus stop in each location so you are never far from a bus stop. If you want to be near the Dig Site, I would request the Ranchos. Truthfully, the Ranchos are the last section requested because it is furthest from the main building. However, since you indicated you wanted to be close to the main pool, this would be ideal for you (7A or 7B). Also, Cabanas 8A or 8B would be good too.

I really don't think you need to pay for a preferred room. Truthfully, the walking is NOT as bad as some people have indicated. You said you've been at CBR before and it is slightly larger than the CSR. If you were okay with the size of CBR, you'll be fine without a preferred room at CSR.

Yes, all of the rooms were completed last September.

 

[princessmom29]

We got FD for our trip today!! I had to push our arrival date back to March 3 but I got in on the last day before the blackout!!! We will loose a park day becuase I can only take 2 days off of school, but it is worth it. We save $750 with FD!

 

[KatMark]

We got FD for our trip today!! I had to push our arrival date back to March 3 but I got in on the last day before the blackout!!! We will loose a park day becuase I can only take 2 days off of school, but it is worth it. We save $750 with FD!

 

[DisneyQueen1320]

Thanks so much

 

[TinkerBrie]

I am sooooooo excited!!!! Just booked my first stay at CSR!!!!!! Can't wait!!! I booked online, saved $500.00 off of my original estimate!!!!
They only had water view rooms available, and I couldn't request a building online.... I really want to be close to the main building and the main pool, what building should I ask for, and can I call (after the discount hubbub blows over and I can actually get through!) and ask them to note my request???? Thanks and keep the tips and pictures coming!!!!!!