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

[Pooh&OurHunny]

Yes they put them in to go boxes and then they will give you a bag to carry them in if you ask.

Thanks, I'm so glad they give you a bag to carry too.

 

[oceanmuzik]

thank you!!!!!

 

[KatMark]

If we want to eat in our room, when I order the food at Pepper Market will they be able to put it in to go boxes?
Thanks

Yes; just be sure to ask for a TO GO ticket so that you don't get charged the 10% gratuity.

 

[kyl]

I found this picture of the pool sign at the Dig Site with the hours of 8AM to Midnight. Enjoy!

Thanks for this info

 

[beyond2k]

We will be at CSR on Sept 19-25. We are 2 couples with 2 rooms. I have bad back problems and also a pinched nerve in my thigh. I would like to be as close to buses as possible. Can anyone suggest a room that would help me out. Also is it possible to get adjoining rooms at CSR?
And lastly do I call and request these specific rooms?

Thanks for any help.

 

[KatMark]

We will be at CSR on Sept 19-25. We are 2 couples with 2 rooms. I have bad back problems and also a pinched nerve in my thigh. I would like to be as close to buses as possible. Can anyone suggest a room that would help me out. Also is it possible to get adjoining rooms at CSR?
And lastly do I call and request these specific rooms?

Thanks for any help.

First, I am sorry to hear about your back and pinched nerve...I am sure it is very painful.

There is a bus stop located in each section. However, Casitas 4 and 5 and Ranchos 7A or Cabanas 8A are closest to the bus stops if my memory serves me right. Casitas 4 and 5 will be a little further to the main pool; Ranchos 7A will be a longer walk to the main building.

I would call and have it noted on your reservation if you haven't done so already. You might mention the pinched nerve and hopefully that will help with your request (I know there is a special "medical phone number" for special requests but, I unfortunately, do not know what it is).

You will be there part of the time we are there. I don't know what time you get in on the 19th, but we are having a little "mini-Dis meet" at 2:00 at Siesta's by the pool if you are there and want to join us.

 

[DJFan88]

We just got back yesterday. Just a couple of thoughts here to address some of the previous comments and questions:
I did the faxing of the request 4 days prior. They honored that greatly. We got the closest possible Cabana bldg. to El Centro, closest possible room even. Very convenient, don't know how Casita 5 people and Ranchos people do it when it's super hot.
Maid service was fine. Ours was late in the day however, and a couple of times she forgot to change the coffee, but that was it. When she did it the other days she left an extra regular as she figured out what we liked. Arranged the kids animals every day. Most days animals would be peeking out the window to welcome us back. Other than that, no housecleening issues.
With the convenience of our room however, our closest bus stop (super close) was Stop 1 - El Centro --- aka/ the last to pick up. It was usu. crowded so lots of standing. Also, we thought the bussing was much worse here. By the end of the week I was timing busses everywhere to see if they were making it in 20 min. They usu. just squeaked by. Waits at DHS and Epcot were long. Sometimes we'd walk to stop 3 to get a seat, but then we took the chance of missing a bus, which may not come again till who knows. We thought CBR's bussing was better, but guess we just hit it wrong, because usu. people brag about the CSR busses. Next time my DH says we will take busses to MK and Epcot and drive AK, DHS and DTD.
Pepper Market food was excellent. Love the pasta selections. Much easier, in my opinion to get the TO GO ticket and take it outside to one of the tables. Here's a tip we learned, both the little dinner size pizza (9") and the large pizza (14") are a counter service entree. Most people I saw would get the small one, not realizing this. So, I asked the lady which one was on the dining plan and she said whichever one you want. So I said, well give me the big one then! It would EASILY feed 2, more if you add in that you still have a dessert. Sometimes I would get the dessert as a Cinnamon roll or muffin for people to keep for the morning quick breakfast. So, if you are looking to save credits you can. Also, my little ones counter service credits were not broken up into kids or adults.
The Cabana's quiet pool is mostly 3 feet 6 inches. There is only one area side where it gets to be 4 feet and then a real small part is 5 feet. We checked all the other quiet pools just out of curiosity when walking around and it seemed to be the best for the little guy, who can swim sort of, but we didn't want him hanging around over his head. This was his favorite pool.
The main pool was nice in the fact that he could mainly get around well the way they break up all the different feet deeps.
For the adults, my DH and I would relax outside of the arcade at a pool table near the playground and arcade with a drink from Siesta's after we loaded the kids Arcade cards up with credits. There is only that door to come out of and we were right out there relaxing. This was great at night, as the weather at night is beautiful. Siesta's closes at 8 pm however, but you can bring drinks over from Lagunas or the Rix grab and go. The Rix grab and go put more booze in the Daquiries than Siestas did. Also, if you have a car, the Hess station near the Boardwalk sells a 6 pack for much cheaper than buying beer at the Rix.
The gift shop also has a Pin book that changes each day with pins that the CM's wear. Any kid pin trader (or adult) can look at that book and trade with it if they want. It's the first counter on the right as you enter.
I would totally go back here, but my DH said he wouldn't. He did agree that he liked alot about it better than CBR. Initially he was disappointed I didn't book CBR. We went to CBR for quick service one night however, and he changed his opinion on that, however, preferring CSR's food.
Have a great time everyone.

 

[KatMark]

We just got back yesterday. Just a couple of thoughts here to address some of the previous comments and questions:
I did the faxing of the request 4 days prior. They honored that greatly. We got the closest possible Cabana bldg. to El Centro, closest possible room even. Very convenient, don't know how Casita 5 people and Ranchos people do it when it's super hot.
Maid service was fine. Ours was late in the day however, and a couple of times she forgot to change the coffee, but that was it. When she did it the other days she left an extra regular as she figured out what we liked. Arranged the kids animals every day. Most days animals would be peeking out the window to welcome us back. Other than that, no housecleening issues.
With the convenience of our room however, our closest bus stop (super close) was Stop 1 - El Centro --- aka/ the last to pick up. It was usu. crowded so lots of standing. Also, we thought the bussing was much worse here. By the end of the week I was timing busses everywhere to see if they were making it in 20 min. They usu. just squeaked by. Waits at DHS and Epcot were long. Sometimes we'd walk to stop 3 to get a seat, but then we took the chance of missing a bus, which may not come again till who knows. We thought CBR's bussing was better, but guess we just hit it wrong, because usu. people brag about the CSR busses. Next time my DH says we will take busses to MK and Epcot and drive AK, DHS and DTD.
Pepper Market food was excellent. Love the pasta selections. Much easier, in my opinion to get the TO GO ticket and take it outside to one of the tables. Here's a tip we learned, both the little dinner size pizza (9") and the large pizza (14") are a counter service entree. Most people I saw would get the small one, not realizing this. So, I asked the lady which one was on the dining plan and she said whichever one you want. So I said, well give me the big one then! It would EASILY feed 2, more if you add in that you still have a dessert. Sometimes I would get the dessert as a Cinnamon roll or muffin for people to keep for the morning quick breakfast. So, if you are looking to save credits you can. Also, my little ones counter service credits were not broken up into kids or adults.
The Cabana's quiet pool is mostly 3 feet 6 inches. There is only one area side where it gets to be 4 feet and then a real small part is 5 feet. We checked all the other quiet pools just out of curiosity when walking around and it seemed to be the best for the little guy, who can swim sort of, but we didn't want him hanging around over his head. This was his favorite pool.
The main pool was nice in the fact that he could mainly get around well the way they break up all the different feet deeps.
For the adults, my DH and I would relax outside of the arcade at a pool table near the playground and arcade with a drink from Siesta's after we loaded the kids Arcade cards up with credits. There is only that door to come out of and we were right out there relaxing. This was great at night, as the weather at night is beautiful. Siesta's closes at 8 pm however, but you can bring drinks over from Lagunas or the Rix grab and go. The Rix grab and go put more booze in the Daquiries than Siestas did. Also, if you have a car, the Hess station near the Boardwalk sells a 6 pack for much cheaper than buying beer at the Rix.
The gift shop also has a Pin book that changes each day with pins that the CM's wear. Any kid pin trader (or adult) can look at that book and trade with it if they want. It's the first counter on the right as you enter.
I would totally go back here, but my DH said he wouldn't. He did agree that he liked alot about it better than CBR. Initially he was disappointed I didn't book CBR. We went to CBR for quick service one night however, and he changed his opinion on that, however, preferring CSR's food.
Have a great time everyone.

Dear DJFan88, thanks for the detailed review. First, I'm glad you wanted the section you got -- that always helps overall with how you like the resort (personally, Casitas 5 is my favorite building and I've never had an issue in the 95 degrees walking to the main pool or the main building, but then I just take my time). Thank you for the information on the pizza -- I did not know that. And that is great info to have on the Pin Book (when I redo this thread after my trip, I will be sure to include that information in it). I'm surprised about the buses; were there any conventions there while you were there? If not, that my be why the buses were more crowded. When we took the bus to the MK from the same stop you got on, it was exactly a ten minute ride. And I'm curious as to why your husband would not go back if he liked it better than CBR? Does he just like to try new resorts?

 

[alicia080979]

I'm sure we covered this somewhere in the great abyss that is this thread but does CSR have free Wi-Fi anywhere? I know you can pay in the room but I didn't know if the Lobby's or Pools have free Wi-Fi if. We don't really need it much but I was just wondering if we take our laptop.

 

[1tufgt]

I'm sure we covered this somewhere in the great abyss that is this thread but does CSR have free Wi-Fi anywhere? I know you can pay in the room but I didn't know if the Lobby's or Pools have free Wi-Fi if. We don't really need it much but I was just wondering if we take our laptop.

On the CSR resort page states there is a fee to use the wifi.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/coronado-springs-resort/services-amenities/

Wireless (Wi-Fi) Internet Access (for an additional fee)

 

[KatMark]

I'm sure we covered this somewhere in the great abyss that is this thread but does CSR have free Wi-Fi anywhere? I know you can pay in the room but I didn't know if the Lobby's or Pools have free Wi-Fi if. We don't really need it much but I was just wondering if we take our laptop.

There is no free Wi-Fi. You can use the common areas -- the main lobby, the pool (main pool only) and Rix Lounge. You will require a wireless interface card which you can get in the business center. It is approximately $4.99 for 60 minutes and $9.95 for 24 hours (a single day).

 

[100AcreWood]

Based on the last review, I'm thinking more about faxing a room request. I was happy to leave it to chance but I definitely don't want to be the last pick up at the buses with three small children. It would be difficult for us to stand a lot and hold on to them. Not to mention my MIL has bad knees.

Also, do you leave tips for housekeeping? My dh finds this very odd since we never leave tips in any other hotel. Is this normal? Do they expect the tips? Do you get better service by leaving tips?

 

[KatMark]

Based on the last review, I'm thinking more about faxing a room request. I was happy to leave it to chance but I definitely don't want to be the last pick up at the buses with three small children. It would be difficult for us to stand a lot and hold on to them. Not to mention my MIL has bad knees.

Also, do you leave tips for housekeeping? My dh finds this very odd since we never leave tips in any other hotel. Is this normal? Do they expect the tips? Do you get better service by leaving tips?

I would fax in (and call it in as well if it is not noted on your reservation) that you would like to be in Casitas 3, 4 or 5 -- these are all close to Bus Stop 2 -- the first one picked up and dropped off). We do leave a tip for mousekeeping...but then my husband leaves one wherever he travels. No, you do NOT get better service if you tip. The service depends on your mousekeeper (and, unfortunately, mousekeeping at Disney has gone WAY downhill).

 

[DJFan88]

. I'm surprised about the buses; were there any conventions there while you were there? If not, that my be why the buses were more crowded. When we took the bus to the MK from the same stop you got on, it was exactly a ten minute ride. And I'm curious as to why your husband would not go back if he liked it better than CBR? Does he just like to try new resorts?

A convention came after we were there a few days. It was not the fact that the bus ride to MK was a ten minute ride. It was how long we had to wait at stops for busses. There were usu. 2 or 3 busses for some of the other hotels for every one of our busses. One day at stop 1 the El centro the bus driver turned away a ton of us people because he was full for AK on early entry day. He said he ordered us a new bus. A guy with a clip board there and a transportation uniform also was there. That took about 20 min. after the 15 we already waited. Because we had such a long wait at DHS I started timing some rides. At Epcot they just got in at 20 min. And who knows how quick before we got there a bus had been there, as people were already waiting. POR and Saratoga had about 3 and 2 respectively come by. Of course, sometimes luck would time it just right. But, on average, it was worse than better. Definetly had better service on other trips at CBR.
I think he just didn't care for the layout, I'm not really sure. I thought the layout was extremely better and left more options for dispersing crowds and things than CBR. I liked having the main pool away from El Centro. Like I said I would go there again. I think he was a little spoiled about catching busses quicker on our other trips. He's even considering upgrading to be able to walk into Epcot.

 

[DJFan88]

Based on the last review, I'm thinking more about faxing a room request. I was happy to leave it to chance but I definitely don't want to be the last pick up at the buses with three small children. It would be difficult for us to stand a lot and hold on to them. Not to mention my MIL has bad knees.

Also, do you leave tips for housekeeping? My dh finds this very odd since we never leave tips in any other hotel. Is this normal? Do they expect the tips? Do you get better service by leaving tips?

We just had to use Stop 1 because we were so close to El Centro. So, if you are elsewhere you are probably okay.

We do tip. $4 a day. I agree it's probably the housekeeper.

 

[KatMark]

A convention came after we were there a few days. It was not the fact that the bus ride to MK was a ten minute ride. It was how long we had to wait at stops for busses. There were usu. 2 or 3 busses for some of the other hotels for every one of our busses. One day at stop 1 the El centro the bus driver turned away a ton of us people because he was full for AK on early entry day. He said he ordered us a new bus. A guy with a clip board there and a transportation uniform also was there. That took about 20 min. after the 15 we already waited. Because we had such a long wait at DHS I started timing some rides. At Epcot they just got in at 20 min. And who knows how quick before we got there a bus had been there, as people were already waiting. POR and Saratoga had about 3 and 2 respectively come by. Of course, sometimes luck would time it just right. But, on average, it was worse than better. Definetly had better service on other trips at CBR.
I think he just didn't care for the layout, I'm not really sure. I thought the layout was extremely better and left more options for dispersing crowds and things than CBR. I liked having the main pool away from El Centro. Like I said I would go there again. I think he was a little spoiled about catching busses quicker on our other trips. He's even considering upgrading to be able to walk into Epcot.

Thanks for the explanation. I know I've read of those problems with buses at a number of resorts lately.

I'm with your DH; if I could afford to stay at a deluxe where I could walk to the parks, I would like to try it. But, in truth, I'd always go back to the CSR.

I'm glad you enjoyed your stay overall, and I thank you again for taking the time to report on it.

 

[DaniB]

DJFan88 -->> Thanks for your review of CSR! I loved reading the tip about the two different size pizzas for the same CS credit. I will remember that!

And the tip about the trading pins book in the gift shop - wonderful - my kids will be happy to find that out! I have a feeling we'll be stopping by there once a day.

I'm not going to tell the kids or my husband about mousekeeping moving the stuffed animals around, or the possiblity of animal towels. I wonder what explanation the kids will come up with if we're lucky enough to have that happen.

 

[kyl]

I am really worried about the buses after reading DJFan88. Should I be thinking of going to CBR.....oh we only have 3 weeks left and I am so confused as to what to do. As we are travelling so far away from Australia with three children I would hate to wait for buses for longer than needed. Jet lagged kids can not be patient at times!

 

[Disneymama5816]

THANK YOU!!!

We will be there on Sunday!!! See you at the pool!!!

 

[ireland_nicole]

After much discussion in our household, we have decided to move our reservation to a different week at POFQ. While I think it is the best decision for DD, I am truly looking forward to visiting CSR another trip; I just wanted to thank you for the welcome, and reiterate how much I appreciate the work put into organizing all the info in this thread.