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

[jess20k]

We checked in on the 17th and were also on the 3rd floor(room 5355). The painting was going on from the minute we checked in until the 27th when we left. A few of the kids even got pain on their shirts becaused they leaned on the wall. I guess since this is a slower time of year they start to do some maintanence. Glad the manager did something for you. I guess I should of said something about the pain on the kids shirts just so they are aware and can put some more signs up. There were signs but they were on the floor near the railings.

I know what you mean about the kids. My DS got paint on his shirt twice, and that was after I told him numerous times to be careful. He just doesn't want to pay attention!

 

[kyl]

You can order it now...I think i did mine 14 days in advance...but you can go ahead and order now.

Thank you will do Oh boy only 17 sleeps until we get on the plane

 

[Robin K]

We are leaving in 7 days!!!
I just have a quick question for anyone who has done this before.
We have dinner ressies for our last day at Cape May Clambake.
How can I get from CSR to Cape May when using the WDW buses? I am not renting a car or using a cab just for one meal on our last day!
Thanks in advance!
Hope everyone has a wonderful trip

 

[dina7]

We did the Clambake at Cape May Cafe our 1st nt. staying at CSR & loved it. We took a bus to Hollywood Studios & then you just go toward the right before the entrance to the studios & take the Friendship Boat to The Beach Club Resort where Cape May Cafe is located.

 

[KatMark]

We enjoyed our stay at CSR once again...it's the only resort we stay at now. Used ME & it was scheduled to stop at AKL, Kidani & CSR...stopped at CSR 1st. We were glad about that as last yr. it stopped at Pop 1st.
Used online check-in. the reg. check-in line wasn't too long, but I was the only one in the online check-in line so we walked rt. up to check in. We requested Casitas 4 & got our request so I was thrilled. The CM said our room was ready so we decided to take a walk over & get settled. When we got to the room we found that it wasn't ready at all. Mousekeeping was in the middle of cleaning it. She seemed embarassed that she was still there & apologized. I didn't really care, but it would have been nice to know the room was NOT ready to save us the walk back & forth. Room location was the best yet, 1st floor Cas. 4 rt. near the Quiet Pool. At first thought this would be noisy & annoying that people would be in the pool late at nt., but I never heard much noise at all. It was very convenient having the pool so close to our room as my younger son took a few swims at nt. after a day at the parks. He loved that. When we did return to our rm. after getting a snack at Rix Cafe, Mousekeeping was just finishing up, apologized again & gave me extra towels. Needless to say, we were given extra towels every nt., which was good since we really go through them. This is the 1st time I have walked into my room at Disney & it smelled really clean, like bleach. Some people might be put off by that, but I'm a bit of a clean freak, so it was fine w/ me. I still sprayed Lysol on everything anyway.
Mousekeeping was good the entire time...no complaints...didn't get towel animals until the last 2 days. So that kind of confirms that you don't get the same mousekeeper every day. Those same days she arranged my son's stuffed animals on the beds...so cute.

Love CSR...it is just so beautiful & peaceful...very relaxing resort!

Ate at Pepper Market several times. The CMs at the front station that makes Spanish food, omelettes in am, Chef's specials were friendly. So were the cm's at the Grill Station & Bakery Section. Just wanted to mention that as before I left I had read comments that CM's in PM were nasty. The CM's at the PIzza & Pasta Stations, however, had horrible attitudes. They did not smile at all & it seemed as if the customers were "bothering" them by ordering food. So I guess it just depends on the CM's who are working. Our food was delicious & sometimes you had to wait awhile, but that is because most of it is made fresh when you order it. Will have to post some food photos later. Southwestern Omelette, Pasta w/ Shrimp in Alfredo Sauce, Chicken Quesadillas, were great. Thought there could have been more dessert choices though.

My one complaint about CSR is the small amount of items that count as a snack credit on the Dining Plan. You can get so many more things for a snack credit in the parks & at other resorts than you can at CSR. It was very annoying...same thing last yr. For example, a muffin or big cookie were snack credits, but a croissant or piece of cake were NOT.

Spent time at the Dig Site, which was great as usual. Something new this trip at the Dig Site were activities near the pool run by 2 of the Lifeguards. They had music playing & ran games for the kids. Showed them group dance moves, hula hoop contest, musical stars, swim race. They were announcing b-days & anniv. Even more of a fun atmosphere by the pool! A Ping Pong Table has also been added to the pool area near the snack bar as well as a giant checkers game rt. near it.

Sorry this turned out to be so long...love CSR...my dh & I say it's the best kept secret in WDW!!

Glad you had another great visit. Sorry for the "little" problems, but I'm glad you were able to work them out satisfactorily.

 

[Monorail Bob's dd]

Forgot to mention another slight problem we had which happened 2 yrs ago as well: Our refrigerator did not work well. We discovered this when we woke up our 1st morning. Called Mousekeeping & they were nice but told us they are not really refrigerators, they are "coolers". This got me mad & was the same excuse we were told 2 yrs ago when we had the problem. Disney should not say the moderates have refrigerators if they don't all keep items cold enough. Anyway, she told us to change the setting to 3 I think & if it wasn't cold in 15 min. to call back. Well I waited almost 30 min. & of course it wasn't cold. The person I spoke to was very nice & sent a CM to us with a new refrigerator which did work. So it all worked out & they responded promptly to the problem.

We had the exact same problem with our fridge, followed the instructions they gave us for what number to set it at and it made no difference. They put in a new fridge for is and it was still lousy. My mom was staying in another room and her fridge seemed to work better. I was annoyed because I had purchased a half gallon of milk for my girls for breakfast and I did not want it to go bad.

 

[KatMark]

We had the exact same problem with our fridge, followed the instructions they gave us for what number to set it at and it made no difference. They put in a new fridge for is and it was still lousy. My mom was staying in another room and her fridge seemed to work better. I was annoyed because I had purchased a half gallon of milk for my girls for breakfast and I did not want it to go bad.

Did you keep the cabinet door open? That helps keep it cooler.

 

[dina7]

Did you keep the cabinet door open? That helps keep it cooler.

I knew to keep our cabinet door open from past experience & w/ the original fridge, it didn't help at all. The new one they gave us worked fine. Every day when we returned from the parks we found that Mousekeeping had closed the cabinet door. We would just open it again.

 

[100AcreWood]

Room location was the best yet, 1st floor Cas. 4 rt. near the Quiet Pool.

I'm considering requesting Cas. 4 or 5. I think it would be VERY helpful to be the first on/first off the bus. We have three children. Also, my MIL would need to sit on the bus since she has bad knees. We also plan to go to the pool only once during the week because we want to spend most of our time at the parks. Any disadvantages to being near the convention center?

 

[KatMark]

I'm considering requesting Cas. 4 or 5. I think it would be VERY helpful to be the first on/first off the bus. We have three children. Also, my MIL would need to sit on the bus since she has bad knees. We also plan to go to the pool only once during the week because we want to spend most of our time at the parks. Any disadvantages to being near the convention center?

Casitas 4 (and 5) are our favorite buildings. They are quite a distance from the convention center (Casitas 1 and 2 are the closest to the convention center).

 

[dina7]

I'm considering requesting Cas. 4 or 5. I think it would be VERY helpful to be the first on/first off the bus. We have three children. Also, my MIL would need to sit on the bus since she has bad knees. We also plan to go to the pool only once during the week because we want to spend most of our time at the parks. Any disadvantages to being near the convention center?

Our room location in Casitas 4 near the quiet pool was very close to Bus Stop #2, which is the 1st to be picked up & dropped off...always got a seat!

 

[Monorail Bob's dd]

Did you keep the cabinet door open? That helps keep it cooler.

Totally kept the door open from the moment we checked into the room, I had read that here before. Unfortunatley, it made no difference. The fridge only ever felt the teeniest bit cold no matter what we did with it.

 

[kad153]

We are heading down to Disney later this month for 7 days, and are looking at the different sections in CSR and what makes the most sense for us. Originally I was thinking Cabana section because its closest to the pool, but knowing that we are going to be spending a lot of our time in the parks, most likely coming back to the hotel early afternoon each day for rest, and heading to other resorts for dinner each night, or to see fireworks shows...I'm now thinking being near the first bus stop and in the Casita section is more important than any of that to make sure we always get seats (and lugging our stroller on and off the bus is sure to be fun).

Can folks that have stayed here before let me know their thoughts here? Am I right Casita's stop is first? Will there be plenty of seats anyway in late September? We booked a waterview room so Casita 5 is looking like it makes a lot of sense right now...

 

[DearDaisyinDurham]

Have a magical trip!!!

That castle is SO COOL!

 

[NYdisneymom2boys]

This was my family's first time at Disney. We took the Magical Express, which was wonderful. Didn't have to lug our luggage anywhere.
I did the online check in and got on that line when I arrived but the regular check in line moved quicker that the online check in. When I got up to the counter, I felt like I was checking into a Marriott...nothing "magical" or overenthusiastic CM's. She told me I was in Ranchos 7A...I sent a fax to be in 8a or 9b but didn't get it and I didn't fight it. We then walked to our room. THAT IS A WALK! Let's just say I got my exercise in these past 5 days.
When we got there the room was awesome...clean...and neat. The beds were comfy! Then I had to do a milk run for my toddler and I forgot to tell the staff I needed a microwave in my room (which I got in 25 minutes) so I walked all the way back to el centro and then back again to the room. By the time I got back, I was sweating!

Thankfully, we found that our bus stop (stop #3) was right around the corner from our hotel. We never waited for a bus for more than 5 minutes. But let me tell you about the buses...they are FREEZING!! In fact I am sick from the buses being so cold! So remember to bring a sweatshirt at night..even in the daytime...while you're riding those buses! This is coming from a NY girl!

We ate in the Pepper Market most of the time...at first I was confused how to work the system but it was easy after a while. If anyone was there the same time as I was....we were the family with the two boys and the DVD player. Yep...sue me...I like to eat a meal without my toddler screaming so I bring a DVD player. Geez...the looks and the head shakes you get from some people
for playing a cartoon for your kid, while you grab a bite to eat.
Anyway...the first night we ate at 7:30pm. Bad idea. It took my husband 35 minutes to get two hamburgers and my son a plate of chicken nuggets and fries. The hamburger was good...but didn't agree with my stomach so I didn't feel good the rest of the night.
We got there for dinner another night right before 5 o'clock. Much better! No lines...no waiting...nice and quiet. They refill your drinks like crazy and they're QUICK! Have the BIG pizza...it's yummy. We ordered two one night and brought it back to the room for a late night snack.

We grabbed some food in the morning as well. We ate the egg, cheese and bacon on a croissant...that was good but the sandwiches that had the Italian cold cuts on it was kinda gross. The bread was so HARD and the cold cuts weren't that good. Stick to the breakfast sandwiches. The chocolate chip muffins were delish!

We ate mostly outside in the morning while the birds flocked around. If you look over the side by the lake...the turtles come by and try to grab a bite to eat as well.

Checking out was pretty good...they left a note on the door with all our charges...flight info...Magical Express pick up time. We didn't have to check out at the front desk. Mousekeeping came in around 11:30. They knocked twice and then began to open the door. She mumbled something and shuffled out the door when I told her we weren't ready. They received no tips from us....I cleaned up the room with my husband before we left...they didn't have to do much but pick up our towels, vacuum and change the sheets. They didn't make any towel animals or do anything fun for the kids. Sorry...
We called to have them pick us up and bring our luggage to the front. They picked us up and brought us to the front on a golf cart. Those gold carts are pretty dangerous. They look out for the other golf carts more than they do for kids and parents. So if you have kids...tell them to watch out!

The pools were awesome. Someone did throw up in the pool one of the days but we were in the quiet pool so...phew!! We spent most of our days in the quiet pool. That slide in the main pool was great! We went down it a few times.

No real "magic" at the hotel. I wasn't expecting a parade because my family was there but I thought they would so something special for our kids' first visit. When I booked the trip he said there would be a little surprise...I guess that was the my first visit trip pins? My son wore his the whole trip and no one said boo to him.

Did I love the hotel? Yes
Would I come back here? Maybe...if I wasn't in no man's land...
Did I love walking all that way? No (and I'm a young 33 year old in good shape)

I would just love some more enthusiasm from the staff that worked there. I mean, it IS a Disney hotel...right? I'm not trying to sound like a snob but I needed a little bit more pixie dust...

So all in all...I would give CSR a .

We really enjoyed our stay.

 

[100AcreWood]

Casitas 4 (and 5) are our favorite buildings. They are quite a distance from the convention center (Casitas 1 and 2 are the closest to the convention center).

Thank you I just called and made our final payment and requested Casitas 4 or 5.

I appreciate your advice!

 

[stevea20]

This was my family's first time at Disney. We took the Magical Express, which was wonderful. Didn't have to lug our luggage anywhere.
I did the online check in and got on that line when I arrived but the regular check in line moved quicker that the online check in. When I got up to the counter, I felt like I was checking into a Marriott...nothing "magical" or overenthusiastic CM's. She told me I was in Ranchos 7A...I sent a fax to be in 8a or 9b but didn't get it and I didn't fight it. We then walked to our room. THAT IS A WALK! Let's just say I got my exercise in these past 5 days.
When we got there the room was awesome...clean...and neat. The beds were comfy! Then I had to do a milk run for my toddler and I forgot to tell the staff I needed a microwave in my room (which I got in 25 minutes) so I walked all the way back to el centro and then back again to the room. By the time I got back, I was sweating!

Thankfully, we found that our bus stop (stop #3) was right around the corner from our hotel. We never waited for a bus for more than 5 minutes. But let me tell you about the buses...they are FREEZING!! In fact I am sick from the buses being so cold! So remember to bring a sweatshirt at night..even in the daytime...while you're riding those buses! This is coming from a NY girl!

We ate in the Pepper Market most of the time...at first I was confused how to work the system but it was easy after a while. If anyone was there the same time as I was....we were the family with the two boys and the DVD player. Yep...sue me...I like to eat a meal without my toddler screaming so I bring a DVD player. Geez...the looks and the head shakes you get from some people
for playing a cartoon for your kid, while you grab a bite to eat.
Anyway...the first night we ate at 7:30pm. Bad idea. It took my husband 35 minutes to get two hamburgers and my son a plate of chicken nuggets and fries. The hamburger was good...but didn't agree with my stomach so I didn't feel good the rest of the night.
We got there for dinner another night right before 5 o'clock. Much better! No lines...no waiting...nice and quiet. They refill your drinks like crazy and they're QUICK! Have the BIG pizza...it's yummy. We ordered two one night and brought it back to the room for a late night snack.

We grabbed some food in the morning as well. We ate the egg, cheese and bacon on a croissant...that was good but the sandwiches that had the Italian cold cuts on it was kinda gross. The bread was so HARD and the cold cuts weren't that good. Stick to the breakfast sandwiches. The chocolate chip muffins were delish!

We ate mostly outside in the morning while the birds flocked around. If you look over the side by the lake...the turtles come by and try to grab a bite to eat as well.

Checking out was pretty good...they left a note on the door with all our charges...flight info...Magical Express pick up time. We didn't have to check out at the front desk. Mousekeeping came in around 11:30. They knocked twice and then began to open the door. She mumbled something and shuffled out the door when I told her we weren't ready. They received no tips from us....I cleaned up the room with my husband before we left...they didn't have to do much but pick up our towels, vacuum and change the sheets. They didn't make any towel animals or do anything fun for the kids. Sorry...
We called to have them pick us up and bring our luggage to the front. They picked us up and brought us to the front on a golf cart. Those gold carts are pretty dangerous. They look out for the other golf carts more than they do for kids and parents. So if you have kids...tell them to watch out!

The pools were awesome. Someone did throw up in the pool one of the days but we were in the quiet pool so...phew!! We spent most of our days in the quiet pool. That slide in the main pool was great! We went down it a few times.

No real "magic" at the hotel. I wasn't expecting a parade because my family was there but I thought they would so something special for our kids' first visit. When I booked the trip he said there would be a little surprise...I guess that was the my first visit trip pins? My son wore his the whole trip and no one said boo to him.

Did I love the hotel? Yes
Would I come back here? Maybe...if I wasn't in no man's land...
Did I love walking all that way? No (and I'm a young 33 year old in good shape)

I would just love some more enthusiasm from the staff that worked there. I mean, it IS a Disney hotel...right? I'm not trying to sound like a snob but I needed a little bit more pixie dust...

So all in all...I would give CSR a .

We really enjoyed our stay.

Thanks for such a complete review. My wife and I will be going to CSR for the first time at the end of Oct.
Sounds almost like it may not be worth doing the on-line check-in if the line isn't any shorter.
I've been wondering how the ordering at the Pepper Market worked. Hope \ your wait isn't the norm.
Know what you mean about the buses. I like air conditioning, but there are limits!

 

[Sherrkel]

We are heading down to Disney later this month for 7 days, and are looking at the different sections in CSR and what makes the most sense for us. Originally I was thinking Cabana section because its closest to the pool, but knowing that we are going to be spending a lot of our time in the parks, most likely coming back to the hotel early afternoon each day for rest, and heading to other resorts for dinner each night, or to see fireworks shows...I'm now thinking being near the first bus stop and in the Casita section is more important than any of that to make sure we always get seats (and lugging our stroller on and off the bus is sure to be fun).

Can folks that have stayed here before let me know their thoughts here? Am I right Casita's stop is first? Will there be plenty of seats anyway in late September? We booked a waterview room so Casita 5 is looking like it makes a lot of sense right now...

We stayed in Casitas 5 last trip in 2009- and to be honest I didn't think we'd like it. But we really ended up feeling it was a good location. It was near bus stop # 2 - which is actually the 1st stop incoming buses make. It's also 3 min. walk to the pool, and 5-6 min. walk to El Centro. During our first stay at the resort in 2007, we stayed in Cabanas 8A - which I really loved! Close to pool - 1 min. and 4-5 min. to El Centro; Cabanas is closest to bus stop # 4 - which is really the third stop . Am I confusing you??

We're considering what we want to request for a location this trip - still haven't decided. Even though location requests are not always granted - I feel the staff really do go out of their way trying to make it work for you.

 

[Lou-Ann]

Hope you have a great trip.

 

[Piglets Mommy]

Kathy,
Thank you for this thread! I'm still on page 10, so I have a long way to go, but I'm soooo excited. My fingers are crossed for a Thanksgiving 2011 trip....leaning strongly towards CSR!