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

[CraftyOtt]

We just did the 'bus hop' routine to go to the other resorts. For the Cali Grill (at Contemporary) you'll take the bus to MK (it drops you off at the front of MK, NOT the TTC), then you'll take the resort monorail to the Contemporary (takes about 20-25 minutes by bus to MK, a 5-ish minute walk to the resort monorail platform, then about 10 minutes for the monorail to contemporary if the monorail isn't already waiting on the platform when you get there). Someone double-check me on the route for Jiko: bus from CSR to AK (less than 15 minutes) then bus (?) to AKL (Jambo House bus stop). We drove to Boma's so we didn't do the bus system route. We learned (the hard way) that there is no bus service from DHS to Boardwalk - you have to take a boat (even if it is raining!!!!).

 

[KatMark]

We just did the 'bus hop' routine to go to the other resorts. For the Cali Grill (at Contemporary) you'll take the bus to MK (it drops you off at the front of MK, NOT the TTC), then you'll take the resort monorail to the Contemporary (takes about 20-25 minutes by bus to MK, a 5-ish minute walk to the resort monorail platform, then about 10 minutes for the monorail to contemporary if the monorail isn't already waiting on the platform when you get there). Someone double-check me on the route for Jiko: bus from CSR to AK (less than 15 minutes) then bus (?) to AKL (Jambo House bus stop). We drove to Boma's so we didn't do the bus system route. We learned (the hard way) that there is no bus service from DHS to Boardwalk - you have to take a boat (even if it is raining!!!!).

Did it really take you 20-25 minutes by bus to the MK from the CSR? We took it last year (I figured since I was asked to keep this thread up, I should have first hand bus experience) and it was exactly ten minutes to the MK (and we got on at the last bus stop at CSR)?

Also, once you get to MK by bus, you could walk to the Contemporary down the walkway (this is for the OP).

As for AKL, you can either do as CraftyOtt suggested, or you can take a cab...it's not that far (we drive to all of the parks, and no park takes more than 10-12 minutes when we drive).

 

[matt&jakesmom]

Great information for the resort. We stayed back in 2003 and looks like we are heading back in 2011. I can't wait. From the pictures, it seems like it's changed since our last visit. My boys were toddlers at the time and they dont' remember the resort so for them it will be a "1st" time. The one thing that I remember of this resort is the boys going down the slide and screaming that they will never go on a water slide again. Yeah right. The slides at TL and BB are their favorite thing to do.

 

[CraftyOtt]

I got to bus stop #1 on Friday at 9:52 and arrived at MK at 10:14 (I was watching the clock that morning because the family went to the park without me that morning - I wasn't feeling too well and was wondering how long it would take me to get to MK). I guess I was counting the wait at the bus stop also. I don't remember waiting long though... I believe it was the next bus in. The longest wait we had to wait on a bus to get to the CSR bus stops was 14 minutes - there was a CM there in the morning noting the times and he felt that was unusually long (it was going to Epcot).

 

[KatMark]

Great information for the resort. We stayed back in 2003 and looks like we are heading back in 2011. I can't wait. From the pictures, it seems like it's changed since our last visit. My boys were toddlers at the time and they dont' remember the resort so for them it will be a "1st" time. The one thing that I remember of this resort is the boys going down the slide and screaming that they will never go on a water slide again. Yeah right. The slides at TL and BB are their favorite thing to do.

Welcome back. You will LOVE the changes at the CSR. The new queen beds are heavenly, and having the sliding door (rather than a curtain) between the bathroom/bedroom is great with kids.

 

[maryj11]

Hi everyone! We just got back yesterday from a 9 night stay at CSR. We loved this resort. I will admit that the first night we were there, we were sort of missing the Ft. Wilderness cabins (mainly because the kids had a separate room and beds to themselves). But the bus system was quicker, and the Pepper Market was FABULOUS! We were first assigned to the Ranchos section -3rd floor- but I asked if they had anything available in the Cabanas area... and they did! So we got building 9A, which is about an equal distance walk from bus stop #4 and #1. That was OK, but we found ourselves standing for the ride to the park if we used #1 (the last stop). (Just a note for anyone going during a busier time of year.) We were able to get a microwave (great because I have a kid with a food allergy and needed to prepare some of his meals). The 'fridge did not work well at all, and we were told it was more of a 'cooling box/cooler' than a refigerator. Umm, no...I didn't buy that excuse, but we didn't get a replacement either. I could have been more forceful on the issue, but we had a 7-day cooler that worked fine for what we needed. Housekeeping was OK, good about supplying extra towels but a little skimpy with the TP. The light fixture and TV/dresser were quite dusty also (but hey, so is mine at home). The bathroom was clean and that's what counts for me. The rest of the resort seemed clean and was very quiet!

The resort size was a little intimidating at first (that is one huge lake!), but since we were up towards the front, it was good. Our biggest surprise at CSR -- Maya Grille! On our last night we were just too darned tired and hot to travel over to Downtown Disney for our Raglan Road reservations, so DH looked at the menu at Maya Grille ("Hey, they've got prime rib!") and we decided to eat there. The prime rib there was one of my husband's favorite meals! (He is picky about his prime rib!) I had the grilled porkchop and thought it was fine. One son had the burger (too big for him so he only ate half but he liked it) and the other had the salmon (glaze seemed a little too sweet for me, but he liked it also). Desserts were OK - seemed like the same things at the other restaurants which isn't necessarily saying that it's a bad thing (a creme brulee, a couple of chocolate concotions, etc). My son did expect a little more to his churros though (looks like they took one long one from the Pepper Market, cut in in thirds, and placed it on a plate with a scoop of ice cream). Now I'm sure I have read bad reviews about Maya Grille before -- but our waiter did tell us that we had the new menu. I'm not sure how new it was actually, but I would feel confident in recommending this place.

I'm sure there's something else I should say but I'm on a Disney downer right now and can't remember it. Oh, did I mention the Pepper Market was FABULOUS! Check their chef's specials - DH had fresh grilled grouper one day for lunch there!

Pam

Hello we just got back Friday and I know what you mean about the fridge lol. Ours was not cold enough so we turned up the dial and by morning all our stuff was frozen

 

[CraftyOtt]

Hello we just got back Friday and I know what you mean about the fridge lol. Ours was not cold enough so we turned up the dial and by morning all our stuff was frozen

We had it turned to '8' (the highest on our dial) all week. The juice box touching the back of the fridge was mostly frozen. Mini OJ bottles at the front, not much cooler than the room. That's all we ended up keeping in there. I didn't trust it for keeping the milk! There is a little battery operated fan that we normally use in our small camper fridge, and DH says that would have helped alot. Again, I really should have complained louder, but our cooler worked just fine as long as we changed out the ice. I was just happy to have that microwave!

 

[Pixiedust34]

We're leaving tomorrow!!

I just want to say THANK YOU so much for all of the CSR advice and tips in this thread. You've all been helpful, and Kathy, your knowledge has been extremely useful with planning our trip. Thank you!

When we get back, I'll post about our stay and will share some photos. I hope to see some of you on the 18th at Siestas!

 

[Molliday]

I switched our reservations from POFQ (which I had already switched from POR) to CSR!

I wasn't sold on it at first, but after going through the picture thread, I was hooked.

I requested Water View, then told them I wanted Casitas 1, 2 or 3, which unknowingly are preferred. I went ahead and just kept it as a Casitas water view request (lake view, specifically), but I have no idea where this will place us now.

I'm not terribly concerned about walking, but I don't want it to be a loooooong walk, KWIM?

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

I switched our reservations from POFQ (which I had already switched from POR) to CSR!

I wasn't sold on it at first, but after going through the picture thread, I was hooked.

I requested Water View, then told them I wanted Casitas 1, 2 or 3, which unknowingly are preferred. I went ahead and just kept it as a Casitas water view request (lake view, specifically), but I have no idea where this will place us now.

I'm not terribly concerned about walking, but I don't want it to be a loooooong walk, KWIM?

Just a quick question, did you book a water view room? Or are you requesting a water view?

Standard View rooms at CSR only face the parking lots or the courtyards. If you want a water view (which face lake OR pools) that is a seperate booking category.

 

[KatMark]

We're leaving tomorrow!!

I just want to say THANK YOU so much for all of the CSR advice and tips in this thread. You've all been helpful, and Kathy, your knowledge has been extremely useful with planning our trip. Thank you!

When we get back, I'll post about our stay and will share some photos. I hope to see some of you on the 18th at Siestas!

Kelly, have a great trip. I can't wait to meet you on Saturday...so looking forward to it. Safe travels.

I switched our reservations from POFQ (which I had already switched from POR) to CSR!

I wasn't sold on it at first, but after going through the picture thread, I was hooked.

I requested Water View, then told them I wanted Casitas 1, 2 or 3, which unknowingly are preferred. I went ahead and just kept it as a Casitas water view request (lake view, specifically), but I have no idea where this will place us now.

I'm not terribly concerned about walking, but I don't want it to be a loooooong walk, KWIM?

Truthfully, the "preferred" rooms are not confirmed as of yet (we are thinking at least Casitas 1 and 2 and possibly Cabanas 9A and 9B...only time will tell). With luck, you will get Casitas 4 or 5 -- our favorites. And a water view is a "paid" category (although we've received pixie dust six times and gotten water view even when we didn't pay for it).

 

[MaryAz]

5 days for us. Added the quick service plan today. Requested Cabanas 9A top floor-going to check in online tonight. We will stop by the meet on Sun-can't wait to be there and meet Kathy and Mark!!

 

[Molliday]

Truthfully, the "preferred" rooms are not confirmed as of yet (we are thinking at least Casitas 1 and 2 and possibly Cabanas 9A and 9B...only time will tell). With luck, you will get Casitas 4 or 5 -- our favorites. And a water view is a "paid" category (although we've received pixie dust six times and gotten water view even when we didn't pay for it).

The employee I spoke to, actually pulled out a map and told me that those (there could be others - these were the only ones I asked for) were preferred. Maybe it's new to them too, because he said he needed to look at the map.

ETA: I meant to ask: What's great about 4 or 5? This is a totally new resort for me! I know absolutely nothing about it!

 

[Molliday]

Just a quick question, did you book a water view room? Or are you requesting a water view?

Standard View rooms at CSR only face the parking lots or the courtyards. If you want a water view (which face lake OR pools) that is a seperate booking category.

I booked water view, and requested lake view. If I'm going to pay extra, I'd rather look at the lake. I can look at a pool from my own bedroom.

This is actually what I do for a living, however this is not where I specialize. Online (for TA's), there were only two categories available - water view and preferred. Water view was included in the price quoted, and preferred could be checked as an option, but the price remained the same.

The last time I checked, there were regular rooms available too.

 

[DopeyFan1966]

We just returned from our vacation (we stayed 31 August - 12 September). I must say that I LOVED this resort. I realize that September is the slow season, but compared to all the other times we have stayed in September at the other resorts, this was the best. We stayed in building 7, facing the parking lot (which I requested), very close to bus stop 4, and believe it or not very close to the main pool. The bus was awesome. I've never been in September where I could get on the bus at any park immediately. We have always had to wait for 2 or 3 busses at the end of the night. We hardly had any standers either.

I do have to say that I wasn't happy when I first got there and almost asked to be switched to another resort. I was worried about cleanliness. I arrived very late, got to my room and went to shower. A band aid was stuck to the sink vanity down near the garbage can. I called the front desk and complained, told them I wanted my room thoroughly cleaned the next day, not too much to ask right? I then took a shower and was standing in 4 inches of water by the time my shower was over. Waited until the morning to call about that.

Got up in the morning and left to go visit my family. I did not return to my room until after 7 pm that evening. AND, the band aid was still there. I was furious. It would be different if I hadn't called specifically for that reason, but come on how could they miss it? I called again and they said they would send someone down right away and I just told them to forget about it, I would take care of it myself, but wanted to know how I was supposed to be convinced that my room was even clean at all? They agreed, but really not much I could do about it except clean the room myself. They also sent maintenance and fixed the shower, at least there was no more standing water when I'm taking a shower.

That was our only bad experience. The cast members were there to help with anything else and were very helpful. And I must say that even with several large groups staying it was still very peaceful and quiet.

The food was good, we didn't eat at the Maya though. Maybe next time. The pool was great, and not crowded.

CSR is our choice for stay from now on.

 

[momcloud]

I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!

 

[KatMark]

We're all packed (except the daily meds, my make-up, comb/brush and curling iron). 3 days and we'll be at Disney.

 

[bobbie68]

Hi everyone,

We just got back from another great stay at CSR. We were there from the 6th-12th. We requested Cabanas 8A and received it. We were very happy with this location, it was close to the dig site and not bad to el centro. The pepper market is awesome. Our daughter has food allergies and they went above and beyond for her to make her happy. The regular food is awesome too.
We ate at the Maya Grill this time for dinner. The food was good, the child menu was great. I wouldn't rush back to eat there but I would go back.

The CMs were great. Mousekeeping was okay. I think they cleaned only what really needed it. I know this is not just at CSR it seems to be at a lot of resorts.

The buses were good. We only had to wait one day about 25 minutes otherwise nice service.

We loved the dig site. The lifeguards were great and our daughter enjoyed the activities by the pool.

Over all an excellent trip, now after staying there twice I am torn between going back a third time or trying another resort.

Oh by the way our fridge worked great and I did request a microwave the first day and got one. That was nice.

Everyone who is going soon, have a nice trip!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Piglets Mommy]

We're all packed (except the daily meds, my make-up, comb/brush and curling iron). 3 days and we'll be at Disney.

YAY!!!!! I am soooo excited for you!!!

Hi everyone,

We just got back from another great stay at CSR. We were there from the 6th-12th. We requested Cabanas 8A and received it. We were very happy with this location, it was close to the dig site and not bad to el centro. The pepper market is awesome. Our daughter has food allergies and they went above and beyond for her to make her happy. The regular food is awesome too.
We ate at the Maya Grill this time for dinner. The food was good, the child menu was great. I wouldn't rush back to eat there but I would go back.

The CMs were great. Mousekeeping was okay. I think they cleaned only what really needed it. I know this is not just at CSR it seems to be at a lot of resorts.

The buses were good. We only had to wait one day about 25 minutes otherwise nice service.

We loved the dig site. The lifeguards were great and our daughter enjoyed the activities by the pool.

Over all an excellent trip, now after staying there twice I am torn between going back a third time or trying another resort.

Oh by the way our fridge worked great and I did request a microwave the first day and got one. That was nice.

Everyone who is going soon, have a nice trip!!!!!!!!!!

I'm so happy to hear that Pepper Market worked with you with the food allergies. DS is allergic to milk, eggs and peanuts, and some of the CS places look at you like you have 3 heads if you ask about the ingredients in something.

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Just had to post my happy dance...



Only 40 days until my next visit to CSR! With my very best friend in the world who hasn't been to WDW in 4 years