Coronado Springs Resort - New Unofficial FAQ Thread - November 2011

[KatMark]

BOO!!!! Considering we're:at baggage claim having just returned from a fabulous week at CSR.

So jealous!

But glad you had a fabulous time at CSR.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

I am back, AND MARRIED!!!! We had an absolutely amazing, perfect day. Cannot wait to take our disneymoon in september. wish it was here now, but cannot wait to celebrate again in a couple months!!!

Congratulations! What a beautiful picture!

We got cabanas 8b which to me is perfect location!!!

Room is clean, check in was quick and easy..

Cm have been amazing so far.. We went to lobby to pin trade.. My daughter wanted to see ones pin all of a sudden 5 CM pulled out their pins for her..

Loving it and the resort is GORGEOUS!!!

Glad you are having a great stay! We love the cabanas!

 

[Mommee]

just added a night to the beginning of our stay due to flights...I was SO happy they allowed it despite the dining promo we booked under had expired! Now we'll be there Sat-Sat.

 

[Gibbygirl]

Returned yesterday from a fabulous week at CSR. This was our first time there having previously stayed at ASMu & CBR. We loved CBR so CSR had a lot to live up to. IT DID!!!

Upon check in I reminded the CM I had requested the cabanas section (it was noted on my reservation.) She said she would see what she could find. After some checking she said we were in luck as there was something available. We were placed in cabanas 8B #8561--right across from the quiet pool and quick walking distance to the dig site & el centro. PERFECT!!! Our longest walk was to the bus stop & even that wasn't bad. Turns out we were originally placed in Ranchos 7A Everytime we came back on a bus and stopped at bus stop #3 I was reminded how glad I was we ended up in cabanas. DH likes coffee every morning & would not have liked making that walk! It was pouring by the time we got checked in so I asked about getting to our room without getting soaked. Dylan out front (bell services?) offerred to take us to our room in one of the golf carts. He was also nice enough to take us back to El Centro after we dropped off our bags so we could eat at Pepper Market. What a life saver!

We ate at Pepper Market twice, both times for dinner (we were OOP so didn't want to pay for the breakfast or lunch buffet.) It was a little confusing at first as we were used to the more traditional food court style. But, everyone found something they liked and the food was good. Our drinks were never refilled so we found the service to be lacking. Cafe Rix is way under sized for the size of resort and considering the only other breakfast option is the buffet. Frustrating at times waiting on food to be ready and trying to find somewhere to stand. We didn't utilize it too much but DH always commented when he would return with coffee in the morning.

Dig site pool was awesome!!! (according to my kids 13 & 8.) They loved the slide (so did I!) The evening campfire was fun. Loved roasting marshmallows! Quiet pool was great, too.

Our room was clean and well stocked. Our housekeeper, Rosa was so sweet! There was a towel animal waiting for us at check in and then a towel bunny on our last night. Yes, the room was rather dark without the over the bed lights on, but that's minor.

We commented several times about how empty the resort felt. I'm sure it wasn't, but it just wasn't crowded like we always felt ASMu & CBR were. We always had plenty of room to actually swim at the dig site pool (as opposed to just finding a spot to splash in.) Buses were timely & uncrowded. Rix in the morning was the only place we felt crowded, but that's due more to the size of the facility than the amount of people.

We would definitely stay at CSR again and recommend it to anyone considering a moderate. It's a beautiful resort! My only regret is I didn't get a chance to walk around and explore more of it. Between the parks, swimming and the daily rain I never found the time. Guess we'll just have to go back!

 

[michsig]

Returned yesterday from a fabulous week at CSR. This was our first time there having previously stayed at ASMu & CBR. We loved CBR so CSR had a lot to live up to. IT DID!!!

Upon check in I reminded the CM I had requested the cabanas section (it was noted on my reservation.) She said she would see what she could find. After some checking she said we were in luck as there was something available. We were placed in cabanas 8B #8561--right across from the quiet pool and quick walking distance to the dig site & el centro. PERFECT!!! Our longest walk was to the bus stop & even that wasn't bad. Turns out we were originally placed in Ranchos 7A Everytime we came back on a bus and stopped at bus stop #3 I was reminded how glad I was we ended up in cabanas. DH likes coffee every morning & would not have liked making that walk! It was pouring by the time we got checked in so I asked about getting to our room without getting soaked. Dylan out front (bell services?) offerred to take us to our room in one of the golf carts. He was also nice enough to take us back to El Centro after we dropped off our bags so we could eat at Pepper Market. What a life saver!

We ate at Pepper Market twice, both times for dinner (we were OOP so didn't want to pay for the breakfast or lunch buffet.) It was a little confusing at first as we were used to the more traditional food court style. But, everyone found something they liked and the food was good. Our drinks were never refilled so we found the service to be lacking. Cafe Rix is way under sized for the size of resort and considering the only other breakfast option is the buffet. Frustrating at times waiting on food to be ready and trying to find somewhere to stand. We didn't utilize it too much but DH always commented when he would return with coffee in the morning.

Dig site pool was awesome!!! (according to my kids 13 & 8.) They loved the slide (so did I!) The evening campfire was fun. Loved roasting marshmallows! Quiet pool was great, too.

Our room was clean and well stocked. Our housekeeper, Rosa was so sweet! There was a towel animal waiting for us at check in and then a towel bunny on our last night. Yes, the room was rather dark without the over the bed lights on, but that's minor.

We commented several times about how empty the resort felt. I'm sure it wasn't, but it just wasn't crowded like we always felt ASMu & CBR were. We always had plenty of room to actually swim at the dig site pool (as opposed to just finding a spot to splash in.) Buses were timely & uncrowded. Rix in the morning was the only place we felt crowded, but that's due more to the size of the facility than the amount of people.

We would definitely stay at CSR again and recommend it to anyone considering a moderate. It's a beautiful resort! My only regret is I didn't get a chance to walk around and explore more of it. Between the parks, swimming and the daily rain I never found the time. Guess we'll just have to go back!

Glad you had a great time! Your post makes me very excited for my upcoming trip. To comment on th emptiness of the resort - we stayed at CSR two years ago around the same time and it seemed incredibly empty, especially considering there was a conference going on as well! I sort of liked the emptiness though, I have a feeling it won't be like that in July!

 

[patssoxfan]

We got back from CSR a week ago and had a great time! I was a little depressed when I checked in and found out we were in Ranchos 6a (I had requested Cabanas). The woman checking us in said nothing else was available. It was about 2:00, and I thought about asking if any other rooms would be available later, but decided to take the Ranchos room since it was ready. The location wasn't really that bad. It only took us a few minutes to walk to the main pool and less than 10 minutes to the main building, using the path past the digsite and across the lake. We ate at the Pepper Market twice, once for lunch and once for dinner. The lunch buffet was great, especially if you're on the dining plan, however good luck getting drink refills. Both times we went there, the service was lacking, however they were quick to point out that tips were expected. We did eat at the Maya Grill one night and the food was really good and our server was wonderful! I wish I could remember his name. The kids loved the pool and the bonfire and movies at night. We stayed at the Poly the last time we went, and except for being able to see the castle and the fireworks at night, we liked the CSR pool much better! I was worried about the bus service (had read some bad reviews right before we went) and I must say it was wonderful! Our longest wait was 15 minutes one day. My 7 year old saw pictures of AOA and he wants to stay there next summer. I told him I'd think about it, but it's going to be hard for me to stay anywhere else but CSR!

 

[madcat]

Happy to see everyone returning from CSR with great reviews!

 

[HANDYMOM]

HANDYMOM, like I told Momof2, dont worry about it. It wasnt a bad resort, it was very pretty and relaxing as far as the grounds were concerned. We ended up in a good area that was pretty much in the middle of everything (equal walking distance to El Centro and The Dig Site) our bus stop was close and the beds were sooo comfortable. The kids loved the pool, dig site, we were really close to the quiet pool but of course they wanted to go to the big pool every time and on a few days we saw CM's playing games with the kids at the pool so there was ALWAYS something being done. Give it a chance if you hate it, try to change resorts, if you love it it might become your favorite. I am of the opinion that 1. Disney trips cost a lot of money, no matter the discount that is being given and 2 because of the cost you should be happy and comfortable with your resort, its not about having every one of your requests granted or met, we all know how many people they service on a daily basis, however you are in charge of your own vacation, you paid for it you know what you can tolerate and what you cant. I hope you have a wonderful and magical time.

Great advice! I'm not someone who has traveled luxuriously so it's not like I'll be super disappointed and I'm really not going to be in the room or needing to eat there all that much anyways.

You're also right that I may love it! I'm a big landscaping fan, so I'm excited to see the beautiful grounds.

My only wish is that Pepper Market was Disney run. Recent reviews and the buffet situation bums me out. I've always rather enjoyed to food court system. Oh well, easy fix of a quick hold over snack before meals elsewhere!

 

[Pixiedust34]

Thank you for all of the recent reviews! We're at 90 days, and I can't wait!!

The last time we stayed at CSR (2010), we didn't use our refillable mugs often, and when we did use them a cast member at Pepper Market would get our drinks for us.

Is it common practice to have the cm get your drinks (if you're just walking around El Centro and not eating at Pepper Market), or can you refill your drinks with your refillable mug yourself? I'd much rather get my own drink and not have to worry about tipping for someone to fill a mug for me, plus I like doing the ice/beverage ratio myself.

I remember that you can get drinks with the mugs at the Dig Site, too, but I think the bartender does the drinks there.

 

[KatMark]

Thank you for all of the recent reviews! We're at 90 days, and I can't wait!!

The last time we stayed at CSR (2010), we didn't use our refillable mugs often, and when we did use them a cast member at Pepper Market would get our drinks for us.

Is it common practice to have the cm get your drinks (if you're just walking around El Centro and not eating at Pepper Market), or can you refill your drinks with your refillable mug yourself? I'd much rather get my own drink and not have to worry about tipping for someone to fill a mug for me, plus I like doing the ice/beverage ratio myself.

I remember that you can get drinks with the mugs at the Dig Site, too, but I think the bartender does the drinks there.

Unless they have changed things, you can fill your mug yourself at Cafe Rix.

 

[Butterflygirl35]

Okay now that I am back... Here goes...

The resort is very beautiful and peaceful. I have an autistic son so it is good to have a nice quiet place to retreat. Upon arrival we got Pixie Dust - Paid for Standard View and got Waterview Room!! Gorgeous

The rooms are tastefully decorated and comfy beds. We were in Cabanas and our room was spotless! When I asked for extra shower gel - they came with with a huge bag of extra toiletries for me!

We only ate at Cafe Rix as my son has zero patience for sit down restaurants so I can not comment on Pepper Market.

Bussing - we only took to Downtown (twice) - We drove to Magic Kingdom. Both times we waited less than 10 minutes and it was fairly empty..

Panchitos store - WE LOVED!! They had a pin trading Pinata with a CM name tag - they named him Burrito! Anytime we went to the lobby they would play games with my daughter and give her art work to do including making Daddy a tie for Fathers Day. Very cute. They have a Sombrero game where you can win a trade-able pin! My daughter loved this and wanted to do this every day!

Dig Site - Gorgeous Pool area, great activities - my only complaint for this trip.. Pool bar closes way too early...... So if you want to drink by the pool, you need to walk 5 minutes each direction to the Bar in El Centro and grab a drink to go. and yes the alcohol is worth the walk!! LOL .. Mango daquiris were yummy!

We loved it so much - we changed our AOA booking for October to CSR again! We got 30% off with Bounce-back deal. I just could not justify for almost the same price being in a smaller room and sleeping on double beds after a long day in the park. We will definitely go visit AOA and take pics.

 

[michsig]

Okay now that I am back... Here goes...

The resort is very beautiful and peaceful. I have an autistic son so it is good to have a nice quiet place to retreat. Upon arrival we got Pixie Dust - Paid for Standard View and got Waterview Room!! Gorgeous

The rooms are tastefully decorated and comfy beds. We were in Cabanas and our room was spotless! When I asked for extra shower gel - they came with with a huge bag of extra toiletries for me!

We only ate at Cafe Rix as my son has zero patience for sit down restaurants so I can not comment on Pepper Market.

Bussing - we only took to Downtown (twice) - We drove to Magic Kingdom. Both times we waited less than 10 minutes and it was fairly empty..

Panchitos store - WE LOVED!! They had a pin trading Pinata with a CM name tag - they named him Burrito! Anytime we went to the lobby they would play games with my daughter and give her art work to do including making Daddy a tie for Fathers Day. Very cute. They have a Sombrero game where you can win a trade-able pin! My daughter loved this and wanted to do this every day!

Dig Site - Gorgeous Pool area, great activities - my only complaint for this trip.. Pool bar closes way too early...... So if you want to drink by the pool, you need to walk 5 minutes each direction to the Bar in El Centro and grab a drink to go. and yes the alcohol is worth the walk!! LOL .. Mango daquiris were yummy!

We loved it so much - we changed our AOA booking for October to CSR again! We got 30% off with Bounce-back deal. I just could not justify for almost the same price being in a smaller room and sleeping on double beds after a long day in the park. We will definitely go visit AOA and take pics.

Glad you had a great time!

 

[KatMark]

Okay now that I am back... Here goes...

The resort is very beautiful and peaceful. I have an autistic son so it is good to have a nice quiet place to retreat. Upon arrival we got Pixie Dust - Paid for Standard View and got Waterview Room!! Gorgeous

The rooms are tastefully decorated and comfy beds. We were in Cabanas and our room was spotless! When I asked for extra shower gel - they came with with a huge bag of extra toiletries for me!

We only ate at Cafe Rix as my son has zero patience for sit down restaurants so I can not comment on Pepper Market.

Bussing - we only took to Downtown (twice) - We drove to Magic Kingdom. Both times we waited less than 10 minutes and it was fairly empty..

Panchitos store - WE LOVED!! They had a pin trading Pinata with a CM name tag - they named him Burrito! Anytime we went to the lobby they would play games with my daughter and give her art work to do including making Daddy a tie for Fathers Day. Very cute. They have a Sombrero game where you can win a trade-able pin! My daughter loved this and wanted to do this every day!

Dig Site - Gorgeous Pool area, great activities - my only complaint for this trip.. Pool bar closes way too early...... So if you want to drink by the pool, you need to walk 5 minutes each direction to the Bar in El Centro and grab a drink to go. and yes the alcohol is worth the walk!! LOL .. Mango daquiris were yummy!

We loved it so much - we changed our AOA booking for October to CSR again! We got 30% off with Bounce-back deal. I just could not justify for almost the same price being in a smaller room and sleeping on double beds after a long day in the park. We will definitely go visit AOA and take pics.

So glad you had a great trip and it worked out well for the kids (and on the bus times).

I'm glad you loved it so much that you are going back in October.

 

[Pixiedust34]

Unless they have changed things, you can fill your mug yourself at Cafe Rix.

Thanks for the info! That would be nice.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Panchitos store - WE LOVED!! They had a pin trading Pinata with a CM name tag - they named him Burrito! Anytime we went to the lobby they would play games with my daughter and give her art work to do including making Daddy a tie for Fathers Day. Very cute. They have a Sombrero game where you can win a trade-able pin! My daughter loved this and wanted to do this every day!

Dig Site - Gorgeous Pool area, great activities - my only complaint for this trip.. Pool bar closes way too early...... So if you want to drink by the pool, you need to walk 5 minutes each direction to the Bar in El Centro and grab a drink to go. and yes the alcohol is worth the walk!! LOL .. Mango daquiris were yummy!

Great review!

That sombrero game sounds right up my kids alley! They really enjoy pin trading and they typically find a favorite CM to trade with day after day (but only 2 pins per day - so silly though because they are kids, not collectors that go out looking for the bigger better deal...but I digress).

Very interesting about the pool. I do enjoy my adult drinks at the pool. How early does the pool bar close? When does El Centro close?

And OMG - a MANGO DAQUIRI??? Sounds awesome!!! Is that only at El Centro or at the pool bar too?

And question for anyone who has ordered drinks at CSR - are there any especially good ones I should try? Anything unique to CSR too? (like having a lapu lapu at the poly, etc.)

Thanks!

 

[Butterflygirl35]

We went to see the movie at 9:00 and the Pool bar was already closed (It was disappointing b/c I really was not expecting it to close until 10)

The one near El Centro was open (according to the bartender it depends on if it gets busy or not)

I am unsure if there is a specialty drink, I wanted something frozen and sweet to beat the heat and the MANGO DAQUIRIS are awesome (served in both bars)

I so want one right now....

But pool bar closing early is my only complaint.. I love CSR and cant wait to go back in October!

BTW.. Each CM does the sombrero game differently. One had my daughter put on a magician hat with a little show... They really got her engaged in the game and she had lots of fun. It seems kind of empty and that they were just waiting for someone to come and have fun and play a bit! She got a lot of attention each time we went.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

We went to see the movie at 9:00 and the Pool bar was already closed (It was disappointing b/c I really was not expecting it to close until 10)

The one near El Centro was open (according to the bartender it depends on if it gets busy or not)

I am unsure if there is a specialty drink, I wanted something frozen and sweet to beat the heat and the MANGO DAQUIRIS are awesome (served in both bars)

I so want one right now....

But pool bar closing early is my only complaint.. I love CSR and cant wait to go back in October!

BTW.. Each CM does the sombrero game differently. One had my daughter put on a magician hat with a little show... They really got her engaged in the game and she had lots of fun. It seems kind of empty and that they were just waiting for someone to come and have fun and play a bit! She got a lot of attention each time we went.

Thanks!!

 

[MaddieC]

BTW.. Each CM does the sombrero game differently. One had my daughter put on a magician hat with a little show... They really got her engaged in the game and she had lots of fun. It seems kind of empty and that they were just waiting for someone to come and have fun and play a bit! She got a lot of attention each time we went.

Where ares the cms that play this game? And do they all do it or only the fun ones?
my girls would love this!

 

[tjmw2727]

Just back - mixed review from me.

We have stayed at most of the resorts - love the moderate category and usually stay at POFQ and occasionally CBR. It had been years since we tried CSR so we gave it a try.

Love the layout and decor of the room and the queen beds, paid for preferred room and once again (happened 2x at CBR) I manage to get a preferred room that is as far away as possible - Ranchos 3 - almost in 5.

Loved the quiet pool and the walk to the bus stop 2.
Liked the bus service never waited for a bus from any park or at CR and never had to stand, Visited all 4 parks over 7 days and park hopped and the buses were always nice and cool.

Loved Maya grill the food and service was excellent!
Liked cafe Rix not much to say but a good selection of grab and go.
Disliked Pepper Market, food was cooked to order, sort of but prepared very very slow. I felt hounded by the wait staff, reminded that tip was expceted but had to beg for silverware and soda refills.

Liked the Dig Site ~ the kids games were fun and the setup is nice.
Dislike the bar/food service area cloing at 7:30/8:00 ! A CM at the front desk told the kids about the campfire etc at 7 but we had not eaten dinner yet. CM assured me the bar and food area would be open all night so we decided to do a swim and dinner. By the time we got set up at the pool the food counter was closed and the bar was closing - very dissapointed after CM said otherwise. Not the end of the world but just a pain then to cut swimming short in order to get dinner back at ElCentro.


Finally houskeeping - DISLIKe, honestly it was awful. We were never left shamppo, soap coffee etc. I had to call when I wanted some. of course they brought enough for a couple days but then I had to call again!
Dirty towels were not always taken away and we were never vaccumed.

Yes I talked with management - service didn't improve

I am glad I tried this resort, it is pretty. For us a preferred room that was actually in a "preferred location" maybe even on the other side of ElCentro would have been better for us as well as a decent houskeeper.

 

[HANDYMOM]

I am back, AND MARRIED!!!! We had an absolutely amazing, perfect day. Cannot wait to take our disneymoon in september. wish it was here now, but cannot wait to celebrate again in a couple months!!!

Congrats on your wedding! Your joy shows! Glad you had a great day!