Coronado Springs Resort - New Unofficial FAQ Thread - November 2011

[DisneyEsther]

I'm the wrong person to ask, but as I understand it, you have to upload pictures to a photo sharing site like Photobucket and paste the URL for the picture here. There is an icon that looks like a mountain on the tool bar when you are posting that says "insert image" if you hover over it. If you click on that, you can insert the web address for the photo you want to post.

Hope this helps! I've never posted pictures - I had Kathy (KatMark) help me with the photos for this thread!

Thank you for your help! It's more than I know . Hopefully this works. There is only a few pics, but at least you can see why we loved it here so much. Keeping my fingers crossed

http://photobucket.com/wdw12_2011

On a diffferent subject before I forget, the people (staff and visitors) were very friendly. There were a couple that would come out each morning and talk to us. One morning the boyfriend came out to tell us that he had proposed to his girlfriend the night before. It was great for him to have shared that. They are a great couple and I was so thrilled for them

 

[KatMark]

Thank you for your help! It's more than I know . Hopefully this works. There is only a few pics, but at least you can see why we loved it here so much. Keeping my fingers crossed

http://photobucket.com/wdw12_2011

On a diffferent subject before I forget, the people (staff and visitors) were very friendly. There were a couple that would come out each morning and talk to us. One morning the boyfriend came out to tell us that he had proposed to his girlfriend the night before. It was great for him to have shared that. They are a great couple and I was so thrilled for them

You did great...and your pictures are wonderful (and making me miss CSR). If you just want to post a "single" picture within your thread, move your mouse over the picture you choose, and then a little box will appear and you click on IMG Code, hit copy and then when you get back to the thread, hit paste.

Thanks for sharing your pictures and so glad you enjoyed your stay at CSR.

 

[coasterfiend]

This conference wasn't listed on page 1, if it's mentioned somewhere in the thread sorry for the repeat.
NCNP (Nat'l Conference for Nurse Practitioners) May 16-19, 2012

 

[jmw1975]

Hi all,

I am recently back from a solo trip, which included a 3-night stay at CSR. I really loved the resort! I ate at Pepper Market twice (once for breakfast, once for lunch), and I liked it. If you are on the dining plan, it is a GREAT deal, because for a QS credit, you can eat all you want (whereas previously they limited how many food items you can get for a QS credit). I can see that it would be annoying if you are not on the dining plan, though, because you might not want to pay that much if you just want a light meal. The Rix does offer quite a few options for grab and go - assorted pastries, croissants, bagels, fruit, yogurt, sandwiches, etc. And of course gelato! I had the coconut - yum!

I had requested Casitas, standard view room. So I was assuming I'd be in 4 or 5, if my requested was granted at all. Well, I was pleasantly surprised to be upgraded to Casitas 1! There was no conference going on during my stay, so I guess they probably had a lot of preferred rooms to spare. I did not have a water view, but my room overlooked a courtyard with lots of trees and bushes (you had to crane to the left to see the parking lot), so I was very pleased with the room. The location was great for me. I was about as close to El Centro as you could be, which was great for running over to refill my mug. I was about midway between bus stops 1 and 2, which I loved, because it gave me total freedom to decided whether I wanted to be first on (for best seating) or last on (for quickest trip), and no matter which stop the bus returned to first, I could be first off the bus (for some reason, all buses seemed to go to bus stop 2 first, regardless of whether they were theme park buses or DtD buses). I had a very positive experience with the buses - Most often I didn't wait more than 10 minutes. One time I waited about 20 minutes in the morning for the MK bus. There was one evening (Wed 12/21 - I believe others on this thread experienced a problem that evening as well) when I arrived at the MK bus stop (to return to CSR), and there was a very long line. I was lucky with my timing, though, because about 5 minutes after I arrived, 3 buses in a row showed up. The crowd cheered when the first bus pulled up, which told me that they had been waiting a very long time. I got on the 3rd bus, so I was lucky in that I only had to wait a few minutes, when others had clearly waited a long time.

I had no problems with Mousekeeping, but since I was traveling alone, I didn't need a lot of towels or anything (although I did get fresh towels everyday). I had a towel animal waiting for me when I arrived. The room was very clean and nice. I had been concerned from some reviews I had read that it would have a very musty, motel like feel to it, but I did not find that to be the case at all.

I used the fitness room, which was nice and had about all the equipment you could need. I swam in the dig site pool, which was very warm. The water slide looked like fun. I wanted to try it, but was too self-conscious since it was only kids riding it. Also, there was a whole crowd of parents standing around the bottom of the slide waiting to "catch" their kids, so I was especially embarrassed by the thought of being an adult landing amongst all these parents! The Casitas quiet pool was almost always either totally empty or only had a couple people in it. If I had had time to swim again, I probably would have gone there.

I also spent some time just relaxing in a hammock by the lake. I love lakes, so this was very peaceful for me.

I shopped at the gift shop, which was nice, with a large selection. I also used the "send to resort" option for a purchase I had made at Downtown Disney, and it worked flawlessly - I picked it up at the CSR gift shop a couple days later.

ME and airline check-in was a breeze. It was so nice checking my bag at the hotel, and not having to deal with it again until I got off my flight in CT!

Overall, I loved CSR and would definitely stay there again! My only regret is that I wasn't able to stay longer!

If anyone is interested, here is the link to my full trip report:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2851689

 

[Tink415]

Question for those that stayed at CSR this month, did the big christmas tree get put up in the check-in area? thanks!

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

This conference wasn't listed on page 1, if it's mentioned somewhere in the thread sorry for the repeat.
NCNP (Nat'l Conference for Nurse Practitioners) May 16-19, 2012

Thanks - I'll add it!

 

[jackirkh]

I have been looking at pics of CSR for a couple days now and notice that there are a lot of pics of the new rooms, but also a few of the old rooms which look like standard value resort rooms. Have they all been renovated?

If not: What room/area should I request for the relatively newly renovated King Bed rooms that are pictured? I have already booked a King Bed room, But I would like to make sure that we get the new rooms. We are are going for our Honeymoon and are very excited! Thanks!

 

[KatMark]

I have been looking at pics of CSR for a couple days now and notice that there are a lot of pics of the new rooms, but also a few of the old rooms which look like standard value resort rooms. Have they all been renovated?

If not: What room/area should I request for the relatively newly renovated King Bed rooms that are pictured? I have already booked a King Bed room, But I would like to make sure that we get the new rooms. We are are going for our Honeymoon and are very excited! Thanks!

All the pictures of the rooms in this thread should be of the renovated rooms (done in 2009). The only difference might be if you are seeing the "suite rooms" which have a slightly different color motif.

 

[jackirkh]

Thanks a lot!

I must have looked at a few pics with the older set up! Thanks again!

 

[MaddieC]

Hey everyone!
My family and I were just trying to determine what hotel to stay at. The past times that we have been to Disney we have stayed at Carribean Beach, so this time we wanted to try someplace new. I, being the big Disney fan of the family, have been researching the moderate hotels, and really like Coronado. My dad isn't so happy about it being a "convetion center" because he wonders if it will affect the magic part of Disney (he is quite the kid inside). Also, everyone seems to complain about the walking and staff. Hopefully when we book our vaction (probably the end of August) we will get cabanas 9B or 9A so walking won't be that bad.
Oh and is room service apart of the plus dining plan like a counter service or snack? Does tennis, and fishing/boat riding cost extra? Are all rooms newly refurbished?

Just wanted some expert insight. Thanks!

 

[KatMark]

Hey everyone!
My family and I were just trying to determine what hotel to stay at. The past times that we have been to Disney we have stayed at Carribean Beach, so this time we wanted to try someplace new. I, being the big Disney fan of the family, have been researching the moderate hotels, and really like Coronado. My dad isn't so happy about it being a "convetion center" because he wonders if it will affect the magic part of Disney (he is quite the kid inside). Also, everyone seems to complain about the walking and staff. Hopefully when we book our vaction (probably the end of August) we will get cabanas 9B or 9A so walking won't be that bad.
Oh and is room service apart of the plus dining plan like a counter service or snack? Does tennis, and fishing/boat riding cost extra? Are all rooms newly refurbished?

Just wanted some expert insight. Thanks!

The walking is actually a little less at CSR than it is at CBR, so you should be fine. We've stayed with and without kids, and the convention aspect has never taken away from our vacation.

I can't answer on room service as I never use it.

There are no tennis courts.

Fishing does have a price tag on it.

They no longer have the boats at the Coronado. Truthfully, the lake is too small to really enjoy, and I would rent a boat from the Poly or Contemporary and go out on Bay Lake.

 

[MaddieC]

Thanks!
I was reading my "Unofficail Guide to Disney 2012" and it said there was tennis at Coronado. Its not really a big concern I was just curious.

Do you guys recommend travel agents?

 

[PolyAddict]

I know someone just asked about conventions, so my question is how do you know how big the convention is and if the crowds will affect your trip?

We booked May 26-June 2 2012. We have stayed at CBR and POR and wanted to try something new but also don't want to be in the middle of a huge convention either.

 

[rhonda_2003]

Question for those that stayed at CSR this month, did the big christmas tree get put up in the check-in area? thanks!

It did I meant to go take a pic with my good camera, but ended up only getting a quick pick with my cell. It was very pretty and HUGE!

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

I know someone just asked about conventions, so my question is how do you know how big the convention is and if the crowds will affect your trip?

We booked May 26-June 2 2012. We have stayed at CBR and POR and wanted to try something new but also don't want to be in the middle of a huge convention either.

The convention list is mainly from Google or from DISers who post that they are going to a certain convention. You can Google the convention that is listed for your time frame to find out more info about it - some conventions are very limited in scope, like a certain church having a marriage retreat, while some are national. Sometimes you can find a schedule of events online. Frequently, conventions last from 9-4 or 9-5 daily and lunch is brought into the convention center, so the buses and the pool will be relatively empty during that time. Some conventions have evening activities, whether it is a dinner or an activity in the park, golf, etc. Some just end at 4 or 5 and the convention goers head to the parks.

There have been isolated posts of rowdy people at the bar or at the quiet pool (particularly the casitas quiet pool), but the people may or may not have been there for a convention. I've seen lots of drunk, rowdy people at Epcot and at the Beach Club - not sure if they were there for conventions or just tend to get that way on vacation. In contrast, there are many, many posts every year about the Pop Warner families who stay at the values (and sometimes a mod, but I don't think CSR has ever been the one) in early December. Each year, people post how rowdy the parents are!

The one convention I would caution against is the Grainger show, which is February 26-March 1 at CSR. While I haven't heard that the attendees are rowdy, the show is huge and Grainger people are all over the resort. Someone posted (last year, I think) that the main pool was closed for a private event and tents were set up on the grounds.

Most conventions are not nearly the scale of the Grainger show, and you likely won't notice anything except a few people with name tags or lanyards (not the Mickey Mouse kind). You'll notice that the buses and the pool are not as crowded as you would expect at a resort of CSR's size since some rooms only have one person in them, and some people are not going to the parks in the morning since they have to work.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Do you guys recommend travel agents?

We have done it both ways. I like to book things myself so I have control over the reservation. When you book through a travel agent, the travel agent has to make any changes, like applying a new discount that comes out. If you read the DIS a lot, as well as Mousesavers.com and Allears.net, you will know more than most travel agents who claim to be Disney experts.

If you do go through a travel agent, make sure it is someone who knows Disney very well. The DIS is sponsored by Dreams Unlimited, which is a travel agency (I haven't used them, but I have seen people post about them).

 

[PlaidPixie]

Thanks!
I was reading my "Unofficail Guide to Disney 2012" and it said there was tennis at Coronado. Its not really a big concern I was just curious.

Do you guys recommend travel agents?

I think it depends. If you like planning and are willing to do the legwork, you can book directly through Disney. If you don't love all the details and would find it more relaxing to just make choices and have all the rest taken care of, then a travel agent is the way to go. They're paid by Disney, so it doesn't cost you anything, and if you have a good one they can often save you money. I know mine keeps up with all the latest discounts and she's been able to save us money by tweaking things for us between the time we booked and the time we traveled. I wouldn't do it any other way.

 

[rhonda_2003]

We have done it both ways. I like to book things myself so I have control over the reservation. When you book through a travel agent, the travel agent has to make any changes, like applying a new discount that comes out. If you read the DIS a lot, as well as Mousesavers.com and Allears.net, you will know more than most travel agents who claim to be Disney experts.

If you do go through a travel agent, make sure it is someone who knows Disney very well. The DIS is sponsored by Dreams Unlimited, which is a travel agency (I haven't used them, but I have seen people post about them).

I highly recommend Allison Thomas with Dreams Unlimited. She is great

 

[PolyAddict]

The convention list is mainly from Google or from DISers who post that they are going to a certain convention. You can Google the convention that is listed for your time frame to find out more info about it - some conventions are very limited in scope, like a certain church having a marriage retreat, while some are national. Sometimes you can find a schedule of events online. Frequently, conventions last from 9-4 or 9-5 daily and lunch is brought into the convention center, so the buses and the pool will be relatively empty during that time. Some conventions have evening activities, whether it is a dinner or an activity in the park, golf, etc. Some just end at 4 or 5 and the convention goers head to the parks.

There have been isolated posts of rowdy people at the bar or at the quiet pool (particularly the casitas quiet pool), but the people may or may not have been there for a convention. I've seen lots of drunk, rowdy people at Epcot and at the Beach Club - not sure if they were there for conventions or just tend to get that way on vacation. In contrast, there are many, many posts every year about the Pop Warner families who stay at the values (and sometimes a mod, but I don't think CSR has ever been the one) in early December. Each year, people post how rowdy the parents are!

The one convention I would caution against is the Grainger show, which is February 26-March 1 at CSR. While I haven't heard that the attendees are rowdy, the show is huge and Grainger people are all over the resort. Someone posted (last year, I think) that the main pool was closed for a private event and tents were set up on the grounds.

Most conventions are not nearly the scale of the Grainger show, and you likely won't notice anything except a few people with name tags or lanyards (not the Mickey Mouse kind). You'll notice that the buses and the pool are not as crowded as you would expect at a resort of CSR's size since some rooms only have one person in them, and some people are not going to the parks in the morning since they have to work.

Thanks so much for the info. It sounds very minimal.

 

[cajunprincess]

Hi all! I am leaving in a week for my 3rd stay at Coronado resort! Woooohoo! We tried to stay at another moderate, but you just can't beat the queen size beds! LOL!

My question, though, is if we are "checking-in" at the hotel around 9 am to get our tickets and head to the parks, will they take our luggage or should we keep it in our vehicle?

Thanks bunches!