Coronado Springs Resort - New Unofficial FAQ Thread - November 2011

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Oh it is its just after looking through my "unnoffical guide to Disney 2012" my mom read buses at POR can take up to 20 minutes to get to the parks but CS only takes around 5 she was immediatly sold to CS, and my sister likes the playground better at CS. _

And stitvhandpoohsmom (I didn't know how to quote you both) thanks for the stories they made me like CS more already!

I really don't think there is a bad choice here. CSR has lots of fans, but so does POR. They both have great amenities (POR has the boat to DTD, CSR has the fitness center, room service and small spa). CSR does have better toiletries (separate shampoo and conditioner like the deluxes instead of the combo like the values and other mods), but that shouldn't make or break a hotel choice. Room sizes and bed sizes are the same. POR is being refurbed now. CSR was refurbed in 2009.

CSR does have a very nice playground, and it is next to the main pool, so it is convenient.

We haven't considered POR in the past because it had double beds, but we would consider it if CSR wasn't available. The boat to DTD is a nice touch.

CSR does have excellent bus service, and it doesn't share with any other resorts. It has a nice location such that it isn't very far to any of the parks. POR sometimes shares with POFQ and sometimes has its own buses. If it shares, it picks up and drops off at POFQ before going to POR. CSR and POR both have four bus stops, so your room won't be far from a stop.

Allears.net has lots of picture of both resorts. I'd just pick the one that looks the best to you

 

[emcclay]

CSR is just so relaxing and laid-back. Great resort to return to after a day in the parks. As for the theming, I already know I am at Disney. So, the hidden Mickey's on the bed decor are certainly enough for me. You really feel like you are in another part of the world there!

 

[POB14]

Just wanted to say - brag, perhaps - that we'll be at Coronado starting Sunday night for a 3-night stay (our fourth time there). With Wifi in the rooms now, I'll try to do some posting while there, especially about what's happening with the Pepper Market.

 

[CAJUNWDWFAN]

We added two more days to our upcoming trip to Coronado Springs in April

 

[mmullena70]

Just wanted to say - brag, perhaps - that we'll be at Coronado starting Sunday night for a 3-night stay (our fourth time there). With Wifi in the rooms now, I'll try to do some posting while there, especially about what's happening with the Pepper Market.

Have fun!

I'll be interested to hear about the Pepper Market. We're staying at CSR next month with some friends who've never been to Disney, so I want as much as info as possible so we can prepare them!

 

[MickeyEars]

Yes, POB14 please let us know what's going on with the Pepper Market. I'd love to know if the breakfast and lunch buffets are staying when the "test" period ends.

Thanks!
Carla

 

[LJSquishy]

I wanted to volunteer myself during my trip in February (11-18) to take any pictures of CSR-related things or find answers to any questions anyone may have.

I know I've found it extremely helpful seeing photos of certain things since I've never been to DW before and I wanted to pass along the kind gesture.

I know my trip is still a month away, but feel free to send me a message if you are looking for some specific information or pictures (such as what a certain item costs at Panchito's, etc)!

PS...anyone know what the wine selection looks like at Panchito's? I'm mostly interested in the prices of bottles...not sure if we'll be relaxing in our room much, but just in case!

 

[germ539]

I would also like to know what's happening at Pepper Market. That may be our deciding factor on if we stay at CSR or POR. I know my son would like the slide at CSR but I don't know if I want to pay a set amount for a buffet and we aren't that hungry for that much.

When is the "test period" supposed to end and does anyone know how soon they would decide if they will stick with the "buffet"?

TIA

 

[germ539]

Just wanted to say - brag, perhaps - that we'll be at Coronado starting Sunday night for a 3-night stay (our fourth time there). With Wifi in the rooms now, I'll try to do some posting while there, especially about what's happening with the Pepper Market.

The testing is said to go only through Jan 4, so this weekend you should be able to find out what's happening.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

I would also like to know what's happening at Pepper Market. That may be our deciding factor on if we stay at CSR or POR. I know my son would like the slide at CSR but I don't know if I want to pay a set amount for a buffet and we aren't that hungry for that much.

When is the "test period" supposed to end and does anyone know how soon they would decide if they will stick with the "buffet"?

TIA

Both Cafe Rix and the pool bar offer some lighter food options if you are not interested in a buffet for breakfast or lunch. We should know soon what is going to happen with PM.

 

[EPCOTatNight]

Just wanted to see my ticker!
WDW and Coronado Springs, here we come.

 

[uscgrl93]

Can anyone post about the "nightlife" at CSR? I heard that Cafe Rix has a DJ that plays...is that nightly? My DH and I were thinking if there is a place to go at night, it might be nice to just walk over to something instead of having to drive somewhere. We'll be there March 30- April 5 if that makes a difference.

 

[KatMark]

Can anyone post about the "nightlife" at CSR? I heard that Cafe Rix has a DJ that plays...is that nightly? My DH and I were thinking if there is a place to go at night, it might be nice to just walk over to something instead of having to drive somewhere. We'll be there March 30- April 5 if that makes a difference.

The last I heard, the DJ was there on weekends only. Here is a link to the Lounge which might be helpful: http://rix-lounge.com/

 

[Drscholls]

Can anyone post about the "nightlife" at CSR? I heard that Cafe Rix has a DJ that plays...is that nightly? My DH and I were thinking if there is a place to go at night, it might be nice to just walk over to something instead of having to drive somewhere. We'll be there March 30- April 5 if that makes a difference.

The DJ is there Thur - Sat.

 

[aubriee]

Is a reservation needed or suggested here. My partner and I are taking an adults only trip the end of Sept. and will have the regular dining plan with 1 ts, one qs and one snack. We will be there for 7 days and will make probably 4 ADRs but really don't want to be tied down trying to figure out 6 months in advance where and when we want to eat.

We may even end up using a couple of our table service meals for qs just for convenience. Anyway, I wasn't sure if it might be easier to walk up and get a table at the resort as compared to in the parks.

Any other suggestions for "grown up" things to do would be appreciated. We definitely want to go to Raglan Road one evening at DTD. We would probably be happy wandering around, looking in stores, seeing things at a leisurely pace, seeing some shows and most likely will not go on many rides.

I've eaten at Maya Grill four times as a walkup. Every time it's been a matter of I was tired and didn't feel like keeping my planned ADR. I canceled and just walked up at Maya Grill. Twice was right around the time they opened, but twice was around 7:00pm. This was solo twice, a party of two once, and a party of three once. I was laways seated almost immediately. The last time was a little over a month ago. As far as resort restaurants, I've walked into Flying Fish right at opening a couple of times, GF Cafe, the Wave, Olivias, Bomas (right at opening), Sanaa, and Artist Point (right at opening).

As far as adult things, how about some backstage tours. Don't forget to ask about discounts. (I know you get a discount if you have an AP, Disney Visa, and maybe AAA). Buy a Hidden Mickey book. It will make you take your time really looking at all the details of each park as you search out Hidden Mickeys. Really take your time wandering around each country in the World Showcase trying a snack or drink from each country. If you are going during the F&W Festival it will take you a couple of days to check out each kiosk. How about Cirque de Soleil? Try House of Blues, Bongos, or upstairs Wolfgang Pucks. There probably won't be that many kids there (of course upstairs WG is 2 credits though). How about the BW area at night? Try a beer flight over at Big River Grille. Rent some water mice and wander around Bay Lake or go parasailing. Grab sushi from the Poly sushi bar and go out on the beach and watch the fireworks and Electrical Water parade from the beach. Go to a movie at DTD or over at Universal City Walk. Catch a Mears van over to City Walk at Universal and check out a few restaurants/clubs.

 

[kristinemomof3]

Do the standard rooms have microwaves? Tried to a search but I'm not getting anything. Thanks!

 

[aubriee]

I would also like to know what's happening at Pepper Market. That may be our deciding factor on if we stay at CSR or POR. I know my son would like the slide at CSR but I don't know if I want to pay a set amount for a buffet and we aren't that hungry for that much.

When is the "test period" supposed to end and does anyone know how soon they would decide if they will stick with the "buffet"?

TIA

I'm hoping it doesn't stay. I was there Dec 4th when it started. I know anything about until I tried to get lunch there my last day. I had ran in the day before and got my favorite fruit plate to go and ate it next to the Cabana quiet pool while I was reading a book. I went in the next day to do the same thing with the nachos, just to find out they were no longer doing take out for breakfast or lunch and I'd have to pay the full buffet price to get them. I left and went into Cafe Rix. It's a good deal if you are on the DDP or eat alot, but if you don't want that much, it's too expensive.

 

[dani77]

Can't really seem to find the answer to my questions anywhere...hope you can help me out:
1) How long are the pools (quiet and main) open at night?
2) Are there pool towels or do you have to bring the towels from your room?
3) Since I loooooooooooove hot tubs...are there any and if so, where?

Thanks

 

[dtstampz]

1) Not sure about how late the pools are open. Thought it was 9 or 10? I think the lifeguards leave at 8pm at the Dig site pool, and they close the jaguar slide then.
2) There are towels at the main pool; for the quiet pools you need to bring towels.
3) There IS a hot tub right by the main pool! I believe it is the largest on Disney property.

 

[MickeyMoguls]

Kristinemomof3....you have to request a microwave when you check in...they have a limited number available. If they don't have one when you first check in, keep checking with the concierge desk and they will try toot get you one when it becomes available.