Coronado Springs Resort - New Unofficial FAQ Thread - November 2011

[Kristinluvsdisney]

Hi! We'll be there from March 4-11, so our trips overlap. I've been looking at the convention that is listed for our dates, and it didn't seem like anything huge. It looked like a convention for grocery store owner/operators, and there were classes nearly all day, every day of the convention. Here is the link I found:

http://www.iga.com/Corporate/Corpor...-_New_ICCI_Classroom_Training_Experience.aspx

This will be our 3rd trip this time of year. In 2010, we were able to swim at the pool. We're from Indiana, so to us it seemed warm, and since you're from Buffalo, you'll probably agree I am going to request Cabanas 8A, close to the bus stop. It was a fairly short walk to the playground (which was AWESOME), the main pool, and just a short walk to El Centro.
I'll have a 2.5 year old and a 6.5 year old - maybe we'll see you at the pool!

Thanks for the info. Maybe we will see you there! Im hoping the weather will be warm. Im seeing 80 degree days now, im sure we will have them for March.

 

[KatMark]

Taking a cue from POB14's bulleted list of "just back from CSR" post, here are my thoughts after returning from a brief 3-night stay over MLK Jr weekend.

• Booked a preferred room and was assigned to Casitas #2. I've now stayed in all three sections of CSR!
• At first, I was disappointed in my ground-floor room location, which had a parking lot view. But it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Since I had a rental car, the short walk to the car was nice both in the morning and night--but especially appreciated after returning from a long day of walking in the parks.
• Wi-fi in the room worked great! And it's free! *happy (hamster) dance*
• The A/C-Heating unit wasn't working correctly. This was very apparent when I woke up after the first night and the thermostat control showed the room temperature at 69 degrees, while the temp setting was at 74. A call to the front desk and an engineer showed up in about 10 minutes to fix the unit.
• I tried the breakfast buffet at Pepper Market once and it was good. I wasn't on the dining plan, so I felt that $14.99 was a little high. But I wanted to try it at least once. And it certainly is a good value if you're on the dining plan.
• All the CMs that I interacted with were tremendously friendly and helpful. Customer service was top notch during my stay.
• Being guaranteed a room close to El Centro made paying the preferred rate worth it to me. My last stay at CSR was in the Ranchos and it really felt distant.

After several WDW trips, I've come to realize that distance to the main building is an important factor to me when choosing a resort. And it's a contributing factor to how much I enjoy my resort stay. It's one reason why I like the compactness of POFQ a lot too. For future trips, I think I'll alternate between CSR and POFQ. They're both great resorts!

Thanks for the review. I'm glad you enjoyed another stay at the CSR and that you found the preferred rooms worth the extra money.

 

[aladams2]

We just booked a preferred room at CRS for June 7-13!! We are very excited to stay here and my girls are itching to swim at the pool. I'm a little nervous about the heat and humidity that we are going to deal with. I'm a little concerned about the breakfast options here as well. we are not on the dining plan. I don't want to do the buffet at Pepper Market every day and don't want a sit down. Are there any other options for a good quick breakfast?

 

[amandajoy]

Yes, I have tried both the resort number and the central lost and found and both were really helpful but the gentleman that we believe found our camera never turned it into lost and found or if he did it never made it past the empolyee?? I ran across this site and saw all the people that like to stay at csr and just thought it might be worth the time to ask if anyone was there the same time (dec 9th-12th) and saw or heard anything about our camera. (red fugifilm camera) I did think that maybe it wasn't our camera he found but what are the chances that 2 people lose their cameras the same day, same time(round about), in the same exact location? And why would he ask about finding the owner and never turn it in?? I just keep thinking the more i post, the more people know and the better chance i have of finding where it may be?? All our trip pictures were on that camera. I would love to have the pictures returned to me. Please pass the word to anyone that you know that was at wdw csr during that time. I am not quite ready to give up the search yet.

 

[BarbieGal457]

This may be the weirdest question I've ever posed here on the DIS..but here goes. Does the gift store sell personal care items, specifically shaving cream and disposable razors?

Oh gosh. I'm so embarrassed but I had to ask!

The reason is this: All things are set for me to head down June 1-8, 2013 for my birthday (the reservations still to be made, but all is saved for, etc). However, I really, REALLY only want to fly with a carry-on and my purse, and I am pretty sure I can't take either razors or shaving cream on. Not wanting to be beastly during my trip, I figured if I could pick such things up when I get there, I would rather do that.

I'm quite sure they will be like, 5x that of at home, but I don't mind as I planned for such an instance. I thought about asking the DBF to stow it in his luggage, but I'm trying to even cut that out.

Also, I have very long hair and always brought my own hair products. I've read in this thread they supply a shampoo/conditioner combo bottle, but may I request more during my stay? I don't want to be a burden. I'll gladly purchase it if I need to. Even though this will be something like my 16th trip, all on-site, I've come to realize I've only called Mousekeeping once for more towels!

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[KatMark]

This may be the weirdest question I've ever posed here on the DIS..but here goes. Does the gift store sell personal care items, specifically shaving cream and disposable razors?

Oh gosh. I'm so embarrassed but I had to ask!

The reason is this: All things are set for me to head down June 1-8, 2013 for my birthday (the reservations still to be made, but all is saved for, etc). However, I really, REALLY only want to fly with a carry-on and my purse, and I am pretty sure I can't take either razors or shaving cream on. Not wanting to be beastly during my trip, I figured if I could pick such things up when I get there, I would rather do that.

I'm quite sure they will be like, 5x that of at home, but I don't mind as I planned for such an instance. I thought about asking the DBF to stow it in his luggage, but I'm trying to even cut that out.

Also, I have very long hair and always brought my own hair products. I've read in this thread they supply a shampoo/conditioner combo bottle, but may I request more during my stay? I don't want to be a burden. I'll gladly purchase it if I need to. Even though this will be something like my 16th trip, all on-site, I've come to realize I've only called Mousekeeping once for more towels!

Any help would be appreciated!

I don't know about the razors, but I do know that my DH forgot shaving cream once and we had to buy some at Panchitos. As for the hair products, at the Coronado (the only moderate to do so), they are an individual bottle of shampoo and an individual bottle of conditioner. They are NOT combined in one bottle. You can always ask mousekeeping for more. I'm headed down next week for six days and I'm only briniging a small, airline allowable bottle of shampoo and conditioner and will use the resorts if I run out.

 

[ThisIsJason]

To add what KatMark wrote: they do sell razors at Panchitos. I forgot mine and had to buy one. If I remember right it was two, two blade disposables. It was Disney priced. $4+.

 

[Jenzerbenz]

I feel that I read somewhere (and now I can't find it) that you didn't have to pay for children under 3 to eat at a buffet. I didn't concern myself with this information because I didn't think we would really be eating at any buffets. BUT NOW.....
Both Breakfast and Lunch at Pepper Market are buffets. My daughter will be 32 months when we are at CS. I can not see spending $10 every morning for her to eat a bite of fruit and a few sips of milk.
Has anyone been with kids under 3 since they changed to buffet? Did you have to pay for them? I don't mind paying OOP for myself, but I REALLY don't want to spend all that money on my DD who won't eat anything.
Any info would be appreciated. I may have to change my breakfast plan and try to eat somewhere else a la carte.
Thanks!

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

I feel that I read somewhere (and now I can't find it) that you didn't have to pay for children under 3 to eat at a buffet. I didn't concern myself with this information because I didn't think we would really be eating at any buffets. BUT NOW.....
Both Breakfast and Lunch at Pepper Market are buffets. My daughter will be 32 months when we are at CS. I can not see spending $10 every morning for her to eat a bite of fruit and a few sips of milk.
Has anyone been with kids under 3 since they changed to buffet? Did you have to pay for them? I don't mind paying OOP for myself, but I REALLY don't want to spend all that money on my DD who won't eat anything.
Any info would be appreciated. I may have to change my breakfast plan and try to eat somewhere else a la carte.
Thanks!

That's a really interesting question. Sitewide, buffets are free for kids under three, and kids 3 to 9 pay the child's price. I expect Pepper Market would be the same. But, PM is not owned by Disney, and the signs state children "under 9" (not even nine and under). I can't imagine you would have to pay for a two year old, but I'm not sure anyone has reported back with any experience. Especially since kids under three can't even purchase the Dining Plan, I think that the buffet at Pepper Market would follow the same rules for pricing. But I can't guarantee it - has there ever been a buffet at Disney at a restaurant that Disney doesn't own?

If I had to bet, though, I'd bet you wouldn't have to pay for a two year old. Seems like Disney would try to keep some consistency.

Cafe Rix has fruit (and I think small containers of milk, but I can't remember). Panchitos sells larger containers of milk that you could keep in your room.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

This may be the weirdest question I've ever posed here on the DIS..but here goes. Does the gift store sell personal care items, specifically shaving cream and disposable razors?

Oh gosh. I'm so embarrassed but I had to ask!

The reason is this: All things are set for me to head down June 1-8, 2013 for my birthday (the reservations still to be made, but all is saved for, etc). However, I really, REALLY only want to fly with a carry-on and my purse, and I am pretty sure I can't take either razors or shaving cream on. Not wanting to be beastly during my trip, I figured if I could pick such things up when I get there, I would rather do that.

I'm quite sure they will be like, 5x that of at home, but I don't mind as I planned for such an instance. I thought about asking the DBF to stow it in his luggage, but I'm trying to even cut that out.

Also, I have very long hair and always brought my own hair products. I've read in this thread they supply a shampoo/conditioner combo bottle, but may I request more during my stay? I don't want to be a burden. I'll gladly purchase it if I need to. Even though this will be something like my 16th trip, all on-site, I've come to realize I've only called Mousekeeping once for more towels!

Any help would be appreciated!

Shaving razors can be taken in carry-on luggage (it says disposable razors and their cartridges are permitted, but DH takes his Gillette Fusion with replaceable blades). Here is the link:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

You can take shaving cream as well, but it has to be less than 100 ml (3.4 ounces) and has to be in a quart ziploc bag. Travel-sized shaving cream is under the limit (DH's Fusion is 2.5 oz.). All of your liquids, gels and aerosols have to fit in the bag, though (one per person). Medications are exempt and are not subject to the 3-1-1 rule, but you do have to have them visible for inspection.

 

[polkadotminnie]

Only 22 or so days to go for me!

Is there any specific information people are wondering about in regards to CSR such as item prices, selection, etc on certain things? I am volunteering myself to find out whatever you want to know or take photos of anything.

It is 21 days for me. Look for us at the pool if it is above 70 degrees. 3 moms with no kids this trip

 

[LJSquishy]

It is 21 days for me. Look for us at the pool if it is above 70 degrees. 3 moms with no kids this trip

That sounds like a fun trip!!! It will just be my husband and I; we don't have kids and we are super excited! Did you make a room request? I decided to just leave it up to fate and if I hate the location I will just ask if they have any availability elsewhere but I'm not too picky really!

 

[smidgy]

any reports about the roof construction in the ranchos section?

 

[polkadotminnie]

That sounds like a fun trip!!! It will just be my husband and I; we don't have kids and we are super excited! Did you make a room request? I decided to just leave it up to fate and if I hate the location I will just ask if they have any availability elsewhere but I'm not too picky really!

Our girls are all competing in the high school cheerleading championships. They are at ASSP. We want to stay where it is quiet so away from the teams. We have requested Castitas 3. I am so hoping for warm sunny days!

 

[aubriee]

After several WDW trips, I've come to realize that distance to the main building is an important factor to me when choosing a resort. And it's a contributing factor to how much I enjoy my resort stay. It's one reason why I like the compactness of POFQ a lot too. For future trips, I think I'll alternate between CSR and POFQ. They're both great resorts!

That's the way I feel and I do the same thing. I love CSR, but am terrified of being stuck out in the Ranchos and I love the compactness of POFQ (plus the boat to DTD). If there was some way to guarantee my beloved Cabanas, I'd spend every trip at CSR.

As it is, for the most part I have a tendency to switch between the two. I was at CSR in Sept and then again in Nov/Dec though. I currently have reservations for POFQ Feb 4th-11th, (wanted CSR but it wasn't available under the AP discount I used), CSR in May (wanted POFQ that trip, but it wasn't available under the bounceback deal I used), POFQ Sept 1st-8th, and POFQ Oct 27th-Nov 3rd (wanted CSR that trip, but couldn't get it under the bounce back code I booked with).

 

[ThisIsJason]

Looking at my new emailed bill.

Question: is there anyway to tell if if I have a Preferred Room or not? Looking at the breakdown, I can't tell. When I first made the ressie the lady put it down. It says everything else but.. :lol:

Just bragging now. When I first booked my trip was just over $4800 (no discounts, rack rate). Applied the public discount, dropped it down to $4395. Got a Free Dining PIN yesterday and it dropped down to just over $4000 total. Never thought I would be happy to see free dining.

 

[Skye23]

Not to go offtopic but to the poster asking about razors/shaving cream - there is always the Schick Intuition line of disposable razors - they have the shaving cream built in in the form of a disk of "soap" around the razor head. No liquid or gel for the TSA to worry about, just keep the razor head in its original packaging which is about 3x2x1 inches and the handle can go separate. There's a small chance some over-zealous TSA agent might want to take it, but as others have noted disposable razors are allowed. I find each razor is good for about 3 shaves for me (underarms and legs) but my hair is pretty thick so you might get more out of one. I'll be taking one of these when we go in February.

 

[Jenzerbenz]

That's a really interesting question. Sitewide, buffets are free for kids under three, and kids 3 to 9 pay the child's price. I expect Pepper Market would be the same. But, PM is not owned by Disney, and the signs state children "under 9" (not even nine and under). I can't imagine you would have to pay for a two year old, but I'm not sure anyone has reported back with any experience. Especially since kids under three can't even purchase the Dining Plan, I think that the buffet at Pepper Market would follow the same rules for pricing. But I can't guarantee it - has there ever been a buffet at Disney at a restaurant that Disney doesn't own?

If I had to bet, though, I'd bet you wouldn't have to pay for a two year old. Seems like Disney would try to keep some consistency.

Cafe Rix has fruit (and I think small containers of milk, but I can't remember). Panchitos sells larger containers of milk that you could keep in your room.

Thanks StitchandPooh'sMom,
We will be there the end of March and if I can get my brain to work for a few minutes, I will report back and let you know.

 

[BarbieGal457]

Shaving razors can be taken in carry-on luggage (it says disposable razors and their cartridges are permitted, but DH takes his Gillette Fusion with replaceable blades). Here is the link:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

You can take shaving cream as well, but it has to be less than 100 ml (3.4 ounces) and has to be in a quart ziploc bag. Travel-sized shaving cream is under the limit (DH's Fusion is 2.5 oz.). All of your liquids, gels and aerosols have to fit in the bag, though (one per person). Medications are exempt and are not subject to the 3-1-1 rule, but you do have to have them visible for inspection.

To add what KatMark wrote: they do sell razors at Panchitos. I forgot mine and had to buy one. If I remember right it was two, two blade disposables. It was Disney priced. $4+.

I don't know about the razors, but I do know that my DH forgot shaving cream once and we had to buy some at Panchitos. As for the hair products, at the Coronado (the only moderate to do so), they are an individual bottle of shampoo and an individual bottle of conditioner. They are NOT combined in one bottle. You can always ask mousekeeping for more. I'm headed down next week for six days and I'm only briniging a small, airline allowable bottle of shampoo and conditioner and will use the resorts if I run out.

Thanks for the help everyone! I think I'll pack them instead. It might just be easier in the long run as I really don't want to keep running to the store if I've forgotten anything else!

I'm also happy to hear it's not the shampoo/conditioner combo bottle, as even though every inch of me loves Disney, my hair wasn't a fan of that!

 

[MissMichelle]

Jumping in because we have finally had the first snowfall here in MA and driving last night was no fun. Bet you can guess what I dreamed about last night........... If you guessed my trip to Disney and CSR in 6 weeks you would be right!! It can't come quick enough!!!