Coronado Springs Resort - New Unofficial FAQ Thread - November 2012

[RachelTori]

My GF and I are checking in on Sept 29th and are showing no features at all.
no fastpass+ and no MBs stinks..

wondering if we should have chosen another resort after reading a bunch here and on other guidebooks.

Clarify something else for us as well. The cups are only usable while at the hotel??
seems like kinda a goofy thing.. who spends that much time at the hotel? All of our time minus sleeping will be at the parks.

The mugs have never been good at the parks - only at the resorts.

 

[jasonpope2003]

The mugs have never been good at the parks - only at the resorts.

why bother at all then? seems worthless at the hotel I'll have bottled waters and Gatorade from the store anyway in the fridge.

Beginning to wonder after reading all this if we should not have just stayed offsite. would have been a lot cheaper.
guidebook says you need a car anyway if you want to dine anywhere other than the resort or at the park you are visiting for the day or visit other resorts.

This will be our first Disney trip since we were children and our first vacation as a couple ever. seems with all the little gotchas that staying onsite really is not worth it.

Wish I had read the site and the book before we impulsively booked with less than 3 weeks from book to departure.

 

[FUNMAMADIS]

We didn't have a car and easily ate at several other resorts (kona, Sanaa, contempo). We found it easy to take bus to HS and transfer there.

It was nice having the mugs for coffee in the morning before we headed into the park. And drinks by the pool.

Using the bus seemed to be much faster than driving, parking, taking tram and then the monorail. We never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus at CSR.

 

[lhuggi1]

why bother at all then? seems worthless at the hotel I'll have bottled waters and Gatorade from the store anyway in the fridge.

Beginning to wonder after reading all this if we should not have just stayed offsite. would have been a lot cheaper.
guidebook says you need a car anyway if you want to dine anywhere other than the resort or at the park you are visiting for the day or visit other resorts.

This will be our first Disney trip since we were children and our first vacation as a couple ever. seems with all the little gotchas that staying onsite really is not worth it.

Wish I had read the site and the book before we impulsively booked with less than 3 weeks from book to departure.

I totally disagree I've stayed on and off property and there are PROS and CONS to both. If your concerned rent a car, they are fairly cheap and come in handy if you do want to travel offsite. I usually rent a car and use it when and if I need to, otherwise we park it and take disney transportation.

CSR is a beautiful resort, I think you will have a great time there and at the park in general. PS Disney can be as expensive or as cheap as you want it to be. That's the great thing its up to you.

 

[gmi3804]

Sucks, doesn't it?

It's not too late to change without penalty as long as your new package has a total greater than your current one. Sounds like you've convinced yourself you're going to have a rotten time; better to change now than wait until you're on vacation and miserable.

 

[BlueGiraffe]

When we stayed at ASMovies I hadn't passed my driving test, so we had to rely heavily on Disney transportation (the main reason we stayed on site). But we travelled to other resorts on the bus and dined in their restaurants. We got a cab to Universal/Seaworld, and didn't need to shop anywhere like Target or Walmart because we could get what we needed in the resort shops. If you do rent a car then you won't need to pay to park at the parks (a bonus).

We both bought mugs then, and when we stayed at AKL, and feel we got our money's worth as we used them for drinks at breakfast, and whenever we got back from the parks. My favourite was filling mine with hot chocolate and taking it back to my room at bedtime

I wasn't planning on getting them for our trip to CSR next year as it's only 4 nights, but I thought I read somewhere that the price is now in relation to the length of your stay...?

 

[vnuzz]

I wasn't planning on getting them for our trip to CSR next year as it's only 4 nights, but I thought I read somewhere that the price is now in relation to the length of your stay...?

Yes, I saw a sign like that at Rix cafe today...good idea although I don't think the price difference was all that much between the lengths.

We've also been here for a week without a car and have had no problems at all with Disney transportation.

 

[RachelTori]

why bother at all then? seems worthless at the hotel I'll have bottled waters and Gatorade from the store anyway in the fridge.

Beginning to wonder after reading all this if we should not have just stayed offsite. would have been a lot cheaper.
guidebook says you need a car anyway if you want to dine anywhere other than the resort or at the park you are visiting for the day or visit other resorts.

This will be our first Disney trip since we were children and our first vacation as a couple ever. seems with all the little gotchas that staying onsite really is not worth it.

Wish I had read the site and the book before we impulsively booked with less than 3 weeks from book to departure.

Many of us don't purchase the mugs. I used to, years ago when they were resort specific. Each had a unique design. I have lots of great souvenirs from those days!

Here's the thing about a Disney World vacation: it takes A LOT of research to do it right. Staying on-property is definitely the easiest way to do WDW, but the tradeoff is, yes - it costs more. To me, totally worth it!

You can easily get around the property using Disney transportation - but it does take time to learn the best way to go resort-to-resort. The best information you will get is from Cast Members in the parks & resorts -- also the bus drivers (some don't want to be bothered, but most are wonderful and will give you great information!)

Don't over-plan. You won't be able to do everything so decide what's on your "must do" list, but save time for those spontaneous, magical moments you will have that no guide book can prepare you for!

Take time to enjoy the resort. CSR is especially beautiful. Walk the paths. Look at the way the buildings are reflected in the lake. So peaceful and serene.

Please go with the attitude that you will have an amazing time and I bet you will!

 

[nkereina]

Can someone fill me in on what the deal is with the elevators on 4th floor casitas? From what I understand, they're not easy to find or get to? We requested a high floor in Casitas, so now I am re-thinking that! Thanks!

 

[Nechville]

I know the fridges just changed, but can anyone tell me anything about them? At POFQ last year we called when we noticed it wasn't getting cold. We we told it was actually an electric cooler, not a fridge, even though it looked like a fridge. We kept bags of ice in it to make sure certain things like medications stayed cold enough. Are the new ones "electric coolers" as well or actual fridges? Thanks!

 

[jasonpope2003]

OK now I'm confused this is the ONLY place that is saying the transportation is even feasible at all for anything other than to and from your resort to the park you are going to that day, Which they say is fine for most days especially on the off season which we are going on.

Every single guide book flat says unless you are willing to waste at least 3 hours to not even try to go to another resort other than yours, since the only way that works is to travel to a hub which are the parks or downtown and waiting on transfers etc.

We are on a schedule and are planning on seeing every single park as well as US/IoA in 5 full days our arrival and departure days are going to be impractical to do anything on due to flights so they don't count So we are following plans from a well known guidebook that was posted by a member here.
Renting a car is not a big deal and the fact that my fiance is legally blind and has a handicapped placard would make parking and getting around by car much easier since we get front row parking. ( if anyone has any insight on that aspect ie: how is the handicapped parking access to the parks please let me know)

Now if there is something I am missing please let me know I've bought 3 books now and read quite a bit here as well.
We are on the free regular dining plan which we thought was going to be a boon but after reading it seems that it might be a hindrance instead with people having all the best reservations 6 months out.

We are going to have an amazing time but I have to ensure that the time and resources are perfect. Money is always an issue as is time. As it is her family refused to let us drive which would have gave me more flexibility on arrival and departure times. ( 13 hours 1 way from Houston)

They did buy us air tickets but the times are not ideal mid day arrival and departures on both effectively killing both the arrival day and departure days as fun days.
Which is putting more pressure on me to plan a trip we can see the entire Disney Property and Universal in 5 full days (mon-fri arriving late afternoon on Sunday and departing early afternoon on Sat.) So yes I am a bit stressed out and second guessing everything. We did not plan on doing this.. after Labor day weekend I realized I needed to really get away and the stress of work was becoming a serious issue. So it was a last minute thing with 3 weeks of advance notice.
This is our first vacation as a couple and also my first real vacation in 18 years since I left the Navy so we want it to be special.

 

[gmi3804]

Your schedule will not allow you much/any time to explore other resorts if you're planning on six theme parks in five days. Skip the other resorts this time. Sounds like you're trying to cram in a lot, so you're going to need a lot of stamina just for the parks.

 

[RachelTori]

Jason - Have you made all your ADRs (dining reservations for the table service restaurants)? Although many of the most desirable reservations go at 6 months, you should still be able to get into some wonderful restaurants.

Since you are trying to do all the Disney parks and Universal in 5 days (quite an ambitious undertaking, even for those of us who know the parks well), I would stick with restaurants within the parks (or on the monorail outside MK).

I'm not sure which guide books you're reading, but I am surprised that they are saying "3 hours". I never use the Downtown Disney buses - unless I am actually going to DTD - they are historically the worst when you need to connect between resorts.

I often use taxis when I need to get somewhere quickly. They are easy to get (stop at Bell Services at the resort and they will have one there for you quickly) - cost is generally $10-$15, depending where you're going on-property.

Since you're also planning Universal, a rental car would probably be your best bet. The only Park where you won't be able to park the car close is Magic Kingdom. You park at the TTC and take the ferry or the monorail to the Park.

 

[jasonpope2003]

Your schedule will not allow you much/any time to explore other resorts if you're planning on six theme parks in five days. Skip the other resorts this time. Sounds like you're trying to cram in a lot, so you're going to need a lot of stamina just for the parks.

Yeh my worries exactly George.

I think the only one we will really try for is Ohana one since if planned for the same day as the MK the monorail is super easy to do for a extended dinner break.

Planning all this is pretty stressful and so much to take in.

Rachel, we have been trying to lay everything out still and dont want to make reservations for somewhere we wont be anywhere near. this is what is so challenging and frustrating. Ive been told in person and watching the "lines" app that that guide book has that the wait times are very very good right now and hope they hold out past our trips.

As 30ish and 40ish adults I don't think we will be hitting 100% of everything and concentrating on the "must sees" but without kids and us both being in pretty good shape we think we can do it especially with the below 10 minute wait times on nearly everything.

Thanks both for your input we are very excited for sure and are looking forward to this big time. just so much information and so little time to figure it all out.

 

[gmi3804]

Yeh my worries exactly George.

I think the only one we will really try for is Ohana one since if planned for the same day as the MK the monorail is super easy to do for a extended dinner break.

Planning all this is pretty stressful and so much to take in.

Rachel, we have been trying to lay everything out still and dont want to make reservations for somewhere we wont be anywhere near. this is what is so challenging and frustrating. Ive been told in person and watching the "lines" app that that guide book has that the wait times are very very good right now and hope they hold out past our trips.

As 30ish and 40ish adults I don't think we will be hitting 100% of everything and concentrating on the "must sees" but without kids and us both being in pretty good shape we think we can do it especially with the below 10 minute wait times on nearly everything.

Thanks both for your input we are very excited for sure and are looking forward to this big time. just so much information and so little time to figure it all out.

Plan on taking extended afternoon breaks of at least three or four hours. Even if you think you don't need them, you will. They will help you re-energize for evening activities. Remember, slow and steady wins the race.

 

[jasonpope2003]

Plan on taking extended afternoon breaks of at least three or four hours. Even if you think you don't need them, you will. They will help you re-energize for evening activities. Remember, slow and steady wins the race.

Thanks George will try to fit those in. gonna be a long but fun week for sure!

 

[Disney*Dreamer]

Thanks George will try to fit those in. gonna be a long but fun week for sure!

We never take breaks lol

 

[vikster1]

On the day you go to MK. Take the monorail around and stop at Poly/GF/CR. That will knock off a few resorts you may want to see. We always stop and go to Poly for a cocktail in the lounge.

 

[Donna in NJ]

OK now I'm confused this is the ONLY place that is saying the transportation is even feasible at all for anything other than to and from your resort to the park you are going to that day, Which they say is fine for most days especially on the off season which we are going on.

Every single guide book flat says unless you are willing to waste at least 3 hours to not even try to go to another resort other than yours, since the only way that works is to travel to a hub which are the parks or downtown and waiting on transfers etc.

We are on a schedule and are planning on seeing every single park as well as US/IoA in 5 full days our arrival and departure days are going to be impractical to do anything on due to flights so they don't count So we are following plans from a well known guidebook that was posted by a member here.
Renting a car is not a big deal and the fact that my fiance is legally blind and has a handicapped placard would make parking and getting around by car much easier since we get front row parking. ( if anyone has any insight on that aspect ie: how is the handicapped parking access to the parks please let me know)

Now if there is something I am missing please let me know I've bought 3 books now and read quite a bit here as well.
We are on the free regular dining plan which we thought was going to be a boon but after reading it seems that it might be a hindrance instead with people having all the best reservations 6 months out.

We are going to have an amazing time but I have to ensure that the time and resources are perfect. Money is always an issue as is time. As it is her family refused to let us drive which would have gave me more flexibility on arrival and departure times. ( 13 hours 1 way from Houston)

They did buy us air tickets but the times are not ideal mid day arrival and departures on both effectively killing both the arrival day and departure days as fun days.
Which is putting more pressure on me to plan a trip we can see the entire Disney Property and Universal in 5 full days (mon-fri arriving late afternoon on Sunday and departing early afternoon on Sat.) So yes I am a bit stressed out and second guessing everything. We did not plan on doing this.. after Labor day weekend I realized I needed to really get away and the stress of work was becoming a serious issue. So it was a last minute thing with 3 weeks of advance notice.
This is our first vacation as a couple and also my first real vacation in 18 years since I left the Navy so we want it to be special.

We were at Coronado Springs the same week you are going last year and will be back again this year. The transportation was excellent last year. We never felt like we wasted the day on the bus. We go early to a park leave at lunch time for a sit down restaurant and then a swim at the pool. Then we go back out for dinner at one of the Resort Hotels and some nights back to a park. The buses were always very quick. The only slow bus we had was our first day we went to downtown Disney for dinner. If you are not going to downtown Disney I would avoid this bus.
Because of my husbands job we pick our vacation about 30 days before we leave. We have never missed getting in a restaurant we wanted. In the next 2 weeks people will start to weed out ADR they don't want and more will open up. If you look at the Dis page for people dropping ADR you can pick up some.My last piece of advice is you are not going to be able to see everything in the time you have and be able to sleep and eat. The first time we went to Disney years ago we over planned and had a list a mile long and after the first day I was almost in tears I was so over whelmed. We sat down and crossed off about 60% off the list and had a wonderful time. If you make a list off the top 5 thing that are must see for you in each park you can always add more if you have time.
Have a great trip Coronado Spring is wonderful. We are in our 40's without kids and love the resort.

 

[jasonpope2003]

We were at Coronado Springs the same week you are going last year and will be back again this year. The transportation was excellent last year. We never felt like we wasted the day on the bus. We go early to a park leave at lunch time for a sit down restaurant and then a swim at the pool. Then we go back out for dinner at one of the Resort Hotels and some nights back to a park. The buses were always very quick. The only slow bus we had was our first day we went to downtown Disney for dinner. If you are not going to downtown Disney I would avoid this bus.
Because of my husbands job we pick our vacation about 30 days before we leave. We have never missed getting in a restaurant we wanted. In the next 2 weeks people will start to weed out ADR they don't want and more will open up. If you look at the Dis page for people dropping ADR you can pick up some.My last piece of advice is you are not going to be able to see everything in the time you have and be able to sleep and eat. The first time we went to Disney years ago we over planned and had a list a mile long and after the first day I was almost in tears I was so over whelmed. We sat down and crossed off about 60% off the list and had a wonderful time. If you make a list off the top 5 thing that are must see for you in each park you can always add more if you have time.
Have a great trip Coronado Spring is wonderful. We are in our 40's without kids and love the resort.

Some good news in here thank you Donna.
I think we can do the resorts ok I was just looking at the real time queues for tonight going on and almost everything is at 10 mins or less which is awesome even on an extended hours night.

Some of the parks are smaller than others and on off season like this should be able to be done in half a day if we get there are opening.

MK we are going to spend an entire day+ extended hours with a long break for dinner somewhere.

Was told by several people that Animal Kingdom is pretty small and can be seen in a half day easily same with HS. ( with off season crowds and early riser)
We plan on doing those then going to one of the water parks to relax since we bought park hopper+ waterparks.
Thank you very much for the on site and demographic advice.

We don't know if or when we will ever be able to come back so we are going to sure try to see as much as we can. if we cant then oh well we tried.