Coronado Springs Resort -- New Unofficial FAQ Thread -- October 2010

[chellt]

Would any of you seasoned CSR veterans be willing to take a look at my plans and answer a few "how to get from here to there" questions regarding CSR? I posted on the trsnsportation board, but didn't get much help! Feeling VERY overwhelmed about this! We arrive for our first ever WDW vacay in 21 days!!

 

[Shaniyah]

I will be checking in to CSR in exactly one week from today!!! I requested Casistas building 5. I hope I get it!!

 

[mimiecp]

I will be checking in to CSR in exactly one week from today!!! I requested Casistas building 5. I hope I get it!!

Have a great trip! We still have FOUR months to go. I hope you get your room request. Either way, I know you'll have a great time.

 

[KatMark]

First, thank you to everyone for posting such great information on this forum. I find it so helpful and I love reading about everyone's experiences at CSR. I'm new to the boards, but am glad I found them!

I have a question about linked reservations. My parents and I are coming in September. They arrive on Sept. 23 and we don't check into CSR until Sept. 25. We did not request adjoinging rooms, just rooms close to each other. We have both requested Cabanas 9B, although I'd be happy in any of the cabanas. Has anyone had experience with linked reservations with different check-in dates and has it worked out? Would we be better off requesting adjoinging rooms? I thought my parents would prefer to have a little "space" rather than having the kids knock on an adjoining door constantly , but if that would help keep us in close proximity, then I'd rather request adjoining rooms.

Thanks in advance for any advice or experiences.

I can't help with your question as we've never had linked ressies, but I did want to welcome you to our great group here. You'll be there when we are.

I posted this on the Resort Photo and Video board and then thought I might get a quicker answer here.

We will be staying at CSR in late October. I stayed here one time several years ago (1999). We stayed in the Ranchos section and I remember walking past the Cabanas buildings. It looks like there is a bridge that crosses over the lake and that you wouldn't have to walk over bhy the Cabanas. Was that always there and we just managed to not see it and took the long route time after time? Just curious.

I'm excited about going back. It is a beautiful resort - my oldest dd said she doesn't remember it (I don't know how she wouldn't since she was in high school) and my younger children have never stayed there.

I believe that bridge has always been there (it has as long as I can remember and we've been there nine stays, including when it first opened).

Would any of you seasoned CSR veterans be willing to take a look at my plans and answer a few "how to get from here to there" questions regarding CSR? I posted on the trsnsportation board, but didn't get much help! Feeling VERY overwhelmed about this! We arrive for our first ever WDW vacay in 21 days!!

Sorry so slow in responding...busy anniversary day yesterday for DH and I and I've been cleaning all day; I would be happy to see if I can help if you want to send to me by PM or post here.

I will be checking in to CSR in exactly one week from today!!! I requested Casistas building 5. I hope I get it!!

I'm so jealous...I still have four months.

 

[chellt]

Thanks for your help KatMark! I will post our plans for you to review!

Your help is VERY much appreciated!
I have been reading, and reading and reading regarding what section of CSR to request. We paid for preferred - but I'm not sure that Casitas 1-2-3 is where we need to be!! May have been a waste of $$$!
(and yes, I know requests are NOT guaranteed)

I doubt we will ever eat in the main building, as we have a TON of ADR's to try to get to, so being close to it doesn't make a lot of since to me.

We will, however, probably visit the main pool EVERY day. Seriously, it will be the highlight of the trip - always is. So I would like to be near the pool and a bus stop????

Any suggestions, anyone?

 

[KatMark]

Thanks for your help KatMark! I will post our plans for you to review!

Your help is VERY much appreciated!
I have been reading, and reading and reading regarding what section of CSR to request. We paid for preferred - but I'm not sure that Casitas 1-2-3 is where we need to be!! May have been a waste of $$$!
(and yes, I know requests are NOT guaranteed)

I doubt we will ever eat in the main building, as we have a TON of ADR's to try to get to, so being close to it doesn't make a lot of since to me.

We will, however, probably visit the main pool EVERY day. Seriously, it will be the highlight of the trip - always is. So I would like to be near the pool and a bus stop????

Any suggestions, anyone?

Casitas 1 2 and 3 will be the furthest walk to the main pool. If you can, try to book a standard room rather than preferred and then request Cabanas 8A or 8B--both close to the main pool (so are the Ranchos which are further from the main building, but if you don't plan on eating at the main building, this might be a good selection for you).

 

[chellt]

Thanks so much for your help! We have budgeted for a few cabs if we need them... but would rather use the FREE option when possible.

Any help is MUCH appreciated!!

8:00 AM @ 1900 Park Fare from CSR

8:00 PM @ Poly/Luau from CSR

8:00 PM @ 1900 Park Fare from CSR (maybe from MK)

8:00 PM @TRex from CSR

8:05 AM @ Tusker House from CSR (I know the bus will take us to AK, but will we make our ADR?)

8:35 PM @ Whispering Canyon Cafe from CSR

8:35 AM @ Chef Mickeys CSR

8:05 PM @ O'hana from CSR

8:40 AM @ O'hana from CSR

Again, thank you so much! I have read so much and can honestly admit - I have no clue the best routes to go!

 

[chellt]

Casitas 1 2 and 3 will be the furthest walk to the main pool. If you can, try to book a standard room rather than preferred and then request Cabanas 8A or 8B--both close to the main pool (so are the Ranchos which are further from the main building, but if you don't plan on eating at the main building, this might be a good selection for you).

Thanks for the info! I just switched us from a preferred to a waterview with a request for Cabanas 8A or 8B! Same price and I didn't see any reason to be in Casitas 1-3 so I guess we will take our chances!!!

 

[mimiecp]

I can't help with your question as we've never had linked ressies, but I did want to welcome you to our great group here. You'll be there when we are.


Sorry so slow in responding...busy anniversary day yesterday for DH and I and I've been cleaning all day; I would be happy to see if I can help if you want to send to me by PM or post here.

Thanks KatMark! We'll just have to wait and see about the ressies and hope that it all works out. I'm sure it will. I enjoyed your trip report from 2010 very much. I'll have to ready your pre-trip report for September. Happy Anniversary!

 

[cindyfan]

We just got back from a great stay at CSR!!
I must say that I am never disappointed in the resort itself! As beautiful as ever!!!
We were in Ranchos on the first floor building 6B.... and our room faced the small wooded area....
WOW.. what a nice surprise!! so peaceful and beautiful!
And it seemed the building was almost empty! hardly saw anyone around Ranchos....
However.... they must have put all the people in Casitas because those buildings were completely full!!

A few bad experiences.....
Buses..... horrible this trip!!!! This is the first time we had any issues. Waited 40 minutes one day for MK bus! 35 minutes for Downtown Disney another day! and the buses were almost ALWAYS FULL!!! which I've never seen before at CSR!
I don't think there was a convention.... so that may have been the difference.... I'd prefer there be one because it keeps the people off the bus and at meetings, etc at the resort!!

Bugs!!! OMG!! we got bit up so bad! first time in 15 years of visits to WDW that I got bug bites!!! and it wasn't just mosquitos! there was some aweful kind of bug at the pool that was vicious!

Housekeeping!! DD was not feeling well one day and went to the room to rest.... housekeeping had not been there so she hung out at the pool and fell asleep in a hammock. BUT.... by 4:30 they still had not come to clean!! But they were nowhere in sight. I called and finally someone came at 5:15. But all they did was make the bed! bathroom wasn't cleaned, no vacume and they only left 2 bath towels and 1 washcloth!! with 3 of us in the room that wasnt going to work!! Yet, they had the nerve to take the tip that was left there!! I was pretty upset!

overall we love CSR and plan to return next year!! But I think I will plan to be there when there IS a convention! haha. at least then the buses won't be full!
and we will probably pay for preferred so we can be in Casitas! I love Ranchos, but just not convinient to El Central. Was a bit of a walk after a long day.

 

[KatMark]

Thanks so much for your help! We have budgeted for a few cabs if we need them... but would rather use the FREE option when possible.

Any help is MUCH appreciated!!

8:00 AM @ 1900 Park Fare from CSR

8:00 PM @ Poly/Luau from CSR

8:00 PM @ 1900 Park Fare from CSR (maybe from MK)

8:00 PM @TRex from CSR

8:05 AM @ Tusker House from CSR (I know the bus will take us to AK, but will we make our ADR?)

8:35 PM @ Whispering Canyon Cafe from CSR

8:35 AM @ Chef Mickeys CSR

8:05 PM @ O'hana from CSR

8:40 AM @ O'hana from CSR

Again, thank you so much! I have read so much and can honestly admit - I have no clue the best routes to go!

I'm bumping this up because I can't help. Mark and I don't use the buses as we rent a car and drive everywhere. So I hope someone who uses buses can help.

 

[tperkins71]

What dates were you there?

It's been about a week and a half since we arrived home from our amazing stay at Coronado Springs and I'm already dreaming about heading back!!! This has become my resort of choice for Disney...it's got the feel of a delux resort at the price of a moderate, and the grounds are gorgeous! Not to mention the pool, which easily became our second home while we were there!

We managed to get cabanas 8A, room 8130, without even making any requests! Our room view was AMAZING! And it was almost like we had our own private hammock...it was the farthest down the beach and no one was ever using it!!

This was my boyfriends first trip in 16 years, and really the first trip he can remember, and although he loves Disney, I was a little worried that the World would be a little too much for him to handle...but he LOVED it! We are already talking about booking our next stay at Coronado Springs for May of 2012 and I cannot wait!!!!!

 

[snykymom]

Thanks so much for your help! We have budgeted for a few cabs if we need them... but would rather use the FREE option when possible.

Any help is MUCH appreciated!!

8:00 AM @ 1900 Park Fare from CSR Bus to MK, ferry or monorail to GF

8:00 PM @ Poly/Luau from CSR Bus to MK, ferry or monorail to Poly

8:00 PM @ 1900 Park Fare from CSR (maybe from MK) See above.

8:00 PM @TRex from CSR Bus to DTD

8:05 AM @ Tusker House from CSR (I know the bus will take us to AK, but will we make our ADR?) Buses should start running early enough for early ADRs.

8:35 PM @ Whispering Canyon Cafe from CSR Bus to MK, ferry to WL

8:35 AM @ Chef Mickeys CSR Bus to MK, walk to Contemporary

8:05 PM @ O'hana from CSR See above for Poly.

8:40 AM @ O'hana from CSR See above for Poly.

Again, thank you so much! I have read so much and can honestly admit - I have no clue the best routes to go!

Responses in red.

If MK closes more than an hour before your dinners end (so buses aren't running anymore), you can either take the bus to DTD and then the bus back to CSR, or take the cab.

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Thanks so much for your help! We have budgeted for a few cabs if we need them... but would rather use the FREE option when possible.

Any help is MUCH appreciated!!

8:00 AM @ 1900 Park Fare from CSR
Take bus to MK and then monorail(or boat if running that early) to GF

8:00 PM @ Poly/Luau from CSR
Take bus to MK and then boat or monorail to Poly

8:00 PM @ 1900 Park Fare from CSR (maybe from MK)
Take bus to MK and then boat or monorail over to GF

8:00 PM @TRex from CSR
Sorry--don't know where this one is--LOL

8:05 AM @ Tusker House from CSR (I know the bus will take us to AK, but will we make our ADR?)
I would take a cab actually to this one unless it is an EMH morning at AK.

8:35 PM @ Whispering Canyon Cafe from CSR
Take bus to MK and then boat to WCC at WL OR bus to DHS and switch to WL bus

8:35 AM @ Chef Mickeys CSR
Take bus to MK then monorail or walk to CR

8:05 PM @ O'hana from CSR
Take bus to MK then boat or monorail to Poly

8:40 AM @ O'hana from CSR
same as above

Again, thank you so much! I have read so much and can honestly admit - I have no clue the best routes to go!

I hope that helps. I would definitely give yourself a solid hour or hour and fifteen minutes for transport time to ADRs. For morning ADRs, keep an eye on your watch. If buses are running late--meaning no bus for 25 minutes, I would scrap plan and get a taxi. I think morning buses will be your biggest problem as that is such a heavy load time as many are trying to make it early to the parks.

 

[mjohnson96]

Bugs!!! OMG!! we got bit up so bad! first time in 15 years of visits to WDW that I got bug bites!!! and it wasn't just mosquitos! there was some aweful kind of bug at the pool that was vicious!

We called these NOSEEUMS when we lived down there. I hated working outdoor convention dinners or at the outside bar during the summer months with these things. You will never see them but you leave with lots of little welts from their bites. Good thing is that most repelents work so I use the sunsreen with repelent in it so that helps reduce the annoying little critters a chance to snack on me.

 

[KatMark]

Responses in red.

If MK closes more than an hour before your dinners end (so buses aren't running anymore), you can either take the bus to DTD and then the bus back to CSR, or take the cab.

I hope that helps. I would definitely give yourself a solid hour or hour and fifteen minutes for transport time to ADRs. For morning ADRs, keep an eye on your watch. If buses are running late--meaning no bus for 25 minutes, I would scrap plan and get a taxi. I think morning buses will be your biggest problem as that is such a heavy load time as many are trying to make it early to the parks.

Thank you guys for the help.

 

[shenaniganzz]

Hi everyone!

We've got a hold (deposit this week) on a room at CSR in September!

I was at Disney waaaaaay long time ago (1996! ) but it's my DD (3 y.o) and DH's first time at WDW.

Anyhoo - I am wondering if it is worth it to use our Air Miles to rent a car?

I think I have been a bit naive about how long it takes to get around WDW. We definitely have enough points to cover a rental. I just don't think I want to waste time jumping on different forms of transportation to get around. DH is easily stressed and this might drive him nuts!

 

[KatMark]

Hi everyone!

We've got a hold (deposit this week) on a room at CSR in September!

I was at Disney waaaaaay long time ago (1996! ) but it's my DD (3 y.o) and DH's first time at WDW.

Anyhoo - I am wondering if it is worth it to use our Air Miles to rent a car?

I think I have been a bit naive about how long it takes to get around WDW. We definitely have enough points to cover a rental. I just don't think I want to waste time jumping on different forms of transportation to get around. DH is easily stressed and this might drive him nuts!

Hi, there. Personally, DH and I ALWAYS rent a car. Now, granted, we go to Marco Island for a week after Disney, but even before we started doing that two years ago, we still rented a car. It is SO much easier getting to meals at other resorts and, in our personal opinion, the parks (although MK you might want to take the bus).

If you've got the air miles, I would certainly do it. You can also then stop and do a grocery store run on the way in for milk, juice, water, etc.

 

[999ghostslover]

We leave in three days and I wanted to say thank you so much to everyone but especially to KatMark for this amazing thread. I have posted here and there but read every day and I am so excited to experience CSR for myself now. My PTR has sortof fallen off my to-do list here lately as May is really insane. I promise to post lots of details and do a kick-butt TR when I return. If you want to follow along on my trip I will be FB TR'ing live from my iphone as much as possible. You can friend me: Erin Sharkey Percy. Can't wait!

 

[KatMark]

We leave in three days and I wanted to say thank you so much to everyone but especially to KatMark for this amazing thread. I have posted here and there but read every day and I am so excited to experience CSR for myself now. My PTR has sortof fallen off my to-do list here lately as May is really insane. I promise to post lots of details and do a kick-butt TR when I return. If you want to follow along on my trip I will be FB TR'ing live from my iphone as much as possible. You can friend me: Erin Sharkey Percy. Can't wait!

You are so welcome.

I hope you have a great stay at CSR and an overall magical trip. I will go and befriend you on FB now (it will come from Kathy Schultz).