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

[jude&jonah]

I'm so excited! I just called today and changed our trip from 5 nights at deluxe hotels- to 7 nights at CSR with free dining. Woooo!! I really didn't realize how nice CSR was until I started reading the various threads with pictures and I am over the moon about it now- can't wait to get there!

I'm so torn between putting a request in for Casitas 4 (or 5) or one the of the Cabanas. I like the bus stop that goes with Casitas -seems like it's usually first and uncrowded) and I loooove the buildings, but I love the beachy feel of the cabanas. I guess I want the area that is a bit more 'bustling'. I want to be somewhat close to alcoholic drinks too by the pool.... hah!!! In that case would you sacrifice the pretty Casita buildings and first bus stop for Cabanas? I know it's just a request.

Any advice from Kathy or anyone else? Thanks guys!!!

 

[KatMark]

Hello Everyone!

Just got back from a wonderful stay at CSR!! We had a great time and can’t wait to book a return trip!

We arrived around 9am and headed to the line for online check in. Not sure what advantages it had other than the line was shorter. Of course our room was not ready but we were given all of our documents and keys. As we were standing at the counter I mentioned to the kids to cross their fingers for Casitas 4 or 5. The CM at the desk heard me and said “oh you wanted Casitas” then informed us that we would be in Casitas bldg # 4. I was a little surprised that she did not know that already since it was supposed to be noted in our reservation. I am guessing by her response that we were not originally assigned to the Casitas b/c it seemed that she had to search for another room. But no big deal….we were happy that we got the location that we wanted. The CM said that I would receive a text message with our room number as soon as it was ready so we headed for a bus to MK.

Around 2:45 we got our room number. We had a water view room on the 3rd floor of Casitas bldg. 4. It was a great room and we were very happy with the resort (like always). The Mousekeeping was wonderful! The room was always nice and clean, she left us extra towels and toiletries everyday. One day we got a towel creation (we did tip her daily).

The first evening around 11:30 I had to go to the front desk for an issue with my key. About 3 CM’s were at the desk and we very happy to help me. I noticed the gift shop was closed and asked about their hours. One of the CM’s asked if I had forgotten something from home. I told them that my son had left his toothbrush at an off property hotel that we had stayed at the night before. She said “no problem I will have housekeeping bring you one in about 15 minutes at no charge”. I was surprised that they were so helpful! Right on the 15 minute dot we received a quite knock at the door and we were handed a bag with a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner and lotion.

We used the Dig pool once during our stay and it was wonderful! The bar service was nice. The drinks were good. The kids had a blast. We used the Casitas quite pool the most and it was great too….just wish they offered bar service!

We went to Pepper Market twice. The food was good and our waitress was nice (both times). The cooks/attendants at the stations were lacking customer service skills…but no big deal! They were just not too friend. My son liked to eat there b/c he could order an adult meal (we were on the dining plan).

The buses were good. We never waited very long for a bus at the parks or at the resort. I only had to stand 1 time. We did drive to the water parks which I feel was the best idea!

It was extremely HOT while we were there. If you are going in the upcoming weeks be prepared and bring/drink lots of water! I guess I am getting old because it seemed that it was hotter this year than in the past years.
Overall we had a wonderful stay! I miss WDW and CSR already and can’t wait to go back. I think next time we go we are going to pick a cooler month.

Thanks so much for your review. I'm glad you had an overall great stay at the CSR.

We just got back from our trip staying at Coronado. Overall we had a really nice stay there!!

We arrived Wed. the 1st around 10:00 pm. I was worried about where we would be but we got Casita 5 room 5330....which was right off the elevator! We were close to bus stop 2...and it was about an equal walk to the Dig Site and to El Centro.

We ate a couple times at Peppermarket...I had a BLT (which wasn't good) and a cheeseburger...it was ok.

We LOVED the Dig Site!! My DD who is 5...loved the slide! We swam every day but one...and I enjoyed some beverages from the bar! Also had some yummy nachos! DD also enjoyed playing on the playground one night...we had it all to ourselves!

We only had mousekeeping clean our room twice while we were there. And the 2nd time I only had them clean because we were out of toliet papering. My DD and I weren't messy so just didn't need them to clean! I did tip at the end though...I know you don't usually have the same person...but we did the 2 times so hopefully she did it the day we left!

Now the buses...we did have some issues. We waited 30 min. for buses about 5 or 6 times. It got really frustrating some times. One time, we were waiting for Magic Kingdom...and while we waited we saw 2 buses come for every other park. We did like that our bus stop was the first to pick up and drop off!

Overall we had a nice time! DD loved the fountains and we would just sit by them several times! We would definitely go back again and this pretty much has convinced me to never go back to a value!

Thanks for the review. I'm glad you enjoyed your stay at CSR. And I hear you about not going back to a value.

Just switched our ressie from the Poly to CSR, main reason is we love the Dig Site Pool, and also the value you get for the $$$$ at the CSR is the best IMO.

Welcome home!

I LOVE what you've done with the place!

Glad you like it.

I just paid off our trip, 72 days to go. We can't wait for our first stay at CSR. I've been reading along for a while now. Great info on this thread.

Welcome to the CSR thread. We are delighted to have you here.

Anyone know if the Marina will be open when we are there? We arrive August 17th and leave on September 1st.
I see from a few different sources that the Marina is "seasonal" but I can't find the dates of the "season"
TIA

Unfortunately, this is a mystery. The last time we were there late August/early September, it was not open. I don't know it for a fact, but I wonder if it will not open at all due to costs, etc. Truthfully, we find it wiser to rent a boat at the Contemorary or Polynesian as you have more room to roam (you don't leave the CSR property at all and the lake is not that large.

This will be our 35th time staying at csr...and the best news is i just retired this april..so that leaves plenty of time for more trips home..i use to post more often when buzz was herebut kats doin a great jobalmost forgot dates sept 25 til oct 7.....

Thank you. Wow--35 times! That is simply amazing.

I'm so excited! I just called today and changed our trip from 5 nights at deluxe hotels- to 7 nights at CSR with free dining. Woooo!! I really didn't realize how nice CSR was until I started reading the various threads with pictures and I am over the moon about it now- can't wait to get there!

I'm so torn between putting a request in for Casitas 4 (or 5) or one the of the Cabanas. I like the bus stop that goes with Casitas -seems like it's usually first and uncrowded) and I loooove the buildings, but I love the beachy feel of the cabanas. I guess I want the area that is a bit more 'bustling'. I want to be somewhat close to alcoholic drinks too by the pool.... hah!!! In that case would you sacrifice the pretty Casita buildings and first bus stop for Cabanas? I know it's just a request.

Any advice from Kathy or anyone else? Thanks guys!!!

Truthfully, as much as we loved Cabanas 8A last year and are hoping for the Ranchos for the first time in ten stays, we really, really love Casitas 4 and 5 the best.

 

[jude&jonah]

Thanks for the feedback!! I think I'll do that. Is there much of a difference between 4 or 5? Which would you request? Can I just say either or?

 

[KatMark]

Thanks for the feedback!! I think I'll do that. Is there much of a difference between 4 or 5? Which would you request? Can I just say either or?

You can certainly request both, just remember it is only a request and not a guarantee. Casitas 4 would be our favorite of the two because itis closer to the quiet pool which we use a lot.

 

[jude&jonah]

Yep- absolutely- and honestly I don't really care where we get- just looking forward to being there. Requesting a section just gives me one more thing to research which is my favorite part of Disney anyway- hah!

 

[rhonda_2003]

8 days until I can make my ADRs!!

Question: Should I let my travel agent make them, which is a service they offer, or should I be calling first thing that morning myself?

 

[ConnieB]

8 days until I can make my ADRs!!

Question: Should I let my travel agent make them, which is a service they offer, or should I be calling first thing that morning myself?

That depends on the level of Disney knowledge your travel agent has....some know which ADRs need to take priority and some will just ask for them in the order you tell them. Some understand that calling at 1 second after they open is late, lol.

I'm too much of a control freak to use a travel agent, so personally I'd do it myself. There are so many decisions to make on the fly when I call that I would rather be on the call and making those decisions for myself. Actually, I'd do it online just because then I can try all different combinations myself and not be relying on someone else's slow typing or decision making, lol. I told you I was a control freak.

 

[KatMark]

8 days until I can make my ADRs!!

Question: Should I let my travel agent make them, which is a service they offer, or should I be calling first thing that morning myself?

My travel agent has made mine the last six trips or so, but I've been with the same TA all that time and have the utmost confidence in her. It really is an individual choice.

 

[chellt]

We are here!!!! We got cabanas 8b. Not sure how I feel about it since it is so dark! Can anybody tell me how to over ride the air?? It is hot up in here!!!

 

[silverhaze269]

We are here!!!! We got cabanas 8b. Not sure how I feel about it since it is so dark! Can anybody tell me how to over ride the air?? It is hot up in here!!!

I had trouble figuring out the thermostat the first few days, but I'm pretty sure what worked is when I pressed the "auto" button (the second in from the left), and then the down arrow until it was a cool enough temperature. I may have hit the "on/off" button before I hit the auto button though...so give those things a try and it should kick in.

Also, have a great trip!!!

 

[Buzz_gator]

hi how do i go about requesting a room or area from here in england

 

[CinderellaBella]

Hi All! My husband and I just returned from a 7-Day Stay in the Casitas 3 Section!
This was the best vacation ever. We are hooked and are interested in the DVC! Everything was Top Notch! Thank you to the DIS message boards for all of the wonderful information and pictures.

Here Are Some Highlights!
Resort Is Beautiful, Clean, & Colorful
I took a stroll a few mornings with my camera and took so many beautiful pictures. I was really wrapped up in the feel and the details of the resort!

Pepper Market is a Fun place with lots of options. We Loved The Cheese Burgers! We would hit the pool in the morning and then have a nice lunch before the parks!

The Dig Site Pool is awesome! It is so refreshing and fun! It was never too crowded. My husband went down the slide a million times. We met so many nice people just floating around and chatting in the pool.

Our Room was so cozy and quite and the beds are so comfy! The Casitas Courtyard is so Romantic when it is lit up at night.

You Must Check Out The Maya Grill! AMAZING FOOD, ATMOSPHERE, & LIVE MUSIC!

The only 2 things that I had a tiny issue:
#1 Mouse Keeping! Sometimes they would come and only make the bed and not clean garbage cans?

#2 The size of the resort! It was even bigger than I thought and lots of conventions going on at once.

Final Thoughts: RELAX AND SOAK IT ALL UP! It goes by so fast. Take time to notice all the details in DISNEY! The best part of the trip for us had to be all the nice people we met! From Cast Members who went out of there way to accommodate us and all the people we met strolling along the resort, swimming in the pool, or waiting for the bus.

 

[KatMark]

We are here!!!! We got cabanas 8b. Not sure how I feel about it since it is so dark! Can anybody tell me how to over ride the air?? It is hot up in here!!!

Here is info from first page of this thread if you haven't figured out yet:


The CSR has Central Air (not wall units). To adjust the temperature, follow these instructions: On the
thermostat, push the power button and the down arrow (button that adjusts the temp) at the exact same time.
If you do this correctly, you will see the letters "bp" where the temp normally shows. You are now bypassing the
sensors in the room. You can then set the temp to whatever you want and it keeps the room that cold whether
you are in it or not. You might have to do this once a day as the thermostat tends to go back to sensor mode
after 24 hours.

Hope you are having a great time.

hi how do i go about requesting a room or area from here in england

I assume you booked through a Travel Agent. If so, have her/him have it noted on your reservation.

Hi All! My husband and I just returned from a 7-Day Stay in the Casitas 3 Section!
This was the best vacation ever. We are hooked and are interested in the DVC! Everything was Top Notch! Thank you to the DIS message boards for all of the wonderful information and pictures.

Here Are Some Highlights!
Resort Is Beautiful, Clean, & Colorful
I took a stroll a few mornings with my camera and took so many beautiful pictures. I was really wrapped up in the feel and the details of the resort!

Pepper Market is a Fun place with lots of options. We Loved The Cheese Burgers! We would hit the pool in the morning and then have a nice lunch before the parks!

The Dig Site Pool is awesome! It is so refreshing and fun! It was never too crowded. My husband went down the slide a million times. We met so many nice people just floating around and chatting in the pool.

Our Room was so cozy and quite and the beds are so comfy! The Casitas Courtyard is so Romantic when it is lit up at night.

You Must Check Out The Maya Grill! AMAZING FOOD, ATMOSPHERE, & LIVE MUSIC!

The only 2 things that I had a tiny issue:
#1 Mouse Keeping! Sometimes they would come and only make the bed and not clean garbage cans?

#2 The size of the resort! It was even bigger than I thought and lots of conventions going on at once.

Final Thoughts: RELAX AND SOAK IT ALL UP! It goes by so fast. Take time to notice all the details in DISNEY! The best part of the trip for us had to be all the nice people we met! From Cast Members who went out of there way to accommodate us and all the people we met strolling along the resort, swimming in the pool, or waiting for the bus.

Delighted to hear thatyou had a great time at the CSR, and thanks for the review. I hope you'll post some of your pictures so we can all enjoy with you. And glad DH liked the Jaguar Slide -- I do too.

 

[matt&jakesmom]

I think on read on the disney website there is kayaking. Is that true? Has anyone done that there at the resort? If so what is the price? I've never kayak and thought disney would be the best place to start. We go in a couple of month and look forward to the trip.

 

[KatMark]

I think on read on the disney website there is kayaking. Is that true? Has anyone done that there at the resort? If so what is the price? I've never kayak and thought disney would be the best place to start. We go in a couple of month and look forward to the trip.

In all of our stays at the CSR, I have never seen kayaks. Truthfully, I don't think the lake is big enough for it. The marina is open only "seasonably" and we have not figured out just what that means. You'd be better off looking into something at Bay Lake as you have much more room to roam and explore.

 

[stitchlet]

Just back from a (much too short!) mini-trip . . . CSR was wonderful!

We had a preferred king room (Casitas 3, fourth floor); beautifully decorated and plenty of space for two adults. We rented a car so I can't offer any bus info. The CM that checked us in was friendly and very helpful. Mousekeeping did a great job and our room was fully made-up & cleaned every day before we came back to the room for a mid-day break. Loved the Dig Site, and even though DH is not a pool person, we *both* had a blast on the Jaguar Slide!

The only negative to mention was some of the service at Rix (the grab-and-go section) . . . we often felt like we were seen as an inconvenience to the CM's because we were interrupting their social conversations in order to receive our baked goods or pay. I can't really describe it any other way except to say that going there felt very un-Disney . . .

Other than Rix, CSR was perfect!

Here are a few pictures from our room . . .

 

[lisam427]

hello everyone! thank you for the latest reviews and the pictures of the resort!!! Our september trip cant come fast enough!!!

 

[Minnie&Tink]

We are trying to figure out where the best room location is for us. We will want easy/close access to El Centro so that one of us can run over to get coffees in the morning while we are getting ready to head out for the day. We also do not want to be too far away from the Dig Site.

My DH is also adamant that he does not want to face the parking lot. He would like a better view. He thinks facing the parking makes it feel like we are staying in a cheap motel.

I'm guessing that Cabana 9B would be the location that best fits our needs but where else should I request should a room in 9B not be available?

 

[jp'smommy]

8 days until I can make my ADRs!!

Question: Should I let my travel agent make them, which is a service they offer, or should I be calling first thing that morning myself?

I let our TA do everything for us. I told her the times and everthing and she was within 10 minutes with each one. How old will your baby boy be?

 

[princessallegra]

We are back from 6 nights at CSR and had a blast! Thank you KatMark for this helpful thread and all your help!! We were in Casitas 3 on the third floor. We loved the location. The resort itself is beautiful! DH and I went for a jog around the lake which was awesome. The fitness center is also awesome! We didn't get to use the Dig Site or our quiet pool because we did a water park every afternoon and that tired us out! We rented a car so we can't comment on the buses. The resort is centrally located to all parks! It's awesome! We really were thrilled with our room and mousekeeping. The first morning I called down and let them know that we would be out of the room early and back in the afternoon. They said we would have our room cleaned by noon every day and it was. Everything was cleaned, garbages, fresh towels, etc. We tipped $5 every other day. No towel animals lol. We were not big fans of the Pepper Market. We didn't like the selection. Overall great stay! We found our Mod home!!!!