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

[KatMark]

Hi! Just wanted to give another stellar report on CSR. We stayed at CSR for one night (Feb. 22). Checked in early (not online checkin). Waited about 15 minutes -- no problem. Giovanni waited on us. I must say he was so pleasant, happy to help. I didn't make a request this time--wanted a surprise! (Always a fan of Ranchos!) Well, we certainly got it. We were in Casitas 1 on the third floor with a beautiful view of the fountain(not working at the time). It was DH, me and DS15. The room wasn't ready so he said they would text us and hold our luggage. We took our carryons and walked to the pool to change. It was a beautiful, hot FL day and we spent the pm in the pool, had lunch, and John the bartender did not disappoint. My DS15 actually went in the pool, enjoyed the gameroom, and, I must say, felt this was more his style. Yeah, we have a winner!! After we were burnt to a crisp, went back to the lobby to get our room assignment as we did not receive the text. Giovanni is now in the lobby and on break? He came right up to us and asked if we had our room yet. As we did not, he went right over and looked it up and gave us our number. Now that is service!! We were in room 1381 and it was perfect! DS had his own room with a queen sleeper and his own tv with remote. Now that is living!! We had our own room and bathroom with a door that connected us from the inside and a king bed. All I can say is WOW!! Casistas 1 is now my and my family's favorite. Although I love the Ranchos theme, after this I am spoiled!!

The next day we dropped our luggage and it was transferred to another resort--no problem. We even packed out laptop (virus-free) in our luggage, and off we went.

This is our preferred moderate hotel which is consistent, friendly, and definitely accommodating.

Thanks to all for making our vacation special!!

P.S. Great place for teenagers!!

You really lucked out with that room! Good for you. Glad you had another great stay.

Just added a night for CSR for May. We are staying at the GF rest,but heading to CSR for a night to save $$$ and for the Dig Site Pool! Can't wait to relax by that amazing pool

How exciting! Glad you are getting one night at the CSR.

Made our final payment this morning!!!! I'm getting so excited! Decided not to request anything (other than connecting rooms with the other part of our family that is joining us) Looking forward to seeing where they stick us! I might be more excited about this trip than my girls!

Isn't it great having the trip paid off?

So happy to report that we received a pin and booked CSR for Dec. 14-20 My husband and DS10 don't know yet. For our 10yr anniversry I will give my husband a card with a disney postcard in it . My DS will just have to wait till the day we leave This will be their first trip. Does anyone know if CSR is decorated for Christmas? I know the parks are, but would even love it more to return to the resort with some Christmas decorations Thanks

Here are a few Christmas pictures:

 

[SnowWhite33]

P.S. Great place for teenagers!!

I am very glad to hear this. My DS has been spoiled by the Poly and monorail and I'm hoping for good things at our CSR trip so that he can see there are other great places too.

And how lucky of you to get put in a suite

I would just be if that were to happen for us in June, but I'm not going to hold my breath since we will be there for 9 nights


For everyone who had to deal with the Grainger convention so sorry about that. I hope that the PTA convention that is there in June won't be so crowded.

 

[tipsytrtle]

New to this thread, we will be arriving at CSR August 18th...the rest of the family thinks we are staying at POP again
We really liked POP but I am excited about what CSR has to offer, especially the pool and the two queen beds...my DD17 is bringing her BFF 16 with her and I know they would not be comfortable on a double, heck hubby and i were not comfortable on a double back in 08

 

[DisneyEsther]

KatMark: Thank you for the pics. They are beautiful. This is getting very hard not to yell out that we are going to Disney. When my son sees the commercials he just looks a me with puppy eyes then asks if we can go and that he would pay with his allowence.

 

[Tink-RN]

We are going to CSR June25-July4th! So excited, we have always wanted to go to CSR but have always booked values to save money! I got an e-mail the other day for free dining(quick-service)! Love the free dining it saves us so much money! Looking for to going to the pool

 

[mamakdjco]

Hi all - We're staying at CSR for our first WDW trip later this month We picked it just because of the queens in a moderate, but after browsing parts of this thread I couldn't be happier with our choice and think I might need to rethink how much time we plan to spend in the resort!

I apologize if my questions have already been asked, but I'm curious about the room refrigerators. Are they a typical hotel room fridge size or the really small ones? I'm thinking about ordering some groceries to be delivered (we won't have a car), but certainly don't want to get more perishables than will fit.

I'm planning to order from Garden Grocer; their website says that CSR will hold my delivery at bell services until we arrive if we are not there. Does anyone have experience with this? If possible, I'd like to not have to wait for our grocery delivery and might rethink doing it if I did have to.

TIA!

 

[Disney Bunny]

So excited. Just booked our package to CSR. We were supposed to stay at Fort Wilderness, but decided that since it was our 30th wedding anniversary and with the cost of diesel going thru the roof, that we would do CSR. We started to go last year, but a friend invited us to cruise for her 50th birthday so we did that instead. Can't wait to get back to Disney!!

 

[Disney Ron]

We have our first CSR stay starting this Sunday the 6th and we can't wait. Always have wanted to stay there and now it's finally going to happen.

 

[KatMark]

New to this thread, we will be arriving at CSR August 18th...the rest of the family thinks we are staying at POP again
We really liked POP but I am excited about what CSR has to offer, especially the pool and the two queen beds...my DD17 is bringing her BFF 16 with her and I know they would not be comfortable on a double, heck hubby and i were not comfortable on a double back in 08

Your family will love the queen beds...they are super comfy.

KatMark: Thank you for the pics. They are beautiful. This is getting very hard not to yell out that we are going to Disney. When my son sees the commercials he just looks a me with puppy eyes then asks if we can go and that he would pay with his allowence.

You are most welcome. I've never been at Christmas, but I hope you will take pictures and share them with us for the thread.

We are going to CSR June25-July4th! So excited, we have always wanted to go to CSR but have always booked values to save money! I got an e-mail the other day for free dining(quick-service)! Love the free dining it saves us so much money! Looking for to going to the pool

The free dining quick service is such a good deal at the Pepper Market (where else can you get a steak for dinner with a "quick service credit?).

Hi all - We're staying at CSR for our first WDW trip later this month We picked it just because of the queens in a moderate, but after browsing parts of this thread I couldn't be happier with our choice and think I might need to rethink how much time we plan to spend in the resort!

I apologize if my questions have already been asked, but I'm curious about the room refrigerators. Are they a typical hotel room fridge size or the really small ones? I'm thinking about ordering some groceries to be delivered (we won't have a car), but certainly don't want to get more perishables than will fit.

I'm planning to order from Garden Grocer; their website says that CSR will hold my delivery at bell services until we arrive if we are not there. Does anyone have experience with this? If possible, I'd like to not have to wait for our grocery delivery and might rethink doing it if I did have to.

TIA!

Here's a picture of the refrigerator:

I have been able to put in a gallon of milk and a half gallon of juice and water bottles (you may have to take the shelf out).

I don't know about delivery because we rent a car and shop on the way in.

So excited. Just booked our package to CSR. We were supposed to stay at Fort Wilderness, but decided that since it was our 30th wedding anniversary and with the cost of diesel going thru the roof, that we would do CSR. We started to go last year, but a friend invited us to cruise for her 50th birthday so we did that instead. Can't wait to get back!!

We celebrated our 25th at the CSR and loved every minute of it. We find it to be a very romantic resort (be sure to sit in one of the courtyards in the Casitas...it is very pretty there).

We have our first CSR stay starting this Sunday the 6th and we can't wait. Always have wanted to stay there and now it's finally going to happen.

Disney Ron, I hope you have a marvelous stay at the CSR. Please come back and report.

 

[mamakdjco]

Here's a picture of the refrigerator:

I have been able to put in a gallon of milk and a half gallon of juice and water bottles (you may have to take the shelf out).

I don't know about delivery because we rent a car and shop on the way in.

Thank you! This helps so much!

 

[dischic89]

Bell services will hold your grocery order until your room is ready and you check in. I have never had an issue with having groceries delivered.

 

[Lidian]

We just upgraded from POP to CSR for our May vacation today. I was a bit nervous picking out a moderate resort for this trip ... but tons of DISers gave advice and opinions, and I am truly happy with our switch.

My only concern is that after our upcoming CSR stay, we'll be spoiled.

I've not had a chance to look through all billion pages ... so I'll ask in case anyone wants to offer up the information before I find it (as I'm sure its covered here somewhere) ...

Besides the pool and playground, are there any other kid-friendly activities at the resort? Kiddos are: DD9 and DS5

We'll be visiting 5/22 - 5/27

Also, does anyone have any experience with the spa? DH usually sends me to the spa for Mother's Day, and I'd love thoughts on waiting and visiting the one at CSR. (Our local one is "okay" ... nothing to write home about, but not bad.)

Thank you!

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

We just upgraded from POP to CSR for our May vacation today. I was a bit nervous picking out a moderate resort for this trip ... but tons of DISers gave advice and opinions, and I am truly happy with our switch.

My only concern is that after our upcoming CSR stay, we'll be spoiled.

I've not had a chance to look through all billion pages ... so I'll ask in case anyone wants to offer up the information before I find it (as I'm sure its covered here somewhere) ...

Besides the pool and playground, are there any other kid-friendly activities at the resort? Kiddos are: DD9 and DS5

We'll be visiting 5/22 - 5/27

Also, does anyone have any experience with the spa? DH usually sends me to the spa for Mother's Day, and I'd love thoughts on waiting and visiting the one at CSR. (Our local one is "okay" ... nothing to write home about, but not bad.)

Thank you!

We'll be there at the same time (5/21-28). We'll have to meet up at the pool one day! I have 2 sons, 8 and 5, and my cousin will be there with her 4-yr-old son.

There's an arcade at the resort, but we've never taken time to explore it. The playground is nice, though, and the pool is AWESOME.

I have never used the spa, but I know Kathy (KatMark) has, so I'm sure she'll give you the info on it.

Glad to have you aboard!

 

[Lidian]

We'll be there at the same time (5/21-28). We'll have to meet up at the pool one day! I have 2 sons, 8 and 5, and my cousin will be there with her 4-yr-old son.

There's an arcade at the resort, but we've never taken time to explore it. The playground is nice, though, and the pool is AWESOME.

I have never used the spa, but I know Kathy (KatMark) has, so I'm sure she'll give you the info on it.

Glad to have you aboard!

Oh yay! A DIS-meet at CSR!

I'm sure the kids would love to splash with new friends!

DH usually seeks out the resort arcade, but the kids could care less.

I know that we went to the playground once last year at CBR (never found it at ASMo), and the kids both said "can we go swimming instead?" So I'm sure we'll frequent the pool on arrival day and throughout the evenings after we arrive "home". But other options would be nice if we don't have time to swim before an ADR, or if weather isn't permitting.

And worst case scenario, we ask a CM upon check-in. Here's hoping for a clean room that isn't 5 billion miles from the parking lot! (3rd times a charm, right?)

 

[Disney Bunny]

Okay, so we have booked a standard room at CSR. For those of you who have done the same, which area should I request and why? Do all of these rooms have parking lot or other less desirable views?

 

[SweetMommy]

I just booked CSR w/ a free dining pin last night! I booked a preferred room but now am realizing that this means I will be in the Casitas buildings. Is this correct? I really rather be near the Dig Site, so should I call back and switch it to a water view or standard view w/ a room request w/ one of the Cabanas buildings?

 

[KatMark]

We just upgraded from POP to CSR for our May vacation today. I was a bit nervous picking out a moderate resort for this trip ... but tons of DISers gave advice and opinions, and I am truly happy with our switch.

My only concern is that after our upcoming CSR stay, we'll be spoiled.

I've not had a chance to look through all billion pages ... so I'll ask in case anyone wants to offer up the information before I find it (as I'm sure its covered here somewhere) ...

Besides the pool and playground, are there any other kid-friendly activities at the resort? Kiddos are: DD9 and DS5

We'll be visiting 5/22 - 5/27

Also, does anyone have any experience with the spa? DH usually sends me to the spa for Mother's Day, and I'd love thoughts on waiting and visiting the one at CSR. (Our local one is "okay" ... nothing to write home about, but not bad.)

Thank you!

We are delighted to have you here.

There is a "pool opening" ceremony that the kids participate when the pool officially opens which is really cute...be sure your kids participate in that. I know a lot of kids just love walking around the lake and looking for the "resident" alligator; also there is a sand volleyball court that I see a lot of kids having fun with. There's the arcade, and the CSR has one of the best playgrounds in my opinion (pictures in the first two pages of this thread). The Jaguar Slide is awesome (even at 50+ I still go down it).

As for the spa, I've had a massage there seven of our nine stays. However, it is NOT really a spa (it is not like the Grand Floridian, or the one at the Dolphin or the Saratoga Springs). It is two rooms by the fitness center. They do great work and I usually get a massage midtrip to refresh my legs; however, if you want the whole "spa" effect, you would be disappointed.

Okay, so we have booked a standard room at CSR. For those of you who have done the same, which area should I request and why? Do all of these rooms have parking lot or other less desirable views?

I have booked "standard" every trip but one (we've stayed nine times), and of those eight times I booked standard, we've been ugpraded to a water view seven of those times. Not all standard rooms are parking lot; you could have shrubbery or a courtyard. Our personal favorite location is Castias 4 as it is close to the quiet pool and the fitness center; and for those that use the buses it is close to the first bus stop that is picked up and dropped off.

 

[Lidian]

We are delighted to have you here.

There is a "pool opening" ceremony that the kids participate when the pool officially opens which is really cute...be sure your kids participate in that. I know a lot of kids just love walking around the lake and looking for the "resident" alligator; also there is a sand volleyball court that I see a lot of kids having fun with. There's the arcade, and the CSR has one of the best playgrounds in my opinion (pictures in the first two pages of this thread). The Jaguar Slide is awesome (even at 50+ I still go down it).

As for the spa, I've had a massage there seven of our nine stays. However, it is NOT really a spa (it is not like the Grand Floridian, or the one at the Dolphin or the Saratoga Springs). It is two rooms by the fitness center. They do great work and I usually get a massage midtrip to refresh my legs; however, if you want the whole "spa" effect, you would be disappointed.

Thank you!!

I loved the pictures (I did get that far ). I'm sure the kids will check out the playground, but then question why they aren't swimming.

I hope we can get them to one of the pool openings, it does sound like a blast!

Thanks for the spa info. It sounds just like our local spa - so I may book a massage. A massage at Disney will beat a massage at our local facility anyday.

 

[KEPE]

Hi all, I'm new to the Dis boards. What a wonderful site. I have not been to diseny is 17 years!! Now that I have a DD3 it's time to get back at it. We're planning our first trip w/ her for the fall. Probably the end of Oct. Last time I was there I stayed at CBR and loved it. Was looking into it again and comparing that between a value resort until I came across this post and now I think I am hooked on CSR. I've reviewed a bunch of these posts but obvioulsy not all so forgive me if some of my questions have been answered already.

1) I keep hearing about Pin codes and discounts - most seem to have come to an end by 10/1. Think anything will be offered for later?

2) how far in advance should I book my trip?

3) Do they ever give upgrades? I'm thinking a standard room, not concerned with the view but would love to be close to main pool and food area.

4)Would you suggest doing the DDP?

5) anyone know the hours of the fitness center?

Any info you could share would help a newbie plan a great trip. I was super excited when we decided to go but after reading all of this I'm obsessed!!

TIA

Kepe

 

[shuckn]

Hi all, I'm new to the Dis boards. What a wonderful site. I have not been to diseny is 17 years!! Now that I have a DD3 it's time to get back at it. We're planning our first trip w/ her for the fall. Probably the end of Oct. Last time I was there I stayed at CBR and loved it. Was looking into it again and comparing that between a value resort until I came across this post and now I think I am hooked on CSR. I've reviewed a bunch of these posts but obvioulsy not all so forgive me if some of my questions have been answered already.

1) I keep hearing about Pin codes and discounts - most seem to have come to an end by 10/1. Think anything will be offered for later?

2) how far in advance should I book my trip?

3) Do they ever give upgrades? I'm thinking a standard room, not concerned with the view but would love to be close to main pool and food area.

4)Would you suggest doing the DDP?

5) anyone know the hours of the fitness center?

Any info you could share would help a newbie plan a great trip. I was super excited when we decided to go but after reading all of this I'm obsessed!!

TIA

Kepe

I believe the Disney pins are handed out to repeat and frequent Disney World guests to try and get them back home. You would've gotten an email or some letter in the mail about it letting you know that you personally had a pin that made you eligable for certain discounts.

How far in advance you book your trip is all dependent on you. The farther in advance you book it, the more time it gives you to pay it off. If you book through Disney (which I've had great experience with), you only have to put $200 down plus the cost of your flights to reserve your vacation, and then you just have to pay it off within 45 days of your arrival date. If money isn't the issue, I would start looking at which times of year are best to be down there. Disney world is a busy, busy place, and taking advantage of their down season is not only cost-saving for you, but cuts down on the crowds while you're down there as well.

I don't believe they give away upgrades unless there is some problem with your room reservation. You can always pay for a water view or preferred room though in order to guarantee the view you want.

If your family is big on food, I would DEFINITELY suggest the DDP. My family has always done it, and my boyfriend and I are going back this May and it was a MUST for me. Both my boyfriend and I are sort of food-connoisseurs and wanted to try many of the TS restaurants in Epcot, which can become quite expensive out of pocket. If you eat a lot, the DDP ends up saving you 20 to 30% on your meals, and then all you have to worry about is tipping while on your trip. It may seem expensive, but it will be worth it when you're down there and not spending $35 for one plate of food.

Not sure on the hours for the fitness center, but I'm sure you could go to Disney's website, find the resort, and the hours should be located somewhere in the resort information.

Hope this helps! Happy planning!