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

[lovethattink]

I would do the same thing in your shoes. I've heard on other boards people not happy about "upgrades" to SSR or OKW. If it really was AKL, I would totally grab that. The thing that concerns me about SSR is the ability to get to the main facilities. I could be wrong, but I believe that you have to cross parking lots and things to get there, and it's not like being in a moderate where you have the whole complex with nice walking paths. (I am only speaking as someone who has not been to SSR, so forgive me if I'm wrong, but I have been trying to look into this because I am worried about them offering me this - it seems it happens more and more now.).
CSR is beautiful. We loved it, and I'm sure you will too.

If you stay in the Grand Stand you don't have to cross anything to get to the main building. This is where I requested last time we stayed there.

When we stayed at The Springs we were on the opposite side of the road from the main building. Sometimes crossing the street to get there was tricky due to heavy traffic of cars driving too fast and Disney buses pulling out from the bus stop.

The things we liked best about SSR was the Activity Center and all the activities they had going on at the Pools. There is also a basket ball court, shuffle board, 2 pools with water slides. The Donald splash area is nice for little kids. And the 0 entry of the theme pool is nice too!

The studio rooms are not much difference in size from the CSR rooms. You only get 1 queen size bed. The other bed is a pull out couch. We found the mattress on the couch to be more comfortable than the bed's.

Each room has a balcony. Our last stay we were on the 4th floor right across from the Grand Stand pool. We could see fireworks at Epcot and MK from our balcony!!

This was the room number

The view from the front door

View from balcony, but could see fireworks at night

 

[Susan595]

55 days !

 

[szubieta]

When we stayed at The Springs we were on the opposite side of the road from the main building. Sometimes crossing the street to get there was tricky due to heavy traffic of cars driving too fast and Disney buses pulling out from the bus stop.

Do you remember which building you were in? I don't want to have to deal with crossing any busy streets, I guess the map isn't very informative.

 

[saskdw]

I'm not sure if I would take the SSR upgrade or not. I would have to do some more research. Some people have been getting offered upgrades to the BWI, that I would take in a heartbeat. Not because BWI is that much nicer than CSR, but for the location. I would love to stay on the Boardwalk, I just can't justify the price without at least a 40% discount or an upgrade deal.

 

[lovethattink]

Do you remember which building you were in? I don't want to have to deal with crossing any busy streets, I guess the map isn't very informative.

We were in the building with room numbers 8501 to 8836. There was one area we had to cross a golf cart crossing, so we did have to be careful there. We were right at the Grand Stand pool, and it was a 5 to 10 minute walk to the main theme pool. We paid $174 last summer to stay there. Our first stay was $164. To book now with AP rate it's showing me $195 for a studio.

If you can't get those rooms, then 8101 to 8436 would be just a tiny bit further to the main building. These rooms are closer to the bus stop.

If it was me, I would not pay much more for the upgrade. I prefer CSR to SSR.

 

[Leagle123]

Our dates of stay are 10/13-10/22. I really had thought maybe the upgrade had to do with our specific week, thinking that Disney may have been just throwing us a little something since we are not within the dates for the free dining promo, but I guess not. At any rate, we have decided to stay put at CSR!! I've looked at pictures and locations of Saratoga and I just don't feel like it's enough to make us jump over there. The studio with a kitchenette is not that much of a draw for us because we wouldn't use it anyway. Maybe if we had already had the opportunity to stay at CSR we would be more drawn to take the "upgrade". I too would have jumped at AKL, but the CM said she though it may have been due to the length of our stay, it makes it harder to find a resort that can accommodate all of the dates. As an aside, I just want to give a huge shout out to this thread and this forum in general. Although I rarely post, I do take advantage of the wealth of information contained in here and feel that I am "well equipped" for our upcoming trip!! CSR here we come!!!!

 

[KatMark]

Our dates of stay are 10/13-10/22. I really had thought maybe the upgrade had to do with our specific week, thinking that Disney may have been just throwing us a little something since we are not within the dates for the free dining promo, but I guess not. At any rate, we have decided to stay put at CSR!! I've looked at pictures and locations of Saratoga and I just don't feel like it's enough to make us jump over there. The studio with a kitchenette is not that much of a draw for us because we wouldn't use it anyway. Maybe if we had already had the opportunity to stay at CSR we would be more drawn to take the "upgrade". I too would have jumped at AKL, but the CM said she though it may have been due to the length of our stay, it makes it harder to find a resort that can accommodate all of the dates. As an aside, I just want to give a huge shout out to this thread and this forum in general. Although I rarely post, I do take advantage of the wealth of information contained in here and feel that I am "well equipped" for our upcoming trip!! CSR here we come!!!!

I think you made a wise choice, and I think you will love CSR. The florals are beautiful, the fountains, the courtyards, etc. And I'm glad this thread was helpful to you.

 

[Disney Bunny]

Our dates of stay are 10/13-10/22. I really had thought maybe the upgrade had to do with our specific week, thinking that Disney may have been just throwing us a little something since we are not within the dates for the free dining promo, but I guess not. At any rate, we have decided to stay put at CSR!! I've looked at pictures and locations of Saratoga and I just don't feel like it's enough to make us jump over there. The studio with a kitchenette is not that much of a draw for us because we wouldn't use it anyway. Maybe if we had already had the opportunity to stay at CSR we would be more drawn to take the "upgrade". I too would have jumped at AKL, but the CM said she though it may have been due to the length of our stay, it makes it harder to find a resort that can accommodate all of the dates. As an aside, I just want to give a huge shout out to this thread and this forum in general. Although I rarely post, I do take advantage of the wealth of information contained in here and feel that I am "well equipped" for our upcoming trip!! CSR here we come!!!!

We are at CSR from 10/08 to 10/15 but I have not seen anything offering to switch us. I would SO take an upgrade to AKL, but probably not to anything else. I am wondering if bookings are down at the deluxes due to the economy and more people are booking values and moderates as opposed to the dates we are all going being busier than normal.

 

[lovethattink]

Our dates of stay are 10/13-10/22. I really had thought maybe the upgrade had to do with our specific week, thinking that Disney may have been just throwing us a little something since we are not within the dates for the free dining promo, but I guess not. At any rate, we have decided to stay put at CSR!! I've looked at pictures and locations of Saratoga and I just don't feel like it's enough to make us jump over there. The studio with a kitchenette is not that much of a draw for us because we wouldn't use it anyway. Maybe if we had already had the opportunity to stay at CSR we would be more drawn to take the "upgrade". I too would have jumped at AKL, but the CM said she though it may have been due to the length of our stay, it makes it harder to find a resort that can accommodate all of the dates. As an aside, I just want to give a huge shout out to this thread and this forum in general. Although I rarely post, I do take advantage of the wealth of information contained in here and feel that I am "well equipped" for our upcoming trip!! CSR here we come!!!!

We are at CSR from 10/08 to 10/15 but I have not seen anything offering to switch us. I would SO take an upgrade to AKL, but probably not to anything else. I am wondering if bookings are down at the deluxes due to the economy and more people are booking values and moderates as opposed to the dates we are all going being busier than normal.

I will be at CSR during both of your dates. I didn't get an email to upgrade, lol. I might have considered it since we go for the weekend in 6 days to CSR. Although I'm not sure Irene will ruin our weekend or not. I might need Oct to make up for this Aug trip.

 

[BrytEydBelle]

Does anyone know if there is an additional fee to use the fitness center at Coronado? Also, any idea of the hours it is open? I think this would be much better than jogging during the heat of September!

 

[lovethattink]

Does anyone know if there is an additional fee to use the fitness center at Coronado? Also, any idea of the hours it is open? I think this would be much better than jogging during the heat of September!

If you are staying at CSR there is no fear to use the fitness center. You can also sign a waiver that will allow you access to the fitness center 24 hours a day. If you are not staying at CSR, you can pay a fee to use the fitness center. I don't remember the hours it's opened without the waiver.

 

[Robin K]

15 days...til we arrive!!!

Hope this is the best vacation yet!!

 

[westgrove]

I have just decided to book my first trip to WDW for CSR! I've looked at all the mod resort information on allears and love the look of CSR. My husband and I will be going May 2012 for 2 weeks. I'm going to book in November together with my tickets and free quick dining, unless I get a discount offered in the meantime! I'm so excited. I've been to California Disneyland and cant wait to get to WDW,
Ihave a lot of questions about CSR but I'm sure if I have a good look over the prev posts and keep watching I'll find out most if not all I need to know! Look forward to speaking to you all in the future, Laura

 

[kmb584]

We stayed at CSR for the first time on most recent WDW trip in April and overall had a great experience.

I'm sure many previous posters have mentioned this, but the resort itself is quite large. We were in building Ranchos 6 and it was easily a 10 minute walk to the main area, dining, etc. The walk was longer if DD [2] decided she "needed" to walk but the scenery is quite beautiful and we didn't mind, even at night after a long day in the parks.

As mentioned above we were in Ranchos and though it was a hike the room and surroundings were peaceful. The room itself wasn't large but definitely adequate and spotlessly clean. The sliding door between the beds and vanity/bathroom area was fantastic. It allowed me to get ready in the mornings without waking my toddler. The size of the vanity area was definitely sufficient, had enough space to store our suitcases, open the ironing board, and keep toiletries on the counter. I utilized the shelf above the "closet" to store DD's diapers, wipes, sippy cups after washing, etc. The bathroom proper was small but again, adequate. Our room faced a wooded area and the wildlife sounds at night were a welcome surprise. Loud, yes, but oddly soothing too. And no, we weren't able to hear them while in our room. A quick elevator ride down [a necessity for us due to having a stroller] brought us right to the quiet pool and laundry facilities. It was great not having to walk a mile to do laundry on our last night there. The main pool was just a couple minutes walk from our front door though we didn't utilize it as much as I thought we would.

On mornings that we didn't have dining reservations we opted to eat at Pepper Market. There were a lot of options and would probably suit even the pickiest of eaters. Prices were reasonable too by WDW standards. Our last morning there we ate at Maya Grill, another great experience. For a table service restaurant service was quick, portions large, and food good. On most mornings we had to stop at the lake on our way to breakfast / main bus stop because my toddler was obsessed with watching the fish and turtles. Here's hoping they enjoyed the left Mickey Mouse Croc, that I had just purchased minutes earlier, that she dropped in there too.

We only utilized the main bus stop and why, I'm not sure. Bus service was, for the most part, good. The only issue was on our last morning there. We were heading to MK and had to wait nearly an hour for a bus to arrive that wasn't full. The cast member even called multiple times for an empty one without success. At night it was where we departed because a stop at Panchito's was necessary to purchase milk and juice for DD and water for me for our room. It was also the last stop the bus made and added roughly 10-15 minutes to our trip "home".

All in all, I wouldn't hesitate to stay at CSR again. The atmosphere is truly beautiful and the resort grounds have a lot to offer.

 

[DJFan88]

We only utilized the main bus stop and why, I'm not sure. Bus service was, for the most part, good. The only issue was on our last morning there. We were heading to MK and had to wait nearly an hour for a bus to arrive that wasn't full. The cast member even called multiple times for an empty one without success.

This happened to us alot too, as we were in 9B and that was a close stop for us. Sometimes we would hike over to Cabana stop to try and get a bus we could sit instead of stand on. But we also had one of "those" mornings at the main stop with a CM calling in a bus. We actually were late to EMH. I think it's probably that bus stop. Next time I would try and get Casitas for that bus stop and still close to PM.

 

[NC State]

15 days...til we arrive!!!

Hope this is the best vacation yet!!

I have 26 days and feel the same way!

 

[BrytEydBelle]

If you are staying at CSR there is no fear to use the fitness center. You can also sign a waiver that will allow you access to the fitness center 24 hours a day. If you are not staying at CSR, you can pay a fee to use the fitness center. I don't remember the hours it's opened without the waiver.

Fantastic, thank you so much! Guess this solves the dilemma of which moderate to stay at. I can go into hardcore planning mode now.

 

[adi1138]

Does anyone know if Cafe Rix still serves breakfast sandwiches? On the allears menu from summer 2010 it lists them, but on the updated summer 2011 menu on wdwinfo they are not listed. Has anyone been to Coronado Springs recently who could tell me? Obviously not a huge deal either way, but I think I'd prefer something quick and easy like that for breakfast, as opposed to the larger breakfast platters that the Pepper Market seems to serve.

Twelve more days till I'm there!!!

 

[aubriee]

15 days...til we arrive!!!

Hope this is the best vacation yet!!

I have 26 days and feel the same way!

I'm right between you two. I'll be there in 19 days (Sept 10th).

 

[lovethattink]

Does anyone know if Cafe Rix still serves breakfast sandwiches? On the allears menu from summer 2010 it lists them, but on the updated summer 2011 menu on wdwinfo they are not listed. Has anyone been to Coronado Springs recently who could tell me? Obviously not a huge deal either way, but I think I'd prefer something quick and easy like that for breakfast, as opposed to the larger breakfast platters that the Pepper Market seems to serve.

Twelve more days till I'm there!!!

I'm heading to CSR in 4 days. I'm not a breakfast eater, but I will try to get a picture of the breakfast menu, and all the menus.