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

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

What is the difference between a preferred room and a water view room?

Preferred rooms are located in casitas 1, 2 or 3. Water view rooms may be located in any building and have a view of the lake, a quiet pool, or the fountains in the casitas.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

5. Does anyone want to help plan this trip? LOL I have not even had a chance to figure out what park on what day. It is just DH and I. We are thinking sleep in, hang at the pool and head to parks in late afternoon for dinner and rides. Two parrks hav late night EMH while we are there so will stay untill 1:00am. Is this a good plan? Trying to avoid the heat as much as I can.

Thanks so much

We are rope drop people. We either arrive for EMH or arrive when the park opens if it is not an EMH day. We stay through lunch, then go back to CSR for a break and to swim. We go back to the parks around dinner time, either eating at CSR or eating in the parks.

We usually spend two mornings at MK - one for morning EMH and one for an early Crystal Palace breakfast before the park opens at 9:00.

If you do not want to get up early enough for EMH, avoid that park and go to another one. We have found evening EMH to still be crowded unless you can stay until the very end. We have also found that the park that had EMH the night before is usually less crowded the next morning.

 

[disfan33]

We (DBF and I) just got back from a 5 night stay at CSR and had a wonderful time! I did online check-in, and that ended up being a great decision since the regular line was fairly long. We booked a preferred room, and ended up on the far end of Casitas 1 on the ground floor. I loved the location, since it was about 3 minutes from both El Centro and Bus Stop 2 (first on and first off), and about 1 minute from a quiet pool. We walked to the Dig Site a few times and didn't find the distance to be a dealbreaker at all. I actually really enjoyed these leisurely strolls, since it gave us more time to admire the gorgeous grounds.

We ate dinner at the Pepper Market twice, and really enjoyed the food/atmosphere. We were on the DDP, and it was very clearly stated that gratuity was not included (10% is automatically added on when you check out while paying OOP). Although we ate at a busy time that first night (around 7pm), the lines at the different stations moved quickly.

Mousekeeping was also great. Our room was cleaned every morning and we were lucky enough to come home to a towel animal every day! We rely on Disney transportation to get everywhere, and bus service was never a problem. I think the most that we waited for a bus was about 15 minutes, but usually it was in the 5-10 minutes range. The buses were pretty crowded, however. It was almost always standing room only by the time we got around to Bus Stop 1.

Overall, we LOVED our stay at CSR. It is a truly beautiful resort, and we loved exploring the different courtyards in each section. The rooms were plenty spacious for two people, and the Cast Members were friendly. Definitely a deluxe feel at a moderate price. We will definitely be back!

 

[Amandaka78]

We are going to be using an ECV for my DF on our next trip to CSR. We've stayed there twice in the Cabanas 8B and 9A and loved it there but weren't using an ECV. We would like to try and get the Cabanas again but I'm worried about the fact that it's the 3rd bus pick-up and will the handicap spots be full. It's going to be the first time he uses one so we don't want to ruin the trip by making the buses a disaster for him. We are going to rent one at home for a day so he can get use to driving it and me and DBF are going to try it out so if he can't figure out how to get it on the bus we can do it. We love the buses for CSR because they aren't shared with any other resorts and thought this would really make using the ECV more convenient. So I guess my real questions are: Does anyone think we will have a problem at the Cabanas bus stop or should we switch our request to the Casistas, so we can be at the 1st bus pick-up. Will the ECV fit in a regular room or should we request a handicap room. He doesn't need a handicap room, he will only be using the ECV because he can't walk long distance due to leg problems.

TIA.

 

[aubriee]

We are going to be using an ECV for my DF on our next trip to CSR. We've stayed there twice in the Cabanas 8B and 9A and loved it there but weren't using an ECV. We would like to try and get the Cabanas again but I'm worried about the fact that it's the 3rd bus pick-up and will the handicap spots be full. It's going to be the first time he uses one so we don't want to ruin the trip by making the buses a disaster for him. We are going to rent one at home for a day so he can get use to driving it and me and DBF are going to try it out so if he can't figure out how to get it on the bus we can do it. We love the buses for CSR because they aren't shared with any other resorts and thought this would really make using the ECV more convenient. So I guess my real questions are: Does anyone think we will have a problem at the Cabanas bus stop or should we switch our request to the Casistas, so we can be at the 1st bus pick-up. Will the ECV fit in a regular room or should we request a handicap room. He doesn't need a handicap room, he will only be using the ECV because he can't walk long distance due to leg problems.

TIA.

We've been at CSR twice with my mom, who uses an ECV down there. The first time we were in Casitas 1 and used bus stop 1 in front of the main building, which is the last stop. The next time we were in Cabanas 9B and again used bus stop 1. Even though we were the last stop we never had a problem getting her on the buses. Now granted we are early morning people and usually caught the buses early, avoiding peak times. My mom has been down there with us in early Dec and mid Sept, so not really busy times either.

 

[mom2princesses2]

When I booked our stay in early July, I was told there were no preferred rooms, only suites.

Do you think I should call back and ask again if I could be interested in a preferred?

 

[lisam427]

We've been at CSR twice with my mom, who uses an ECV down there. The first time we were in Casitas 1 and used bus stop 1 in front of the main building, which is the last stop. The next time we were in Cabanas 9B and again used bus stop 1. Even though we were the last stop we never had a problem getting her on the buses. Now granted we are early morning people and usually caught the buses early, avoiding peak times. My mom has been down there with us in early Dec and mid Sept, so not really busy times either.

aubree,
around what time did you go out to catch the bus?

 

[aubriee]

aubree,
around what time did you go out to catch the bus?

Depending on if we had a breakfast ADR or not, we'd be at the bus stop between 7:30 and 8:00am

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

When I booked our stay in early July, I was told there were no preferred rooms, only suites.

Do you think I should call back and ask again if I could be interested in a preferred?

It is possible that the preferred rooms were all booked for your dates. Preferred rooms are casitas 1, 2 and 3. If you are interested in those buildings, you can call back to see if there have been any cancellations (or check availability online before you call to save some time).

 

[Cafeen]

Preferred rooms are a new thing to CSR as well, so it could be a case that the CM did not know about them (though, they should show up in the computer... but that's a whole different story ). I think this is the first year where they have them.

Alternatively, it could be availability as mentioned, depending on when the PP's stay is scheduled for.

Either way, if they are interested in preferred rooms over non-preferred, then go ahead and call. Worse they can say is none available, in which case you're out absolutely nothing .

 

[Lagarde122]

Hello everyone, my wife in I will be staying at CSR in a couple months and have requested a king bed. I was just wondering if anyone knows if these rooms are just scattered around the resort or are they all in the same area?

 

[KatMark]

Official booked into CSR from May 11th-25th 2012 for my first ever WDW holiday!


Just me and DH. I've requested a room anywhere in Cabanas, TBH I'll be happy anywhere but I thought Casitas seems v. popular so is unlikely - and Ranchos does not appeal to me as much aesthetically or as it's furthest away - so maybe if I just ask for anywhere in Cabanas I'll get it?! We'll see. My thinking was to try to put in a room request but an 'unfussy' one.

Now just an 8month count down- not sure how I'll manage!

I think CSR is one of the best resorts for couples...nice romantic courtyards, etc. The Ranchos really isn't THAT far away...no more than a 10 minute walk (or a tad more depending on how fast you walk). We've only stayed in Casitas and Cabanas and were hoping for the Ranchos next month before we ended up switching resorts. We've never NOT gotten our request.

To answer your question, I'm not sure if window decorating is "done" at CSR but I sure as heck will be decorating our window come Oct. I have it designed on paper and am keeping a watchful eye out when I go shopping for things that would work perfectly in our window. Woot Woot

We have never decorated our windows, but we have seen plenty of windows decorated in our nine stays there.

What is the difference between a preferred room and a water view room?

There is preferred (which is Castias 1, 2 or 3) as well as preferred water view (again Casitas 1, 2 and 3). A regular water view room will be in any of the buildings that have a water view.

We (DBF and I) just got back from a 5 night stay at CSR and had a wonderful time! I did online check-in, and that ended up being a great decision since the regular line was fairly long. We booked a preferred room, and ended up on the far end of Casitas 1 on the ground floor. I loved the location, since it was about 3 minutes from both El Centro and Bus Stop 2 (first on and first off), and about 1 minute from a quiet pool. We walked to the Dig Site a few times and didn't find the distance to be a dealbreaker at all. I actually really enjoyed these leisurely strolls, since it gave us more time to admire the gorgeous grounds.

We ate dinner at the Pepper Market twice, and really enjoyed the food/atmosphere. We were on the DDP, and it was very clearly stated that gratuity was not included (10% is automatically added on when you check out while paying OOP). Although we ate at a busy time that first night (around 7pm), the lines at the different stations moved quickly.

Mousekeeping was also great. Our room was cleaned every morning and we were lucky enough to come home to a towel animal every day! We rely on Disney transportation to get everywhere, and bus service was never a problem. I think the most that we waited for a bus was about 15 minutes, but usually it was in the 5-10 minutes range. The buses were pretty crowded, however. It was almost always standing room only by the time we got around to Bus Stop 1.

Overall, we LOVED our stay at CSR. It is a truly beautiful resort, and we loved exploring the different courtyards in each section. The rooms were plenty spacious for two people, and the Cast Members were friendly. Definitely a deluxe feel at a moderate price. We will definitely be back!

Thanks for your review. I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay at the CSR. Casitas 1 is the only Casitas building we've not been in, so I appreciate your thoughts on the walk to the pool, etc., from there.

 

[KatMark]

Hello everyone, my wife in I will be staying at CSR in a couple months and have requested a king bed. I was just wondering if anyone knows if these rooms are just scattered around the resort or are they all in the same area?

There are king beds in every section of the resort (Casitas, Cabanas and Ranchos).

 

[Lagarde122]

There are king beds in every section of the resort (Casitas, Cabanas and Ranchos).

ok thanks.

 

[SweetSpot]

We just got back from CSR and have mixed reviews. We were a preferred room and requested Castista Bldg 1 but were given 3. I asked at checkin if there was a room available in blidg 1 and the most lovely cast member gave us room the closest room to the main building in Castistas bldg 1. GREAT location! Other than the cast memeber at check in, location and the room which was also testing wifi (FOR FREE...the only bldg in the complex) we didn't care for the resort compared to POR. The food options were horrible. I don't not care for the Pepper Market at all. Limited options, CM not very polite or slow. Food was so, so. Only ate there because we had no other choice.

The QS at CSR had a huge line to check out at all times. New CMs who had no idea what they were doing. $2.65 for 1 oz potato chips, REALLY! Closed early sometimes and not many options. No place to clean refillable mugs and no noncaffiene options other than water for drinks. POR had many more options, better ice tea... really better! Really can't compare.

We were in a preferred room but last in line for the bus. We waited for all buses. Except DTD stop one is really stop 4. We did see someone in a wheel chair be denied because the seated needed to load them were already taken. Didn't think this ever happened. Last on, last off. Made for an extra 15 - 30 min. sometimes just to get thru the resort.

In the end, nice resort. Not for us. Would pick POR over CSR in a heartbeat.

 

[KatMark]

We just got back from CSR and have mixed reviews. We were a preferred room and requested Castista Bldg 1 but were given 3. I asked at checkin if there was a room available in blidg 1 and the most lovely cast member gave us room the closest room to the main building in Castistas bldg 1. GREAT location! Other than the cast memeber at check in, location and the room which was also testing wifi (FOR FREE...the only bldg in the complex) we didn't care for the resort compared to POR. The food options were horrible. I don't not care for the Pepper Market at all. Limited options, CM not very polite or slow. Food was so, so. Only ate there because we had no other choice.

The QS at CSR had a huge line to check out at all times. New CMs who had no idea what they were doing. $2.65 for 1 oz potato chips, REALLY! Closed early sometimes and not many options. No place to clean refillable mugs and no noncaffiene options other than water for drinks. POR had many more options, better ice tea... really better! Really can't compare.

We were in a preferred room but last in line for the bus. We waited for all buses. Except DTD stop one is really stop 4. We did see someone in a wheel chair be denied because the seated needed to load them were already taken. Didn't think this ever happened. Last on, last off. Made for an extra 15 - 30 min. sometimes just to get thru the resort.

In the end, nice resort. Not for us. Would pick POR over CSR in a heartbeat.

Glad they were able to move your location. I'm sorry you didn't enjoy the Pepper Market; we love it, but we also think the POR-Riverside has a better food court. As for the buses, yes, the stop you were closest to (at El Centro) is the last stop picked up and dropped off except for Downtown Disney. The Bus Stops start with #2, then 3, then 4 and then 1 for all the parks (it's been thsi way since the resort opened).

I'm glad you gave it a try. We hope to try POR one day (we were supposed to be back at CSR next month, but we got a free DVC stay so we are doing that). Perhaps our next trip, we'll try POR a few days before going "home" to CSR.

 

[SweetSpot]

POR lost for room location. Even when you were close to the main bldg you still had a decent walk to get a drink. I just felt more at "home" there I guess. I can understand why people love CSR but after staying at POR it just wasn't my favorite. Forgot to mention if you want a soda from a soda machine bring a credit card. We couldn't get one to accept cash and soda and snacks are alternated between floors and from where we were located, one machine, a long hike away! (And I didn't bring a credit card)

 

[westgrove]

In relation to bus stops, if you're located close to one of the last pickup bus stops is there a big walking distance between them? I understand that one side of CSR to the other is only about a 10m walk? Would it be worth walking to Bus stop 2 even if it's not the closest?

 

[manooly]

We will be at CSR tomorrow! The wait is finally over! Thanks to all for the tips and info. Can't wait for our first stay at CSR!

 

[SkcMom]

We will be at CSR tomorrow! The wait is finally over! Thanks to all for the tips and info. Can't wait for our first stay at CSR!

Have a magical trip!!