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

[MyMuse]

My family is not as big a Disney fan as I am, so I can usually only get them to them to go down there once a year. However, I go 4-5 times a year so make at least three solo trips each year. At least one of those trips are usually the first or second week of Dec. Weather in Dec can be all over the map, so pack a little of everything (swimsuits, shorts, tshirts, long pants, fleece, hats, gloves, and coats). I've worn them all, even during the same week. WDW is beautiful in late Nov-Dec. I've stayed at CSR several times and Dec and always enjoy it. It's very pretty during that time of the year and in fact I'll be there Nov 26th-Dec 4th. Can't wait! As far as location, I love the Cabanas, but that's just a personal preference. I like that they are close to the main building and also the main pool, but if those are not important to you just look at the pictures and request the are that appeals to you. They have bus stops for all three sections, plus at the main building.

I'm probably going to settle on 12/8-12/13 for my dates.

I read back about 11 or 12 pages, plus the first one as well. I'll have to relook at the map and get more familar. I made notes on the buildings when posters mentioned it staying and why.

As I will probably will not have a car (haven't fully decided yet), the placement next to a bus stop that will actually get me a seat would be preferable. I think I read on the first page how the bus system works with the stops.

Thanks all!!!

 

[ChildAtHeart82]

Hi all! We're staying at CSR for our trip 4-13 March 2012. We had initially planned for POFQ which we really like but our discount had no availability there. This will be our first stay at CSR but we have visited to eat at Pepper Market before. I was a little wary about staying here, mostly because of the size, but this thread has gotten me excited about the resort.

Thanks to everyone for all of the great information!

 

[guava]

Hi there. I am surprising my 4 year old son with a quick trip to Disney this weekend. We are going to MNSSHP Friday night and since it is just the two of us and will be a late night I wanted to stay on property. He really likes POP (It was the second word he learned to spell after his name!) but it is booked. CSR was available and reasonable so I booked it. After reading a good bit of this thread I am so glad I did! He's going to love the pool/playground.

Anyway, I do have to questions - I apologize if these were addressed elsewhere but I didn't see where.

1. How does parking work? Are there lots closer to the rooms or just one central lot? Bottom line, do I bring our bags with us to check-in, or leave them in the car because I'll be driving closer to the room?

2. If I understand it, buses go from the various parks to 4 different stops at CSR. Is that correct? Just wanting to confirm it's not one bus to the park and then an internal 4 stop bus system for CSR. (Kind of like Ft. Wilderness has.)

Thanks for any assistance. I can't wait for Friday!!!

 

[pjhootch]

Hi all,

We are booked now at CSR for the beginning of December. We stayed here a few years ago, before the rooms were updated. We loved it that trip and are looking forward to it again.

I had originally booked a family suite at ASMu for this trip, but my 20 year old son has a job conflict and can't come. Since that leaves just our two girls (20 and 30) and us, we decided to switch to a moderate and take advantage of the free DDP. We haven't used the dining plan before, and it wasn't worth it for the family suite since I had a 40% off PIN code for that reservation.

I decided to throw the PIN code to the wolves and move to CSR when I found out the Pop Warner dates were during our stay and they would be at ASMu. YIKES.

So back to CSR. What's changed in the last few years that I should know about? I think we were there in 2007.

Since the parks aren't open late I'm hoping we can relax in the hottub at night to recover from the walking during the day! The last time we were there a cheerleading convention filled the hot tub with us, but they were pretty well mannered and weren't a problem.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Hi there. I am surprising my 4 year old son with a quick trip to Disney this weekend. We are going to MNSSHP Friday night and since it is just the two of us and will be a late night I wanted to stay on property. He really likes POP (It was the second word he learned to spell after his name!) but it is booked. CSR was available and reasonable so I booked it. After reading a good bit of this thread I am so glad I did! He's going to love the pool/playground.

Anyway, I do have to questions - I apologize if these were addressed elsewhere but I didn't see where.

1. How does parking work? Are there lots closer to the rooms or just one central lot? Bottom line, do I bring our bags with us to check-in, or leave them in the car because I'll be driving closer to the room?

2. If I understand it, buses go from the various parks to 4 different stops at CSR. Is that correct? Just wanting to confirm it's not one bus to the park and then an internal 4 stop bus system for CSR. (Kind of like Ft. Wilderness has.)

Thanks for any assistance. I can't wait for Friday!!!

There are lots close to each section of the resort. There is a map on the first page of this thread that will give you some idea of parking. We always park, then bring our bags to our room. Bell Services is available if you need help, but if you are doing it yourself, it makes sense to park first.

There are four bus stops at CSR, and each bus goes to all four stops, then on to the parks or DTD. When going to the parks, the first stop picked up is bus stop #2 (casitas), followed by ranchos, cabanas, then the main building. DTD buses stop at the main building first, then casitas, ranchos and cabanas. There is not an internal bus system that requires a transfer like Ft. Wilderness. You will get on a bus at your stop that is going to your destination.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[GreatestModel]

Cabanas 9B all the way!

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Hi all,

We are booked now at CSR for the beginning of December. We stayed here a few years ago, before the rooms were updated. We loved it that trip and are looking forward to it again.

I had originally booked a family suite at ASMu for this trip, but my 20 year old son has a job conflict and can't come. Since that leaves just our two girls (20 and 30) and us, we decided to switch to a moderate and take advantage of the free DDP. We haven't used the dining plan before, and it wasn't worth it for the family suite since I had a 40% off PIN code for that reservation.

I decided to throw the PIN code to the wolves and move to CSR when I found out the Pop Warner dates were during our stay and they would be at ASMu. YIKES.

So back to CSR. What's changed in the last few years that I should know about? I think we were there in 2007.

Since the parks aren't open late I'm hoping we can relax in the hottub at night to recover from the walking during the day! The last time we were there a cheerleading convention filled the hot tub with us, but they were pretty well mannered and weren't a problem.

As you know, all the rooms were updated in 2009. There are pictures on the first page of this thread. The new rooms added sliding doors to the vanity, so you will have some privacy when trying to get ready. The doors are much better than the privacy curtain. The new beds are very comfortable, and the rooms have flat screen TVs.

Around the resort, Cafe Rix has been added as a quick service grab-and-go location. It has sandwiches, breakfast items, and yummy gelato. I think there are some pictures on the first page of the thread.

Rix Lounge is the new nightclub. I know kids are not allowed after 9:00 pm, but I don't know if you have to be 21 or just over 18.

CSR now offers preferred rooms, which are located in Casitas 1, 2 and 3.

There are probably more changes, but that is all that comes to mind right now.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[guava]

Perfect! Thanks for the information, StitchandPooh'sMom!

 

[LJSquishy]

I've never had gelato before and plan on making Cafe Rix my first experience! So...what are the best flavors? I like all flavors of ice cream so I don't have anything holding me back from trying any specific flavor. I tried finding a photo of the flavors at Cafe Rix, but I can't see the labels in any of them so I can only guess by what color they are!

 

[pjhootch]

Thanks StitchandPooh-

It sounds great. I looked at the photos and the rooms look much more "sleek" than they did the last time we were there, although they were just fine before. I am digging the flat panel tv, although I don't know why since we don't spend time watching tv at Disney!

The sliding doors will be very helpful with middle aged parents and 20 and 30 year old girls all in one room. We would have had more privacy and two bathrooms at the family suite, but pop warner... shudder. I would rather be in one nice peaceful room.

The size of CSR never bothered us. I like the way it is arranged so you never feel like you are in the middle of a lot of people. Does Cafe Rix have small containers of milk you can buy to keep in the fridge for coffee?

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Does Cafe Rix have small containers of milk you can buy to keep in the fridge for coffee?

I'm not sure if Cafe Rix has small containers, but Panchitos sells half gallons and maybe some smaller sizes. Cafe Rix might have the half pint size if you are looking for containers that small.

 

[lovethattink]

I've never had gelato before and plan on making Cafe Rix my first experience! So...what are the best flavors? I like all flavors of ice cream so I don't have anything holding me back from trying any specific flavor. I tried finding a photo of the flavors at Cafe Rix, but I can't see the labels in any of them so I can only guess by what color they are!

My son likes fudge brownie the best.

 

[Disney Bunny]

I can now do on-line check in but still debating whether or not I should. Pros/cons anyone?

 

[Drscholls]

I've never had gelato before and plan on making Cafe Rix my first experience! So...what are the best flavors? I like all flavors of ice cream so I don't have anything holding me back from trying any specific flavor. I tried finding a photo of the flavors at Cafe Rix, but I can't see the labels in any of them so I can only guess by what color they are!

Cookies and cream!!

 

[Sara1Babe]

10 days! We plan on decorating our window for Halloween. It's going to be awesome!


Anyone happen to know how big the windows are?

I'm also pretty excied about the fancy bath soaps. It's the little things that bring me great joy.

 

[dtstampz]

I've never had gelato before and plan on making Cafe Rix my first experience! So...what are the best flavors? I like all flavors of ice cream so I don't have anything holding me back from trying any specific flavor. I tried finding a photo of the flavors at Cafe Rix, but I can't see the labels in any of them so I can only guess by what color they are!

Some of the flavors there last week:
Fudge brownie, double chocolate, coconut
Strawberry, Lemon, Strawberry cheesecake
Coffee, Oreo cookie, and Tres Leche (?)
I miss them already....

 

[dtstampz]

Just got back from a wonderful stay at the Coronado. I got my room request for the Cabanas! We got Cabanas 8B, a corner room right across the walk from the laundry building/quiet pool. My 9 year old friend was in heaven, as she LOVES to swim! And her Gramma was happy to be close to bus stop 4. So everyone was happy.
I was lucky enough to meet several DISboard members on this trip. And I attended MNSSHP on two nights! Best Disney parade ever.
Can't wait to return to the Coronado in November with dh.

 

[MyMuse]

There are lots close to each section of the resort. There is a map on the first page of this thread that will give you some idea of parking. We always park, then bring our bags to our room. Bell Services is available if you need help, but if you are doing it yourself, it makes sense to park first.

There are four bus stops at CSR, and each bus goes to all four stops, then on to the parks or DTD. When going to the parks, the first stop picked up is bus stop #2 (casitas), followed by ranchos, cabanas, then the main building. DTD buses stop at the main building first, then casitas, ranchos and cabanas. There is not an internal bus system that requires a transfer like Ft. Wilderness. You will get on a bus at your stop that is going to your destination.

Enjoy your trip!

great info, thank you!!!

 

[MyMuse]

I tried looking through posts of around christmas time last year but didn't see any...

does CSR have holiday decor??

I'm *thisclose* to booking my Dec trip!!

 

[LJSquishy]

Some of the flavors there last week:
Fudge brownie, double chocolate, coconut
Strawberry, Lemon, Strawberry cheesecake
Coffee, Oreo cookie, and Tres Leche (?)
I miss them already....

Ohhhh, they all sound delicious! The coconut will definitely have to be 1st on my list to try! Then probably fudge brownie, followed by strawberry cheesecake. Yum!