Coronado Springs vs Contemporary - Opinions Please!

[disneymath]

What makes CR better than CSR ... or CSR better than CR as the case may be??!!

We're debating between these two resorts for a mid Dec. '07 trip. We've loved all the WDW resorts we've stayed at, but try a new one each time. Since this is a spontaneous trip, we're trying to decide if we should splurge on CR or save by trying out CSR.

We're 5 adults (age range 28-57) and a baby (6mths in Dec.) We'll get the dining plan, and tend to eat most meals (other than breakfast) away from the resort. Then again, with the baby we may end up spending more time at the resort than usual. Oh yes, we like to swim.

I'm giving CR an initial advantage since its on the monorail and a deluxe resort (Yay queen beds!! ) ... then again, it seems CSR has the better food court option (Pepper Market) and a nicer pool. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Since you said that you're going to WDW during December my vote would go for the Contemporary, because you seem excited about the chance to stay at a Deluxe Resort that is on the Resort Monorail line.

 

[Familyof6]

I'm not sure I can be too much help here but we have stayed at both resorts.
We had a great time at CSR (returned yesterday)! They have several very nice pools from which to choose. (3 quiet pools and the HUGE Dig Site pool) The hot tub is HUGE! (22 person) I really enjoyed the hot tub at CSR. I found a way to get a great relaxing massage after a day at the parks.
Most likely a stay at CSR will require a substantial amount of walking. Everything is very spread out. If you're close to one thing, you're usually far away from something else. (I wish I had requested Cabana 9B...seems to be the one building that is close to everything)
Peppers Mkt does have a wonderful selection of foods. We found that many of the entrees are big enough to share. There is a 10% "service charge" to eat in. We took all our meals "to go" and were not charged the extra fee. Peppers Mkt closed at 11pm while we were there. I'm not sure if hours change according to seasons. I would have prefered 24 hr availablity for basic things. (I can't remember if the one at CR stays open 24 hrs, but I know the one at the GF does.)
Bus service for CSR was funny. At the beginning of the week we seemed to arrive just before the bus we wanted. We barely waited at all for busses anywhere! THEN, our luck changed. It seemed at the end of the week, we arrived just AFTER the bus we wanted had gone by. We had a couple of experiences with an AK bus going right by bus stop 1 twice without pulling in. By then, it had begun to thunder out so we went back to our room. (we reported the bus passing the bus stop before we went to our room)
Another experience was with the AK bus again. We arrived at bus stop 2 and a few mins later, a bus came through with "Blizzard Beach/ Coronado Springs". We wanted to go to AK so we didn't get on. We watched as all the other park busses had gone by a second time and asked one of them when an AK bus would be along. They said they were on the same schedule and one should be right along. WELL, the bus for BB is also the bus for AK (which I didn't know). The next time through, the driver had changed the sign to read BB/AK!!
The most we had to wait for a CSR bus was 20 mins. (except for those two experiences) For the most part, I was happy with the bus service.
With that said, I much prefer the monorail system...therefore I'd prefer CR. I like that fact that you have the option to take the monorail to MK and Epcot. I also like the option of the boat. And one more option to or from the MK is to walk the path. It's a nice 10 - 15 min walk. We used it several times during our stay at CR. We had no problem with bus service from CR when we were there, but it was a while ago and we didn't use the busses much.
Another thing to keep in mind about CR is the construction. They've taken down the north wing and they will be building. Therefore, there will be construction noise. If you want a quiet place, CSR will be better. If noises don't bother you...you can still consider CR.
When we were at CR, one pool was undergoing renovations, so we only had the one big pool. But we enjoyed it. The hot tubs are small at CR. If swimming is important, CSR will be your choice! (better pools and more from which to choose)
SO, I guess what I am saying is....I liked both for different reasons. I CAN'T decide!

Familyof6

 

[Colleen27]

What makes CR better than CSR ... or CSR better than CR as the case may be??!!

We're debating between these two resorts for a mid Dec. '07 trip. We've loved all the WDW resorts we've stayed at, but try a new one each time. Since this is a spontaneous trip, we're trying to decide if we should splurge on CR or save by trying out CSR.

I'm no help on the decision making, because both resorts look awesome to me. However if you're planning for this December, you might just want to keep an open mind and check availability before you get your heart set on any one resort. When we were looking at Dec, we couldn't get anything other than suites & conceirge for our dates at CR, and there have been threads since then lamenting the low availability for the Dec "low" season this year.

 

[eeyore_is#1]

I'll always have a soft spot for Coronado Springs.

After Dixie Landings left us in tears from literally refusing to do anything about the dirty rooms, dirty grounds, lousy service and overcharging our credit cards by $7000 causing large penalties from declined pre-authorized payments etc, Coronado rode in like heros, moved us over to there, gave us a nice clean room, a photo of Mickey congratulating us on our wedding in a few days, and a nice champagne toast to go along with it.

 

[Buzz2001]

I've stayed at both and also prefer CSR. Better pool, transportation and beautifully landscaped grounds that are terrific at night. CSR offers a spa, salon, steam room, tanning beds and fitness center that many of the deluxes offer as well.

But with that said, CR is a deluxe resort, larger rooms and larger beds. The monorail (a perk to some) and in walking distance to MK.

Good luck with your decision! Check out my CSR website below for pics and info.

 

[disneymath]

Thanks for all the input ... it's making the decision harder ... so many good things about both! Our dates aren't set yet due to work commitments. We're looking at two scenarios. The first one is earlier in Dec. - CR won't be an option then as it seems very much booked up. The other is closer to mid December - both CR and CSR seemed to have a variety of rooms when I checked yesterday.

CSR made our "short list" for our 2006 trip ... CR didn't. CSR's theming seems better suited to my family's tastes, which does count for a lot. I know from other posts and Buzz's website that CSR transportation is pretty good, but can it really compete with the monorail? (We want to make the trip as easy as possible for my sis and bil and their baby.) Is it realistic to head back to CSR during the afternoon if needed and return to the parks later on in the day?

 

[Buzz2001]

CSR buses compete very well with the monorail.

CR buses share with GF and Poly. CSR shares with no other resort. We had long trips to AK, and MGM via bus from CR. It took longer via the monorail to MK from the CR because of the waits (for other trains to move) and other stops (TTC, Poly and GF) along the way than it did by bus to MK from CSR.

We ended up walking to and from CR to MK because it wasn't worth the walk up to the platform to wait in line for the monorail when leaving MK and it was quicker to walk to MK in the morning. To Epcot, you have to transfer at TTC to the Epcot monorail.

CSR is a 5 min ride to AK, MGM and Epcot from CSR. It is very close to those three parks and about 10 mins to MK.

 

[Familyof6]

The CSR busses worked very well. It was just as he said...5 mins to AK, MGM and Epcot. About 10 mins to MK. We rarely had to wait for a bus, even right after Illuminations! It's funny, but we waited the longer for the GF/WL bus at AK than we did for any other bus. (we had lunch ressies at WCC)
BTW, at least at AK, CR shares a bus with only the Poly...GF shares a bus with WL. This may be new, I don't know. BUT again as Buzz says, CSR does not share a bus with any other resort. We went back to our hotel each day in the mid to late afternoon and quite often went back to one park or another in the evenings. It was very convenient to do so.
Another plus is that CSR has a kiddie pool. I can't remember if CR does. (they probably do) The swings, playground and sand at the Dig Site pool at CSR would be perfect for the little one traveling with you.
I don't remember the comfort of the beds at CR but the beds at CSR were VERY comfortable!! We also got towel animals almost every day at CSR. I don't remember getting any at CR. (and we left mousekeeping envelopes at each resort each day)

With all that said, I do love the monorail system even if it takes longer. (20 mins from CR to MK) We didn't need to use it on this trip, but we did just because we wanted to ride the monorail.

Our CR experience was 5 yrs ago and things I'm sure have changed there. (Like the removal of the entire North wing where we stayed!) I can only tell you how it was when we were there. Our CSR experience was last week, so it's fresh in my mind.
You have a tough decision, but I must say, our CSR experience was just as pleasant as our CR experience. (there are pros and cons for each)

Familyof6

 

[Buzz2001]

CSR gets high mark with the beds too...

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1546929

 

[mom2jcc]

Wow! I came online to post the very same question!
Debating between these two..never stayed at either..heard great things about both

 

[disneymath]

Again, thanks Buzz and Familyof6 ... never realized that the monorail could be more time consuming than a resort bus! Of course, riding the monorail is fun, but we could do that one evening if we dine at Poly. I'm starting to think CSR would be the right choice for us. It doesn't seem right to spend $1000s more for queen beds - which, now that the monorail issue has been clarified, is CRs main draw.

 

[Saphire]

Is it realistic to head back to CSR during the afternoon if needed and return to the parks later on in the day?

Absolutely! We stayed at CSR last summer, and this had to be the biggest surprise of all. We got around faster than at any other resort we have stayed at. (We have stayed at the Poly, CR, WL, and Yacht Club). There is a lot of walking to get to the monorail at the other resorts. We did stay in Cabana 9B, which is noted to be close to the bus stop, and it was just steps away! Busses are for CSR guests only, no other stops. We kept commenting how it took a moderate resort to finally make the transportation effortless, and surprised ourselves at how much we didn't miss the monorail. We loved the pool, we loved the Pepper market. The only thing I missed were the bigger rooms and the queen beds. Try it, I think you will like it! Best Wishes!

 

[Lilolvr]

Absolutely! We stayed at CSR last summer, and this had to be the biggest surprise of all. We got around faster than at any other resort we have stayed at. (We have stayed at the Poly, CR, WL, and Yacht Club). There is a lot of walking to get to the monorail at the other resorts. We did stay in Cabana 9B, which is noted to be close to the bus stop, and it was just steps away! Busses are for CSR guests only, no other stops. We kept commenting how it took a moderate resort to finally make the transportation effortless, and surprised ourselves at how much we didn't miss the monorail. We loved the pool, we loved the Pepper market. The only thing I missed were the bigger rooms and the queen beds. Try it, I think you will like it! Best Wishes!

Perfectly stated. I agree 100%!

 

[Donaldsfan176]

Maybe I'm to late on this but...We just stayed at the CR. To be honest I don't think I will stay anywhwere else. I think that the monorail being so close is worth it's wait in gold. I also liked the ability to walk to and from the MK. At the end of the night while everybody is waiting in line for the bus and monorail at the MK you are a short 10 min walk from your room.


It was noted in a previous post that you may here construction noises. We were on the 10th floor 6 rooms from the end of the hotel closet to the construction. When the patio doors wee closed we did not hear any construction noise. Also at the pool there was little construction noise even though we knew it was going on.

Did you ever think about staying at the garden wings? They are on the opposite side of the construction also. It would be a little farther walk to the monorail but there is nothing wrong with the wings. By the way we had ressies at the wings and was upgraded to the tower. That is always a slim but possible scenario also.

Also a CM told me that the momorail is the quickest way to and from the parks.

I never stayed at the CSR so I can't be to much help in that reapect.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[simonkodousek]

For me the answer is the Contemporary 100%, however if you aren't comfortable spending so much money on a deluxe, I recommend the Wilderness Lodge. It is in a great location with good transportation, good dining options, and an excellent atmosphere. The rooms have queen beds, but the price is near to the price of a moderate.

 

[disneymath]

Thanks everyone for your input ... we just about had ourselves convinced to go with CSR when something told me to "do the math" for two All Star Music Family Suites. Guess what - it's only slightly more expensive to get two suites at ASMu then it is to get two standard rooms at CSR ... and for us at this particular time, the extra room means a lot. So as long as I get approval for the time off, it will be ASMu this December. CSR and CR will have to keep for another trip.

 

[fla4fun]

Thanks everyone for your input ... we just about had ourselves convinced to go with CSR when something told me to "do the math" for two All Star Music Family Suites. Guess what - it's only slightly more expensive to get two suites at ASMu then it is to get two standard rooms at CSR ... and for us at this particular time, the extra room means a lot. So as long as I get approval for the time off, it will be ASMu this December. CSR and CR will have to keep for another trip.

That sounds like a good compromise. I'm staying at CR for a few days in December to do MVMCP. I'm going into it knowing that there are a lot of changes going on, and that there could be some areas that aren't as pleasant as they normally are. But that is offset by the convenience of being able to walk back to the room from the party without having to wait for any transportation at all.

For future reference, I think the most convenient resort if you plan to use the monorail a lot is actually Poly. Poly is two stops away from MK coming or going, whereas CR is the farthest from MK if you're taking the monorail in (of course, there's always the walking factor). At Poly, you are a quick walk from the TTC to catch the Epcot monorail as well, or the express or ferry to MK. I feel it has the best transportation options of all the monorail hotels.

 

[disneymath]

Fla4fun ... thanks for the info ... in terms of resorts I would love to stay at in the future, the Poly is right up there at the top of the list (even before the GF or YC/BC)! Your transportation info is just one more reason why!