CSR - Just Back, few thoughts

[qman6975]

My family just returned from a one week stay at the CSR and I have a few observations:

- The lobby is loud and it is hard to hear in there. The lobby is beautiful but the day we checked in a large crowd attending a conference was present. I have perfectly good hearing but was having a bear of a time hearing the cast member immediately in front of me during check-in. The voices of everyone present seem to echo and be amplified the area's layout.

- The Pepper Market has changed. We have stayed at the CSR three previous times but this was our first visit in six years. The food choices are much more generic than the old Pepper Market but the checkout process (losing the stamped cards) and the ending of the mandatory 10% tip just to be seated are nice improvements. Plus, coffee is free, one of the few free things you'll find at WDW!

- The grounds were immaculately maintained as usual allow I did notice some trash at around 3:00 pm one morning that was still there that evening when we returned from the parks.

- The pool was a beautiful as usual but the mid-day activities for kids was a little loud but hey it is a family resort.

- Did not see an alligator as we did on our 2005 trip but did see a snake! One morning at Bus Stop 4 I heard some rustling in the leaves behind us and looked back to see a black snake about 1 foot long. Also a saw a rabbit and a raccoon.

- The wait time screens at the bus stops are also a nice addition since our last trip. The fact that they seem to move forward in time so what you think is a five minute wait becomes a 25 minute wait is a bit annoying but still nice.

- Airport check-in on our way home was efficient and always a bonus.

- The rooms were well maintained and as always the cleaning folks did a fine job.

 

[maxiesmom]

Thanks for the update! I have 4 loooong months before my next stay at CSR. Glad to hear mostly good stuff.

 

[Kevenswife2]

I'm curious as to the order the park buses pick up around the resort. We're staying in the Casitas.

 

[tinka-belle]

Depends on which Casitas building. Casita 1 is preferred, closest Casitas building to El Centro so bus stop #1 at the main lobby would be closest. Casitas 2 and 3 are also preferred buildings, Casitas 4 is not. Note that Bus Stop #1 is the LAST stop for park busses.

Casitas area is stop #2 and is closest to Casitas building 4, that is the FIRST park bus stop. Then to Ranchos stop #3 (farthest from El Centro) and Cabanas stop #4, and El Centro stop #1, then head for the parks.

With #1 as the last stop it's good if you are in an outer building and don't want to walk to El Centro for breakfast for example. Can hop on the bus at stop #3 and get off at #1.

 

[GreatLakes]

We stayed at CSR last June and I can't say I disagree with anything you stated. That was my second time at that resort and both stays were great.

 

[Selket]

Thanks for the report! We stay there every other year for a conference and everything you said was as I remember it from last summer. Overall I like the changes at the Pepper Market. It went from being my least fav QS on the whole property (I really disliked the stamp system) to now it's fine - nothing to go out the way for but similar to the other QS mod places.

One thing I loved about CSR last summer was it was my first time renting an ECV and I enjoyed going out at night and going around the lake while my son walked with me. It was a relaxing way to end the evening and so nice to be able to get out (again) and enjoy the entire spaciousness of that resort. Glad you had a good trip!

 

[mcouling]

Thanks for the report. It makes me excited for my first trip in August! Quick question about the bathrooms. Do they have a regular hair dryer or one of the usual wall ones, typical of most hotels? If I can avoid packing mine, that would be great! Thanks!

 

[SGMCO]

Thanks for the report. It makes me excited for my first trip in August! Quick question about the bathrooms. Do they have a regular hair dryer or one of the usual wall ones, typical of most hotels? If I can avoid packing mine, that would be great! Thanks!

I would like to know also. Thanks

 

[Olaf63]

The hair dryers at CSR are in a bag hanging in the closest area. They are full size