CSR -- Why do you like it so much?

[ntsammy5]

I'm intrigued by how many people are so passionate about CSR. We've never stayed there, in fact I've never even been there before -- why do you like it so much? We haven't stayed at many mods, in fact only the CBR, and I think we may book a future trip at CSR. Even though we've stayed at all the deluxe resorts, they're just not a very good deal IMHO.

 

[bab31]

Read my trip report - link is in my signature

check out buzz's website and you will fall in love

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

I'm not sure I qualify as "passionate" about CSR, but we do really like it and it's our first choice of the mods. We tried POFQ a few months ago and we liked it fine, but I think CSR is nicer. I'm dying to try WL, but can't justify spending an extra $1000 for a week's trip when I know we like CSR and don't really need the extra amenities WL would provide.

Anyway, here's why we like CSR:
- Transportation is great - we've rarely waited more than 5-10 minutes for a bus. We have our own vehicle, but prefer to use Disney buses. The CSR bus-stops at the parks are all fairly close to the exits.

- The pool is awesome. There's a fun playground. There are leisure pools in each section of the resort, also.

- Love Panchitos store. It has everything Disney, plus some neat Mexican stuff.

- Love Pepper Market. Great variety, and a great value on the DDP. We don't eat here often, but enjoy it when we do. We haven't tried Maya Grill; we are usually in the parks for dinner, but may eat here for breakfast on our upcoming trip. Rix wasn't open the last time we were there.

- The conventioners have never bothered us. We see them occasionally, but they have their business, and we have ours. We figure that if our kids are loud, they're the ones at a family destination and ought to expect it!

- The beds are comfy. The a/c works great. Wish they had 2 sinks, but we do like the extra counter space. Love having a fridge for milk, juice, etc, that we bring from home.

- It's relaxing and spacious. I like that it feels like a resort, not a hotel. Love the water views. It feels like a getaway in the middle of the busy WDW complex.

 

[2BusyPlanning]

I enjoyed it very much. My first visit was this past September, with just DH. Nice atmosphere, landscaping, quiet, PM was wonderful! We are not pool people, but the quiet pool was right outside of our door and we couldn't hear a thing. With the convention center being right there, you see more adult guests. The bus system is not shared with anyone else. We requested the Casitas section and it was the first to be picked up and the first to be dropped off in the evening. We always had a seat and no one had to stand.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I've only stayed there once, but it was one of our favorite mods. I think the main reason we liked it so much is that the food court is a cut above most others. If there's one downside to a week of dinig at WDW, it's a lack of fresh fruit and veggies. I just don't eat a lot of processed junk at home. It's nice to see options like a fruit bar, veggie stirfry, tomato salsa available for your eggs in the am. The partial table service is great too. In themoring, if you want your eggs ina hurry, you can order them from a station that serves them froa steam tub. If you are picky, you can go to another station and get a custom omlette.

The pool is really nice at CSR, as is the general theming. The hot tub was also HUGE.

The buses were relatively empty most of the time, so even though you have to wait for the bus to loop the resort before you get to the park, at least you've got good odds on being able to sit, and not getting trampled at the bus stops.

The downside of this resort is that it is still large, and you still have to wait while the bus loops the entire resort. The wlaking distances from pplace to place is quite large. Also, the prices at the food court are higher than other food courts. Last, there are conventioners at this resort. Mostly, it wasn't a problem for us, but there were times when they were all at the pool: talking shop, drinking, taking up the hot tub.

 

[Buzz2001]

We love it because it feels like having two vacations in one trip. You feel like you actually are in Cancun while still being at WDW. Then add in all the amenities you get for a mod price, a terrific main pool area, awesome transportation and great food.

Check out my CSR website below for pics and info.

 

[KatMark]

I could probably type a book listing the reasons my DH and I love the CSR (and the kids too...but they don't go with us anymore). I'll just highlight some of the things that make us love CSR and which makes us keep coming back--7th time will be in September for our 25th anniversary--and my DH gave me choice of Poly for our special anniversary--but I chose our "second home--CSR."

First, we absolutely love the themeing of the resort. We are especially fond of the Casitas section and have been fortunate enough to always get this section. We love the layout of the resort--and that includes that is spread out. That way, even if there are conventioneers there, it still does not feel crowded (and we have never had an issue with any of the convention attendees). The landscaping is breathtaking. My DH and I love sitting in the hammocks or taking a stroll around the entire resort after we have been at the parks and before we go to bed taking in the beauty of the resort once the sun has gone down and the lights are reflecting off the lake and the fountains in the Casitas. We love the food court better than any food court we have ever dined at of all the resorts we have been to (and you can avoid that 10% added on by getting a to go ticket and eating at one of the many tables by the lake which is what we do to enjoy the scenery). We love the main pool and hot tub and the Siesta Bar and it's food and drinks (especially those pina coladas for me! ). We enjoy the quiet pools and I love the spa because I always have a massage while there midway through the trip. I love going to the Pepper Market early in the morning to get my DH's coffee and my cappucino and watcihng the bunnies run across the lawns and the ducks waddling around and looking for a free hand out.

The CM's have always been extremely nice and helpful and ofen go beyond the call of duty. The gift shop is one of the largest of any at the resorts and I never worry if I forgot that one last souvenir at the parks...I can always find something at the gift shop.

We just love the serene, quiet nature of the resort and consider it our second home.

 

[amaycatbaker]

I fell for the resort in 2000. And got almost the same room in 2001, in the casitas. My family never really hung out at the resort because we loved the buses. We could leave our room and be on a bus in minutes. We could get back to the resort in a fast fashion too with no crowds.

It felt like I was special and not in a cattle car.

I rode a bus, that was standing room only in 2005. I was pregnant and nobody got up to stand, so I could sit my belly was in a man's face the entire time. I am not going to mention which resort but it was uncomfortable. I did not know that resort guests at the end of the day could be so rude, since I never had encountered that before at Disney.

That was why I found myself skipping from resort to resort, and if I read a transportation problem I would move my reservation. I finally decided, I enjoyed the transportation a whole bunch at CSR and that is where I am going again.

The hotel is beautiful, that is a bonus.

 

[ntsammy5]

I rode a bus, that was standing room only in 2005. I was pregnant and nobody got up to stand

That's one of the reasons I love to stay at SOG. You'd never, ever experience that on their buses. Different kind of clientele entirely.

 

[amaycatbaker]

That's one of the reasons I love to stay at SOG. You'd never, ever experience that on their buses. Different kind of clientele entirely.

You are right it was not a SoG bus, but I got a great deal this year with free dining, so back to CSR for me.

I did have some problems with SoG transportation, but that was only because of parking in the AK parking lot, long walk to the front gate for a pregnant lady.

 

[lisaross]

I am thinking of staying at the CSR next August - last time we stayed at CBR - loved it, but would like to try something new. When is the busy time for conventions? I'm thinking not August am i right or wrong?

thanx

lisa

 

[ntsammy5]

You are right it was not a SoG bus, but I got a great deal this year with free dining, so back to CSR for me.

Yeah, we don't stay at SOG all the time either -- probably only a third of the time. There are so many good places to stay, it's hard to decide though!

 

[amaycatbaker]

Yeah, we don't stay at SOG all the time either -- probably only a third of the time. There are so many good places to stay, it's hard to decide though!

I have to try the resort (SoG) when I am not pregnant. This year I am going alone with the kids and hubby insisted on free dining or I might have choosen SoG again.

CSR is where I went on a long date with my hubby and our honeymoon. It has a special place in my heart.

 

[ReneeA]

We like CSR for alot of different reasons.

Probably the number one reason was the bussing. We always were up bright and early for rope drops and never had to wait more than 7 minutes for a bus. We normally return for mid-afternoon breaks also, so we utilize the busses alot. It's important to me that we don't spend too much time just waiting. We also only had a standing room only bus one time, and that was after Illuminations ended - to be expected. The other times we always had seats.

I love their pool - it's fantastically themed and has a great waterslide. They have a great playscape - not just one structure, but a whole playground setup. My kids don't ever want to leave the resort.

It seems quieter than other resorts...possibly due to the fact that so many guests are there for conventions. That may be a big reason that the busses aren't jammed and the pool is never full when we are there.

We use the DDP and love Pepper Market. It's a great deal for your CS credit - it really is so similar to a TS meal. Lots to choose from, very fresh and all cooked to order in front of you. You get real dinnerware and not paper plates, servers clean up and get your drinks for you, and it's just a really nice atmosphere.

They also are one of the few places on site that you can get a real Latte in the morning and not the just the Nescafe junk that is found throughout the rest of the world. Not a huge deal, but nice all the same.

We have found all of the CMs lovely and helpful there. They keep the resort spotlessly clean.

I have a hard time staying anywhere else now.

 

[Micka Mouse]

This thread has been really helpful ! We had been planning on staying at POP, but decided that might be too much stimulation after a day at the parks. I've been checking out CBR, CSR abd POFQ tonight, and feel that CSR is probably the best fit for us. Thanks for great information!!!!!!!!

 

[chimo2u]

I only wish it had queen beds!!! I'd pick it to try in a heart beat if it did. The Junior suite has a queen bed (I think), but from what I've priced, i can stay at my favorite Deluxe resort (AKL club level) for practically the same price as the Junior Suite at CSR.... not sure why, but since I can't save a bit more, I am leaning towards AKL just for the club level benefits. Although CSR Pool and Pepper Market sounds wonderful!!! Oh the dilema of trying to find the perfect resort! Our trip is probably our last one for quite awhile (Sept 2009) and i am hoping for some free dining to help with the cost as a vacation to Disney usually runs us close to $9,000.00 traveling from Canada. Hopefully we'll be able to afford it next year! I miss WDW so much.
Marie

 

[Buzz2001]

I only wish it had queen beds!!!

Me too!!

 

[ObsessedwiththeMouse]

I'm intrigued by how many people are so passionate about CSR. We've never stayed there, in fact I've never even been there before -- why do you like it so much? We haven't stayed at many mods, in fact only the CBR, and I think we may book a future trip at CSR. Even though we've stayed at all the deluxe resorts, they're just not a very good deal IMHO.

I don't like it...at all. You couldn't pay me to stay at CSR. Everytime I read posts about it, I'm always shaking my head, thinking "That resort stunk!" I didn't like the atmosphere, the convention-like feel, the food court....

BUT, with that being said, many people like it and there are always good reviews about it. That's why Disney is so great. There are so many resort choices for everyone.

Have a great trip, wherever you decide to stay!

 

[Guzzi]

We loved the resort for a number of reasons;

1. The theme pool, my kids, and I loved the slide, and the pool is huge

2. The Pepper Market, if you are on the DDP, you cant go wrong with the counter service meals at the pepper market. really great variety and portions, I had a steak dinner as a counter service meal, pretty cool and much better than a hamburger

3. The buses, we can only compare it to CBR and I have to say we really enjoyed our stay there but the bus service from CSR seemed much better, faster and more frequent buses, with less people on them

So its the CSR again for us this july, 7th - 15th, I can hardly wait

 

[Jane-in-PA]

Bump