Did we feel the $2K difference? CSR vs Poly

[RLRDA]

Hmmm..not sure if I can explain the Disney Feel for you? ..I guess The Disney Feel is sort of like resort preferences, favorite ride or favorite dining experiences...it's different & personal for everyone.

The Disney Feel of a resort for me is a combination of things...Yes, it's about the cleanliness, the kindness of the CM's, the transportation , pools etc...But it goes beyond that..It is about the sights and the smells...the feelings you have while staying there..the memories you family shares there...For the rest of my life I will remember sitting on the beach of the Poly at night after a wonderful day at the parks with our kids, staring out at the beautiful view, sipping a Ohana Colada, listening to the tropical music in the background, holding my husbands hand, wondering if he was going to get his dream job that he was waiting to hear about.

Everyone seems to have one special resort that feels like 'home' to them...The Disney Feel from a resort, for many, completes the vacation experience while at the World. Some folks are all about the wonderful total Disney theming or the many options at the food courts and the fun pools at the Value (and each Value has it's loyal following)..Some prefer the specific themes, pools and transportation options at the moderates....and some love the amenities, dining options and theming difference of the Deluxe resorts like the animals at the AKL, the fun energy at the Boardwalk, the tropical feeling of the Poly or the peaceful feeling of the WL. The Disney Feel seems to be inspired by a persons tastes, expectations and experiences.

Every resort in every price range with every type of theme has the Disney Feel for someone. It's just finding the one that fits you. When you do find the Disney Feel in the perfect resort for you...you will find yourself missing the actual resort as much as your favorite attraction or dining experience. You will find yourself dreaming about the resort and your Disney vacations may never feel the same staying somewhere else.

Well Stated!!

 

[Cmbar]

It's funny that you actually mention it. We had dinner at the Whispering Canyon one night and we loved the feel of the resort. .

HI, I was surprised to see that you went to the Whispering Canyon when your son has special needs. I am curious how he did at this restaurant. My DD has anxiety issues that limit some of what we are able to do and I would never dream of bringing her to this restaurant because of all the commotion and loud sounds. Was this ok for your son? Maybe I am just imagining that WC is worst than it really is!

Sorry you didn't like CSR on your last trip. I know what you mean about the Disney feel. We have always gone Moderate and this time we are trying GF and I am so afraid I am going to love being on the monorail. Problem is we definitely can't afford to keep coming here, so our Disney feel will have to be more along the Moderate levels. We loved POFQ for its small size. So everybody has different ideas of what is special and quaint.

 

[chocovrdmicears]

HI, I was surprised to see that you went to the Whispering Canyon when your son has special needs. I am curious how he did at this restaurant. My DD has anxiety issues that limit some of what we are able to do and I would never dream of bringing her to this restaurant because of all the commotion and loud sounds. Was this ok for your son? Maybe I am just imagining that WC is worst than it really is!

Well..he actually didn't do well there but it had nothing to do with the noise level (which I didn't think was too bad).It was the Lincoln Logs play table that did us in! Once he saw that he didn't want to go to our table and I couldn't get him to focus on eating. He just wanted to 'go play'. Loud noises and commotion don't typically bother him unless it's really loud (like the Lion King Show) or when he's tired. He actual thrives on the overstimulation at WDW and LOVES it...but there is a very fine line between him enjoying it and when he has had enough. We are CONSTANTLY on the watch to stay one step ahead of him crossing over the line.
Enjoy your stay at the GF...I am sure you will have a wonderful time! And yes, you will probably get a little spoiled...which is a good thing!

 

[allerobed]

We went to the Maya Grill for dinner one night on free DDP and I think it was one of the best meals I ate while at Disney. The decor was nice and our server gave us outstanding service. I made the reservation because I've stayed at the other moderates and wanted to check out CSR for the future. We stayed at CBR and weren't thrilled with it at all.

 

[EnnEss]

Whats the bounceback program!?!

 

[chocovrdmicears]

Whats the bounceback program!?!

Anyone who stayed at a Disney resort the month of September this year was offered the opportunity to book a package for September 2008, with free dining.

 

[Guzzi]

Hmmm..not sure if I can explain the Disney Feel for you? ..I guess The Disney Feel is sort of like resort preferences, favorite ride or favorite dining experiences...it's different & personal for everyone.

Thank you for your response, having read it I can definitely say that the Coronado Springs Resort had the disney feel for our family. We really enjoyed our stay there and will definitely be repeat visitors to the resort

 

[Lilolvr]

Hmmm..not sure if I can explain the Disney Feel for you? ..I guess The Disney Feel is sort of like resort preferences, favorite ride or favorite dining experiences...it's different & personal for everyone.

Thank you for your response, having read it I can definitely say that the Coronado Springs Resort had the disney feel for our family. We really enjoyed our stay there and will definitely be repeat visitors to the resort

Amen to that!!

 

[kaysmommie]

Thanks for posting your review! It was great and honest. We love the Poly too and being on the monorail with our fussy DS2 was worth the extra money for us. We booked Poly again this year and leave in 8 days. We did also love WL and never had any transportation isiiues there but we only had DD3 at the time. We were considering a moderate for next trip as DS will be 4 and DD wil be 8 but after reading your review I'm thinking we might need to start saving $$ up to stay at and MK resort.

 

[firsttimemom]

Thank you for your post. After several stays at the Poly, we've been thinking about staying at CBR this Jan. Not to save money, but to get more space (2 adjoining rooms). We had a bad stay at the Swan years ago, mainly due to that "non-disney feel" issue and I've been very risk averse in my WDW hotel choices since. I think what we might do is split our stay so we can try something new and still have something familiar to end up at.

And FWIW- we had no hot water at the poly during one of our stays.

 

[Lilolvr]

Please don't shy away from trying a moderate resort because of one post/experience. The OP's situation was very much different from many WDW guests because of her child's special needs. You should make you own decision. I've read many post from deluxe lovers that have try mods and thought they were great. One post should not stop you from giving a mod a try.

Here are a few to read...
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20827887&postcount=1

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20259182&postcount=14

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=19648975&postcount=6

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=16658454&postcount=1

 

[Happydinks]

After the first four trips to WDW - we rented a car and will always rent one going forward. We own at VWL because we love the resort - but not the bus transportation (we have never had an issue with the boats) at WDW in general. Having a car is a time saver, and convenience. You can rent pretty cost effectively through Alamo (check for coupons on line, through credit card issuers, Entertainment book) - pick up at the airport, return at the car care center in Disney (it's less expensive) - and take the Magical Express bus back to the airport. The convenience of having the car may help with not staying at a monorail resort - and in the end cost less (we're renting for 8 days in Nov for about 212.00 for a compact which comfortable seats 4 people.) Just a thought!

 

[cindyfan]

Yes, we called them the second day it happened which was our check out day. They asked when could maintence come and look at it and I said anytime because we were checking out in 20 minutes. They said "Thank you for calling to report the problem." I hope for the sake of the next guests they addressed the problem.

We had hot water issues our last 2 nights at Saratoga in June. Boy was I ticked!!! One thing I cannot stand is cold water in a shower!!!
I did call each morning...... but when we got back, I wrote a very honest letter to WDW and to DVC. Since we were there to "check it out" before we decide to buy into DVC.
We also had a few other issues too.... but they were great about refunding us for the 2 nights and very apologetic!
You should write them!

As for the rest of your review.... thank you... it is very honest and appropriate.
We love CSR and it is our favorite! But the things you did not like, did not affect us.
We love the south/western/mexican theme!! And in 4 trips there, never felt it to be too conventional.... we felt Contemporary was more like a convention than any other resort!
And I enjoyed the walks to the Pepper Market early in the morning...that is just me!
We never use the big pools either.... DD is a teenager and lap swimmer, so we always use the quiet pools.

Now... on the other hand.... if we could afford it.... we would go to Poly all the time too!!! Of all the resorts... it's our most favorite. Then CSR is our second!

 

[mom2aredhead]

The convenience of having the car may help with not staying at a monorail resort - and in the end cost less (we're renting for 8 days in Nov for about 212.00 for a compact which comfortable seats 4 people.) Just a thought!

Check the transportation board - there are some great Alamo codes floating around. Our compact car in December for 7 days was under $100 total incl taxes etc!!

 

[Happydinks]

Thanks for that heads up! I'm rechecking tonite since we'd made these ressies months ago - using mastercard code along with entertainment guide discount. Now it appears pricing has changed - yet again!

 

[Happydinks]

Check the transportation board - there are some great Alamo codes floating around. Our compact car in December for 7 days was under $100 total incl taxes etc!!

Thank you, thank you! We rebooked and saved over 100.00 on our rental car! Would never have thought to relook at the ressie unless you had said something!

 

[minijeanie]

I truly belive your attitude about resorts are based soley on the ages of your kids. When our kids were under 10 yrs old I loved loved either the WL or Poly...and for a moderate would of went to POFQ...as they get older, things change. their interests changes, they can walk longer and stay up longer and then I think your whole thinking on resorts change.


In my family's case, MK is always a must do but no longer do we need to be right next to it. We prefer the Epcot resorts because my kids love the thrill rides at MGM and enjoy Epcot as well.

We stayed this year at CSR and totally loved it!!!!! i also was uncertain because it was a convention type hotel but it fit the bill for us. Pool was great and jacuzzi super. DH&I loved the bar. Best margaritas in all of wdw.

We stayed in Cabanas and the walk was not far at all. I loved the lush surroundings. It made me feel we were not even in a moderate. BUses were great and frequent.

I had the disney feel but then again I was not looking for characters or animal towels. My kids are 16 and 17.

I would definitely stay at CSR again