We just got back from CR and (attempted) to checked in at 12:30pm (I requested early check in), was told that I could have a room then but it had none of my reqests, so I asked the CM if we could get a first floor north wing, she checked and found one for us but it was not ready so we choose to wait. Was told it would be about 3pm. Kept calling at 3pm, not ready, at 3:30pm not ready, 4pm, 4:30pm, 5pm finally at 5:30pm I went back (was at MK) and said ok this is rather ridicilous, the CM agreed and unassigned a diff room (turned out to be a better room anyway) and assigned it to us. But come on 5:30pm and it STILL wasn't ready??
The resort itself was not that great, very cold and unimpressive. DH loved it as it was on the Monorail line, DS liked it as well but they both agreed after touring some of the other hotels, that it will be Poly for sure next time. Bus service was fairly easy, buses came fast.
I would never recommend the CR to anyone, besides the check in problem, our mousekeeping didnt always leave new tolitries AND we requested late check out (was told ok 1pm), we went to the MK and came back and the maid was almost done with our room! She had bagged up everything we did not pack by noon. We said wait a second we were told 1pm (we were going to lay around in the room for an hour) and she couldnt speak english so we were frustrated and just left.
Let me point out that I am the kind of person who things like this bother greatly, however this being our first WDW trip I was determined not to let these things bother me, and they didn't. The parks were great, nice and empty and our room turned out to be great, upgraded water view, where we could sit on our patio overlooking a small beach and the water. But I never would stay at the CR again, its ease was not worth the atmosphere.
Also, just an fyi, we asked just on a whim if there were any paid upgrades to a tower room and was told that there never are upgrades to tower rooms as they are a convention hotel and book all their rooms. Was kinda disapointed in this, I didn't realize that half the rooms would be earmarked for conventioneers.
Questions anyone about the resort?
The resort itself was not that great, very cold and unimpressive. DH loved it as it was on the Monorail line, DS liked it as well but they both agreed after touring some of the other hotels, that it will be Poly for sure next time. Bus service was fairly easy, buses came fast.
I would never recommend the CR to anyone, besides the check in problem, our mousekeeping didnt always leave new tolitries AND we requested late check out (was told ok 1pm), we went to the MK and came back and the maid was almost done with our room! She had bagged up everything we did not pack by noon. We said wait a second we were told 1pm (we were going to lay around in the room for an hour) and she couldnt speak english so we were frustrated and just left.
Let me point out that I am the kind of person who things like this bother greatly, however this being our first WDW trip I was determined not to let these things bother me, and they didn't. The parks were great, nice and empty and our room turned out to be great, upgraded water view, where we could sit on our patio overlooking a small beach and the water. But I never would stay at the CR again, its ease was not worth the atmosphere.
Also, just an fyi, we asked just on a whim if there were any paid upgrades to a tower room and was told that there never are upgrades to tower rooms as they are a convention hotel and book all their rooms. Was kinda disapointed in this, I didn't realize that half the rooms would be earmarked for conventioneers.
Questions anyone about the resort?
The thing about CR is that it is so "Walt". The idea that the monorail goes through the building and the modular construction is typical of the kinds of ideas Disney was pioneering in the late 60s. Unfortunately, nearly 40 years later some of that translates as cold and dated. We enjoy California Grill, and the Concourse Steakhouse. Many would appreciate Chef Mickey's. The shops at the resort are some of the best on property. Then there's the "walk" to MK
If you have special request, resorts usually will ask do you want this room now or a room with your request? Cause that requested room is gonna be a wait. And expect to wait. 
The resorts seem not to push through these room assignments as far as getting them ready for some reason. 
from the start. 
So no biggie, just expect it, make plans to be busy at that time, don't think about "getting into the room". And have a great day doing something else till about 6pm, then call and I bet its ready. 
