Just back from CSR - any questions!?!

[CrzyforPiglet]

Well DH & I just got back from our fantastic 5 day vacation at WDW and we stayed at CSR for the first time. It truly is a beautiful resort although it is incredibly spread out!! A small glitch in the beginning at check-in but we got it resolved early on and were really able to enjoy ourselves.

Let me know if anyone out there has any questions!!

Cheers,
Laurie

 

[mowsie dreamer]

Hi Laurie!

We will be there from Oct 4-11 and I can't wait!! Which section did you stay in and what did you think of it?? Also, did you eat at the Pepper Market?? TIA!!!

 

[CrzyforPiglet]

First off mucho congratulations fellow WISHer!! It looks like you're doing great so hats off to you. Second -sorry for the delay. I had responded yesterday but my computer faltered before it finished posting my response and I haven't had time to redo so here goes . . .

The resort is very beautiful. If we were to stay at a moderate again without kids I would definitely do it. The resort is very spread out though so some areas would be difficult with little ones. We were in the Cabanas first - 8B I think but got moved because they are refurbishing the rooms. They were cute though and probably the whole Cabanas area is the best situated. They are close to both El Centro and the main pool.

We ended up in Casitas 3285. Still a great location for us but a big hike to the main pool. We were right next to the quiet pool but not facing it and close to bus stop 2 and a short walk to El Centro.

We did eat at the Pepper Market - twice!!! The food quality was fine but I really liked the variety. I also liked that you only pay for what you eat so you don't end up with a lot of waste. Also you can bring the refillable mugs with you to save the cost of a beverage.

Let me know if you have any other questions!!

 

[holcomb-mania]

We'll be there Oct 4-11 too! See you on the Jaguar slide!

Questions for CfP:
1. How was the bus service?
2. What was the glitch? (If you don't mind my asking.)
3. Did you get an idea for how long the refurbs will go on? How extensive, etc?
4. I was thinking of Ranchos. Your opinion?

TIA.

 

[mowsie dreamer]

Laurie - Computers do have a way of doing that to us, don't they?? And congratulations to you, too!! Looks like you are doing pretty great yourself!! Do you know if they were refurbing the whole cabanas section or just a building or two?? Proximity to a bus stop for my MIL and to the Dig Site for my DD will be priorities, so I may request Ranchos 7B if cabanas are all under refurb.

Holcomb-mania - I'm glad to hear another DIS'er will be there when we are!! I'll have on my lime green ribbon - so definitely look for me!! (I probably won't wear it on the slide, though )

I'm soooo excited to be staying at this resort. It looks so lovely in the pictures I've seen!!

 

[CrzyforPiglet]

No problemo HM!!

The bus service was great. We rarely waited anywhere more than 10 minutes and most often were 2 of maybe 5 people on the bus. One morning we just missed a MK bus and less than 5 minutes later another one appeared. Even at the parks - we never had a long wait. The sequence isn't always the same - sometimes they start at stop 2 then 3, 4, and 1 but a couple times they started at 1 and then went to 2. No big deal b/c it wasn't busy but just odd.

The glitch was that we had reserved and paid for a king but the only one available was in a room being refurbished that overlooked a parking lot. When we went back to the front desk later to get a better view they moved us to a room with 2 doubles b/c they said the room we had wasn't meant to be released. We survived but I was slightly annoyed they didn't have my king room available. They should have been finishing the Cabanas this past week so I think most if not all the rooms will be open when you get there. I think they were just replacing the carpets and comforters. Nothing extensive - just minor fixing up. They said they were at any given time doing I think about 75% of the resort.

We thought the ranchos looked nice but they are the furthest from El Centro so if you were thinking of taking full advantage of the mug refill - you'd most likely be doing it at the pool bar or going on a hike. They are not far from the main pool so just keep that in mind as well.

Hope that helps!!

 

[jeannej]

so I may request Ranchos 7B if cabanas are all under refurb.


Well, We stayed in Ranchos 7B and I loved it there. Very close to the Dig Site and right outside a bus stop. We stay there again in a heart beat.


jeannej

 

[Buzz2001]

Glad you had a great time!!

sometimes they start at stop 2 then 3, 4, and 1 but a couple times they started at 1 and then went to 2. No big deal b/c it wasn't busy but just odd.

The buses do this so that you can use them to get to the main building without walking.

Tired? Take the bus to the main building instead of walking
Theme park buses go:
2 - Casitas
3 - Ranchos
4 - Cabanas
1 - El Centro

Downtown Disney buses, as well as Park Exit buses go:
1 - El Centro
2 - Casitas
3 - Ranchos
4 - Cabanas

CSR buses go in this order so that guests can hop on board a theme park bus and take it to the main building. Then you can hop on a DtD bus to get back to your room.

 

[tjmw2727]

Hey Laurie

Thx for posting, I am planning a trip to CSR with my girls 7 & 9 but dh has to stay behind and work. You mention reluctance for those traveling with kids at this resort. I got a great ap rate and look forward to trying something new. I plan to request a room close to the food court and bus stop - is there anything else I should plan for? I can't imagine my just turned 7yo walking 8-10 minutes for a snack or dinner after a day at the parks!

I am thinking we are better off closer to the main area than the pool - what are your suggestions on this. Do you remember if things like bread and pb&j are sold at the sundries store?


THanks so much for your opinions and ideas.

TJ

 

[mwieland]

My wife and I are heading to CSR in Jan for a convention. It is a 3 day convention but we are heading a couple days early. We could book rooms at the CSR for $130 a nite, all stars for $77, or off site for $50. We have never been to WDW. We have some events planned with the conventions but our other plans are by the seat of the pants. Maybe some park action or even some Orlando action. Is there parking at CSR if we stayed off site and rented a car? Can you get to CSR from AS by WDW transportaion, or even walk? HELP! I don't know where to stay?

 

[Buzz2001]

mwieland

Maybe some park action or even some Orlando action.

Check with the ticket desk at CSR. They sell a ticket that is cheaper for conventioneers that go to the park later in the day.

Is there parking at CSR if we stayed off site and rented a car?

YES, at the main building

Can you get to CSR from AS by WDW transportation, or even walk?

YES, but it would take too long. Not worth it. The walk would be unsafe and long. No sidewalks.

HELP! I don't know where to stay?

We love CSR. Visit our website below.

tjmw2727

You mention reluctance for those traveling with kids at this resort.

I would not be reluctant to stay her. Our DD is 10 now and has stayed at CSR since she was 5. She loves this resort. Your kids will love the main pool area. Check out pics at my website below

 

[CrzyforPiglet]

My only reluctance in bringing kids would be if you ended up in an area far from the main building or the pool - the Cabanas appear to be perfectly situated for both so I'd try to get in there!!! There were several kids having a great time at the main pool with the jaguar slide and we even went down a couple times I just couldn't imagine being in the Ranchos or far Casitas with children and making such a long walk to El Centro to get a snack and whatnot. But you can see the Cabanas from the El Centro bus stop plus I think some of the buildings are also close to bus stop 4.

When you check in they'll show you a map of the resort and circle where your room will be. If you do end up far away just ask to switch to the Cabanas.

Overall it is a gorgeous resort!!! There are some benches situated along the "lake" so you can enjoy the sunset or just the beauty of it all. Have a great time!