Just Got Back-Ended Up NOT Staying at CSR

[famsen]

Well, what started out as a disapointment actually turned into a great thing for DH and me. We checked in around noon at CSR last Saturday. Just a little background; my DD told us a few weeks ago that due to school and work schedules, she would not be going with us on this trip. I had cancelled her off our MYW package which left a credit of about $500 due to me. I decied to go ahead and use most of the credit for park hoppers for DH and me.
At the time CRO told me that there would still be a credit due to me.
CRO gave me the choice of a credit card credit or a credit on my account at CSR that I could use for room charging. I chose the "on account" credit since the only credit card I used to pay off our MYW package was a Visa gift card which I used up and no longer had. I stood at the check-in counter at CSR for a half hour trying to explain the credit situation to the check-in cast member and the manager. They both told me they do not leave money on account for room charges anymore and I must have received a credit. I assured them I did not receive a credit. I just let it go and figured I would deal with CRO and the credit later because we had just driven all the way from Chicago and I was very tired. I just wanted to get my refillable mug, relax and go check out CSR. I know CSR is a convention hotel but it was EXTREMELY crowded and noisy. There were crowds of people everywhere. I almost got run over more than a couple of times just walking from our room to Pepper Market by those inter-resort travel carts zipping around full of conventioners. Once we got to our room and unpacked, we walked to the gift shop. We could barely move around inside because of all the people and there were lines six people deep at every register. We decided to forget the gift shop and went to get our mugs. The line at Pepper Market just to walk in the door had a line at least 20 people deep
I was extremely anxious and was feeling claustrophobic so I went to concierge and asked if this convention was just arriving or leaving.
I was told that it was unusually busy and told if if I didn't like crowded, noisy atmosphere at that time, it would be even worse on Sunday as a larger convention was checking in. I almost cried and the wonderful concierge (who I will be writing to Guest Services about)saw that I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. I asked if he could check on availabilty at another resort and I would pay the difference in price. He got on the phone and called around to several different resorts. He was so kind and helpful and really helped me to calm down. He got me into to Saratoga Springs and was able to get them to give me the room at the same price I paid for CSR with my promotional code. The difference in price with the code would have cost me an additional $500.
We ended up loving SSR. It was so peaceful and we used the fridge, toaster and coffee maker every day. We also had a beautiful view and were close to the bus stop. We were even able to do our laundry for free there.
I am happy to say that the experience of staying at a Disney Vacation Club resort convinced us that buying into the DVC was a logical choice for us as we do not want to stay anywhere but a DVC resort for the forseeable future. We bought into the AKL Villas and have already booked out stay for next May.
I LOVE the concierge at CSR. He is my hero!
I was really looking forward to our stay at CSR and the resort seemed very lovely, it just did not make for the relaxing vacation atmosphere I was looking for. It all worked out in the end and I can't wait to stay at AKL Villas in May!

 

[lauraf]

I am very happy for you! I plan to look into DVC next year on my third trip. I noticed that you have been to CBR. How did you like it, we are going for the first time. Please let us know how you like AKV.

 

[jennymouse]

Sorry you had a rocky start to your trip, but glad it worked out. You're going to love DVC!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Wonderful resolution .....but what happened to your credit? Did they find it and add it to your account?

 

[Cindy B]

I bet that wonderful person at CSR conceirge had a first name that started with a W. He was wonderful enough to get us out of POR and get us into CSR.

It's a shame you didn't like CSR. It's my favorite--hey, that's more room for me.

 

[Buzz2001]

Sorry about your stay. You pick the week of the worst/largest convention, IRS. I remember reading up on that particular convention because someone asked a question. They had folks staying all over WDW and other off site hotels all coming to CSR for the meetings.

At least you were able to switch and enjoy your trip. Welcome back!

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

The same thing happened to us. We switched to deluxe and have never went back to a mod. We LOVE AKL. What a wonderful ending to your trip!!!

 

[Southernswthrt1]

I'd love to hear more about your experience at SSR. We're staying there in a 1 bedroom villa in December and I can't wait!

In what section did you stay? How was the bus service?

 

[Jaime06]

We were at CSR at the same time, 9/26-10/2. I have to say that due to conventions I will not be going back to CSR. It was a beautiful place, the kids loved the pool. Pepper Market ticket system did not bother us, but if I was not on DDP prices were a little high. It was just the convention people. On Monday night it was really bad. At 10:00 pm I tried to take my kids to refill the mugs. It was raining a little outside and all the convention people were in the hallway from Panchito's down to Pepper Market. It was like taking my kids through a bar. Nobody would move. I had to push our way through. Somebody dropped a beer bottle about 4 feet away from us. It was not the type of family atmosphere I was looking for. We won't be going back.
Oh, and those carts zipping by are very dangerous. My boys rented bikes and I only let them keep them for about 10 minutes. I was scared for their life. The carts don't even slow down as they come around a turn. Just scary in my opinion.

 

[Kanga1]

It was like taking my kids through a bar. Nobody would move. I had to push our way through. Somebody dropped a beer bottle about 4 feet away from us. It was not the type of family atmosphere I was looking for. We won't be going back.
Oh, and those carts zipping by are very dangerous. My boys rented bikes and I only let them keep them for about 10 minutes. I was scared for their life. The carts don't even slow down as they come around a turn. Just scary in my opinion.

This is EXACTLY the way we felt when we were there in June! Between the "parties" going on outside the Pepper Market every evening and those carts zipping by...I never got to "enjoy" walking around the resort. Never got to enjoy the beauty of it. We'll not be going back either.

 

[roselark]

Congratulations on your DVC purchase! I am really hoping to buy in next year.

 

[CarolA]

I have been to CSR several times. I find this to be a normal experince. (Not to mention the "DRUNK" convention goers at the pool late one night)

For a lot of reasons it's not my favorite mod. (Conventions, front desk etc...) I will stay there but it has to be a DEAL!

 

[famsen]

I bet that wonderful person at CSR conceirge had a first name that started with a W. He was wonderful enough to get us out of POR and get us into CSR.

It's a shame you didn't like CSR. It's my favorite--hey, that's more room for me.

His name does start with "W". He is wonderful!

 

[famsen]

Wonderful resolution .....but what happened to your credit? Did they find it and add it to your account?

I finally spoke with Guest Relations. They will be issuing me a gift card with the credit. They could not tell me for certain if it will be a Visa gift card or Disney Gift card. I will have to wait and see what the mail will bring.

 

[LoriZH]

Sorry to hear that CSR has changed so drastically, but happy to hear about your excellent experience with SSR! Way to go on your DVC purchase

We've stayed at CSR and it was beautiful and we loved it, sounded like you just got a snucky week, either that or people are opting to stay here instead of CR and and the other more expensive resorts. CSR is really a very nice moderate and I suppose if I were a conventioner, I would opt to stay here instead of paying more for a deluxe.

Glad it worked out for you!!!

 

[famsen]

I'd love to hear more about your experience at SSR. We're staying there in a 1 bedroom villa in December and I can't wait!

In what section did you stay? How was the bus service?

We stayed in the Grandstand Section. It was great. We were right by the bus stop and never waited more than 10 minutes (usually less) for a bus to anywhere we wanted to go. Grandstand is the first pick up and drop off spot for the buses so we always had a seat although the buses were never too crowded that I ever saw anyone have to stand. There is a nice boat shuttle to Downtown Disney which we also used. Grandstand is close to one of the quiet pools that has a cute race-horse themed water sprinkler area for the kids. One of the pool bars and laundry facility is also located at that pool.
Let me also say that the food at SSR is great! They make fantastic flatbread pizzas and panini sandwiches. We also used two snack credits when we arrived on a bag of bagles and coffee and and we made breakfast for ourselves in our rooms almost every morning so we never had to use a counter service for breakfast. Well, we actually had a couple of counter service credits left over by our last day so we did have breakfast at SSR; it was also very good.

 

[CareBear84]

Well, what started out as a disapointment actually turned into a great thing for DH and me. We checked in around noon at CSR last Saturday. Just a little background; my DD told us a few weeks ago that due to school and work schedules, she would not be going with us on this trip. I had cancelled her off our MYW package which left a credit of about $500 due to me. I decied to go ahead and use most of the credit for park hoppers for DH and me.
At the time CRO told me that there would still be a credit due to me.
CRO gave me the choice of a credit card credit or a credit on my account at CSR that I could use for room charging. I chose the "on account" credit since the only credit card I used to pay off our MYW package was a Visa gift card which I used up and no longer had. I stood at the check-in counter at CSR for a half hour trying to explain the credit situation to the check-in cast member and the manager. They both told me they do not leave money on account for room charges anymore and I must have received a credit. I assured them I did not receive a credit. I just let it go and figured I would deal with CRO and the credit later because we had just driven all the way from Chicago and I was very tired. I just wanted to get my refillable mug, relax and go check out CSR. I know CSR is a convention hotel but it was EXTREMELY crowded and noisy. There were crowds of people everywhere. I almost got run over more than a couple of times just walking from our room to Pepper Market by those inter-resort travel carts zipping around full of conventioners. Once we got to our room and unpacked, we walked to the gift shop. We could barely move around inside because of all the people and there were lines six people deep at every register. We decided to forget the gift shop and went to get our mugs. The line at Pepper Market just to walk in the door had a line at least 20 people deep
I was extremely anxious and was feeling claustrophobic so I went to concierge and asked if this convention was just arriving or leaving.
I was told that it was unusually busy and told if if I didn't like crowded, noisy atmosphere at that time, it would be even worse on Sunday as a larger convention was checking in. I almost cried and the wonderful concierge (who I will be writing to Guest Services about)saw that I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. I asked if he could check on availabilty at another resort and I would pay the difference in price. He got on the phone and called around to several different resorts. He was so kind and helpful and really helped me to calm down. He got me into to Saratoga Springs and was able to get them to give me the room at the same price I paid for CSR with my promotional code. The difference in price with the code would have cost me an additional $500.
We ended up loving SSR. It was so peaceful and we used the fridge, toaster and coffee maker every day. We also had a beautiful view and were close to the bus stop. We were even able to do our laundry for free there.
I am happy to say that the experience of staying at a Disney Vacation Club resort convinced us that buying into the DVC was a logical choice for us as we do not want to stay anywhere but a DVC resort for the forseeable future. We bought into the AKL Villas and have already booked out stay for next May.
I LOVE the concierge at CSR. He is my hero!
I was really looking forward to our stay at CSR and the resort seemed very lovely, it just did not make for the relaxing vacation atmosphere I was looking for. It all worked out in the end and I can't wait to stay at AKL Villas in May!

Glad you were able to switch and congrats on buying into DVC! I would love to do that one day myself.

Sorry about your stay. You pick the week of the worst/largest convention, IRS. I remember reading up on that particular convention because someone asked a question. They had folks staying all over WDW and other off site hotels all coming to CSR for the meetings.

At least you were able to switch and enjoy your trip. Welcome back!

That's the problem with CSR, you never know what will be going on at the time of your stay. It's a roll of the dice.

We were at CSR at the same time, 9/26-10/2. I have to say that due to conventions I will not be going back to CSR. It was a beautiful place, the kids loved the pool. Pepper Market ticket system did not bother us, but if I was not on DDP prices were a little high. It was just the convention people. On Monday night it was really bad. At 10:00 pm I tried to take my kids to refill the mugs. It was raining a little outside and all the convention people were in the hallway from Panchito's down to Pepper Market. It was like taking my kids through a bar. Nobody would move. I had to push our way through. Somebody dropped a beer bottle about 4 feet away from us. It was not the type of family atmosphere I was looking for. We won't be going back.
Oh, and those carts zipping by are very dangerous. My boys rented bikes and I only let them keep them for about 10 minutes. I was scared for their life. The carts don't even slow down as they come around a turn. Just scary in my opinion.

It was just me and my DBF, so it wasn't so bad, but I wouldn't want to bring kids there.

This is EXACTLY the way we felt when we were there in June! Between the "parties" going on outside the Pepper Market every evening and those carts zipping by...I never got to "enjoy" walking around the resort. Never got to enjoy the beauty of it. We'll not be going back either.

It is a pretty resort, but not very family oriented.

I have been to CSR several times. I find this to be a normal experince. (Not to mention the "DRUNK" convention goers at the pool late one night)

For a lot of reasons it's not my favorite mod. (Conventions, front desk etc...) I will stay there but it has to be a DEAL!

I'm looking forward to trying POFQ.

 

[disneydebi]

We just returned from CSR as well.

I love the resort and this was our third time. We checked in Saturday night as well. Didn't really notice big convention crowds that evening (we hung out at the Laguna Bar for a bit after getting settled in).

Sunday however - the BIG convention hit. It was Sterling Jewelers Manager's meeting. They were there until Thursday and practically took over the lounge Sunday night. Couldn't get near it.

Each morning you could see them parading to the convention center from all sides of the resort. It was like an invasion!

It was fine during the day as they were pretty busy. Buses were empty, pepper market was fine. But in the evening, forget about having a nice drink at the lounge. They pretty much owned it.

I love the resort... but this was the one time I felt a bit disapointed, as you really couldn't relax in the evenings and enjoy the place.

I also heard (over heard) the CSR convention coordinator telling the folks that when the new bar opens (Francisco's is being renovated), that it will be a "full on" night club with a sound system, and over 21 only after 9pm. I'm a bit concerned that it's going to change the atmosphere of the place. I realize they make their $$ on the bar bills for the conventioneers, but if it turns into a night club atmosphere, I may need to look elsewhere for a new favorite resort.

 

[LindaOwl1]

Does anyone have a conventions list for 2008? I am booked at CSR 9/19 - 9/28/08, and I was going to extend my stay a couple days either in front or after these dates. Having a huge convention checking in or out on one of these weekends would really make my decision for me! Thanks!

 

[G's mommy]

We have stayed at CSR twice and have not had these experiences, but I will say we are normally there on holiday weeks, Thanksgiving week and Memorial Day week, which are slow weeks for conventions. Back in May, I even went to the business center over in the convention hall and the whole place was empty. October is a BIG convention month, one reason it changed from a value season to regular season. Glad you were able to move and enjoy the remainder of your vacation.