Luck with requests and CSR?

[Dug720]

I am finalizing where I want to stay for a pre-cruise night in August.

I have it down to CBR (I feel like this is my Disney "home"), a Value Studio at AKL (it would be a treat - and I could do breakfast at Boma before going to the port), or giving CSR another chance.

I stayed at CSR once before - in the Casitas - and did NOT have a great time. Didn't feel "Disney" there (possibly the business-y feel of that section because of conventions?), did NOT like the food court set-up of the ticket system (but I understand that has changed and it is a normal food court now), and so forth. BUT I am willing to give it a second chance. Maybe. I do NOT want to be in the Casitas section

I know not to book preferred as that is Casitas.

I'm just curious what people's experiences have been with requests - I would likely be using Touring Plans to make it. If I basically said "Anywhere EXCEPT Casitas" is there a good chance that could be honored?

Or would you just stick with a splurge or a known entity?

(My plan is to spend the day at Disney Springs if that makes a difference. And no. POR/POFQ are NOT options I will consider. Do not like those themes one bit.)

 

[maxiesmom]

Honestly? POR/POFQ would be far and away your best bet as you are planning on spending the day at Disney Springs. The water taxi service is much nicer than any bus. If you really don't like the theme of POR/POFQ (not really sure what theme you don't like, as they are both very green and peaceful) then save money and use taxis to get back and forth to Disney Springs.

I used Touring Plans to make my room request for my stay at CSR last month, and ended up in a room only a few doors down from the one I wanted. Look at their set up, and pick the room you like. You should get close to it.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Why not rent points for OKW or SSR if you're spending time at Disney Springs but hate POR/FQ?

In general, for room requests, making negative requests seems to backfire. Rather than saying "anywhere but" say "Ranchos" or "Cabanas."

Be cautious with specificity at CSR right now, as they are starting refurb and will be shutting down floors/buildings to do work.

 

[Dug720]

Looks like I may just keep it to the first two choices then.

And yes, I knew I would get flamed for not liking PO. I had a very bad experience in New Orleans and anything themed like that gives me nightmares - so POFQ is out. The bayou section of POR looks junky, and the Riverside section (which I have stayed in) is stuffy and reminds me of my grandmother'a house - which is NOT a good thing.

"Waits" don't bother me as I am not allergic to lines or waiting for transportation - I do it every day. Paying for a car to drive me somewhere when there IS transportation does.

 

[RLC]

We are headed to CSR November 27. I have three rooms booked. I have a preferred room. I have requested other two in same area......maxiesmom, you mentioned look at the set up.....where can I see the set up. First time at CSR.

I do understand that these are only requests and that the preferred rooms are in Casitas 1, 2 and 3.

 

[ShelbyWagon]

It seems like the resort theme is important to you. That being the case, I'd say splurge and go for the value studio at AKL. The resort is so beautiful and immersive! Pair that with great restaurants on site and I think you'd have a lovely time there.

Another option would be to look into staying business class at CSR. That guarantees you'd be in Cabanas 9b. The cabanas have a bit more theming to them as opposed to the casitas. Plus you'd be very close to the main building and the first bus stop. You would just have to look at the price as it may end up being close to the same as AKL.

 

[Dug720]

It seems like the resort theme is important to you. That being the case, I'd say splurge and go for the value studio at AKL. The resort is so beautiful and immersive! Pair that with great restaurants on site and I think you'd have a lovely time there.

Another option would be to look into staying business class at CSR. That guarantees you'd be in Cabanas 9b. The cabanas have a bit more theming to them as opposed to the casitas. Plus you'd be very close to the main building and the first bus stop. You would just have to look at the price as it may end up being close to the same as AKL.

Interesting. I thought the business class was in the Casitas. Hmmm...

 

[ShelbyWagon]

Interesting. I thought the business class was in the Casitas. Hmmm...

The preferred rooms are in the Casitas so I can see why you'd think that The Coconino Cove lounge is on the first floor of Cabanas 9b and the rooms are in the same building. Might be a good option!

 

[maxiesmom]

It seems like the resort theme is important to you. That being the case, I'd say splurge and go for the value studio at AKL. The resort is so beautiful and immersive! Pair that with great restaurants on site and I think you'd have a lovely time there.

Another option would be to look into staying business class at CSR. That guarantees you'd be in Cabanas 9b. The cabanas have a bit more theming to them as opposed to the casitas. Plus you'd be very close to the main building and the first bus stop. You would just have to look at the price as it may end up being close to the same as AKL.

One small clarification: While Cabanas is near bus stop #1, that is actually the last stop picked up when going to the parks. Bus stop #2 is the first stop that guests get picked up at. And that bus stop is in Casitas. And one of the reasons I love being in Casitas #4.

 

[Babsy]

I would splurge and stay at AKL.......but I also love CSR. If staying CSR, I would stay in a Business class room. Those rooms are convenient and the included breakfast/snacks,beverages are really nice!

 

[wench]

Since the value studios at AKL are DVC rooms, there is not a lot of cash availability for those rooms. If you see one available for your date, I would go ahead & book it. If you change your mind later, you can always switch to another resort. But if you wait & decide you want it later, it could very well be gone.

 

[Dug720]

Thanks all! I decided to go with a Value Studio at AKL. Super excited!!

I was going to do a standard room at AKL, but the Studio is $10 less (more when taxes are added on) and I don't have to worry about potentially being placed in a room with bunk beds.

 

[jaiminee krikit]

We stayed at CSR a couple summers ago, and that is the only Disney resort I will never stay in again. I requested (on MDE) upper floor in the Ranchos section, I really wanted Casitas but it wasn't showing as an option. This was right when they first started texting room numbers before arrival, and when we arrived we hadn't received our text yet so I didn't think our room was ready. We went to check in, and we were the only people in the entire lobby. It took several minutes for anyone to acknowledge we were standing there waiting. Then, one CM motioned for us to come to her window. We approached her and she said nothing, she had a mouth full of food. I said "Good morning, we're here to check in". She pointed at me to touch my MB to the dock. I did and she finally spoke and told me our room was ready. We were thrilled! She got a map out and showed us how to get to our room. We were in the Cabanas section on the ground floor. I thought for a moment and told her that I was sorry but I had requested a room in the Ranchos section and asked her if there was any way to see if a room was available in that section. She looked at me and said "I'll have to make a phone call and find out", and she just stood there. I told her "I hate to be a bother, but if you don't mind" and she once again told me she'd have to make a phone call, and just stood there. I finally got irritated and said "Go ahead". Well, she got me a room in the Ranchos section on the 2nd floor, but I swear the room was 5 miles away (I know, I'm exaggerating). She directed me how to get to our room, but didn't direct me to the bell services, and not realizing exactly how far away we were, we headed out. By the time we made it to our room, I was exhausted and dripping in sweat! The room also ended up being a pool view room, but I hate pool view rooms. We come back to our room for an afternoon nap every day, and some pools get quite loud. Luckily this was a quiet pool and it stayed that way.
I researched CSR for months before our trip. I thought it was cute. My DD13 loves the Gran Fiesta Tour ride at Epcot, and this looked like it would be like being on that ride. I never got that feel, and I never felt like I was at WDW while at the resort. We saved an evening to explore the resort, and there simply was nothing about it that I loved. The room was dingy and dated, the ground by the main pool was sticky (someone must have spilled something, but we were sitting by the pool for quite awhile and no one came to clean it up). I really disliked the food court. We ate there one night for dinner, the food was okay, but the temperature in the seating area was ridiculously cold. We ended up sitting outside by the lake, which was nice, but it was breezy so it was a bit of a pain.
The only good thing I can say about CSR is that the transportation was the best I've ever had at any WDW resort. We never waited more than 10 minutes, coming or going, and never waited for a second bus, even at park closing. I couldn't believe how good the transportation was.
Personally, if I were you and could afford it, I would do one night at AKL. We stayed there this past summer, and it was lovely. We booked a standard room and I requested a Kudu Trail view room and got it. It was amazing! And Boma would be a lovely meal before your cruise.

 

[KrazeeK120]

We stayed at CSR a couple summers ago, and that is the only Disney resort I will never stay in again. I requested (on MDE) upper floor in the Ranchos section, I really wanted Casitas but it wasn't showing as an option. This was right when they first started texting room numbers before arrival, and when we arrived we hadn't received our text yet so I didn't think our room was ready. We went to check in, and we were the only people in the entire lobby. It took several minutes for anyone to acknowledge we were standing there waiting. Then, one CM motioned for us to come to her window. We approached her and she said nothing, she had a mouth full of food. I said "Good morning, we're here to check in". She pointed at me to touch my MB to the dock. I did and she finally spoke and told me our room was ready. We were thrilled! She got a map out and showed us how to get to our room. We were in the Cabanas section on the ground floor. I thought for a moment and told her that I was sorry but I had requested a room in the Ranchos section and asked her if there was any way to see if a room was available in that section. She looked at me and said "I'll have to make a phone call and find out", and she just stood there. I told her "I hate to be a bother, but if you don't mind" and she once again told me she'd have to make a phone call, and just stood there. I finally got irritated and said "Go ahead". Well, she got me a room in the Ranchos section on the 2nd floor, but I swear the room was 5 miles away (I know, I'm exaggerating). She directed me how to get to our room, but didn't direct me to the bell services, and not realizing exactly how far away we were, we headed out. By the time we made it to our room, I was exhausted and dripping in sweat! The room also ended up being a pool view room, but I hate pool view rooms. We come back to our room for an afternoon nap every day, and some pools get quite loud. Luckily this was a quiet pool and it stayed that way.
I researched CSR for months before our trip. I thought it was cute. My DD13 loves the Gran Fiesta Tour ride at Epcot, and this looked like it would be like being on that ride. I never got that feel, and I never felt like I was at WDW while at the resort. We saved an evening to explore the resort, and there simply was nothing about it that I loved. The room was dingy and dated, the ground by the main pool was sticky (someone must have spilled something, but we were sitting by the pool for quite awhile and no one came to clean it up). I really disliked the food court. We ate there one night for dinner, the food was okay, but the temperature in the seating area was ridiculously cold. We ended up sitting outside by the lake, which was nice, but it was breezy so it was a bit of a pain.
The only good thing I can say about CSR is that the transportation was the best I've ever had at any WDW resort. We never waited more than 10 minutes, coming or going, and never waited for a second bus, even at park closing. I couldn't believe how good the transportation was.
Personally, if I were you and could afford it, I would do one night at AKL. We stayed there this past summer, and it was lovely. We booked a standard room and I requested a Kudu Trail view room and got it. It was amazing! And Boma would be a lovely meal before your cruise.

As far as your encounter with that cast member...unfortunately, there are bad cast members at all resorts and parks. There are also good cast members at all resorts and parks. I realize this gave you a bad taste, and you gave other reasons for not wanting to stay there again, but ONE rude cast member wouldn't be enough for me to swear off a place entirely.

And of course the room was far away. You purposely requested the farthest away section...I think it's about 1/2 mile? I don't think it's the check-in person's responsibility to direct you to bell services. It's her responsibility to direct you to your room, which she did. If you told her you wanted luggage assistance, THEN she would have had the responsibility to direct you to bell services. In addition, if you didn't want a pool view room, you should have mentioned that to the cast member who was trying to re-assign your room. She had no way to know you didn't want this type of room.

The rooms at CSR are all being re-done in the next 12-18 months, so that should take care of the "dingy and dated" complaint that pops up frequently about this particular resort.

Did you alert a cast member to the ground being sticky? They may not have known unless they walked over the sticky section themselves.

The temperatures in many (most?) eateries at Disney are ridiculously cold. This problem is not unique to CSR.

 

[tinka-belle]

CSR is our favorite home away from home. You asked for Ranchos, but those are pretty far out from the lobby. Researching these boards and looking at a resort map would have given you some feedback on that part of the resort. Bell Services is just to the right of the main lobby entrance, you'd have to pass it after getting off ME to get to the registration area. Granted, some people would miss it if searching for the check in area when entering, it's just a half open doorway/desk sort of thing in the rotunda, most people are noticing the fountain and Panchito's store when walking by here.

Can get a less than stellar CM at any resort, we've had a few, but mostly very helpful CM's at registration and the Guest Services desks at CSR. Most people do take their own luggage and roll it to their room rather than wait for bell services to get it there. I've never had a registration CM direct me to Bell Services, but nearly always they have asked if we need help with our luggage.

I agree the Pepper Market temps can be a little cold when the place is not full of people. Seems they set the temp for a full seating area, but I've had this issue at other Disney restaurants too. We do like the food there, and if not feeling it there is always the Maya Grill.

 

[maxiesmom]

Looks like I may just keep it to the first two choices then.

And yes, I knew I would get flamed for not liking PO. I had a very bad experience in New Orleans and anything themed like that gives me nightmares - so POFQ is out. The bayou section of POR looks junky, and the Riverside section (which I have stayed in) is stuffy and reminds me of my grandmother'a house - which is NOT a good thing.

"Waits" don't bother me as I am not allergic to lines or waiting for transportation - I do it every day. Paying for a car to drive me somewhere when there IS transportation does.

I don't see where anyone flamed you. If you had stated that wait times were not an issue for you and the room was everything people may have responded differently. I get not liking resorts, I would have to be desperate to stay at CBR again.

 

[JerseyJanice]

The last time I stayed at CSR, I asked for Cabanas 8A, and they gave us that location with a beautiful corner room.

One way that I've been blessed by the Disney gods is that I gotten every resort location that I have requested over the years. I think it helps to be specific about the building and if you want an upper (or ground) floor.

 

[Disneylover99]

I requested Cabanas 8A ground floor and got it. Great location!

 

[beck00]

We LOVED CSR at Thanksgiving 2015! They gave us the ground floor, connecting rooms we requested in Cabanas. We had 3 rooms there. We thought the resort was beautiful, kids loved the pool, and in-laws were impressed with my choice of resort. The CMs were great, and went above and beyond to fix a glitch not in their control...our MagicBands wouldn't allow charging, an issue we did not discover until in the parks, because of a glitch with MDE.

 

[jaiminee krikit]

As far as your encounter with that cast member...unfortunately, there are bad cast members at all resorts and parks. There are also good cast members at all resorts and parks. I realize this gave you a bad taste, and you gave other reasons for not wanting to stay there again, but ONE rude cast member wouldn't be enough for me to swear off a place entirely.

And of course the room was far away. You purposely requested the farthest away section...I think it's about 1/2 mile? I don't think it's the check-in person's responsibility to direct you to bell services. It's her responsibility to direct you to your room, which she did. If you told her you wanted luggage assistance, THEN she would have had the responsibility to direct you to bell services. In addition, if you didn't want a pool view room, you should have mentioned that to the cast member who was trying to re-assign your room. She had no way to know you didn't want this type of room.

The rooms at CSR are all being re-done in the next 12-18 months, so that should take care of the "dingy and dated" complaint that pops up frequently about this particular resort.

Did you alert a cast member to the ground being sticky? They may not have known unless they walked over the sticky section themselves.

The temperatures in many (most?) eateries at Disney are ridiculously cold. This problem is not unique to CSR.

One bad cast member will leave me not wanting to stay at a resort ever again, especially when I have never had a negative check-in experience at any other resort. Every time I think about our first experience at CSR, I think of her and it makes me upset, and that's more than enough of a reason to not stay at a specific resort again. I had other issues with some cast members there, but that is the one that I think of whenever I think of CSR. It started my vacation off on wrong foot.

I absolutely do believe it is the check-in person's responsibility to direct me to bell services. In fact, this is the only WDW resort I can recall that did NOT direct me there. The fact that my DD13 and I were both carrying multiple bags, she should have noticed that and directed me to bell services. I did not realize the room was that far away or I would have asked for her to direct me to bell services. The fact that she worked at this resort, she should have known how big it was and that I possibly needed assistance.

How was I supposed to know when she gave me the room that it was a pool-view room? She told me what building it was located in and how to get to that building, she had no idea the exact location of the room, and she did not direct me to the exact room, just the building.

If someone is going to ask about a resort, and the rooms are in desperate need of some TLC, I'm going to mention that in my post. And since it appears the OP will be staying there before your 12-18 month renovation prediction, the rooms will be even more dingy and dated than they were when I stayed there over a year ago.

Considering cast members were walking around the pool area, they should have noticed the ground was sticky. It is not my responsibility to complain about that.

I have never been in a Disney eatery that was so cold I was shivering and had goosebumps. Usually I am completely comfortable in Disney restaurants, in fact, typically I enjoy the temperature in a Disney restaurant. I have never gone to sit outside because I was shivering before even getting my food.