Never been to CSR.

[Santa]

Been a while since I have posted. Mostly lurking .
We are going to CSR for the first time with the Fairytail package (9/27/03 - 10/04/03) as it is just too great of a deal to pass up on.
We both really like Port Orleans - Riverside & was wondering how they compare as far as transportation, grub, ect.

This will also be our first time alone & looking forward to every minute.

 

[Maggi May]

I haven't been to POR so I can't compare the two, but here are a few comments.

CSR is spread out with a campus-like layout. It means that it's more spread out than a typical large hotel, but that the individual areas seem more private. My DH and I stayed at the Cabanas in building 8A -- we were close to a bus stop and didn't had too far to walk to our car on the rare occasions we needed to drive off property. We were also very close to the main "Dig Site" pool which was very relaxing especially at night after a long day at the parks. The quiet pools were also nice.

The propery was very well maintained, and quite pretty at night. Our room and area was very quiet. The staff was extremely friendly and accommodating.

There are 4 bus stops, and we never had to wait for more than 10 minutes for a bus on property. Sometimes it took a bit longer to catch a bus at the theme parks back to the CSR at night, but I think this is a problem for everyone, as every theme park guest leaves at @ the same time after fireworks.

On the downside, it was a good hike from the main building and El Centro, where the restaurants were. I've heard so-so reports about El Maya, the sit-down restaurant, but we ate off-property and didn't try it. We got a quick bite to go late at night at the Pepper Market on a few occasions and were happy with the convenience and the variety. One night @ 10 p.m. I volunteered to get a late take out dinner to bring back to the room. I didn't get but 50 feet before a maintenance employee in a golf cart offered me a ride to my building from El Centro.

This hotel appeals to children (who can pass up that cool slide???) but is also a nice resort for adults wanting a nice vacation. My DH and are are already planning a return.

 

[AreWeThereYet]

Hello Santa -

We have stayed at CSR several times and we really like it. We love Pepper Market - the best of the feed courts, in our opinion. Also the Dig is great.

We also have not eaten at the sit-down restaurant at CSR, but we too do not hear "great" things about it. We usually like to drive everywhere - just more convenient than waiting for the bus for us.

Have a great time alone - our first trip to WDW was alone and we had a blast. Try getting PR at California Grill or maybe even go to the Luau at the Poly. We also liked Flying Fish for a fancier meal.

Hope your trip is truly magical!!

 

[DizzieDizney]

Hello, my family and I just got back today!!! We stayed at CSR and I have to say we were more then pleased! We were in the Casitas section building E2 right in front of the quiet pool. We had a corner room so two big windows! The bus stop was close and about a 5 min walk to El Centro. We were impressed with the bus service! This is a busy time of year at Disney but the busses were right on top of everything! Never waited more then 10 mins to catch a bus to and from the parks. One morning (it was the early entry morning) the bus did fill up but another bus came right away to pick up the rest of us. I felt so bad because there was a little boy who really wanted to get on the bus and he started to cry. The good news is we waited less then a minute for the next bus.

House Keeping was very good to us. Lots of towels, soaps, and shampoo. They made us a pineapple made out of wash cloths. It was so cute! We had a little soap holder made out of wash cloths and a flower like thingy! I wonder if they would of did that stuff if we didn't leave a tip

We had one of our best meals at the Maya Grill! I had the salmon filet w/ onion glazed mashed potatoes. DH ordered the Mixed Grill which came w/ ribs, rib-eye, catch of the day that he says was delicious! My youngest DS had fried ravoli and the older DS had chicken parmasan. We preordered a b-day cake for my lil one. It was a oreo cake that was to die for! IT WAS SO GOOD!!!!!!! The waitress and hostess were very nice! We were pleased! Just don't ask how much it cost us but well worth it!


All in all we had a blast despite all the rain!

 

[epcotfan]

CSR has a few more ammenities than the other moderates since it is a convention hotel. There is a health club and beauty salon which the other resorts don't have.

One of the nice perks at CSR is that they have nice breakfast buffet in the Maya Grill.

I have pictures and video on my website.

 

[Buzz2001]

The transportation is very good at CSR. It is not shared with another resort.

The foodcourt is different than your average foodcourt. Guests either love it or hate it due to the 10% gratuitity tacked on to the bill. The hostess will seat you and you will have a server that will get your drinks and condiments. He'll do as much or as little as you want but either way the 10% is just added to your bill. The food offereings are much better than an average foodcourt too.

You can get more info on my CSR website below

 

[susy]

I also thought the Maya Grill was great!!!! We had the breakast buffet and if the food quality is the same at dinner-no problem!!! At the main pool, the pool bar serves burgers, wraps, etc and there is room service, so food is always within reach. The resort is not THAT spread out. Imagine my surprise (after reading these boards) when I checked in and could see the whole resort around the lake (including the pyramid at the pool) right from where I was standing. I was expecting it to be bigger. Just go expecting to have fun!!!!

 

[gumdrop]

CSR is a great resort and I'm sure you will like it. As others have said, transportation is great--always a steady stream of busses and never a long wait. I also like the fact that CSR does not share transportation with other resorts. The food is excellent as well. The Pepper Market has fresh, made to order food of all different types and the Maya Grill had excellent food as well. We were there for dinner and did not get to try the breakfast buffet though. If you have time, please check out my CSR review! It gives very detailed info about all the resort has to offer. Hope it helps!

CSR review: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=256071