Hi everyone!
My hubby and I just got back from 8 days at CSR. I thought I'd give a little update and answer any questions if I could.
Check-In
We waited maybe 10 or 15 minutes. It was a Thursday arounf 11:00 am. It goes really fast because they have someone pass out the world update and CSR newsletter and you spend most of your time thinking about all the fun you'll have. They forgot to give us a transportation map and schedule of magic mornings but were able to get them from guest services later.
Room Location
We stayed in Casitas 1. I had requested this in advance. I really liked the proximity to El Centro and parking. The theming was lovely, as well. We also stayed in the Cabanas in the past and I liked the Casitas better. The colors in the room decor were a little more muted.
I really didn't notice any extra noise being so close to the convention center. I would have to say it was very quiet overall.
Pool
We went to the main pool and drank margharitas. It was nice to relax and watch all the kids (and grown-ups) have fun in the water
Birthday
We celebrated my hubby's birthday. I ordered a cake from room service before I left. It was $25 +tax (1/8 of a sheetcake) and was excellent. This really wasn't a bad price since I paid $20 for the same size cake before we left at the Kosher bakery near our home. It was strawberry shortcake with whipped cream icing, decorated with fruit. I'm not sure how to insert a photo in my message so if anyone would like to see it email me at
micki@graciesystems.net
My husband celebrated his birthday for 5 of the 8 days. He loved the attention! We made sure to get him a birthday button. I thought the parks all have different ones but unfortunately they're all the same except for Downtown Disney.
Housekeeping/Maintainance
Superb! We are pretty fussy about clean hotel rooms and our person did a wonderful job. We even got towel characters which was a first for us. We called for an extra blanket and it was there in less than 10 minutes. We had a tempermental toilet and had to call twice b/c it wouldn't flush. Maintainance was there in less than ten minutes both times. We were a little worried because it was late and we really wanted to go to bed.
My Pal Mickey
You've got to get one! They are $56.00 + tax and totally worth it. I surprised my husband with a gift bag from Pixie Gifts when we arrived. He loved Mickey so much. He tells jokes, knows when the parades and fireworks begin, and is full of interesting facts. We especially liked how he pointed out details in the parks that we would have never known. I could also play a game with him while my husband rode rockin roller coaster. Yes, I'm a chicken.
Dining
The Pepper Market was even better than I remembered. We really liked the variety. I was a little disappointed in our dinners at Maya Grill. The first night we ate there we had an excellent waitor named Paolo and decent steak. I remembered that their meno was a little more interesting in the past. The second time, our server was soooo slow. My husband ordered the tuna rare and he got this little flat piece of overcooked meat. He was really disappointed and should of complained but didn't want to fuss. Ironically, I order the tuna at the Pepper Market our last night and was presented with this wonderful, thick piece of meat, with a rare center - my husband was so jealous.
We also dined at some of the boothes in Epcot for the Food and Wine Festival. There's incredible honey lemonade in America and wonderful lemon chicken in Morrocco. We also ate in a restaurant in Japan and really enjoyed our meal as well as the Yachtsmen's Steakhouse, Guillivers, and Rainforest Cafe.
Crowds
I thought it was pretty crowded for this time of year. It was definitely manageable but the Magic Kingdom gets so crowded. I'd avoid it on a Saturday in you can. Lines were long for some rides. There was a 2 hour wait for Tower of Terror at MGM and the fast pass wasn't open. Otherwise, we used fast pass when we could and waited in line for other things.
Transportation
We never used the bus system this time because we rented a car. It was nice having a car because we could explore the other resorts easier than doing it by bus.
The only disadvantage is that the buses drop you right at the entrance of the park and when you self park it's an eternity away. OK, I'm being dramatic They do have trams that take you to the entrance.
Resort Entertainment
Does anyone know what happened to the mariachi? We missed them playing in El Centro.
That's all I can think of. If you have any questions, ask away.
The good thing is that it is NOT the rainy season, but I have seen posts where they say it downpoured in December. So the best advice is probably to check 
Our's is a working vacation & the idea of dial-up was scary. Please tell me it's working!!!
So feel free to ask for more if you like to make several cups. 
The rooms look freshly refurbed with light colored comforters. Pepper Market was great, we ate breakfast there just about every day and dinner there a few times. I think the Cabanas are the best location, close to El Centro, 2 bus stops and just a short stroll over the bridge to the main pool.
