The *NEW* Coronado Springs FAQ Thread

[Buzz2001]

That's great. Have a great trip!!

 

[Emme]

Thank you everyone for all this GREAT info

I booked an AP rate the week before Easter and CSR was the only moderate available, I was a "bit" hesitant but now I literally can not wait! I am on page 17 of this FAQ and read a bit every so often (trying to make it last ) With every page I read I keep calling my Hubby to tell him some new fact or show him someone's CSR pictures!

Again thank you and I am sure I will post again with some questions!

Emmy

 

[Gaspode]

Hiya!

First of all, thanks for this great thread and some wonderful links (most of which I now have favourited!)

I've been to WDW six times before (once for 6mths as an International Program CM) and my DBF has been only twice before (both times with myself and *all* my family (like 15 ppl!) staying in a villa). We've never stayed onsite.

We first of all decided to go to POR... but have changed our minds this evening due to the fact we think the CSR theming will suit us so much better (this thread and the links certainly helped with that!)

Anyways, looking at all three types of building I think Rancho's look most like where we would want to stay and TBH being a young couple with no kids we aren't worried about an 8 minute walk to the facilities :0)

My questions are these and I would really appreciate all your help! Sorry if they've been answered before but it's 11.30pm here and I've just got through the first twelve pages of this thread and just can't keep my eyes open long enough to read the other 25 (yet!)....

1) Who has stayed at Ranchos and what did you think? There seems to be a lot of talk of Cabanas and Casistas on here but not Ranchos. They remind me a lot of our stay in Scottsdale, Az and I like the look of the room decoration....?

2) We don't have a car. How are the bus services, really? Esp. I'd love to know how they are from CSR to DTD as we plan to spend a lot of evenings there.

Think thats it for now, thanks!!!
Cya,
Gaspode

 

[gtrist4life]

Gaspode,

We stayed at CSR last month. Checked in Dec. 12 and checked out Dec 17. There were 16 of us in 5 rooms and we stayed in the Casitas section Bldg 3. The bus service was fine. A couple of waits that were in the 15-20 minute range, but most were 5-15 very reasonable.

We walked by the Ranchos on our way to the Dig Site and they do remind me of Southwest USA style homes.

Anyway here are a few more notes from our trip

The resort was about 80% capacity when we arrived Friday at 11:30 am. and this dropped to about 20% on Sunday (learned from our bellhop upon check out)

Only one of our rooms was ready ( and this was somewhat of a fluke as they had one room booked at the Cabanas, and we all wanted to be fairly close, one happened to be available in Casitas but not as close as the others, we took it)

Bell services were great, prompt, and professional

The other rooms were not ready until about 4:00-4:30

All thought the resort grounds, fountains, and decorations were absolutely beautiful and gorgeous (though there was one complaint of gardening noise at 7:00 am)

All thought the room interiors were cheezy ( too many colors/patterns that did not match)

1st night we had to wait for about 2 hours ( and 2 calls ) before Mousekeeping arrived with extra towels (Having about 14 people in our room for an afternoon used what we had)

Alarm clock in the unoccupied room next door went off at 3:00 am one morning. Called front desk and someone turned it off within 5 minutes.

Our daughter turned 16 on the trip and this was mentioned at the front desk on the morning of her birthday. Upon our return to the hotel after a long day at MK, we were pleasantly surprized with a signed birthday card from Minnie and balloons.

Pepper Market turned out to be a hit with everyone. Food was great and a pretty good value compared to other Disney meals.

Maya Grill was also a hit with those that ate there. Especially the family with little ones. They did the breakfast buffet a couple of times. There were a couple of us who ate dinner there and raved about the food.

We were a bit too far from El Centro, than what we would have preferred. It was about a 6-8 minute walk to the Pepper Market.
We were a bit spoiled by staying at POFQ last year and being very close to the food court and bus stop.

Overall, I would stay there again and request to be closer to El Centro ( Cabanas or Casitas ). My DW said she would not stay there again. I think that pretty much sums up the rest of our crew's opinions too. (50-50). Most who said they would not stay there would rather stay at POFQ (or with us at a DVC resort on our new DVC generosity )

Hope this helps. I sure did appreciate the resort much more after reading many posts from this thread.

Peace
G4L

 

[maine_jennifer]

I stayed at the Ranchos in August.

My room was clean and comfortable. The interior was fine to me. The patterns didn't seem too busy and I was completely satisfied. If you have the WDW Magical Gatherins DVD, the photo gallery of CSR actually has a picture like the room I had in the Ranchos.

Housekeeping was wonderful, too. I didn't get any special towel animals or anything, but I was traveling solo, too, so I wasn't really expecting it. My room was late to be cleaned every day, usually when I wanted to go back in the afternoon to take a nap. Again, I think it's because I was a solo travler and they were probably generalizing that I was a late night partier and late morning sleeper. Now I know to call them when I arrive and talk with housekeeping about when I want my room clean.

Walking was the biggest complaint. It was quite a hike to the main building and dig site - especially in the high heat and humidity! I had requested Cabanas, because I wanted to be close to the front desk, but it was already full by time I checked in at Midnight. For the end of January, we are requesting Cabanas again, and since we're arriving at like 9 or 10 am, hopefully we'll get it. I don't think my mother, who had both knees replaced in the summer of 2002, would be able to handle that much walking plus walking at the parks.

I think Buzz has a list of how to get around the resort using the bus system. Maybe he can post it again.

Also, I think someone has a list of the "mileage" around the Lake.

Have a great trip, I really think you'll enjoy the Ranchos - IF you don't mind the walking.

 

[goofy4mickey48]

was fantastic!!! We arrived a day late because our flight was CANCELLED at the last minute on Christmas day!! After much scambling to find another flight at the busiest time of year, we finally got a flight out of Pittsburg, (we were flying out ofCAk- akron Ohio) Dh fell asleep at the wheel for a second driving there! Well, we finally arrive then 2 of our bags did not make the flight, they were coming in on another flight 2 hours later!!! needless to say we were tired and stressed when we arrived at csr! Just the site of how beautifull it is there made me feel better fast, and we really had enough days planned so we could get everything we wanted to in!!!A very friendly Cm checked us in, we got Casitas 3 with the ap rate with an uprgrade to king water view, it was a good location. I love this resort it is very romantic, the decorations were beautifull, loved the themeing ,all the flowers,fountains the pool ect... I know some people complain about walking distance, but DH and I love to walk and I love to walk around this resort and savor the beauty!! Housekeeping did a great job, we got to use the pool and hot tub once had a great time, just laughed and felt gratefull cause we are from unsunny Cleveland Ohio and it was wonderfull to us to be swimming in December outside! Transportation was great even at the busiest time of year, dh and I seemed to have pixie dust surrounding us cause everytime we came out to cacth a bus it was right there for the right place! will answer any ?..goof

 

[goofy4mickey48]

was fantastic!!! We arrived a day late because our flight was CANCELLED at the last minute on Christmas day!! After much scambling to find another flight at the busiest time of year, we finally got a flight out of Pittsburg, (we were flying out ofCAk- akron Ohio) Dh fell asleep at the wheel for a second driving there! Well, we finally arrive then 2 of our bags did not make the flight, they were coming in on another flight 2 hours later!!! needless to say we were tired and stressed when we arrived at csr! Just the site of how beautifull it is there made me feel better fast, and we really had enough days planned so we could get everything we wanted to in!!!A very friendly Cm checked us in, we got Casitas 3 with the ap rate with an uprgrade to king water view, it was a good location. I love this resort it is very romantic, the decorations were beautifull, loved the themeing ,all the flowers,fountains the pool ect... I know some people complain about walking distance, but DH and I love to walk and I love to walk around this resort and savor the beauty!! Housekeeping did a great job, we got to use the pool and hot tub once had a great time, just laughed and felt gratefull cause we are from unsunny Cleveland Ohio and it was wonderfull to us to be swimming in December outside! Transportation was great even at the busiest time of year, dh and I seemed to have pixie dust surrounding us cause everytime we came out to cacth a bus it was right there for the right place! will answer any ?..goof

 

[Emme]

OK I have my first question (I'm sure there will be more to follow before April ), what type of snacks are sold in the little store area? Will we be able to get Mickey ice cream, mickey pretzels, disney candy...

This may sound silly, but we love to treat ourselves to a special "disney snack" in the evenings while relaxing. Any info would be helpful! Thanks!

Emmy

 

[Mickey76]

They have a lot of different snacks, but I'm not sure about the ice cream. I remember geting snacks there every day, though.


Mickey76

 

[epcotfan]

Originally posted by Emme
OK I have my first question (I'm sure there will be more to follow before April ), what type of snacks are sold in the little store area? Will we be able to get Mickey ice cream, mickey pretzels, disney candy...

This may sound silly, but we love to treat ourselves to a special "disney snack" in the evenings while relaxing. Any info would be helpful! Thanks!

Emmy

Yes you can get bags of Mickey pretzels, candy, etc... in Panchitos. I don't recall seeing any Mickey Ice Cream bars in La Tienda though. They did, however, have popsicles and Nestle Ice Cream bars.

 

[Emme]

Epcotfan, isn't Franciscos the bar area? They sell snacks and goodies? Is there a seperate area to purchase them or are they behind the bar area? Just thinking of my son...

Thanks!

Emmy

 

[epcotfan]

You're right Emme. I meant to write Panchitos. I'll edit my previous post. One of those nights DUH...LOL. Anyhow Francisco's is the bar opposite the Pepper Market. They sell drinks and some appetizers. No candy, though. La Tienda has newspapers, sandwiches, salads, drinks, popsicles, cereal, pop tarts, etc.. Panchitos is the gift and sundry store which has packaged items such as Entemans, chips, Mickey candy etc...

 

[Emme]

Thank you so much Epcotfan! I am so psyched to get there and this thread and all you wonderful people are just making the wait time all the more enjoyable and informational

Thank you!

Emmy

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Tink returns!

Hi all, ive missed this thread so much! Im soooo sorry that I haven't posted in what seems like forever. I started my first year of university and I got a job so I'm just a little bit busy. But now is the perfect time for me to head back to the boards. My parents shocked my on Dec 23rd We were planning to head to Palm Springs California in May of this year, but the were both craving a Disney fix less than a year after our last trip August 2003. SInce I'm never one to argue about going on a trip to Disney.....what I'm i saying? I practically bounced off the walls!! WOOHOO I'm going to Disney World!! Anyways, as I posted before we got ripped off for our stay at Coronado in August of 2003, a HUGE convention was coming in and causing them to close the Dig Site
They offered us an upgrade to a Deluxe Hotel, specifically the Animal Kingdom Lodge, which we refused and instead asked for the Yacht and Beach Club because of its great location. To make a long story short, we ended up with a Water View (Epcot View as well) Concierge room at the Yacht Club for the under $2000 that we were paying for our water view room at Coronado.

As much as this was a great deal, we missed out on our nice long COronado fix and only got to go to the Dig Site one day. So of course when the question as to where we would stay this trip rolled around our decision was unaminous......CORONADO! We booked using a promotion that is on for Canadians staying from January 1st 2004 till May 31st 2004 called the Dream Maker @ Par Package. Basically, we end up paying a reduced rate in USD. Our stay is from May 22nd till June 1st, 10 night at Coronado, Standard View, preferably Casitas as I think they have the nicest standard view rooms. The regular price this package would be around $3150 USD (for 3 adults, as i'll be 19 during this trip) and with this Visa at par promotion we will be paying $2179.20 USD. Its approx 30% savings, which is almost as good, if not better than the Fairytale Package we used in August.

To give a quick report of what CSR was like in August during my 2 days there:

- we stayed in a room is Casitas 3, can't recall the number, but was facing Lago Dorado and the Dig Site
- we were in one of the rooms that had been recently renovated because the carpet was new, as were the bedspreads
- the grounds were well kept as always, as was the digsite, staff were friendly etc..
- the one problem we encountered was at the Pepper Market. We ate dinner there the first night and the Fetticine Alfredo caught my eye. It looked nice and creamy and thick on the display, but when the alfredo sauce was spooned over my pasta it looked far from creamy. It looked as though they had spooned seperated milk over my pasta. Not exactly appetizing. To make matters worse it took us 15 minutes to get this whole affair dealt with. They were looking at me as if saying "well you asked for this, you still have to pay for it." I found one of the floor managers and he took it away quickly telling me that there is no problem, he gave me a new ticket, appologized for the inconvenience and I went on y way to get a pizza.
- in conclusion, we will most definately eat at the Pepper Market again, i love it there, but i will not be getting pasta. If i do i will be having a closer look at the sauce. The pizza was terrific and I didn't let one bad thing of alfredo sauce spoil my apetite or my outlook on the Pepper Market.

So I'm back and will be trying my best to answer any question you all have. To everyone that has been good enough to keep up this thread while i've been gone I thank you and continue to thank you for contributing to this thread. Its great to see others who share the same passion I do both for WDW and CSR!

Special thanks to Epcotfan and Buzz

 

[Gaspode]

Hiya,

Wow! This resort keeps sounding better and better I'm hoping to book soon (well, we have to move house somewhere at the end of this month so probably after that...)

firstly.... I posted this earlier but, I'd love to know how the buses are from CSR to DTD as we plan to spend a lot of evenings there? How long it takes etc? Is it a direct route?

also... and this doesn't just apply to CSR but it does in my case as that's where I wanna book.... I've read somewhere on this board about ppl booking thru' disney and then if a code comes out later on, i.e. before their hol, they are going to ring and have the discount applied?! can this be done? I'd hate for a great discount rate to come out shortly after I book but likewise I wanna book soon so we don't miss out! (we plan to go in November, 5 - 19th it is looking like now, and hopefully stay in the Ranchos tho' not sure how I request that yet)

Thanks!
Gaspode

 

[Buzz2001]

I'd love to know how the buses are from CSR to DTD as we plan to spend a lot of evenings there? How long it takes etc? Is it a direct route?

Bus service at CSR is tremendous. Late in the evening, the buses from DtD back to the resorts can get very crowded. I always find it better to board at the Marketplace because it always seems full if you board at Pleasure Island.

I've read somewhere on this board about ppl booking thru' disney and then if a code comes out later on, i.e. before their hol, they are going to ring and have the discount applied?! can this be done? I'd hate for a great discount rate to come out shortly after I book.

Yes, you can call back and try to have the code applied. Most times it has to be rebooked and it will all depend on if you call in time. The codes are usually limited to a certain amount of rooms.

Enjoy CSR and have a great trip!

 

[kbkids]

We are considering staying at CSR in May, and this may have been mentioned earlier, but I quit reading at page 19

Are connecting rooms available at the resort? We've never had a problem getting them at the value resorts, but we plan to spend more time at the hotel on this next trip, so thought we would bump up to a moderate in order to have more things to do.

 

[hannahr]

Connecting rooms are available. We had two rooms in the Cabanas section. I had a week at the Resort in December and it was fantastic!

 

[Buzz2001]

We have also had 2 ocassions that we had connecting rooms in the cabana section. I'm sure they are available in all sections.

 

[cashout]

We are going for our first trip to CSR in 6 weeks.