Which section of CSR?

[pouncingpluto]

Hi guys,

I'm excited about my upcoming stay at CSR, and everything I read gets me more excited, if possible!

I'd like the opinions of some of you who have stayed there before. I've currently got a request in for the casitas and want to make sure I've made the right choice.

We are a childless couple staying at CSR for three nights after our 7 night land/sea package (Polynesian). The theming capturing another time and/or place is my favorite part about Disney resorts. It seems that some people think the casitas are themed beautifully and some think that they're nearly unthemed. We are also interested in a quiet, somewhat adult atmosphere.

I'm not too interested in the cabanas, since between the Poly and the cruise, there will be a lot of tropical themeing earlier in the trip. So, what do you guys think? Ranchos or casitas?

I know the ranchos are furthest away... are they prohibitively far from the Pepper Market? Each of the sections has its own bus stop, right?

Thanks!

 

[Steve P]

The casitas have I think, a stately Spanish urban feel and are the nicest achiteturally. These are next to the main common area and eateries but you have a hoof to the feature pool. There are some casitas pretty far out away from everything though so building number can make a big difference. The cabanas are my favorite, I got one 1/2 way between the main area and feature pool. That puts you with an easy walk to both, but right next to neither. The ranchos are good for only 1 thing - seclusion (IMHO.)

 

[daannzzz]

I have stayed in the Ranchos and Cabanas. I don't know that I will stay in the Casitas...well at least I won't request it. They are pretty with nicely landscaped courtyards and fountains but that section of the resort reminds me more of just a hotel. A nice looking one but still it feels a bit large! From what I have seen I like the interior decore on the rooms.
I thought the Ranchos were the best themed area. The colors were a but more muted on the outside and interior decore. I liked all the rocks and wet and dry creek beds. It was very quiet back there. It is fairly close to the main pool and has a nice quiet pool. The downside is it is far away from the food court and shop but I still liked it better.
In general this resort has seemed fairly quiet no matter where I went. You will not go wrong with any of the sections.
Dan

 

[susy]

The casitas have a more "formal" feel. Very beautiful and definitely worth walking all through to take a look (don't forget your camera). We stayed in Cabanas and it was nice, but did remind me of CBR. Since we live in FL, the "tropical themes" sometimes escapes us, since we are used to looking at Palm trees. We almost don't see them!

Now... my choice for this resort has to be the Ranchos section. It is definitely the best themed and I would take advantage of it when you don't have kids with you. It's not far to the main pool and there are "shortcuts" to El Centro (you don't have to walk all around the lake). We loved the Pepper Market and the breakfast buffet at the Maya Grill was wonderful. This resort is very romantic and the walk (or bike ride ) around the lake is so nice. The marina has quite a few choices as well. CSR is now my favorite resort (wait till you see that pool area!)

We actually ate dinner at the Poy and came home to CSR and didn't feel "let down". For a mod, this place is really nice!

 

[DisneyVa.]

Do you have a particular building in the Ranchos section that you prefer? We would like to stay there this summer. Since we are going to have a rental car, I won't mind a trip to the food court. We stayed there about 4 years ago in building 8B in the cabanas and would like to try the Ranchos this time. I have a map of the resort from our last stay to locate the buildings in the ranchos section. But, since you have actually been in that section I thought you might have some suggestions. Thanks, Nancy

 

[GoofysPrincess]

We've stayed in the Cabanas and the Casitas. I don't know that you really get a tropical feel in the Cabanas -- and the view across the lake to the Casitas is beautiful! But, I think I like the Casitas better due to the gorgeous courtyards that you walk out into each morning. We think CSR is a very romantic resort. I'm sure you'll enjoy your stay no matter where you pick! I know many people complain about the walking distances at this resort, but that has have never bothered us. The grounds are so beautiful, we find the walk enjoyable and sometimes go the long way around just to soak it in...

We can understand how little children might make it more inconvenient, but for adults only, I don't think it's bothersome unless someone has mobility problems...

 

[susy]

I have never stayed in Ranchos, but I will request it on my next visit. I woudl justlook at th map and request one close tot ehmain pool. From the pool , there is sort of a little bridge/pathway to the El Centro side of the lake.

 

[Buzz2001]

I'd like the opinions of some of you who have stayed there before. I've currently got a request in for the casitas and want to make sure I've made the right choice. We stayed in the casitas our very first time at CSR. They are very nice. Some are very close to the main building and some are far but closer to the Dig Site.

We are a childless couple staying at CSR for three nights after our 7 night land/sea package (Polynesian). The theming capturing another time and/or place is my favorite part about Disney resorts. It seems that some people think the casitas are themed beautifully and some think that they're nearly unthemed. We are also interested in a quiet, somewhat adult atmosphere. The casitas are beautiful. They have great fountains and courtyards that are simply gorgeous. Check out some of the photos on my website below. Very romantic at night as well.

I'm not too interested in the cabanas, since between the Poly and the cruise, there will be a lot of tropical themeing earlier in the trip. So, what do you guys think? Ranchos or casitas? My opinion is that you can't go wrong with any section at CSR

I know the ranchos are furthest away... are they prohibitively far from the Pepper Market? Each of the sections has its own bus stop, right? The total trek around Lago Dorado is approx 1 mile. So from the ranchos it is about half that distance. 7 or 8 minute walk. Most can do a 15 minute mile at a normal pace. The CM's driving carts often offer rides too.

Check out my CSR website below. Have a great trip!

 

[TDC Nala]

I'm a Cabanas fan, but of the two you want, I'd take the Ranchos only because the main pool is more important to me than the food court.

 

[Luv2Roam]

We stayed in Casitas 4 January 2001.
I just put in my room only deposit for CSR January 2004!
I asked for Cabanas this time. (cross fingers)
Casitas was fine, but hoping for something different.
We paid for waterview in 01/01. Wouldn't waste my money on that again.

 

[susy]

I would have to agree about not paying for a waterview at amoderate. While it looks nice from the outside, most people have their curtains closed. Obviously you don't want people looking in.

 

[pouncingpluto]

Thanks for all the opinions everyone! I think we'll stick with casitas this time. I can't wait to see this resort!

 

[Luv2Roam]

Waterview -- Two rooms (two couples) -- Large windows facing the lake/MGM. Windows 100% covered by condensation. We had to stand on the balcony to see anything. And in January the weather is chilly in the morning/evening to just be able to view ToT on an outdoor balcony.
DH and I did wonder though -- the other side of the building faces a large parking lot. And even on water side we could hear the laundry trucks at night. Made us wonder what it was like facing the parking lot. Could be ugly without earplugs.