Coronado Springs Resort -- New Unofficial FAQ Thread -- November 2009

[tinkerbellmagic]

Here is the original uncropped version of the thermostat photo I took in August 2007.

tink

CSR Thermostat!

Having a cool room is important to me. So it is understandable that panic set in when I noticed the thermostat on the wall in our room at CSR, but forgot to bring Buzz's directions on how to override the sensors. Anyhow, I managed to stay very cool and DGS managed to keep from freezing, but here is a photo of the much talked about thermostat that awaits you at CSR.
We DISer's take pictures of everything, don't we?

tink

 

[vavalynn2]

Okay, now that I am back and better adjusted, I can complete a review of CSR! After we return from WDW, I tend to be in a funk for a few days and know that I need to wait to work on my reviews.

DH and I recently stayed at CSR for 5 nights starting 4/21. We had never stayed there before and after reading reviews requested Casitas 3 or 4.

We arrived around noon to check in and headed to the shorter online check-in line. Unfortunately the one person ahead of us asked so many questions, it would have been shorter to use the traditional line. Eventually, someone noticed this and called us over to another window.

We were assigned room 2332, two queen bed room. Since the room was ready upon check-in, I was not going to ask to be reassigned to Casitas 3 or 4. This location was very convenient for us since we often used our rental car and our room was close to the parking lot. We were also a short walk to the quiet pool.

We have stayed at POR a few times and were pleasantly surprised with the feel of an updated room- flat screen tv, duvets on the beds, queen size beds, simply an updated look. We found everything in working, clean order upon arrival and it was maintained throughout our stay. The beds were comfy and each night we got a good nights sleep.

We used both the quiet pool and the main pool. While the quiet pool was convenient since it was closer- it was so cold!!! I do not know if they heat it, but I never got in past my waist. The main pool was great. We loved the party shady spot directly in front of the pyramid (we are both very pale and burn easily). We used the bar and concessions and thought the waterslide was fun!

We ate breakfast twice at CSR, once at Rix and once at the Pepper Market. Each time we took the food to go and sit outside. This was our only experience of the restaurants at the resorts. Good food, worked out well. It did take a little understanding of getting the paper at the Pepper Market, but it worked. We used the refillable mug throughout our stay.

We saw the alligator a few times and he/she always drew a crowd. My DH used the gym and found it to be one of the best gyms at a resort he had ever used.

I had read a few complaints about the amount of walking at CSR, but we found it to be quite manageable. A Few years ago we stayed at the Gaylord Palms. At the time I was wearing a pedometer and noticed that it was a full mile from where we had to park the car to our actual room. It was ridiculous. We actually had to calculate the walk when trying to get to the parks. Everything was a 10 minute walk for us which was not a problem.

Overall, we loved it. Everything was great. Next time, we would try to stay closer to the main pool. Glad we went outside our POR comfort zone and gave CSR a try.

Any questions, just let me know, I would love to share now that I am out of my funk. And again KatMark, thanks for answering all of my questions before we went. You were a tremendous help!!

 

[DaniB]

I'm thinking I don't need to let my husband know how to override the thermostate to make the room cooler... I'll see if the A/C affects me or not first. Plus I'll snag the bed futherest away from the A/C so it's not blowing on me all night.

I'm making a fact sheet for CSR to go in my planner, and have a couple of questions.

1) Over-the-door organizer, yes or not? Somewhere on this thread a person said they thought it would be fine. But in another posting, someone else said there's no room between the vanity's sliding door and the ceiling. Does anyone know? Has anyone tried one?

2) Are the beds right on the ground so nothing (ie, snakes... ) can get under? OR are the beds high enough off that we can slide our luggage underneath? I'm not sure which I would prefer

3) At the beginning of the thread, it says that packages sent ahead of one's arrival (via Fed EX or UPS) will end up at the Business Center and will incur an charge. HOWEVER, if sent via USPS, it will end up at CSR Operations behind the check-in desk. ----> Does this mean there will be no charge from the check-in desk if sent USPS?

4) Plugs! Does anyone know how many accessible plugs there are in the room? The photos I looked at in the beginning of the thread show 2 items can be plugged in the bathroom, counter level. And I saw another outlet between the door and window. Is there one by the desk? Or by the beds?

5) Night-tables. The photos seem to indicate there are 2 night-tables. Is this correct, or just 1?

TIA!

 

[DaniB]

We were assigned room 2332, two queen bed room.

Any questions, just let me know, I would love to share now that I am out of my funk.

LOL - Those questions were not directed at you, but since you offered...

Funny - here I am writing questions and you writing a trip report at the same time.

I'm glad to hear you liked CSR!

Hey, since you did not get Casitas 3 or 4, where is room 2332? Is it Casitas 2? I see there's another quiet pool there.

 

[vavalynn2]

2332 is in building 2, third floor and faced a courtyard. I should also mention it was a short walk to the elevator which was good for those long park days. Also, it was close to the vending machine and ice machine- we could not hear them, but they were about 4 doors down.

The quiet pool was less than a 3 minute walk. Again, the location was great for us. We enjoyed the main pool more and spent more time there since the water was warmer, the pool bar/concessions and better shade.

I know if I would have written the review the day after it would not have come out the same. Maybe part of it had to due with our 18 hour journey home- missed connections and a bus home from Cleveland Ohio. It was bad. But the trip was wonderful even with the terrible trip home..

 

[KatMark]

Okay, now that I am back and better adjusted, I can complete a review of CSR! After we return from WDW, I tend to be in a funk for a few days and know that I need to wait to work on my reviews.

DH and I recently stayed at CSR for 5 nights starting 4/21. We had never stayed there before and after reading reviews requested Casitas 3 or 4.

We arrived around noon to check in and headed to the shorter online check-in line. Unfortunately the one person ahead of us asked so many questions, it would have been shorter to use the traditional line. Eventually, someone noticed this and called us over to another window.

We were assigned room 2332, two queen bed room. Since the room was ready upon check-in, I was not going to ask to be reassigned to Casitas 3 or 4. This location was very convenient for us since we often used our rental car and our room was close to the parking lot. We were also a short walk to the quiet pool.

We have stayed at POR a few times and were pleasantly surprised with the feel of an updated room- flat screen tv, duvets on the beds, queen size beds, simply an updated look. We found everything in working, clean order upon arrival and it was maintained throughout our stay. The beds were comfy and each night we got a good nights sleep.

We used both the quiet pool and the main pool. While the quiet pool was convenient since it was closer- it was so cold!!! I do not know if they heat it, but I never got in past my waist. The main pool was great. We loved the party shady spot directly in front of the pyramid (we are both very pale and burn easily). We used the bar and concessions and thought the waterslide was fun!

We ate breakfast twice at CSR, once at Rix and once at the Pepper Market. Each time we took the food to go and sit outside. This was our only experience of the restaurants at the resorts. Good food, worked out well. It did take a little understanding of getting the paper at the Pepper Market, but it worked. We used the refillable mug throughout our stay.

We saw the alligator a few times and he/she always drew a crowd. My DH used the gym and found it to be one of the best gyms at a resort he had ever used.

I had read a few complaints about the amount of walking at CSR, but we found it to be quite manageable. A Few years ago we stayed at the Gaylord Palms. At the time I was wearing a pedometer and noticed that it was a full mile from where we had to park the car to our actual room. It was ridiculous. We actually had to calculate the walk when trying to get to the parks. Everything was a 10 minute walk for us which was not a problem.

Overall, we loved it. Everything was great. Next time, we would try to stay closer to the main pool. Glad we went outside our POR comfort zone and gave CSR a try.

Any questions, just let me know, I would love to share now that I am out of my funk. And again KatMark, thanks for answering all of my questions before we went. You were a tremendous help!!

Thank you so much for your detailed review. I'm so glad that you enjoyed your stay at the CSR. Did you have a view of the courtyard or the lake?

You are so welcome. That is what we are here for...to answer questions for those who have not previously stayed at the CSR.

Will you be posting any pictures?

I'm thinking I don't need to let my husband know how to override the thermostate to make the room cooler... I'll see if the A/C affects me or not first. Plus I'll snag the bed futherest away from the A/C so it's not blowing on me all night.

I'm making a fact sheet for CSR to go in my planner, and have a couple of questions.

1) Over-the-door organizer, yes or not? Somewhere on this thread a person said they thought it would be fine. But in another posting, someone else said there's no room between the vanity's sliding door and the ceiling. Does anyone know? Has anyone tried one? I don't think there is room. What I do is get one of those cheap plastic things with the pockets that you can hang on the clothes rack for toiletries, etc.

2) Are the beds right on the ground so nothing (ie, snakes... ) can get under? OR are the beds high enough off that we can slide our luggage underneath? I'm not sure which I would prefer I didn't check under the bed this time since the renovations...but there has never been a report of a snake in a CSR room that I'm aware of (although there was at the Contemporary)

3) At the beginning of the thread, it says that packages sent ahead of one's arrival (via Fed EX or UPS) will end up at the Business Center and will incur an charge. HOWEVER, if sent via USPS, it will end up at CSR Operations behind the check-in desk. ----> Does this mean there will be no charge from the check-in desk if sent USPS? I believe USPS is free, but don't take my word on that. We never ship anything (we rent a car and shop on the way in). Hopefully, someone with better knowledge can answer this.


4) Plugs! Does anyone know how many accessible plugs there are in the room? The photos I looked at in the beginning of the thread show 2 items can be plugged in the bathroom, counter level. And I saw another outlet between the door and window. Is there one by the desk? Or by the beds? There is a plug behind the night table which we've used; there are also a number of plus by the desk.

5) Night-tables. The photos seem to indicate there are 2 night-tables. Is this correct, or just 1? There is one night table with a room with two queen beds and two night tables in a king room.

TIA!

Answers in red.

LOL - Those questions were not directed at you, but since you offered...

Funny - here I am writing questions and you writing a trip report at the same time.

I'm glad to hear you liked CSR!

Hey, since you did not get Casitas 3 or 4, where is room 2332? Is it Casitas 2? I see there's another quiet pool there.

Casitas 2 is close to the quiet pool that is right by Casitas 4 (there is only one quiet pool per section).

 

[vavalynn2]

Will you be posting any pictures?

if i can figure out how to post pictures.

 

[MRYPPNS]

In regards to closet organizers.....here's a picture of mine that I had at Caribbean Beach...it's a Febreeze one so it was a bit long but worked great!

 

[KatMark]

I just want to wish all the mom's that follow this thread a very Happy Mother's Day. I hope that your kid(s) treat you like the royalty that you are.

 

[cassie58]

ok i know this has probably been asked a gazillion times but there are tons of pages here. My question is: At the time when I goto CSR I will have a 10 yr old and a 6 yr old. What is the best room i should request for. We will be going from August 25th to 30th.

And I am soooo happy now, with the free dining, my reservations just came down $500.

We went last yr. that same week, w/DS9 & DD6, and requested Cabanas 8A, and were very happy with it. It is close to the bus stop and parking lot (we used both as we had our car), and very close to main pool, w/awesome water slide the kids went down again and again! We based our request on info on this thread, and it was perfect for us. We gave Cabanas 8B as 2nd choice, which would have been fine as well. There is also a quiet pool and laundry one building over, between 8B and 9A. Free Dining was great (make your ADRs ASAP if you haven't already), and it was hot and humid, but we took advantage of EMH a.m., w/breaks in afternoon, and got free ice water at CS restaurants, and it was very manageable. HTH! Have a great trip!

cassie58
11/08-ASMo & Timeshare
8/09-CSR

 

[cassie58]

I just want to wish all the mom's that follow this thread a very Happy Mother's Day. I hope that your kid(s) treat you like the royalty that you are.

Same to you!

cassie58
11/08-ASMo & Timeshare
8/09-CSR

 

[DaniB]

Answers in red.

Thanks!

 

[DaniB]

In regards to closet organizers.....here's a picture of mine that I had at Caribbean Beach...it's a Febreeze one so it was a bit long but worked great!

Ohh, thank you Heidi!

I've read so many threads on how to keep organized in one's resort room, but it looks like there's lots of storage space at CSR!

- 6 dresser drawers
- Small open storage area under the TV stand
- 1 night-table drawer with open storage under the drawer
- The open closet space looks large and has shelving above and floor space
- Lots of counter space on either side of the sink
- Open storage under the sink & counter

I don't have an over-the-door organizer and maybe I'm glad I have not purchased one yet. The cheapest I have found is a shoe organizer style for $6.

The kids have these large collapesable fabric drawers. It looks like I can put 2 of those on the counter by the sink to hold toiletries. And another couple on the dresser to hold miscellanous stuff.

Luggage and a pop-up hamper under the counter or closet area. Looks good!

 

[SnoopyB]

I know this is the CSR "love" thread, but truthfully are the rooms nice and clean (including carpet)? Some of the reviews on TripAdv are starting to worry me. I know it's a moderate so I won't expect luxury but a clean room (bedding, floor, bathroom, etc) is important to me. I am very picky in this area. I have slept on the top of the bedspread in a few hotels b/c the room didn't have a clean feel/look. I originally was going to stay at the Beach Club but decided to save some $$ and go with the best moderate but now I'm thinking of switching back.
So what is the real deal with CSR, truthfully, and not the "as long as I'm at Disney" sentiment.

thanks

 

[KatMark]

I know this is the CSR "love" thread, but truthfully are the rooms nice and clean (including carpet)? Some of the reviews on TripAdv are starting to worry me. I know it's a moderate so I won't expect luxury but a clean room (bedding, floor, bathroom, etc) is important to me. I am very picky in this area. I have slept on the top of the bedspread in a few hotels b/c the room didn't have a clean feel/look. I orginally was goint to stay at the Beach Club but decided to save some $$ and go with the best moderate but now I'm thinking of switching back.
So what is the real deal with CSR, truthfully, and not the "as long as I'm at Disney" sentiment.

thanks

Well, considering that the CSR was just rehabbed a year ago, I can't imagine that the carpet is dirty or the walls, etc. Everything was in tip top shape when we were there in September and all recent reviews have indicated a clean room. Personally, I don't follow TripAdv because they rip most of the Disney resorts because a lot of the people that respond to the surveys are business travelers who are used to "4 star" resorts which none of the Disney resorts are.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

I know this is the CSR "love" thread, but truthfully are the rooms nice and clean (including carpet)? Some of the reviews on TripAdv are starting to worry me. I know it's a moderate so I won't expect luxury but a clean room (bedding, floor, bathroom, etc) is important to me. I am very picky in this area. I have slept on the top of the bedspread in a few hotels b/c the room didn't have a clean feel/look. I orginally was goint to stay at the Beach Club but decided to save some $$ and go with the best moderate but now I'm thinking of switching back.
So what is the real deal with CSR, truthfully, and not the "as long as I'm at Disney" sentiment.

thanks

We were in Cabana 9A last May (our first stay since the renovation) and it honestly looked as if no one had ever stayed in that room. The refurb was ongoing, and I can't remember how long the cabanas had been completed, but I'm sure they must have used the room before. The duvets are white - hard to hide any dirt on those. We are a pretty easy family for mousekeeping (I always pick up to make it easy to vacuum and clean), but it was very clean during our trip - the mirror and counters were always wiped down, the tub and toilet were clean and it was always vacuumed.

 

[DearDaisyinDurham]

I know this is the CSR "love" thread, but truthfully are the rooms nice and clean (including carpet)? Some of the reviews on TripAdv are starting to worry me. I know it's a moderate so I won't expect luxury but a clean room (bedding, floor, bathroom, etc) is important to me. I am very picky in this area. I have slept on the top of the bedspread in a few hotels b/c the room didn't have a clean feel/look. I originally was going to stay at the Beach Club but decided to save some $$ and go with the best moderate but now I'm thinking of switching back.
So what is the real deal with CSR, truthfully, and not the "as long as I'm at Disney" sentiment.

thanks

Last year I did a split CSR/BC stay & had to call housekeeping upon checking into my BC room for (sorry this is gross) hairs on the white duvet & something disgusting left in the mini fridge. They were right on it w/ 2 mousekeepers & the housekeeping manager coming immediately, but it's like the saying goes, dirty can happen anywhere.

Am currently at CSR & it's very clean, I'm sure you'll be pleased.

 

[Disney Dancin']

I am so excited to be coming to stay this summer at CSR during my DD17's National dance competition taking place onsite at this resort, plus some extra days built in even more fun! We will be there June 29-July 10, 2010. Dang, I keep saying every time that our next Disney trip will NOT be in the dead of summer, but here we are for our 4th time in JULY!!! We always manage it pretty well, though! It doesn't matter! We will be at WDW

Thanks so much for all the fantastic information, pictures, and tips to making the most of our stay at CSR. You all are seem to be so positive and happy...this suits me to a T! We are a pretty easygoing traveling family, takes quite a bit to upset or disappoint us, so bring on the fun, no matter what! This thread has me so excited I just can't hardly think of anything else but our trip! Thank goodness I have somewhere now to release my excitement without driving others crazy listening to me

Looking forward to being a part of the CSR crew!
(btw, I created a countdown/ticker type thingy on mickeypath.com, but how do I get it to attach to my siggy? - sorry, not very adept at most computer stuff )

 

[KatMark]

I am so excited to be coming to stay this summer at CSR during my DD17's National dance competition taking place onsite at this resort, plus some extra days built in even more fun! We will be there June 29-July 10, 2010. Dang, I keep saying every time that our next Disney trip will NOT be in the dead of summer, but here we are for our 4th time in JULY!!! We always manage it pretty well, though! It doesn't matter! We will be at WDW

Thanks so much for all the fantastic information, pictures, and tips to making the most of our stay at CSR. You all are seem to be so positive and happy...this suits me to a T! We are a pretty easygoing traveling family, takes quite a bit to upset or disappoint us, so bring on the fun, no matter what! This thread has me so excited I just can't hardly think of anything else but our trip! Thank goodness I have somewhere now to release my excitement without driving others crazy listening to me

Looking forward to being a part of the CSR crew!
(btw, I created a countdown/ticker type thingy on mickeypath.com, but how do I get it to attach to my siggy? - sorry, not very adept at most computer stuff )

Welcome to our very friendly, warm (although sometimes silly) family here. We are delighted to have you join us. Any questions....ask away; there is always someone willing to answer or try to find an answer or just say welcome.

 

[Disney Dancin']

Thank you, thank you for the welcome!

Sorry in advance, this is kinda long

So based upon all I have read on recommendations made to people finding the best location on the resort for them personally, (I did this all before I stumbled upon this site and its helpful tips!) I feel reassured that I did okay in requesting Cabanas 9A, 9B, 8A, 8B or Casitas 3 to fit our needs best regarding our dance convention being held onsite, but I had also listed Casitas 1 as an option on my request list, too. I don't think I have seen yet where you have recommended that building...is there a reason for that? I picked Casitas 1 and 3 based on my request also for a water view, and also that we would want to be close to El Centro where the convention will be going on...making it easy to go back and forth to our room when we have a break in between performing routines. We will be at the resort quite a bit because of this event. Do you think I did okay?

Also, because the convention special rate was heavily discounted for us with the dance competition, and I had some budget concerns, I opted to do a room only ressie and buy our park hoppers separately also at the convention rate offered us (really good deal!), rather than a package. Of course this means we can't do the dining plan thought, but I WAS feeling okay with that decision because I thought we could do it cheaper out of pocket and supplementing purchased meals with our own food brought in, such as for breakfast and snacks. We have no idea what the schedule will be yet for the dancers to be performing, just know it could be spread throughout July 3-6. So I don't feel like I can make any ADR's due to not having a clue when we would actually be able to make a table service meal, and don't feel we can be tied to a dining schedule and still get in time for all we want to do park-wise outside of dance. I have never gone without the dining plan, though, so it's making me kind of nervous...especially after reading of CSR's food options being on the pricer side for the most part...plus the gratuity situation. But your very helpful tips of ordering at the PM to go is definitely the way we will go most of the time!
Do you think I am doing okay by going the ala carte route with our particular needs in mind?

Thanks in advance (and for putting up with my lengthy posts!)

Disney Dancin'