Cornonado Springs or Carribbean beach

[Jeff456]

Hi all,

Just looking for some advice really, looking to book a resort for a trip I am planning next year 27th of September to 11th of October 2014, we are booking a moderate to get the QS DDP we don't want the regular plan so wouldn't upgrade to a deluxe.

In the past I have stayed at POFQ and loved it and ideally I would stay there, however it is around £400 more for whatever reason and as such I am left with either CB or CS as they are around the same price.

We won't have a car so I'll be relying on Disney to get us to and from the parks.

Just looking for some advice really and which one people think is best and why?

 

[englanddg]

If you go with CBR book a preferred room. The resort is very large and a preferred room puts you near a bus stop, the food court, and main pool. Well worth the extra money.

Actually, I would say the opposite. It's not about "preferred" or not necessarily (and, certainly don't book a pirate room, those are in Trinidad...a haul from the main building)...it's about location on property (which, is your underlying point, I get that).

So, I would say...book in Aruba or Jamaica. When you book, ask to be "near the footbridge". They'll know what you mean.

If you do this, you'll be close to both the Aruba and Jamaica bus stops, as well as close to laundry facilities, and an easy walk to the pool / food court.

 

[Buzz2001]

The 10% gratuity is split among all the workers including the chefs. The host seats you, the server gets you drinks, refills, and buses your table. The gratuity is for all meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner. The gratuity is not included in the DDP, it is stated on the ticket. And it goes up to 18% for groups of 6 or more.

 

[Jeff456]

Thanks for all the advice guys, I think we will stay at CSR based on what people have said here, it sounds like as people are saying we can avoid the tip by ordering the food to go or just pay it as I guess it is only likely to be a few dollars for the two of us.
Just wanted to check I we can use our refillable mugs at Cafe Rix only? Or can we use them at Pepper Market as well ( I presume not as everyone is saying they get your drinks)?

At present I see none of the restaurants at CSR are listed on the QSDDP am I right in thinking that these will be confirmed later as the restauraunts are not owned by Disney so don't renew contracts until later?

 

[luv]

The 10% gratuity is split among all the workers including the chefs. The host seats you, the server gets you drinks, refills, and buses your table. The gratuity is for all meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner. The gratuity is not included in the DDP, it is stated on the ticket. And it goes up to 18% for groups of 6 or more.

Does it say "gratuity" or something else, like "service fee" on the receipt? Do you know? I mean the breakdown, aside from the dining plan stuff.

If the servers are getting some of that money, why do they say they aren't? Are they trying to get double tips for bringing a Diet Coke to the table?! Have I been suckered? It's only a couple dollars, but still. I don't want to give a cent to people who lie to me to get it.

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

Thanks for all the advice guys, I think we will stay at CSR based on what people have said here, it sounds like as people are saying we can avoid the tip by ordering the food to go or just pay it as I guess it is only likely to be a few dollars for the two of us.
Just wanted to check I we can use our refillable mugs at Cafe Rix only? Or can we use them at Pepper Market as well ( I presume not as everyone is saying they get your drinks)?

At present I see none of the restaurants at CSR are listed on the QSDDP am I right in thinking that these will be confirmed later as the restauraunts are not owned by Disney so don't renew contracts until later?

At pepper market, they bring you drinks in glasses so no mug needed. You can refill your mug at Cafe Rix, the pool bar, and the bar by the marina. Yes, more than likely that Cafe Rix and Pepper Market will be added on for 2014.

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

Are you sure about that?

According to the beverage people, the money is NOT a tip paid to them.

I believe you only pay the fee if you sit inside. If you take the stuff to go, no fee.

Has it changed??

When we were there in 2012 and they were testing the buffet idea, there was no service charge and you tipped however you felt appropriately. When we were there last month, our server actually mentioned to us that a 10% tip is automatically added.

 

[bebert]

I would say neither, they are just to big but, I have stayed at both and would recommend Coronado Springs. I liked the pools, restaurant and market better.

 

[DManRightHere]

I have not been to caribbean beach. Wife says Coronado is smaller. We had the best bus service at Coronado than any of our 2 precious trips, its also a great looking resort.

My biggest complaint is the food court is set up stupid and is crazy in the morning. We only ate there one time and ate elsewhere the rest of the trip. It is a counter service but they have waiters and waitresses and you leave tips. You could always get it to go and eat outside though. This may be a deal breaker for you.

 

[DManRightHere]

Thanks for all the advice guys, I think we will stay at CSR based on what people have said here, it sounds like as people are saying we can avoid the tip by ordering the food to go or just pay it as I guess it is only likely to be a few dollars for the two of us.
Just wanted to check I we can use our refillable mugs at Cafe Rix only? Or can we use them at Pepper Market as well ( I presume not as everyone is saying they get your drinks)?

At present I see none of the restaurants at CSR are listed on the QSDDP am I right in thinking that these will be confirmed later as the restauraunts are not owned by Disney so don't renew contracts until later?

There is a tiny deli beside the gift shop you can refill mugs (may be cafe ricks, I dont know the name).

 

[Buzz2001]

CSR surrounds a 17 acre lake and CBR surrounds a 45 acre lake. CSR has 4 bus stop, CBR has 7

 

[luv]

When we were there in 2012 and they were testing the buffet idea, there was no service charge and you tipped however you felt appropriately. When we were there last month, our server actually mentioned to us that a 10% tip is automatically added.

Well, I believe you. Thanks for letting me know. Like I said, I wasn't sure. I'd like to see the receipts, so I know whether the beverage staff is actually getting tipped or not. I'll have to check that out. I do not wish to re-tip people who are already being tipped!!

In any event, if you eat inside, you pay extra. If you eat outside, you don't. Those who don't want to pay extra should avoid eating inside the food court for all meals at CSR. Good to know!

 

[Tom 55]

Hi all,

Just looking for some advice really, looking to book a resort for a trip I am planning next year 27th of September to 11th of October 2014, we are booking a moderate to get the QS DDP we don't want the regular plan so wouldn't upgrade to a deluxe.

In the past I have stayed at POFQ and loved it and ideally I would stay there, however it is around £400 more for whatever reason and as such I am left with either CB or CS as they are around the same price.

We won't have a car so I'll be relying on Disney to get us to and from the parks.

Just looking for some advice really and which one people think is best and why?

My vote is not CB. I had a friend stay there while we were at POFQ and the bus stops were such a waste of time CB is such a large resort that it has like 7 bus stops. Every time you get on the bus has a number of other stops to make before you head off to the parks. Same on the way back multiple stops before you reach your stop.