I just got back from a weekend at CS and I loved it. It very well might be dethroning PORS as our favorite resort. We were in building 7A, which is pretty much as far away from the main building as you can get, and the walk to and from the main building was 15 minutes round trip. While this is a longer walk than you will have at all the other resorts save for CBR it is far from a deal breaker. The rooms have recently been refurbed and have incredibly comfortable queen size beds and a very elegant somewhat minimalistic decor. The landscaping is simply incredible with large amounts of rock work, cacti and a plethora of yucca type plants. We saw very little of the convention crowd but it was Memorial Day weekend. About the only con I had about the place was the food court. The food was fine and on par with the other food courts but the price was around 20%-30% higher.
This was a big turn off for me as well but truth be told we spend very little time in the food courts. We either grab and go or we do a sit down. The only reason I went was basically for research for the KK gig. I had not been to the food court at CS in 8 years and wanted a fresh perspective for my clients.and this is probably the biggest reason why i do not like this resort. GF and i spend alot of time at the resorts during our stay and there is no reason for the increased prices at that food court when it is the same quality you get at any of the other food court. 20-30% is a big deal...especially over a 2 week period like the OP's vacation.
A tip for the OP about the Pepper Market food court at CSR:
You can avoid the "service charge" at the Pepper Market by getting your order To-Go. Just tell the greeter that you'll be taking your food to-go, and they'll give you a special card. (Also make sure to tell the people at the food stations to package it up).
You can then take your food outside to the tables near the lake, into the courtyard between El Centro and Casitas 1, to the pool or back to your room.
-Rob
I enjoyed it, stayed there for 9 nights back in May 2007.
We only ate on resort once and the restaurant was a very neat multi-station set-up. I've never gone to any other "food courts" in the other resorts so maybe it's the same everywhere. That said, I was able to get a decent steak and some nice side dishes and dessert. Don't remember the price being outrageous.
I liked my room, but found the theming to be a little dull for my overall taste. We used the pool once and it was nice, but that's about all we ever do at resorts. So for me, a resort is mostly about the comfort of the rooms and the theming. This one was nice not incredible.
I'll be trying POR for the first time this year and look forward to what I hear is better theming.
All in all, CSR was good, and I would recommend a stay there if you haven't tried it.
I NEVER recommend eating on resort if you can avoid it, but that's just my two cents. Food is good but pretty much always going to be more expensive then eating off resort. That said, if you don't have a rental vehicle I can see how it could be difficult to get off resort.
A tip for the OP about the Pepper Market food court at CSR:
You can avoid the "service charge" at the Pepper Market by getting your order To-Go. Just tell the greeter that you'll be taking your food to-go, and they'll give you a special card. (Also make sure to tell the people at the food stations to package it up).
You can then take your food outside to the tables near the lake, into the courtyard between El Centro and Casitas 1, to the pool or back to your room.
-Rob
You are correct that the foot court has much better choices for lunch and dinner but when it comes to breakfast the prices are quite high for the exact same food served at the other moderates.My name is also Rob and I also agree with this guy
I just booked CSR last night for our trip in october The food court is much better food than most people are saying. The choices are different than other resorts and in a good way. I sometimes crave market nachos. The resort is big but there are things in place to help you get around. The busses for example will always stop at the main building last so if you need to get to the front you just hop in a bus and it brings you to the main building. When you need to go back take a downtown disney bus because they stop at the main building first. On a side note this resort is much quieter than any other moderate because of the convention center. Lots of adults and feels more mature. I cant wait to go again.
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